davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Toms Tombstone.

Grain, the long-legged biped who
wandered into Toms Ochiltree's breezy,
tide swept district of Gulf coast Texas,
is magnificent, good fellow of rare
ability, and Ochiltree's superior as a
wit, and only inferior to Tom in skill
ed avoidance of remotest verisimili-
tude.
Grain, when warned that his court
esy in dealing with limber-iawed, red
headed, awfully bepaunched Tom
might be misconstrued by his pugna-
cious audiences, was pleased to say,
when next he disc used Toms glowing
virtues in Toms presence, that when
Toms brief and brilliant career was
ended his tombstone would bear the in
scription:
Here lies Tom Ochiltree; he never
did anything else."
The fun comes in when we state that
Ochiitree was so delighted with the
cheerful witticism that he wrote and
transmitted it at once to the family
stonecutter in Galveston, and on great
white headstone. to stand through all
time and evoke tears for Toms I'M
timely end, is recorded Grains admir-
able epitaph:
Here lies poor Tom; he never did
aught else"
And won't it be the proudest and ulti-
mate triumph of truth when Tom mod
estly and humbly confessing his sins,
asks forgiveness by crawling under
that tombstone! 1t is fact that sur
vivors of US, Grain leading the process
sion, with hearts full of affection and
kindly memories, will scatter roses over
Toms grave. We would do this the
more feelingly when we remember
Toms reverence for paternal virtues
and gray hairs.
Toms father Git is rather an old story
but BELTS the place and occasion) hav-
ing been Chief Justice when Tom was
twenty, authorized the law student to
announce partnership between the
father and son. 1t appeared in the
papers and on a great signboard over
the door: tom Ochiltree & Father"
Birmingham (ALd.) EUe1ai72g NeaCS.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Setting Down on a Fire.

An old story is being resurrected
against a usually quiet but somewhat
excitable resident of the suburbs. 1t is
alleged that the gentleman in question
discovered that fire had been started
in the attic of his house, through the
heat of the chimneys. With rare pres
ence of mind he rushed down stairs and
seized milk pitcher from the kitchen
table, rushed out to the cistern, threw
the milk out of the pitcher, pumped
some water into it, and rushed up
stairs only to find that his wife had
seized large pitcher of water from
one of the bedrooms in the upper
story and extinguished the incipient
confiagration. As there were four large
ewers of water on the two upper stories,
the progress of mental reasoning which
induced the excited resident to make
such a ferocious onslaught on the milk
pitcher would be extremely interesting
to trace, if such thing were possible.
He should have had the presence of
mind possessed by another property
owner, who discovered that a spark
lit upon the slightly slanting roof of his
mouse, ana nad set IRE TO Ine SnInSleS.
All the buckets and tubs and pitchers
had gone for use in the big fire, and
there was no one to send over to bring
them back. But the owner of the
house, even in the moment of peril,
kept cool-headed. He rushed to the
pond, which stood by the house, and
deliberately sat down in the water. To
race up stairs and out on the roof was
the work of moment, and then he
''sat ON the fire in more senses than
one! He saved the house.-BOStO1s i'd
UertiSer.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
The Newspapers of the United States.

Nine years ago the tenth census in
cluded an enumeration of the news
papers published in all the states and
territories in 1880. The total mum Der
of periodicals then registered was H.
81, of which gu were published daily.
The enumeration of RoweIl's Newspa-
per Directory was less complete than
that of Mr.. North for the census.
Rowell, in his edition of 1880, gave
1928 periodicals, and 843 dailies. That
is to say. the figures of the census were
more than 16 per cent. over Rowelrs
figures for the total of publications, and
more than Is per cent. over Rowen for
the number of dailies.
This year Rowell's Directory men,
tons not less than 16. 319 papers print
ed in the United States, including 1, 1914
dail1es. If the Deficiencies of his emu
meration count in the same proportion
as they did in 1880, as compared with
Prof. North's enumeration for the last
census. the number of periodicals issued
in the United States to-day is not far
from $4,000. and the number of daily
newspapers not far from 1, 700.-N. T.
S7Lu
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Likes Home Customs Best.

