davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1890-10-16
PhotoEr-ph:ng an Electric Spark.


An interesting result obtained by re-
cent photograpbing OF the electric spark
is that fairly accurate measure of Its
duration can be arrived at The pho
tographs were taken on a rapidly
revolving plate. which was mounted on
disk and rotated by an electric motor
at speed Of 2, 900 revolutions a minute.
This gave a speed OF 600 inches a sec
ond at the point where the outer end OF
the spark was photographed. There
was no perceptible difference in the
width of spark taken when the plate
was stationary and when it was run
ming at full speed, and the displacement
was hardly one twenty-fif OF an inch.
The duration OF the spark was calculat-
ed to be the 10, OOOth part of a second
n " Sun
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1890-10-16

the weight of thirty-six carsts and no
ward does not exceed twenty.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1890-10-16
vIDoCQ. THE DETECTIVE.
The First Achievement of the Most Famous
French Police Agent.

The First Achievements of the Most Famous
French Police Agent.
In the eyes OF his admirers Vidocq
was a penitent who, turning resolutely
from the paths of crime. gave up his
varied talents to the service of the
state. In the eyes of his detractors b
was a miscreant who turned sneak to
save his skin. The truth lies between
the two extremes. Vidocq was not .
beau ideal OF virtue; but wild and
graceless as his youth had been, he was
q bird OF very different feather from the
rabble of the hulks. His only proper
cause Of quarrel with the law had been
the punching of rivals head.
His prison glory was not Of his
own seeking. With the Yahoos
Of the galleys, among whom he
had been forced to live, he considered
that he broke no faith because he owed
none. Moreover, the word spy is apt to
be misleading; for, ut least to English
ears, spy, sneak and &C ward are all
tarred with the same brush. But
eVidocq's undertaking was not merely
that of an approver; 1T was also that OF
an arrester; and how far that task was
fitted for coward or a fool may easily
be judged by some examples of his capt
ures-
His first achievement was the capture
of coiner by the name OF Watrin-a
fierce and cunning desperate. who had
completely baffled the police. Vidocq
tracked him to his lair above a certain
cobbler's Shop. Al midnight he won't
single handed, to the spot met by
chance, the coiner at the doorway and
rushed instantly upon him. Watrin
dealt him a tremendous blow, and.
darling back into the building through
a window. snstched up the cobbier's
knife. To follow was to rush on GER
tain death; for the ruffian, armed with
such . weapon, was as wounded beast
OF prey. But Vidocq used his wits. He
made a sound like that of stops retreat
ing; Watrin put his head out OF the
window to make sure that he was gone.
and In an instant Vidocq seized him by
the hair. The bravo struggled furious
ly. but gradually Vidocq, by sheer
strength of muscle. dragged him
through the window, and the pair fell,
locked together. to the ground. Before
his enemy could use his weapon Vidocq
wrenched it from his grasp. bound his
arms. and dragged him single-handed TO
the guard-house. NJ Henry and the
officers on duty could scarcely trust
their eyes when they beheld the pair
come in.-Tcmple Bar.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-27
Free Coinage of Silver.

We noted recently the advance in the
price Of silver as an encouraging outlook
for the advocates of free coinage. We
maintained that when it reached parity 1T
would be practically free coinage. The
Director Of the Mint, as reported by the
Washington Post, gives very clear and ill.,
teresting statement on this point. After
Temarking that there seems to be gen.
eral misapprehension as to the operations
of the new silver law in case the price of
silver should advance to parity, "some of
the papers state" he says, that in such
case the Government will cease buying.
while others hold that we will have free
coinage. IL silver should reach its old
parity the Government would continue to
buy $500, 900 ounces a month Cor so much
thereof as might be offered under the pro-
visions of the present law.
THE new law does not provide that
purchases shall cease when silver reaches
parity, but that the Government shall not
silver-or, what is the same thing, shall
not pay in excess of Sl.2929 per fine ounce.
The amount OF pure silver IN the silver
dollar beng SIX grains, If the Govern
ment paid Sl.2929 per fine ounce (4S0
grsins). il would be paying exactly 81 for
371A grains-tbat is to say, the market
value Of the pure silver in the silver dollar
would be exactly equal to the face-value
of the coin, so that the Government could
lose nothing by continuing to- buy at that
rate, which the law contemplates.
while this would be free coinage, and
IN the absence Of further legislation there
IL no provision for free coinage, 1t would
be practically free coinage for 45OO,OOO
ounces Of silver month--that is, we
would receive from depositors 4,50O,0O0
ounces of silver and give them for it the
exact amount of money which 100000
ounces of silver would make in coin. OF
course the Government could not pay in
excess of that rate because if it did the
value Of silver in the silver dollar would
be greater than its value as q coin, which
would be a losing operation"
This week silver has risen to within 81
of parity. 1t cannot get there too soon
Tor the welfare of the people.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-27
WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 27, 1890
Which WIN Profit by It?

