davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-05-30

The humorous will Of DR.. Dunlop, of
Upper Canada, who died in the last CEN
tury, Is worth recording, though there is
spice of malice in every bequest it con-
tains. He left the following bequests:
To my eldest sister Joan, my five acre
field, to console her for being married to
man she is obliged to henpeck.
To my second sister Sally, the cottage
that stands beyond the said field with its
garden, because rs no one is likely to
marry her 1t will be large enough to
lodge her.
To my third sister Kate, the family
Bible, recommending her to learn as
much of its spirit as she already knows
Of Its letter, that she may become bet
ter Christian.
To my fourth sister Mary, my grand
mothers silver snuffbox, that she may
not be ashamed to take snuff before com.
pany.
To my fifth sister Lydia, my silver
drinking cup, for reasons known to her
self.
To my brother Ben, my books, that he
may learn to read with them.
To my brother James, my big silver
watch, that he may know the hour at
which men ought to rise from their beds
To my brother-in-law Jack, a punch
bowl, because he will do credit to it.
To my brother-in-law Christopher, my
best pipe, out Of gratitude that he mar.
ried my sister Maggie, whom no man of
taste would have taken.
To my friend John Caddell, silver
teapot, that, being afflicted with slat-
ternly wife, he may therefrom drink tea
to his comfort.
"Old Johns" eldest son was made leg
atee of silver tankard, which the tesla
tor objected to leave to old John himself,
lest he should commit the sacrilege of
melting it down to make temperance
medals.-Curiositie of the Search Room.
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-05-30
FlJlAN BREAD.
How tn. Natives Manipulate the Fruit of
the Breadfruit Tree.

How tn. Natives Manipulate the Fruit of
the Breadfruit Tree.
The first mention of the breadfruit re-
calls the mutiny of the Bounty, whose
mission was to transplant this tree from
Otaheite, as the early navigators called
it, to Jamaica. In his dangerous voyage
this Fijian group with gale raging at
his back. He passed canoe filled with
warriors, and as he hurried by the ma
tives stood up and pointed TO the loom
of land TO the southwark and shouted
"My-wollah," but what in the world
this may mean the man does not live
who can tell. Baked or boiled, the fruit
is starchy, somewhat sticky vegetable,
with no earthly resemblance to bread.
1t differs from the yam in that it may
not be preserved for future use, but in
its natural state must be eaten at once
Yet, preserved, it is, after peculiar dis
tressing fashion, not at all pleasant to
| the civilized taste.
The ripe fruit is stripped Of its sticky
rind and is grated on blocks of coral,
and when reduced to shapeless mass is
vigorously pounded with a pestle in
| mortar. While some are thus preparing
the pulp others are engaged digging pits
on the pebbly beach about half tide
level, each pit of about a bushel capacity
and lined with banana leaves. Each of
these pits is then filled with the pulped
breadfruit packed hard, the stones are
thrown back upon it, and little heap
marks the spot where the dainty is pre-
served, Twice every day the tides come
in and salty saturate the buried food,
twice every day for at least four months
for short Of the expiration of that time
the preserve is not considered at its best,
the limit in the other direction being
certainly not less than year.
As need for the food arises the pits are
opened, and then the reek of rottenness
spreads down the wind. The process of
preserving is but that Of decay aided by
the sea water, and it naturally results
that the preserve smells 10 the skies
when its repose is disturbed Little do
the Njians care for this smell, ON which
they have been nourished though to tho
last man their gorge would rise at cavi-
are or high cheese such as is in favor
with u.s. The fruit that went into the
pit as pulp comes out as thick custard,
and is nodded into little cakes of the size
of mans hand and, each wrapped in
banana leaves, is put into a pot and
steamed, After cooking the distinctive
odor appears to be redoubled, but the
cake is sweet and extremely pleasant TO
the taste if only the nose can be coerced
into giving over its lively repugnance to
that which goes beneath it to the mouth.
This is the madra nj viii, the Fjian
bread, which is everywhere eaten and
relished. Montreal Star,
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-05-30

SENDING A REPLY TO SANTA ANNA.
Gen, Taylor returned to the battlefield
next morning Wool was very despondent
and declared to his chief that 1t was all
over-the ground could not be held. "May
be so, general; we will see," Taylor re-
sponded. In speaking of the affair after
ward to an admirer who asked for de-
scription of the battle, he said that he
knew at the time that the situation was
pretty bad, and he wished for a couple Of
regiments more of regulars. He was aware
that Santa Anna had a very large force,
but he didn't stop to count the Mexicans"
Very early on the second day, the 23d,
the Mexican army advanced in three heavy
columns against Taylor's right and left
flanks and center, The fighting was ter
rife. Santa Anna made charge after
charge with infantry and cavalry, and was
received with showers of artillery missiles
and with bullets from riflemen, admirably
posted on the hillside. The Michigan ar
tillery could not be brought upon the field
for service, and Taylor's batteries COM
manded by Capts, Il. w. Sherman, Bragg
and John Marshall Washington, in part
made up for the disparity in numbers. In
this general assault the American center
and right stood firm, Taylor exhibited
himself everywhere with the utmost dar-
ing, to inspire his followers.
When the combined assaults of the enc.
my all along the line had come TO an end
he hurried TO the center, the key of the po-
sition, at the mouth OF gorge The white
horse which the general rode that day for
the first time In battle attracted the shots
of the enemy wherever he appeared. Dur
ing lull in the storm OF fighting, Taylor
sat with one leg over the pommel OF
the saddle, bullets flying all around, and
an aid suggested that the white horse he
was upon made him too shining mark
for the "greasers" "Well," said he cool
ly, ''the old fellow"-his new battle horse
-''Inissed the fun at Monterey. and ! want
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-05-30