At the Isles of Shoals they tell the
tale that a lecturer went thither tc
lecture to the assembled guest upon the
character and characteristics of the
japanese, and in the course of his re-
marks he dwelt upon the two facts that
the self-containing people do not use
explosives, profanity being unknown in
their land, and that equally are they
ignorant of the goodly fashion of kiss
ing. These statements had their due
effect upon the audience, it being OBJ.
served that the masculine portion OF
the hearers were the more impressed by
the former statement and the feminine
portion by the latter As the audience
was dispensing. with all the chatter Of
comment, gossip and banter which be-
longs to such a gathering one young
woman was overheard confiding to an.
other her sentiments in phrase which
was at once most human, expressive
and picturesque.
''As for me!' she said, '.give me 8
country where they kiss and cuss!''
1t was felt that on the whole she
might be regarded as having pretty wei
sized up the situation.-BoSt01a Courier
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06

I'D give twenty-five cents for per-
mission to kiss that girl, y remarked an
insipid-looking youth on an Albany
bound train last night, indicating with
a motion Of his hand an unusually
handsome young woman asleep IN
a seat near by. The young man
was one of a group standing in the rear
of the crowded car. Another young
man said.
You have my permission, sir,
gratis"
''Fraid she wouldn't regard it as
sufficient. laughed the first.
Il don't know replied the other; Il
have a great influence with cookbook
ing girls-Tll tell you what I'll do; I'll
bet you good cigar can kiss her
without waking her."
''Done!" cried the insipid youth.
III give you cigar if you dare do it
anyway, and two more if she don't
wake up"
Its co.
The daring young man stepped up
to the seat where the pretty, girl slept
leaned over softly and kissed her square
upon her mouth. She stirred, smiled a
little, but did not wake. The group of
men had watched the proceeding in
breathless suspense, and a long and
simultaneous sigh broke from them as
young Impudence Strengthened up after
the operation and rejoined the group,
several passengers who had seen the
audacious performance staring at him
in establishment. by Jove! that was
elegant!n the fellow of insipid aspect
exclaimed as he handed the successful
kisser his three cigars.
But there was another reckoning to
be made. The conductor came hurry
ing down the aisle, and event for''
the daring passenger, metaphorically
speaking, ''hammer and longs" cry
ing: See here, young man, don't you
ever try that again! Are you a gen
tleman. sir? Don't you know that 1
can arrest you for such performance
as that?"
The young man colored, but laughed
nervously as he answered, No, don't
much believe you can. I guess there
isn't any American law against fell
lows kissing his own sisters there?"
1t has not appeared yet whether or
not the young woman learned of her
brothers astonishing exhibition of dis
respect, or whether, if she did, her
displeasure lessened the qualification
derived from the cigars won in such a
questionable manner.-AL6G12yE Express.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Ways Of the Thibetans.

