davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-10-31
Excellent

health. Mrs. G. L. Clark, Tewksbury,
Massachusetts.
81 regard Ayers Pills as one OF the
most reliable general remedies of our
times. They have been in use in my
family for affections requiring IL purga-
tive, and have given unvarying satisfac-
ton. We have found them an excellent
remedy for colds and light fevers."---
w. II. Woodson, Fort Worth, Texas.
:" For several years have relied moro
upon Ayers Pills than upon anything
else in the medicine chest, to regulate
my bowels and those of the ships crew.
These Pills are not severe in their ac-
ton, but do their work thoroughly. I
have used them with good effect for
the cure OF rheumatism, kidney trou-
bles, and dyspepsia Capt. Mueller,
Steamship Felicia New York City.
81 have found Ayers Cathartie Pills
to be better family medicine for COM
mon use than any other pills within my
knowledge. They are not only very
effective, but safe and pleasant TO take
qualities which must make them
valued by the public" - jules Hauel.
Perfumer, Philadelphia, Pa.
Ayers Pills,
PREPARED BY
Or. J. G. Aver & Co., Lowell. Mass.
Sold by all Dealers ia Medicines
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-10-31

che removal the knowing vermin had tasted Of
the better grub to be found in the main build
H. and had taken quarters there.
Eats sre wise creatures; you never have TO
step the second time on the tail of one 10 teach
linn 70 keep his unnecessary but ornamental
appendage out from under your feet. When
the FIRST colony moved into the main building
and began an administration Of their own, for
their own good instead Of that Of the general
public the meniais in their rude manner used
10 20 skurTying about utterly regardless Of the
rights Of way OF the new colony. and were even
known TO chuck chunks Of coal or shy sauce
pans and skillets az them, accompanied with
bitter personal remarks
There seemed really 10 exist an anim0sity on
the part Of the sable servants Of the mansion
toward the rodents. and u is stated that on one
occasion Fat female cook new TO the place,
stepped on aged MuE that had resided in
the house much longer than she had, and had
3 large family Of children and several dozen
cOnsOrts Then the fendish fat COOK emitted
3 loud yell from her rotundity, and sat plump
down on her victim. The story gOes-and
Ecrgt DiusmOre tells it, 20 prove lis truth
that the poor rat was SO mortified that she died
right there.
believe Dinsmore, because be Is on duty in
the official residence Of the Nation 10 head of
cranks. watch newspaper men and prevent iy-
ing; that Is All be has 70 DO, except 10 look
pretty when tourist ladies 20 there. and show
them through the Blue Parior. letting on that
IL is against the rules But the Sergeant l. not
O. rodent, so i will resume the subject
As long ago as when Mr.. Johnson was Presi-
dent. the basement swarnBed with@housancs Of
rats, that had constructed a net work Of tunnels
and nests beneath the brick pavements and
even underneath the massive walls. that en-
sbled them 10 easily outTit any aud ali schemes
against their determination, capture or eYic-
tiOn.
When the servants we're busy in the kitchen,
they came OUT aud played tag in the laundry
and through the dimiy -!iglIted halls; but when
evening came, and the basement was deserted
by the bipeds, they held grand balls aud pic
mics everywhere They had side-dOors opening
from their snbterrauean residences that led into
every room, and they took stock Of everything
eatable that could be found; aud ate il up with
gustO and dispatch.
After the rodents eoloHizcd in the building
had built their homes aud pTOmeHades, and
Esised immense families, they became like unto
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-10-31