We need not emphasize the many ex-
amples in which the identity of an ac-
cused person has been mistaken by
positive and honest witnesses. Those
who are old enough to remember the
trial of Webster for the murder of DR..
Parkman will recall that several wit
nesses Of the most perfect good fai iGh
swore very positively that they saw DR..
Parkman on Washington street, In Bos-
ton, at o'clock or thereabouts, on Satur-
day afternoon, when it was proved and
appeared afterward by Webster's con.
fession that DR.. Parlman had ceased to
live before noon of that day.
A singular case of mistaken identity
occurred not very long ago at the Old
Bailey court in London. A young man
was arraigned for a serious crime. II
was alleged that the crime was com
mitted on certain day, which we will
say was the 10th of March. A number
OF persons swore positively that the pris-
oner was the criminal, and very strong
web of evidence closed around him.
The identity at least seemed fully proved.
The prisoner, who defended his own
case, did not cross-examine the prosecu-
ton witnesses; and when the case
against him was closed, he announced
that he had no witnesses to call. He
simply requested the judge to order the
records Of the court for the 10th Of
March (the day on which the crime was
committed to be produced 1t then ap-
peared that on that very day he was
being tried at the Old Bailey for another
offense, of which, by the way, he had
been acquitted. This indisputable proof
Of perfect alibi, of course, put an end
TO the case against hinI, and he was at
once discharged. Green Bag.
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-05-30
BLOOMSBURY, Pa, FRIDAY MAY 80. 1890

without looking up:
81 will not press you further today
% Gertrude, but on Monday shall expect
to'be treated with more confidence. /
am expecting some one here on impor-
tant private business, so you may 20 at
once"
She made no answer, and could hear
her breath coming in short, quick pants
/ turned to look at her. She was stand
ing with parted lips and widely staring
eyes, her tear stained face tightly pressed
against the dingy window pane. took
her by the hand then she turned, utter
ing cry:
"Charlie, Charlie, my darlingr'
AT the moment she did so-in fact.
before the words left her lips-I was
conscious of the door opening, and that
my wife was there and must have heard
her with as much surprise as myself, and
even more horror. But before another
word could be said there was a rush
across the room, an ink pot, pen or
two, a sheaf of letters and typewriter
(the machine) were lying overturned
upon the floor, and typewriter Cthe
operator) had dashed into a small closet
where she kept her hat and cloak seized
them, and, almost upsetting my wife in
her flight, vanished down stairs, her
little heels Gathering in wild tattoo on
the stone tagged stairs Then scene
took place which was only the prelude
to the ordeal have spoken of. 1t was
useless form me to argue and aver that
was innocent myself, and as unaware of
any passion for me indulged in by nv
typewriter "a mere clerk, as repeatedly
saidD as l was of any insanity in her
family or in her individual constitution.
Now suppose the worst Of my misery
has been practically put an end to by the
following letter - not typewritten-
which ! have just received at the Office,
and am taking home to show my wife:
DEAR Mr.. JoHNsoS-I hope you did not think
me quite crazy when left you so abruptly on
Saturday, especially after your very kind conver
sation with me. The reason Of my anxiety and
sadness was that the man Lave been engaged TO
Tor TWO years was coming home from Australia
and his ship was much over due, owing TO the
gales. He never let me know he had arrived but
went straight to my home, and followed me to the
city to find your Office, where saw him from the
window, which was the cause OF my hurried exit
L shall not have to typewrite any more and
dare say you have discharged me; but you have
been so very kind to me that must come with
him, that we may both thank you personally, and
also remove the remains OF the typewriter think
shattered in my flight. When do come shall
be Mrs. Charles Webster Thanking you again
and again for your great kindness and sympathy
Yours very truly, GERTRUDE KING.
Well, there is her letter; it speaks for
itself, and must show it to my wife
and convince her Of my innocence. But
do wish it said little less about my
kindness; in this censorious world nat
ural humanity is liable to misconstruc-
tion.-True Flag.
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-05-30
Future of Electric RAILWAYS.