The river and harbor bill is now in the
hands Of conference committee, and it
will in all probability soon become law.
There was opposition 10 the Senate amend
ments on the part Of the House. and that
body. without discussion. refused to con-
cur in them. and ordered conference.
The conference report will be looked for
ward 70 with deep interest in Virginia and
North Carolina. for in the event of the
adoption of the Senate amendments tho
appropriation for our State will be reduced
$4,000. while that of our southern neigh
Dor will be increased Slis.00O. Our loss
will be their gain. or their loss will be our
gain. From our friendly relations We can
take comfort in either event.
The Senate amendments propose in
creasing the appropriation for York river.
Virginia, from $50, 900 to $4,000; reducing
the appropriations for the Nansemond
river. Virginia, from 100000 to $4,000,
and for Hampton creek and bar. Virginia,
from $40. 900 to $1,000: increasing the ap-
preparations for the Cape Fear river at
and below Wilmington. N. g.. from $780,
900 to 100000; for Contentnea creek
North Carolina. from $1,000 to $1,000; for
the Neuse river up TO Smithfield. N. O.,
from $4,000 TO $4,000, and for Msckey's
creek, North Carolina, from $4,000 TO
$4,000; inserting an item OF $4,000 for the
pasquotank river. North Carolina.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-27
COTTON COMING
INTO NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. FOR
THE SHIPPING SEASON.
The First Steamship for q Cotton Cargo
The Burned buildings Insured
Fine Duck Season.
correspondence Of the Hammond Dlspssch.l

Correspondence OF the Hammond Dispatch.l
NORFOLK, August 20. 1890.
Fifty bales of new cotton arrived here
to-day with quantity of old cotton. The
congresses are being overhauled by work.
men, and as soon as that job Is through
with there will be enough cotton here to
commence loading for Europe. Large
quantities of cotton bagging from the
North have been going through Norfolk to
the cotton-felds Of the South. The British
steamship Flowergate, the first ship to
reach here this season for cotton cargo.
arrived in port yesterday. She VIII be
loaded by the Norfolk and Western road.
The military companies of Norfolk have
been invited to Lynchburg to take part in
the festivities In that city on the 9Th OF
October.
THIRTY PASSED.
About thirty applicants for service on
the life-saving stations have been ex-
amined and passed. and there are about
sixty applicants in all. extending from
Cape Henry to Cape Hatteras. The men
go on duty next Sunday night and con-
tinue their hazardous service for eight
months.
Mr.. William Stevens says. he had an in-
suIance of $4,000 on the colored quarters
DESTROYED uptown yesterday. which nearly
covers the loss The upper rooms OF these
buildings, it is stated were considerably
occupied as negro policy-shops, and for
shooting crap" and other sorts oil gam,
bling operations for which the coiored
sporting element have penchant.
AN ABUNDANCE OF GAME.
Cunning parties continue to leave for
Currtuck beach. where they find great
abundance of birds in the vicinity OF Little,
Island, Notwithstanding the hundreds OF
gunners on the beach from time to time
this season. ,
Captain Andrews. the manager OF the
Little-Island hunting-grounds on Curl
tuck sound, predicts a good season ap,,
preaching for wild-ducks and geese. as all
the hunters indications are favorable;
Last winter was very poor season ana
the northern clubs broke up early.
AN EXAMINATION.
Justice William Creekmore, of the coun-
ty. will tomorrow hold an examination at
the courthouse of the two negroes charged
with cutting the throat OF William Green
and throwing him overheard from the
oyster schooner Eva Bell.
A young white man is In jail upon the
charge OF betrsying young woman IN
North Carolina and then entlclbg nel 70
this city and, placing her In house OF i'll
repute.
A BEAN-BAG PARTY.
Mrs. Alexander Stock, at Virginia Beach,
gave a bean-bag party yesterday in honor
Of her guest, Master Willie Hill, Of Rich
mond. which was participated in by large
number of children from the cottages.
A court-martial to try the Tilton- Brown
affair will be ordered at the yard in day
or two.
One Of the largest RATS that nas ever
zone out of Norfolk harbor has just left
here for Baltimore and consisted of 700 600
feet Of lumber. u.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-27