The chief agricolous product of Thi-
bet is black barley; and this serves as
the basis of the food of the entire pop
ulation, rich and poor says writer in
the Buddhist Ray. The ordinary re-
past consists of buttered tea and bar
ley mush. Meat is seldom eaten. and
then only as a delicacy. OF fermented
barley they make a notwithstanding
aeidulous drink of rather pleasant
taste. In some of the warmer valleys
rice, vegetables and fruits are grown:
but these do not go far beyond their
immediate borders. Hence, though
Thibet is rich in gold and silver, it is
poor in the necessaries of life. I'm
portation of food stuffs, except in very
small quantities, is made impossible by
the long and frightful roads that have
to be traversed.
The Thibetans do not. like the Chi
nese, shave the head but let the hair
grow and flow over their shoulders,
contenting themselves with clipping it
every now and then with scissors. The
ordinary head-dress is blue cap, with
a broad border of black velvet sur
mounted with a red tuft. On HOLIDAYS
they wear a great red hat, decorated at
the rim with long, thick fringe. A
full robe, fastened on the right side
with four hooks, girded down the waist
by red sash, and red or purple cloth
boots, complete the simple yet grace
full costume of the men. Suspended
from the sash is a green taffeta bag, for
the eating bowl, and two small purses,
of an oval form and richly embroider-
ed, which contain nothing at all, be-
ing merely ornamental.
The dress of the women closely re-
sembles that of the men. The only diff
ference is that over the robes they add
a short, many-colored tunic, and that
they divide their hair into two braids,
one hanging down each shoulder
Those of the poorer classes wear a
small, pointed, yellow cap; those of
the richer classes decorate their heads
with graceful little crowns composed
of pearls.
A Romish missionary, speaking of
the Thibetans, says: They are of the
middle height, and combine, with the
agility and suppleness of the Chinese,
the force and vigor of the Tartars.
Gymnastic exercises of all sorts and
dancing are very popular among them,
and their movements are cadenced and
easy. AS they walk about they are al
ways humming some psalm or popular
song; generosity and frankness enter
largely into their character; brave in
war, they face death fearlessly; they
are as religious as the Tartars, but not
So orndulOuC -
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
MUST SETTLE.

The Senate Select Committee Will Take
Final Action on the Union Pacific
Debts.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31.-The senate Sc
lect committee on Pacific railroads expects
to take final action on the bills relative to
the Union and Central Pacific debt next
week. The Union Pacific bill ex-
tends for fifty years time.
The government debt must be paid and
fixes the rate of interest at per cent.
The Central Pacific will be given twice the
time allowed the Union Pacific and
lower rate of interest. In the case of both
roads the committee will insist that all
the property the roads have, whether COW
cred or not by the existing law of the gov
eminent, shall be made liable
for the Indebtedness. Under this
arrangement the government will secure
mortgage upon the various branch lines
owned by the Union Pacific and built
without government aid.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Follow ParueII's Advice.

DETROIT, Jan. 31.-President Fitz-
gerald, of the Irish National league, re-
ceived cablegram to-day from Harring
ton, stating Parnell advises that no con-
vention be held in America at present
General elections are pending and friends
are urged to redouble their efforts to
place home rulers In position for
the contest DIR. O'Reilly sent
e2, 1000 pounds today. The auditing
committee finished the examination
of the books this evening and retired to
prepare report which will be made pub
lie tomorrow.
ParnelI's circular t. his followers says
the constant and unremitting atten-
ton to the parliamentary duties
especially necessary the coming season.
because opportunities are certain to arise
for rendering effective service in the Irish
cause.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
ABLOoDY DISPOSITION.
Aid. Mccormick of Chicago Bites Cab
mans Thumb.

CHICAGO, Jan. 30.-Ald. Mccormick.
who. Wednesday night, precipitated in
row by which Robert Gibbons was fatally
shot by Capt Schuettler, is in trouble
again. Last night Robert Morris, cab
driver, went to Gibbons saloon to collect
a fare for taking DR.. Henrotin to the
place the night before. Mccormick was
IN the saloon, and Morris says when he ex-
planned the object of his visit the alderman
said he was pretty decent fellow
and ought to be paid. The alderman said:
Let me show you what | think of YOU"
and grasping Morris left hand he carried
it to his mouth Before the cabman real
lied what was taking place McCormick's
teeth closed on his thumb, cutting through
the flesh and nail and crushing the bone.
He then offered the money, but Morris ran
away. Morris, who is quiet, inoffensive
fellow, will have Mccormick arrested on a
charge of MAYHEM.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
She Was Unusually Discreet.

A little Maine girl recently visited
New York and went to the theatre two
or three times. On her return home
she was reluctant to go to church on
Sunday and made the remark that ''she
liked those meetings best where the
curtain rose" Her father who was a
leading church member, cautioned her
about making that remark when call
ers were present. Shortly after the
minister was shown in and the little
girl entertained him awhile alone.
When her father entered the room she
said: Papa, I've told the minister all
about my visit to New York, but I did
not say anything about the meeting
where the curtain rose and | amt
agoing to either.n The little rogue
was just about as discreet as her pa
was when he told her to keen mum.
Why mumness? -ROcklG1ad Free Press.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Natural Ink.