the Roman people in the latter days Of the
Empire and 80 pampeTed by their prosperity.
that they wouldn't deign 70 touch the stale
bread left 10 soak for the bread pudding the
cold mush set out 20 cool for frying or the cold
potatoes saved up 10 stew over FOR breakfast
but took their pick Of roast meats, paie-a-fois
and cookies saved over from State dinners.
DinsmOTe tells that when ex Private CFump.
80 Ohio, wss Steward Of the White House uu-
der his Old Colonel President Rutherford b
Hayes. banquet committee Of the older rats
used 10 examine the Stewards books each
night 10 zee what would be served for dinner
the next day, and report 10 the full house:
these reports were privileged aud could be- made
At any time, whether there was quorum pres
ent On not.
In Mr. JObnson's time the intraders had he
gun 10 feel a. much at home as the N0rsans
did IN England century after Williams time.
and used 10 hold their s0irees in the grand
vestlbnie upstairs. That was bad, for there
were persons resident then in the White House
and members Of the Presidents family 20 whom
the presence Of real or imaginary-yyas
annoying, and decidedly unpleasant 10 the
nerves. One Of these persons was given at
times 10 devotion 10 exhiiarants that was
persistent il not prsisewOrtby and or such oc-
Sasions was wont 20 hie away 10 fav0rite re-
treat, where he usually remained until he was
hunted up and carted home. On his return
alter one such hiatus ia his alleged official
duties, the faced President demonstrated
and urged that when his malarial attacks came
Oh, lac should seek LIS own quarters and STAY
there.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-10-31

large, but 1 just mean Rats; rodentia, genus
Eus.
These swarm throughout the great building
in greater numbers than ever the office seekers
did, and are blamed sight more cheeky and
familiar I know that ] am open TO suspicion
in making this remarkably broad assertion,
but from some observation and considerable
hearsay feel that am warranted in the state
ment, il only 10 give an idea of the legions
upon legi0us Of the rodents that scoot IN pro-
miscuous manner ali over the property.
They have been in full possession of the
basement Tor fully 80 years, and as long ago as
when Gen. Grant first becape President they
had become SO numerous and aggressive that
bIrs Grant interpOsed her authority as Matron
Of the household and demanded the removal
of the White House stable, which was then
long. low building. one story in hight, that was
an extension eastward from the building just
under the East Room windows, as the con-
servatoTy projects out from the west end. Gen.
Grant. like Mrs. Grant, thought that the prox-
unity Of the stables had attracted the rodents,
as stables usually do, and the present stable
was built far enough away TO put an end to
the trouble. as was thought.
IL was a mistake. The removal was too late.
Il is probable that originally it was the stables
that attracted the rats but long time before
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-10-31
Making Money Fast.

One of our Agents writes US this way: "I
am busy canvassing for your kettles. l took
40 orders in three days" II you are out of
work, send for sample, and go to eanyassing
for US. Sec our advertisement on page II. J.
H. Day x Co., Cincinnati, o.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-10-31
MANY A LIFE

LAS been saved by the prompt use OF
Ayers Pills. Travellers by land or
sea are liable to constipation or other
arrangements OF the stomach aud bowels
which, If neglected, lead to serious and
often fatal consequences. The moisture
means Of correcting these evils is the use
OF Ayers Cathartic Pills. The pru-
dent sailing-master would as soon go TO
sea without his chronometer IA without
q supply of these Pills. Though prompt
and energetic in operation, Ayers Pills
leave no i'll effects they arc purely
vegetable and sugar-coated the safest
medicine for old and young, at home or
abroad.
"For eight years was afflicted with
constipation, which at last became so
bad that the doctors could do no more
for me. Then 1 began TO take Ayers
Pills, and soon the bowels recovered
their natural and regular action, so that
now / am III
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-10-31
PRESERVING OUR nARnoRs.

An affidavit has been sent to the Chief of En-
gineers United States Army, to the effect that
while the steamer Bombay was passing through
the swash Channel, New York Harbor, Oct. &, a
constant stream of ashes WAS being shoveled into
the water. ltseems that the work ofdeepeninq
the channels Of New York Harbor have been
greatly impeded by the dumping of ashes by
passing steamships garbage, etc, and this in
violation of the law of the United States and of
State of New York. 1t has, therefore, been do
termined to put a stop to this practice, aud the
Department of Justice has been called on foran
opinion. The penalty is fine of from $3.50 to
81, 500 and imprisonment; and il is proposed to
give the offenders the fuleXtent Of the law.
THE NEW POSTAGE STAMPS.
The contract for furnishing adhesive stamps
for the four years beginning Jan. / next has
been awarded by Postmaster. General Wana-
maker TO the American Bank Note Co. of New
York, the lowest bidder. The award was made
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-10-31
rhe weary one iimly eyed Mr.. johnson, and

The weary one dimly eyed Mr.. johnson, and
replied
Not much. Mr.. President: there's so -
many rats running around here that can't
tell whether I've got 'em or not, and don't
know when 10 begin on bromide" Ii was sad,
but it was true. (Dinsmure does not tell this
stOry.)
OF more recent years the growth of the colony
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1889-10-31
Magazines.