virginians doubtless have observed and
are observing still that the tobacco tax
which was TO have been removed so quickly
on the accession TO power of the Republi-
cans has not been budged, is not now
being budged, and has no prospect of being
budged in any way to the relief Of the
people. 1t is probable also that the fail
ure to make more tolerable if not to
wipe out the harassing internal-reve-
nue. system according to the promises OF
Republicans on the stump is quite evident
to those who have to bear the iniquities OF
the system. Virginians, therefore, should
not fail to bear these things in mind when
they 60 TO the polls in November or to vote
accordingly, to the end that the Democra-
cy may have full power as it has the will
to bring about better state of things for
the tobacco-grower and the people at
large as well.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-27
GREATLY ADMIRED.
What One Of the Leading Ladies Of the
Land Has to Say on a Subject Of
Great Interest IN Ladies

Ono OF tho most popular scminaries for young
ladies In America Is the Rutgers Female Col
lego, located at No. 81 aud 80 west Fifty-nfth
street, New York. Mrs. T. y. Wet, the lady
principal, has an army Of friends among tho
ladies' whose mental and physical interests she
has so carefully looked sitter. In writing about
the ladies under her charge she recently said:
"In household Of brain workers, such as our
college family,it is necessary to have not only
the most nutritious food, but tho very best
method OF preparing IT, ] WAS Induced by a
friend to try 'rhspure' Baking Powder and Ind
Il TO be exactly what II purports perfectly pure.
and believe the best article OF its kind In tho
market ssuch am glad to recommend it TO
others in my own profession, as well ss 70 my
sister housekeepers"
Mrs. West Is only one OF macy hundred promi-
nent ladies who have found "Thepure Baking
Powder specially suited 20 their taste and
needs. Through its use many women are pro
ducing lighter, sveeter, and whittier bread and
cake than ever before. Its popularity IL the
proof OF Its excellence. IL has the endorsem ent
Of the Wholesale Grocers' National Association
Is being used by the leading hotels, cafes, and
clubs In the principal cities; and, although a
new powder, 10 becoming very popular sith the
ladies' When people OF such high standing and
advanced thought adopt and use an article oil
household merit It proves beyond question its
absolute purity and worth. AZ such IL Ia COM
mendsd most cordially TO all The best grocers
sell IT, ~ X-eod
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-27
kEMMlER'S BURIAL.
A Gruesome Midnight Scene in the Con-
Wet Graveyard at Auburn.

That portion of Fort Hill cemetery in
Auburn which faces the poorest and most
desolate part of the city Is known as the
"oonyicts' burying ground" Nothing di-
yides IL from the costly tombs and tower
ing headstones of marble that mark the
space devoted to the righteous dead save q
line Of ragged, sickly grass that tells where
the lawn-mowers stop. The entrance'to
the,God's Acre Of the convict dead Is on
side street, and is guarded by pretty cot
tage in which lives a grave-digger and his
wife. .,r.,
The mystery attending the burial of Will
liam Kemmler was only second to the mys-
tery surrounding the preparations for his
death. 1t will be remembered that he was
tortured to death by electricity. early on
the morning of August 9Th, and that few
honrs later the knives of the surgeons were
busy cutting the body 10 pieces. There
was some doubt concerning the section
of law relating TO the burial Of the body,
and when the watchers about the prison
on the night following the execution saw
no sgn of any funeral II was generally be-
lieved that the body had been covered
with ouick-line and buried beneath one
of the fiagstones in the prison-yard. Late
in the afternoon of the next day the grave
digger in charge of the convict burning
ground received orders TO have grave
ready for body at 10 o'clock that night.
The grave was dug, and when 10 o'clock
came without bringing the expected body
the crave-dIgger turned the light down
low In the sitting-room of his cottage and
went 10 sleep in his working clothes. His
wife Law on a bed ia front OF window
keeping watch on the street, 90 that she
might wake her husband when the body
arrived.
Meantime men in charge of what was
left of tho dead murderers body had
placed it in an express-wagon at Va
O'clock and had driven out Of the prison
gate. There was o knot OF men on the
Sidewalk who Immediately showed signs OF
excitement when tho wagon appeared.
IL was instantly decided that these
men were reporters, and the driver OF
the wagon. IN accordance evlaently WIN
slmde the newspaper-men. drove around
the block and then back into the
prison yard. No other attempt was made
TO dispose Of the body until II o'clock.
when the express wagon again came rat
ting out but again there were men on the
sidewalk who seemed interested In its
movements. and once again the wagon
was driven back Into the yard. and the big
made TO bury the body until midnight.
when the wagon came dashing out as
though the driver was bound to get rid Of
his burden at all hazards. He drove
rapidly up the street, the wagon swaying
to and fro and rafting horribly. The
eraye-digger led the way Into the gloomy
Cemetery by the dim light Of Q lantern.
Arriving at the grave he set tae lantern at
one endof il. and seizing the remsins of
the murderer pulled them out Of the
wagon. 1t didn't take long TO fill up the
grave, for the only object TO accomplish
was to get the body out Of sight and
stamp the dirt on It,
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-27