There is aplant in New Granada
known as the ink plant, the juice OF
which serves. without any preparation,
as ink The writing at first appears
red, but in few hours assumes a deep
black hue. Several sheets of manu-
script. written with this natural ink.
became soaked with sea water on their
journey to Europe. but when dried
the writing was found to be still per-
fectly clear.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Only One Side Heard.

STEUBENvILLE, Ohio, Jan. 30.-The
filing of petition to-day, asking for re-
ceiver for the Spaulding iron works at
Brilliant, caused a sensation. The petit
ton charges the managers with gross mis-
selling at loss, etc. A re-
ceiver was appointed. Business men here
express surprise that this should be done
without hearing the other side. It's gen
orally thought that the concern is not fl
nancially embarrassed.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06

some Raiah first in ages gone

HAPPY some Rajah first in ages gone
Amid his languid ladies fingered thee,
While q black nightingale suB-Swart as he
Sang his own wife. loves passionate oriSon;
Happy thou mayst have pleased old Prester
John
Among his pastures when full royalty
he sat in tent-gTaye shepherds at his
knee
While lamps of balsam winked and glimmered
on.
What dost thou here? Thy masters are all
dead.
Ny heart is full of ruth and yearning paid
AT sight of thee. King that hast crown
Outlasting theirs, and tells of greatness fed
Through cloud hung nights of undated RAIN
And murmur of the dark majestic town.
Jean Ingelow.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Advertising in Paris.

The latest development of the adj
vertising art comes from Paris, where
an enterprising publisher has employed
large corps of sandwich men to adj
vertise book by walking down the
boulevards and reading it with rapt
attention. An inquisitive gentleman.
anxious to know how far this would
have an educational effect upon the
readers, crept up behind one who
seemed more rapt than all the others,
and found-that he was reading the
book upside down.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
A NIomentous Question.

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 3.-The coroner's
jury in the case of Banker Ditman re-
turned verdict this afternoon that Dit
man came to his death by accidental
drowning, Notwithstanding the fact
that the eoroner's physician testified that
his autopsy lead him to believe that
the deceased committed suicide by drown
ing. The payment of $4,000 accident
insurance hinges ON the determination of
the cause of death-whether accidental or
suicide.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
The Electric Fishing Line.

1t is difficult in deep sea fishing to
land your fish after you have caught
him. All this trouble will soon be OBJ
waited by the use of the electric fishing
line. A small battery at the end of the
pole will respond to the slightest touch
and Mr., Fish will float quietly to the
surface, very much shocked at such
proceedings.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Dick studyinr SPANISH.

WASHINGTON, Jan 30.-The new consul
general to Mexico is busily engaged in &C
curing sufficient knowledge of Spanish to
enable him to get along in discharging
his official duties Mr.. Guenther says he
finds it very easy, and has already learned
sufficient for ordinary conversational pur-
poses. In acting upon his nomination
the senate gave Mr.. Guenther an unusual
compliment by voting to confirm without
laying over one day, and without referring
10 committed
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
WILL Sue for Libel.

CHARLESTON. w. Va, Jan. 31.-Argu-
ments in the gubernatorial contest were
concluded today and resolution offered
declaring Fleming elected. It will be
taken up tomorrow Attorney Morris has
brought suit against Gen. Golf for $780,
900 damages. Golf challenged Morris
vote, claiming that be was of unsound
mind
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
On Lutte Found in a Sarcophagus.

What curled and scented sun-girls, almond
eyed,
What lotus blossoms in their hands and
hair,
Have made their swarty lovers call them
fair
With these spent strings, when brutes were
deified,
And Memnon in the sunrise sprang and cried,
And love-winds smote Bubastis, and the
bare
Black breasts of carven Pasht received the
prayer
Of supplants bearing from far and wide!
This lutte has outstrung Egypt; all the lives
OF violent passion, and the vast calm art
That lasts in granite only, all lie dead;
This little bird of song alone survives,
As fresh as when its fiuting smOte the heart
Last time the brown slave wore it gar
landed.
Edmund W. Gosse.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Will Make a Fuss.