National Poultry and Pets, published by
Charles Caughlng ut Toledo, o., has shown
marked improvement in the last few numbers,
and is valuable little paper 1t has a new
outside cover now and is brighter and more at
tractve in many ways. Price % cents a year.
Mr. Herbert Ward, whose important service
in the Congo Free State, in Africa, well known,
and who loft there only last Spring. has writ
ten an article for Scribaer's Magd=ine of tho
utmost interest, describing this wonderful
country along the Congo River, which has late
" been so much discussed all over tho world
Mr. Ward occupied n number Of important
positions, and had innumerable adventures
during his years of residence on the Congo
Having so recently left there, his narrative
will contain the latest and most authoritative
information. The article will be fully Illus
trated from photographs taken by Mr.. Ward.
passage in the Life of Lincoln" to be
found in the November Century. shows as moth
ing else can how great friend was lost to the
South when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated
1t IL the first publication ever made of the draft
OF message and proclamation which the Pres
ident submitted to his Cabinet on Feb. 5, 1865
In it he proposed the payment of 400,000,O00
as an indemnity to shareholders, complete par
don for political offenders, and the release of
con6scated property, except under certain cir
cumstanees. Such magnanimity was, however,
too much for his councillors, who unanimously
disapprovcd." Along with the document is
given full account of this best kept of Cabinet
secrets
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-07-11
The Secret Of His influence.

The Boston clergyman. Rev. E
M. p. Wells, who will be remembered
by many Of our citizens, was early in
life q schoolmaster. He told me that
he regarded among the most impor-
tant of his duties that of playing with
his boys at their hours of recreation,
and so he always insisted in joining in
their games of ball and marbles and
other pastimes in some capacity that
should. as it were. bring them to a
common social level at least once in
the twenty-four hours; that thus he
had an opportunity to know and love
them free from the restraints of official
position. and that they were drawn
nearer together In heart for their
work. YES" he said. as his mind re-
verted to those days. 'h4d 1 to choose
between the two think 1 would have
let another man hear their lessons.
but / would have insisted on nv right
to play with them; could thus have
done more good and the lessons would
have come out all right Boston
Traveller.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-07-11
No Memory for Figures.

Cyrus. where was the text today '
1t was somewhere In Ezekiel.
don't remember the chapter and verse.
You know we'll enough, Emily. have
no memory for figures
WAS Mr.. Dunnup at church?''
Yes. The old fellow threw a IS
bill into the basket That man, Emily,
has got more gall than train-load of
Texas steers You remember he made
an assignment last week for the benefit
OF his creditors The preferred claims
amounted to So. 026. 19. There were
two judgment notes for $12. 1O7. 16 and
$9.o37.o4, q chattal mortgage for s..
426. SO. another for $2,719-11, a book
account at Spotcash & CO. s for 81.
1864. and Remembering the ques-
ton about the text M.
Dunaup was there - Chicago Tribune.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-07-11
VERY BAD TASTE.
Serious Subjects of Which No One Should
Make Light.