81 Of achievsment. II Il the dictate
Of prudent statesmAnship in our
form OF government. There are pre-
cedcnts for II In other States. Our own
State of Massachusetts, being one of the
number. But If there were none. the IN
stinct OF government preservation itself re-
quires il. 1t might have been easily rea-
soned out in the FIRST place that the suf-
frage given TO the mass OF ignorance IN the
South would have resulted dissstrousiy.
We do not need to reason now upon the
subiect--the fact is demonstrated.
"But be sure In excluding this igno-
rance to exclude IL impartially. Do not
allow any line TO be drawn based upon race
or nationality or color. Let the white man
who cannot read and write lose his vote as
we'll as the black man in the same coDdi-
ton. IL may be unpleasant 20 the South
10 exclude men from the suffrage. But 1t
IL necessity. The situation is In itself an
unpleasant one. There must be sacrifices
in IT, This is the sacrifice that tho white
are called upon to make. We see no other
way out Of their dilemma that IL consist
emit with the American idea OF equal
rights as embodied in the American form
of government"
We hope the convention will not rest
content with mere educational Qualifca-
ton as way out of the difficulty. Indeed,
we are confident it will not. Such a
provision would disqualify large number
of whites. The negro loves TO vote; and
to vote against the whites. Why, it is
difficult to say. He seems to have vague
idea that il will work out some great good
to him and he never learns from expert
ence. But he will go to any length to
vote. Many of them will learn to read and
write just enough to qualify themselves
for voting, whereas the ignorant whites
will not TO any considerable number. IT
strikes us the most feasible plan yet sug-
gested is the two-yesr residential requisite
for voting. The negro is migratory If he
is ANYTHING. We venture to say that not
two thirds Of the colored voters OF Missls-
sippi reside IN one place two years at
time. However, the convention has In IT
wise counsellors and some OF the ablest
LAWYERS in the country. We trust them
and shall indulge no fears as to the result
of their work.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-27

The "moral support" rendered the
Knights by the Federationsts will be found
very thin by the former, we suppose, for
purposes looking TO the keeping of body
and soul together. If laborers do not hang
together they must take the probability of
starving together. Labor in the abstract
undoubtedly has rights with respect to the
capital that employs it. but it cannot main
tain these rights as ahouse divided against
itself. At the same time the action OF
the Federation's chiefs was wise 80 far as
the general welfare is concerned, since the
strike on the New York Central does not
seem to have been founded on discretion.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-27

arr,s GRAY and Mr.. Palmer Tenant, Miss
1nnv Stone and Mr.. Bailey Sanders. Miss
Mar Alfrieud and Mr.. George Moss, Nus
warsa;e Higgins and Mr.. o. n. Moyler, Miss
eaIl,e hlfr;eud and Mr.. Charter Burrus,
p Mas Mamie Fewell and Mr.. ID. b. Fry. Miss
Tavlor and Mr., yenable, Miss Drewry and
Mr. Is. Risque Hutter. Miss Leila Gray and
Mr.. Harry Garner, Miss Lea and sr. LOUIS
Cardoza, Miss Mary HUNT and Mr.. Z; H.
Smith, MISS Agnes Palmer and DT; Plea
Ma Vaughan and Mr.. II. X. Cralle. Hiss
smith and Mr.. John Payne, Mr.. and Mrs.
Anderson. Miss Stokes and Mr..
Flair Wilson. Mrs. K. l.. Garner and MIR.
Harry holland.
OTHER GUESTS.
Among others present were Mrs. l.. j.
CarJozo' Mrs. Charles Z. Stokes. Mrs. Alex
ander Hamilton. Mrs. X. 4. Rogers, Mrs.
7 a. Armistead. Mrs. DIR. Joseph White,
Mrs T. w. Spooner. Mrs. Palmer. Mrs. L.
Smith Mrs. ]. c. Cassell, Mrs. II. W. Flour.
nov Mrs. Philip +. Brown. Mrs. James
Gaelic Mr.. and Mrs. @. w. Fentress. Mrs.
p r. Wexford, Mrs. M. Z. Elliott, Mrs;
Albert Bolts. Mrs. Simmons. Mr.. Roland
uotTman Mrs. James T. Gray, Mrs. &. l..
Mathews. Mr.. Wood flournoy, Mrs. 4. NJ.
Alfriend. DIR. Il. q. simmons, Mrs; n. M
Fuller. Mr.. r. E. Clark, Mrs; A; farant
Mr. G. w. Robinson, and Mrs. j. X. Seal.
EonaoSDs BEAUTIFUL oUAErrrrE.
Tho handsome dresses and powdered
hair Of the ladies and gentlemen made a
brilliant and lovely picture.
ouartette of Richmond married ladies
,yare The observed of all observers v
owing 10 their unparalleled beauty, ex-
ouisite taste in dressing, aud winsome
The The crowd continues and over four hun
dred names are on the list who we're unable
10 secure accommodations.
Hsy-rides, donkey parties, progressive
euchre, and amateur theatrichls are tue
amusements. IN addition 10 the regular
evening dance.
lively es August. fhAN0is'
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-27
FRANK HUME GONE OVER.
Republican Meeting to Determine Upon
q Candidate-Hume Wanting.
Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.l

