davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

other, roguish genius finds poor field
for the display of its powers, and the
knave is quickly marked as such and
an embargo placed upon his opera
tons. In consequence of this the rural
rascal soon emigrates to the city,
where his identity can be changed as
opportunity or necessity requires.
From a sharper" much may be
learned of practical value to thor
oughly honest and conscientious man.
1t is, however, on the theory that evil
must be understood that it may be
avoided, that an expose of the modus
operand of sharpers, swindlers, con-
fdence men-all the numerous fra
ternity of rogues who live by their
wits, in facts rendered highly de-
sirable.
Many readers will no doubt resent
the imputation that such information
could by any chance prove of service
to them, believing that they know a
thing or two-or three" and, though
country born and bred, can take in"
great city, Chicago, for instance, with
out employing a personal guide, or car
rying printed instructions. As the
devil is said to gloat over the prospects
presented by tho-e who rely solely upon
their own strength and righteousness,
SO the city sharper lies in wait for coun-
trymen, wise in their own conceit,
whose arrival in town promises large
and, what is still more gratifying, an
easily gathered harvest.
Country people are not behind the
jewellers in cities, either in intelligence
s-or sagacity; indeed, in both regards
they no doubt excel the latter. They
are easily yictimized by the city
shark, because of their strange sur
roundirgs, the unfamiliar manners and
customs of those with whom they come
in contact, and their inability to COM
prehend the deprayity to which human
nature can descend, while at the same
maintaining a decidedly prepossessing
appearance and most courtly address.
The plans by which people can be
relieved of their money without resort
ing to the sand-bag or other forms of
violence, are as various as the brains
of the "con men" are fertile in imagin-
alton and invention.
1t is this great variety of methods
which enmeshes and too frequently
utterly discomfits the rural visitor. A
well-dressed old gentleman will fire.
quently stop him on the street and adj
dress him by the name of Thompson,
learn that he is Oliver Green, of
Greenville, apologies for his mistake
and passes on. A few minutes later
he is hailed in his own proper name
by smooth confederate of the old
gentleman, who, two times out of
three, succeeds in convincing him that
he has known his son at school, or his
brother in Kansas, or even the visitor
himself at Greenville. The particular
scheme depends upon the circum-
stances of the case, especially the
amount of information that has previ
ously been secured. Confidence once
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

ing into the human frame. If a man
could bore as fast as a gallinipper a
l, 500-foot oil well could be drilled in
an hour and twenty minutes, says
Alex. E. Sweet in the New York
Herald.
Probably the tarantula is entitled to
a position at the head of the program.
AS his portrait shows, his personal
appearance seems to have been gotten
up for the purpose of inspiring a lack
of confidence. He is an enormous,
dark, brunette spider, which, like the
average cowboy, runs largely to hair
and legs. His (the tarantula's) entire
body is covered With short, coarse,
black hair, or bristles. He is armed
with pair of curved fangs with which
he obtains his food or repels the famil
iarity of man. When tarantula's
legs are spread out he will cover the
palm of mans hands. He wears the
style of polonaise peculiar to all
spiders.
The bite of the tarantula is rarely
fatal, but while it lasts the pain is
more severe than parting with a new
S. bill
These two comical-looking insects,
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

himself to be a sport aud takes him
in tow, much as a tug-boat does a sail
ing vessel in the harbor, with the re-
suit of wrecking him on some reef.
leaving him nothing of value to serve
as salvage to whoever may come to his
relief. If the stranger proves to be a
church deacon. or even a clergyman,
the "fine-worker" is not one whit
abashed, but knows every preacher in
the city, particularly the one his COM
panion wishes to see, who is unfortu-
nately out of town for the day. In the
meantime another clergyman is often
called on and machinery set in motion
by which the visitor is relieved of his
roll.
Sometimes the smartest "con man"
meets his match. Not long ago a vet
eran in the art of duplicity met a young
granger in Chicago street, apparently
convinced him that he was an old
friend of his dead brother, and steered
him into a snide gambling-house.
Once there, he treated the faro-dealer
to liquor, with the result of producing
his seeming intoxication. Then he
won quite a sum from the bank, and
induced Mr.. Verdant to try his luck.
As the latter displayed quite a large
amount of money, he was allowed to
win at first by way of encouraging him
to increase his play.
In ten minutes he had won twice as
many dollars.
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