Serious Subjects of Which No One Should
Make Light.
It takes certain hard personal ex-
periences to teach us effectually that
there are subjects of which no one
should make light. A lady who was
in deep trouble was sitting at the din
ner table of friend, when some one
told the following story of w. S. Gil
bert, the English humorist:
Gilbert was one day walking along
the street and met friend, who was
looking very melancholy. whats
the matter?'' cried Gilbert ''Why do
you look SO sad?"
81 have lost my mother" was the
reply.
A short time passed. Again the two
friends met, and the humOrist repeat
ed his question: why do you look so
dOleful?"
81 have lost my father" said the
other, and Gilbert rejoined: Dear
me, what a careless man you must
be!''
When the story was finished a hearty
laugh went round the table, but one
person quietly rose and left the room.
1t was the lady, whose father had died
within the year.
81 could not wait to be excused,
she said, afterward, to her hostess, Il
was afraid I should cry"
Many of us who have keen sense
of the ludicrous are willing to smile at
some joke which, though it may not
be in good taste, is certainly funny
Like the boy who insisted on reading
cartridges" insteado of ''patriarchs. !"
we feel that we may be occasionally
excused. for making game of sacred
subjects, and laugh, with sort Of
mental apology. at pleasantries which
deal with religion, or with the dead.
It is well to remember that neither
subject can be lightly touched upon in
any pfomiscuons assembly without
bringing acute pain to some member
of it. Our own mental cuticle may be
thick as that of the rhinoceros. but
there are those all about us whom
grief has aayed alive, and who Vince
ut every touch of remembranca.-
Youths Companion.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-07-11
OZONE AND DISEASES.

New Facts Concerning the Relation Of
Plants to the Public Health.
Ozone-active oxygen-is believed
to be a product of plant life, espec-
tally, according to DR.. Anders. the
product of opening blossoms AS
ozone is believed to be the agent which
destroys the germs of disease, or per-
haps prevents their active develop
ment, the relation of plants to the pub
lie health assumes a new interest.
There was a marked deficiency of
ozone in the atmosphere at Marseilles
during the existence of cholera there,
and in one hospital where artificial
ozone was provided the death-rate
was low. The fatality was found
to be greatest always in pro-
portion to the smallest amount of
atmosphere ozone. The influence of a
thunder-shower on vegetation is we'll
known to be wonderful, and it is said
that after thunder-showers the atmos-
phere always presents a marked adj
dition to its ozone, and instances are
given where epidemics at once ceased
after thunder-shOwers. The atmos-
pheric fragrance so perceptible after
summer thunder-shower is referred
to the increase of ozone. The belief
becoming prevalent that pine forests
aid in the production of ozone, does
not find support. 1t is well known that
the terrible yelIow-fever scourge of
few years ago was just as prevalent if
not more SO in some of the thickly-
growing pine regions of Southwestern
Mississippi as elsewhere. There is
more ozone in a pine forest than in the
open. but this is attributed to the
greater presence of moisture in the
air, and not to any influence direct
from the pine-trees. Humidity with a
high temperature seems to be par
ticuIarly favorable to the existence of
ozone. Humidity under low tenn
perature has no influence whatever.
A moist and cool climate may be un-
sa1ubriOus, but warm, moist one
much healthier than has generally
been supposed. The exact manner in
which ozone acts in favor of health is
not yet known. The proof seems to
tend to the conclusion that there is no
physiological action connected with it.
And yet there seems to be an active
consumption of ozone in what may be
termed the purifying process. This
ould indicate that besides being in
some measure an agent opposed to the
development of disease germs, it also
acts as an oxidizer.-San Francisco
ArDOnaut 4-.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-07-11
OLD SAWS IN RHYME.

workman 10 known by the state of his tools
WISE men live in houses erected by fools.
Half the world doesn't know how the other half
Who cuts doesn't shume; there's honor 'mong
thieves.
Who stays In the mill grinds-not who comes
An inch may be much-at the end Of your nose.
Two can play at that game; getting down to
As gay as butterfly; under the ban
AS dark as a pocket: as blind as bat:
Taking Goals to Newcastle, knocked in q
cooked hat.
friend in the market beats money in the
chest;
Begin on the best and you'll always have best
Praise to the face is but open disgrace:
It's hurrying often that loses the race.
Love flies out the window when poverty knocks
AT the door; put yourself in his place; in box.
Each one for himself and the devil for all;
Those who are not high up have not far to fall
A pint is . pound all the whole world around;
man born for hanging will never be drowned.
II taketh a smart man to be q great fool;
Don't gnaw at o file; easy FOOLS q knave's tool
As plenty as fingers and toes: true as steel;
Faith has quiet heart; slippery as an eel.
The more one possesses the more he'll desire;
Smart A1eck; he won't set the river afre.
A dog that will fetch bones will carry them. too;
Good manners insure success: rich as Jew.
What won't make pot may pot-lid produce;
On his base; money talks: he has got a screw
loose.
Driving pigs to poor market; don't strain 1t a
gnat
And swallow a camel; brick in his hat.
A fool rides q free horse to death; toe the mark:
Soft side Of plank; in the dumps; on q lark.
Blossoms before the fruit comes; black as ink;
As proud as a peacock; as quick as wink.
II folly were pain there'd be groans in each
house:
A cat that wears gloves never catches mouse.
Nursing trouble don't mend it; speak not than
speak i'll;
The still pigs the one that gets most of the
swil
n. C. Dodge. in Detroit Free Press.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-07-11
THE HALF-CENT PIECE.
We Had It in the Republics Early Da,
and MAY Have 1t Again.