Correspondence Of the Richmond Dispatch.l
ALEXANDRIA, Va, August 25, 1890.
A meeting of the Republican District
Committee will be held in this city under
a call of Chairman r. X. Farr during this
week to discuss the ACCESSIBILITY of putting
a Republican candidate 10 the field against
General Lee.
1t is intimated that Frank Hume will be
asked to run on the ticket, and that he
will accept. He has Just returned to his
home, in Alexandria county, from visit
TO the southern counties In this district,
where it is said he went 10 look after his
chances as an independent candidate.
II is a settled fact that General Lee will
have opposition for Congress. and the
Democrats are getting things in shape Tor
the fight.
The Republicans OF the county will hold
meeting on Friday night next to elect
county chairman and 10 talk over the can
vass about to commence.
ORIGINATING.
One of the chief industries OF this city is
brickmaking, and the brick-works about
this CITY have supplied large portion or
fhe bricks used in Washington for the past
few wears. Recently the Excelsior Brick
Works have received the contract for fur
n,shinp the bricks TO be used in the erec-
tion of the new hotel Of John Chamberlin at
old Point Comfort. The contract calls for
4 OOo. 900 bricks, of which nearly 400. 900 will
be shipped this week. All the other brick
manufacturing concerns here are increa-
sing their capacity IN order to meet expect
ed increases in the orders received in the
spring.
STILL ALIVE.
Scott Pierce, the brakeman who shot
himself and tried to shoot his wife on Fri
day last. is still alive, although the doctors
say he has but few chances Of pulling
through.
The cause Of Pierce's attempt to kill his
wife is said to have been jealousy.
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-27

The story of hardship and persecution
undergone by the two men Or and
ScHMID and told by them III Petersburg
Monday seems TO us rather improbable, al
though there may be something in it. A
highly-sensationa account OF alleged cru
elites practiced upon laborers on the road
from Eagle Rock TO New Castle in this
State was recently published IN the World.
II is stated that the Chesapeake and Ohio
railway authorities are investigating the
charges made therein and We venture the
prediction that they will turn out to be. if
not altogether groundless, at least highly
colored
Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-08-27
NEWS FROM BEDFORD CITY.
Industries Observation-Disclosures Build
ing. Etc.

ing, Etc.
tCcrrespoudence Of the Richmond pspaieh.)
BEDFORD CITY. Va, August "a. 1890.
The sensation of the hour here is the es-
tablishing of $4,000 plant by the Green
wood Land Company TO manufacture
blind. sash, houses. &c. IL will begin with
fifty skilled mechanics.
The new railroad to Big Island is now
being surveyed and they will dig dirt early
in September and General Lee will build
the remaining ten miles to Glasgow.
The demand for lots is greatly increased:
Rev. G.. A. Davis sold bis little farm OF
twenty acres for $4,000 and before he could
deliver tho deed it was resold for $4,000
One syndicate takes 200 lots in the Green
wood Land Company's lands.
Professor w. w. Smith thinks he will not
be able TO accommodate the many appli-
cants for place in the Methodist Academy.
He has letters from twelve States aud from
Mexico from young men wishing TO enter
as students. This has greatly encouraged
the friends of the Jeter Female Institute,
and they hay, decided to lay the corner
stone Of their $4,000 building on Septem-
Der 30th.
DR.. 4. f. Dickinson preached twice Tor
us last Sunday and left on Monday for the
Augusta Association. A. y. y.