which in pose somewhat resemble a
couple of girl graduates playing duet
on piano, are called devils horses,
but unlike the girl graduates thus en-
ployed, the devils horses are perfectly
harmless.
The appearance of the devils horse
is very much against him. inasmuch as
he resembles man more than any other
insect that has ever been invented.
His small, round head and long neck
are suggestive of dude. His head,
by the way, seems to revolve on a
swivel, or pivot, like that of an owl.
Two long feelers sprout from the
bumps of mirthfulness.
If man were, in proportion to his
size, as strong as DEVILS horse it is
estimated that he could throw book
agent mile and half
The devils horse is disposed to be
sociable, not to say obtrusive. When
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

the lights are lit in the parlor he comes
through the shutters and proceeds to
crawl down the back of some lady. If
he is foiled in this direction he may
ascend the limbs of some youth under
meath his rainment. He respects no
person or part of a person. He is got
ten up in assorted sizes to suit the diff
ferent tastes of different people.
I he centipede, as viii be seen at a
glance, belongs to the scolopendra fam
lily, and Is, of course, related to the
myriopoda branch of it. The centipede
is not only unpleasant and repulsive to
the sight, but is not desirable object
to handle.
This cheerful insect is armed with a
pair of fangs of such strength that it
can readily bite off the corner of a
Kindred railroad lunch-counter pie
Its terminal facilities consist of a pair
of hooks.
A fuIl-grown centipede is occasion
ally as long and broad as the blade of
a table-knife. In some parts of Mex
leo the centipede is even larger, and
almost as dangerous as a rattlesnake.
Each side of the insect is armed
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16
Nfpped in the Bud.

A woman who appeared to be an ex-
cursionist was walking up and down
Woodward avenue yesterday with a
mans hat in one hand and large calf
skin wallet In the other, and an officer
finally approached her and asked:
Madam, are you looking for any
one?"
"Oh, no" she replied. "I know right
where he is"
"Are you in any trouble?"
"No, sir. I never allow anything to
trouble me-"
"But you-you-"
tits just this way, sir. Me and my
husband came in on the excursion
After we got here he began to frisk
and cut up, and I proceeded to nip him
in the bud. He's over there on the
City Hall steps. bareheaded and with
out cent, while hold the key of the
position. "-Detrojt Free Press.
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

with about forty legs. and each leg is
armed with stings like that of a wasp.
When a centipede anchors his head
in The feshy anatomy of human be-
ing. throws out his two graphing
irons from his rear, and then draws his
eighty odd, very odd, claws together,
it will bring tears to the eyes of tax
collector to see how the little pet
holds on.
The horned frog, so called, is not an
insect, but is included in this sketch
on account of his striking appearance.
He looks as if he might be dangerous
to handle, but the truth is he is per-
fectly harmless and has no facilities
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

for injuring anybody, no matter how
malicious he might be.
Moreover, he is not frog at all but
a lizard.
He has no vocal ability like the frog.
He never sings. He cannot jump, and
like the young lady in the ballad who
adjusted her clothing on hickory
limb, he never goes near the water, all
of which explodes the frog theory.
However, he has horns, two on the
back of his head, while his whole back
is incrusted with horns, all of which,
to the little animals credit, are on the
outside. With man the horns are
usually on the inside
The horned frog is very abstemious.
It can live for months without eating
anything and be none the worse for it.
This cunning little reptile will re-
main perfectly immovable in one posi-
ton for days at time, which looks
very much as if Nature started to make
q messenger-boy of it, but changed her
mind.
The principal diet of the horned frog
is flies. I have seen one used as fly
trap in the window of Texas restaur-
ant. The regular customer probably
got as many flies as the frog, but he
didn't know it, while the frog did
That's where the frog had the laugh
on the regular customer.
The horned frog lays a dozen or SO
eggs, but, unlike the hen, does not fly
up on the fence and cackle hysterically
Immediately afterward. Neither does
the horned frog sit on it's nest and hatch
out the eggs, but buries them in the
sand and allows the sun to attend to
the incubating process.
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

years end to the other.
While the natives of this cactus
growing region are deprived of pneu-
monia, rheumatism and other elements
of New England weather, kind nature
recompenses them with a wealth of
vindictive insects, the sting of any one
of which is calculated to make a
craven image take notice of what is
going on. There is also species of
gallinipper that is an expert at Dor
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

enough in a police station, it is to
mourn the loss of his money and watch.
The econ man" Is exceedingly YER
satiIe, and can furnish any information
may request. Should the latter desire
to Asee the town." he acknowledges
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16
WnIing to Pay for Glory.