We Had It in the Republics Early Days
and Msy Have 1t Again.
It is stated that petition will go be
fore the next Congress asking for the
coinage of the half cent, and already
the proposition is bringing out some
discussion. The fact that the half
cent was recognized as factor in our
currency during the early days of the
Republic, and that its coinage was dis
continued without provoking any effect
i've remonstrance from the people would
seem to be a strong argument against
repe ating the experiment. At the
time when the half cent was in cir
culation. the people were of neces-
sity as careful of their money as they
have been at any time since. They
and their fathers before them had been
trained in the hard school of colonial
experience. They had but little money,
and what they did have was gained
only by hard work, and saved only by
economy. which amounted in many
cases to privation. They were as like
ly to make account of the half cent as
their descendants. more favOrably
situated, are likely to be. Another
reason, which has no force now, had
something to do with the recognition
Of the half cent in the earlier days.
The people had been accustomed to
reckon money in shillings and pence.
and when the change was made to the
decimal system there were few, if any,
States in which the shilling represent
ed an even number of cents. A shilling
was 12*c in New York, 1890 in New
England, and so on. The half cent end
bled the people toapproximate the value
of the shilling more closely than could
have been done had the cent been the
lowest denomination coined But with
these reasons in favor of the half cent,
it ceased to be regarded as necessary
by the people, and its coinage was dis
continued. The half cent had been
authorized by act of Congress. April
2. 1892. It was to be of copper, and
its weight 1872 grains. The weight
was changed by act of Congress. in
1898. to 104 grains. and again, by
proclamation of the President, in 1896,
to 81 grains. It was finally discontin-
ued. by act of Congress. February 81,
1857, the total amount coined having
reached $50. 926. IL.
This, in brief, is the history of the
half cent. and would appear to indi-
cate that after fair trial it was not
recognized by the people as neces-
sary factor of the currency, but on the
other hand there are several argu-
ments that may be urged in its favor.
1t would seem reasonable that value
which persistently continues to be
recognized In the commercial circles
Of . country should be represented in
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1889-07-11

the coinage of that country. either
as distinct coin or by COM
bination of coins. OF course, in
the case of the half-cent combination
is impossible. and yet, without any
fractional currency to represent it, the
half cent plays an important part in
the daily round of trade. It not unfre-
quently represents the margin of profit
or loss, and goods are habitually
marked at prices which take account
of it If the purchaser buys more
than single unit in this calculation.
whether of yard, pound. number. or
whatever standard the goods are sold
by, he gets the benefit of the half cent,
but if he requires no more than q unit
he of necessity pays the half cent adj
ditional or ..saves" it by purchasing
more than he actually requires In
short. the people. after permitting the
half cent to be dropped from their list
of coins. have chung to the
value which it would represent
with tenacity which sug-
gests the possibility of its practical
use. Again it is reasonable that the
half cent, as a coin. might play some
part in the exercise of economy. A
cent. by itself, is an Insignificant af-
fair, and yet, by passing daily. and
many times day, from hand to hand.
it represents an enormous total in any
active community before a years end.
In many of the transactions in which it
figures on this journey. half cent
would very likely have served the pur-
pose equally as well. and while the
difference to the individual might be
slight the difference in the aggregate
would be a material saving to any
community. state or nation. It is just
possible that the coinage of the half
cent ought to be resumed. At all
events. it will be interesting to follow
the discussion which the petition, if
presented, will be almost certain to
provoke. On. H.) Union.