LINCOLN Neb., Jan. 31.-Gov. Thayer
to-day addressed letter to the officers of
the trans-Missouri traffic association III re-
lation to through rates On CON from Ne
braska, in reply to kilograms to the effect
that the association is not likely to take
action. The governor tells the officers
bluntly that they must reduce the rate or
there will be trouble all over Nebraska.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
a Child Eaten by Rats.

KANSAS CITY, Feb. 1.-The infant son
of Mr. and Mrs. Reeves died to-day from
wounds inflicted upon him by rats, some
time during last night. The doctor in de-
the wounds said: The nose was
eaten entirely off; horrible wounds appear
ed on both cheek bones; the seal p had
been gnawed through in one place, so that
the brains were exposed. The child only
lived few hours after it received the in
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Investigating the Bribery Charges.

CHARLESTON, w. Va, Feb. 1.-The
committee appointed to investigate the
charges of bribery preferred by Delegate
Harr, this evening, examined Mr..
Harr, who corroborated his state
ments, and added that Mr..
Stoliings had stated that $500 was to
come from Golf and that he could have the
Office of mine inspector if Golf was elected.
Stollings will be examined Monday.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Zinc Water.

The recent discovery by New En-
gland chemist of a cheap plan of dis
solving zinc by combining it with by
drogen turns out to be very valuable
one. The product is a solution called
zinc water. which has the power OF
making wood, to which it has been ap-
piled, absolutely fre-proof.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Violated the Law.

CHICAGO, Jan, 31.-The freight bureau
of the board OF trade has decided to file a
complaint with the interstate commerce
commission against the lake transporta-
ton companies and trunk-line railroads
for violations of the law regarding the
surreptitiouS cutting of through Eastern
rates.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
More Like Him.

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 31-David Alex
ander, who tried to assassinate Bishop
Whitaker, on Sunday last, plead guilty
this morning, The physician said that he
is ne on every subject but prohibition.
Alexander made wild statement about
church officers who oppose prohibition.
Sentence was deferred.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
San DiegO's Park.

San Diego, Cal, has public park
l,400 acres in extent, and the ever Wig
liant despoiler is now striving to get
hold of it and to cut it up into 5000
building lots at an annual rental of
s25, which would yield $3.50. 00O.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Kansas New Treasurer.

TOPEKA, Jan. Ex-Governor Humphrey
today appointed VIM. Simms treasurer of
the state of Kansas, to succeed j. w.
Hamilton, who resigned recently to &C
cept position on the Santa Fe railroad.
Simms is president of the state farmers
alliance.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Big Earnings.

CHICAGO, Jan. 31.-The Chicago, Bur
lington & Quincy annual statement, in
Guiding the Burlington & Missouri road,
for 1889, shows the gross earnings to be
s26, us, 321; operating expenses, s26, $685.
314; net earnings, SIC, 208, 998.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Can't Find an Heir.

STAR PRAIRIE, Wis, Jan. 30-Charles
Dowie, aged 78, died at this place, leaving
property to the extent of $4,000, to which
at present no one is heir, of he left no will
and was unmarried 1t is thought he has
a nephew in Scotland.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
His Record Clear

DETROIT, Jan. 30.-The uneventful man
ner in which the auditing committee of the
national league is proceeding with their
labors it seems to be in contradiction to
all the sensational rumors circulated since
the call for the committee was made pub
lie
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-02-06
Death of Mrs. Irish.

CHICAGO, Jan. 31.-Mrs. Mary Irish,
mother of the late Col. Irish, of the ma
tional bureau of printing and engraving,
and of Mrs. Henry, an evangelist of the W.
C.. T. q. died at Evanston, JAN q.