Judge-Well, Mooney, you are ac-
cused of beating your wife. What
have you to say why you shouldn't
pay ten dollars or take ten days?
Mooney-Who says beat her,
Judge?
J1dge-The lady herself testifes
to it.
Mooney-Whatl The old lady her
self owns up to it? Well, then, I'll go
a ten on it with pleasure, for I'll be
dinged if it isn't the first time in all
our scraps that she's owned up to COM
ing out second best. Yo7lkers Ga
zette
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

Often fine goods are offered for inspec-
ton, put up even fol- sale; base imi-
tation substituted when they are
wrapped up for delivery. Many an
unsuspecting countryman, having
him and several times the amount of
his offer demanded. Upon demurring
and protesting he is threatened with
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

N the most set
tie d parts of
Texas venomous
insects are al
most as obsolete
as they are in the
Middle States,
but in the valley
of the Grande,
the boundary be-
tween Texas and
Mexico, t ara
tulas. centipedes,
scorpions, tick s
<and other irri-
tators of the hui
man cuticle can
b e had for the
picking. and they
are ripe from one
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16
CHICAGO. III.

90, MAMMAL" shuddered little girl,
as she was being bathed one morning,
and shrank from the water on her chest.
@Don't put water there. 1t hurts my
front back so"
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

and stolen or smuggIed goods IN the
future.
Partner wanted In well-estabIished
real estate and brokerage business:
SO, 900 profits last year. Rare chance
for an energetic man. u. So"
Such advertisements may be seen
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

SOMETHING else required: Mccain
Chaying borrowed $1O)-Oh, thank you
Words cannot repay You for this favor.
De Tim (dryly)- mo; I don't think they
can!
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

ToM-It is plain they are in love.
Jack-Why? Tom-Didn't you notice
he took the longest way in going home
with her.
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16
TEXAN PETS AND PESTS.
INSECTS IN THE
LONE STAR STATE.

Traits of the Festive TarantuIa and lido
syncrasies of the Fascinating Devils
Horse-1he Cheerful Centipede and the
Sedate Horned Frog.
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

not understood by its complementary
section, respectable portion-in point
of numbers-does so through methods
extremely doubtful, If not decidedly
knavish. In country places, where
each is personally known to every
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

arrest, and is often brought to terms.
Of course the swindlers use Judgment
in selecting the victim of such high
handed proceeding.
@This rascal stole the razors. I suppose.
No matter if the fellow be knaVe.
Provided that the razors shave"
These lines. from DIR. Wolcott's sra
zor Seller" will serve to largely ex-
plain the success of the fraudulent
auctioneer. The buyer generally sup
poses that the seller has come dishon-
estly by the goods he is Strengthening,
and Is hence eager to share In the prof
its, without mourning either the odium
or legal consequences of the theft
Sometimes the information is given
out by the confederates that descent
of the police is feared, and that sales
are being rushed on that account.
Then business becomes rushing, and no
end of fraud is perpetrated IN the con-
fusion. Cigars are often sold In this
way. Six or seven boxes are put up
at a time and knocked down at about
one-half their real value. As the goods
cannot be delivered during the sale, a
liberal deposit Is required on each lot.
When the entire stock has been dis
posed of the purchasers, who have been
felicitating themselves on their rare
good fortune, are astonished and dis
comfited at receiving a bill IN which
the price bid is charged at so much 6
box, instead of for the entire lot. as
hey had understood. That being the
established rule of such sales and the
cigars not being worth the amount
they simply lose their deposit money
and resolve to eschew snide auctions
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

Ioud-voiced auctioneer placed in COM
mand of the situation. Seemingly fine
watches and jewelry are sold at various
prices. It is unnecessary to state that
these goods are "snide," or, if genuine,
are knocked down to q confederate.
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

established, the sharper adroitly learns
the manner of man he has to deal with
This determined, the rest is usually
plain sailing. If the proposed victim
drinks. which fact must be ascertained
without making any breaks" his
money is as good as won already. A
tough" saloon is visited. and when the
siQht-seer comes to himself often
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

NE half the world
Adoes not know how
1.-THE other halflives,
/ The above aphor-
ism Is used with
out quo t at ion
marks, not because
it is claimed a s
original, but be-
cause it Is of such
@fatherly antiqui-
ty" as to render
them entirely un-
necessary.
Of the "half''
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16
CITY CONFIDENCE MEN.
SHARPERS WHO THRIVE UPCN
THE CREDULITY OF OTHERS

Rural People Their Usual Victims-How
Confidence Is Established Versatility
OF the Fine WorIer-Snide Auction Stores
and Their Swindline Schemes-A Strange
MISUNDERSTANDING q Tartar-HoW
Bookseller Was Sold.
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

arrest, and is often brought to terms.
Of course the swindlers use Judgment
in selecting the victim of such high
handed proceeding.
Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-10-16

%This rascal stole the razors. suppose.
No matter if the fellow be a knaVe,
Provided that the razors shave"
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-04-03
Cured by Cuticura

have been afflicted for twenty years with an
obstinate skin disease, called by some NJ Ds Psori-
asis, and others Leprosy, commencing on my scalp;
and, in spite of all could do with the help OF the
most skilful doctors IL slowly but surely extended
until year ago this winter il covered my entire
person in the form of dry scales. For the last
three years have been unable TO do any labor and
suffering intensely all the time Every morning
there could be nearly dustpanful OF scales taken
from the sheet on my bed, some of them half ns
large AS the envelope containing this letter In the
latter part OF winter my skin commenced cracking
open. tried everything, almost. that could be
thought of, without any relief The 18th Of June
L started West, In hopes / could reach the Hot
Springs. reached Detroit and was 40 low
Thought i should have to go to the hospital but
finally got as far as Lansing, Mich, where had a
sister living. One DIR. - treated me about two
weeks. but did me no good. All thought had but
short time to live. / earnestly prayed to die
Cracked through the skin Mi over my back, across
my ribs, arms, hands, limbs; feet badly swollen
toe-nail5 came of, finger nails dead and hard az n
bone; hair dead, dry, and lifeless as old straw. o
my God how I did suffer-
My sister. Mrs. f. I. Davis had a small mart
oil n box Of CUTICURA in the house. She wouldn't
give up; said, We will try CUT1cURAn Some
was applied on one hand and arm. Eurekai there
was relief; stopped the terrible burning sensa-
ton from the word go. They Immediately got the
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-04-03

REsOLvEyT, CUTICURA, and SOAP. commenced
by taking ono tablespoonful Of REsOLvEwr threa
times day, after meals; had bath once day,
water about blood heat; used CUTICURA Soar
freely; applied CUTICURA morning and evening.
Result: returned to my hOrie in just six weeks
from the time left, and my skin smooth this
sheet of paper HIRAM +. CARPENTER,
Henderson. Jefferson Co., ". z
Sworn TO before me this nineteenth day Of Janu-
airy, 1850. 4. NJ LEFFIyGwELL.,
Justice Of The Peace.
We hereby certify that we are acquainted with
the aforesaid Hiram f. Carpenter, and know his
condition 20 have been stated. We believe bis
statement TO be true in every particular.
l.. b. SIMMONS & Son, Merchants Henderson
q. A. THOMSON, Merchant Henderson, n. K.
A. A. DAVIS, Henderson, ". Y.
WILLARD T. JOINER, Merchant Henderson, N z.
JOHE CARPENTER. Henderson, v. Y.
A. VI. LEFFISGwELI., Attorney aud CounssEEor.
at LdlO. Henderson, v. Y.
In answer to yours of Jan. q, 1900 I have 70 say
am and have been in uniform good health for ths
several years that have passed since / first used
your CUTICURA REMEDIES I believe there IL No
remedy medicine prepared that viii compare
with them for the relief and cure Of obstinate skin
diseases. II. L. CARPENTER,
Henderson, Jefferson Co, n. z.
Jan u 1900
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-04-03
A DlsiInction and a DIfrtrence,
[Lippincotrs Ma0asine. I

Mrs. Brpdle-I must have some money to-
day, William. Pm going shopping.
Mr. Brindle lin surprise)-What do you want
with money!
Mrs. Brindle (ditto)-How can ! buy goods
without money!
Mr. Brinde-Oh, you're going to buy some
thing? thought you were only going shop
ping.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-04-03
Cuticura

Words can scarcely do justice to the esteem In
which these great skin cures blood purifiers. and
greatest OF humor remedies are held by the thou
sands upon thousands who have found them the
only source of immediate relief and OF speedy,
permanent, and economical cure of skin, scalp,
and blood diseases which have rendered life almost
uncomfortable.
CUTIcURA the great skin cure, instantly aIlays
the most agonizing itching and Inflammation
clears the skin and scalp Of every trace of disease
heals ulcers and sores, removes erusts and scales,
ana restores the hair. CUTTcURA SOAP the great
est OF skin purifiers and beaulifers indispensable
In treating skin diseases and baby humors Il pro-
duees the whitest clearest skin and softest hands
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-04-03
SCALY PSORIASIS 20 YEARS

n dutpnnfnl
thought BOdya
In the
Remedies n rmanentt dabs
Jan 27,
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-04-03
New Music.

Bring Sweet Flowers" This is Memorial
Day ode of more than usual merit The words
are by Comrado L. H. Bristow. the mnsic by
John Woolett. It is published, with piano ac-
compartment. By BigeIow & Main, 81 Randolph
street, Chicago. Price so cents.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-04-03

free from pimple, spot or bleruish- CUTICURA
REsoLvEEF, the new blood and skin purifier and
greatest of humOr remedies, eleanses the blood Of
all impurities and poisonous elements, and thus
removes the CAUSE Hence the CCTICURA RzSSz.
DIES cure every species Of agOnizng. humiliating.
itching, burning, sealy. and pimpy diseases Of Tho
skin, scalp, and blood. with loss Of hair and ali
humors, blOtehes, eruptions. sores, scales, and
crust5, whether simple. serofuous or contagious,
when the best physicians and all other remedies fail
Sold everywhere. Price, CUTICURA. Soc; soar,
25e.; REsoLvEST, ST. Prepared by the POrTxH
DRUG AND CHEMICAL Corporation, Boston.
s5-S Send for :" How 10 Cure Skin Diseases, n 50
pages. so illustrations, and 100 testimonials.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-04-03

For Old and Young.

BY FELIX T.. OSWALD, NJ, D.,
Author of Physical Education; Household
Remedies"; The Bible of Nature" etc.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-04-03

pIMPLES, black heads. red rough chapped and
Inl oily skin prevented by CUTIcURA SOAP
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-04-03
vErERANs IN TnE cIrY.

J. ". Moore. Co. Z. 18th Ohio, Leadville.
Colo. Comrade Moore is the present Com
mandeE of Garfield Post Of Ieadvile. aud was
ono Of the young soldiers who went ouC al the
first call for troops but left the army after tho
siege Of Vicksburg to accept an appointment
10 tho West Point Military Academy, where he
served until 1867. lie did not enter the Regu-
lar Army, for when he graduated the Army was
reduced. AMI lac went West aud has grown up
with the country. He is q prosperous business
man.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-04-03

QAQV0 Skin and Scalp purified and beautiied
DHOl " by CUTIcURA SOAP. Absolutely pure
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-04-03

The following nominations were sent TO the
Senate by the President last week
Pay Director Thomas ii. Locker to be Chief
Of the Bureau Of Provisions aud Clothing aud
Paymaster General with rank OF Commodore.
Medical Inspector Walter II. Scoled TO be a
Medical Director.
Inspector
Passed Assistant Engineer Henry Schuyler
Ross 10 be "a Chief Engineer.
Assistant Engineer George w. McElroy TO be
Passed Assistant Engineer.