Capt. Griffin, in an address before the
Franklin institute, says that it is only a
matter of time, and that Of short time,
when electrical propulsion will replace
the horses on the majority Of our street
railways. 1t is matter of time, some
what longer time, perhaps, when it will
be the propelling power on all our ele-
waited roads, for the elevated road pos
sesses ideal conditions for the applica-
ton of electricity. 1t is within the
bounds of possibility that our steam
roads will be run with electricity, and
this power offers many advantages for
the suburban traffic in the vicinity Of
the large cities. The possible utilization
of hitherto neglected water powers will
be one of the factors in determining the
extension of electrical propulsion in this
direction. The New York elevated roads
are anxiously seeking solution to the
problem of how to enlarge their carry
ing capacity without rebuilding or ma
terially altering their superstructures.
Electricity offers the best solution.-New
York Commercial Advertiser.
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-05-30
CHARGE OF MEXICAN LANcERs.


were torn numerically by the double
charges OF grape that literally combed the
plains where those daring fellows rode as
fearless as the six hundred at Balaklava.
Seeing this, the Mexican infantry began to
waver Now" said Taylor TO Bragg,
whose battery stood near, "a leetle more
grape, captain"
A little more grape all along the line de-
cided the day. Twilight found the Mexi-
cans back in their tracks of the morning,
and Taylor held the battlefield
The Americans had won brilliant vic
tory, but they did not know it. The Mexi-
cans had left 500 dead and mortally wound
ed behind them on the battle ground, and
their repulse had been so unexpected and
so bloody withal that the high enthusiasm
which they had shown at the opening of
the campaign collapsed in perfect panic
of Generalization The true state of things
In the Mexican camp could not be known
at the American headquarters, however,
and some of Gen. Taylor's advisers coun-
seled a speedy retreat before Santa Anna
could recover from his stunning repulse
and gather vigor for another blow. Gen.
Thomas l.. Crittenden, Of Kentucky, who
was an aid on Taylors staff, Is authority
for the statement that Wool proposed that
the army retire to a new position in the
rear. Taylor responded, with his usual
readiness, "No / will never pass my
wounded while live"
The wounded were then being carried to
the rear by the painfully slow process of
stretcher bearing, and retrograde move
ment, to be of any value in the emergency,
must be so rapid that the wounded would
fall behind the troops and become prison
ers. Taylor did not retreat, and in the
morning it was discovered that the dictator
and his grand Mexican army of defense
had fed. The prestige of victory was to
the side that held the battlefield, and the
effect of Taylor's pluck was that Santa
Annals army deserted him.
The American loss was about seven hun
dred men in all. Santa Anna lost two
thousand killed and wounded, and large
numbers of his soldiers threw down their
arms when the battle went against them
and never returned to their ranks. Two
weeks after Taylor's victory at Buena Vista
Scott started on his campaign towards the
capital. Vera Cruz, the invincble, fell into
his hands on the Goth Of March, and not
until two weeks later, at Cerro Gordo, did
he meet Santa Anna, who now had moth
ing but militia with which to defend his
capital Scott pushed the hapless advent
urer from citadel to citadel, where, though
strong in natural advantages and fortifica-
tions, he was weak in troops.
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-05-30
IN GOOD TIME.

Outlines, in sunny morning hours,
The cheeriest season ever,
We say: This day must not pass ~
Without some grand ondcavor."
And this we mean from honest hearts
To make and not to shun IL;
But when the evening curtain falls,
Alasl we have not done II.
But we, perhaps, take up instead
Some little grievance gladly,
And magnify Its puny form
And gaze upon It sadly,
When, maybe, this faint, tiny spark
That we are hourly tanning
Is but part Of some good work
That God for us is planning.
There is wheel within wheel"
Albeit we little heed them,
And some machines need sharpened blades
And needle points to feed them.
And so 1t is, in this strange life,
Through which we journey blindly,
But when the needful knife probes deep
We do not take 1t kindly.
The time will come, for those who bear
Their Ills as Gods annointed,
When they shall read earth's mysteries
A time by heaven appointed.
Then let US calmly watch and wait
With trusting spirits ever,
Still carrying out from day to day
Some good and grand endeavor
Mrs. III. A. Kidder in New York Ledger.
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-05-30
A NOVEL COURT SCENE.
HOW cHlNAMEN ARE PUT UNDER
OATH TO TELL THE TRUTH.

The Ceremony Of Cutting or n Rooster's
Head Insurcs a witness veracity-The
Poor Birds Blood Was Burned--Quaint
Testimony OF the witness.
An interesting ceremony took place in
the recent trial of Chinese gamblers In
Philadelphia. Young Bung WAS called
to the stand. Mr.. Boyle asked that the
most solemn Of Chinese oaths be admin
istered, which was nothing else than the
decapitation Of a live chicken, and two
live Shanghais were brought in. Inter
prefer Chew spread strip of muslin In
front Of the witness stand and prepared
fire in one Of the tin cuspidors to burn
the rooster's blood. The fire was kindled
by means Of sticks. Judge Bregy warn
cd the audience to be seated, saying that
he did not want the witness to be affect
ed by any laughter. Mr.. Shapley re-
marked that before this business was
gone through he wanted to know wheth-
er this was solemn oath or merely an
incarnation. interpreter Chew said 1t
was binding on their conscience. "What
is the reason for the solemnity of this
oathY' he asked. "They believe that
everything has spirit, good or evil,"
was the reply. "After Chinaman cuts
off a ROSTERS head he believes that the
spirit will trouble him if he tells Ee."
The oath was read by the interpreter
to the witness, who repeated it after him
The words are: This day come here as
witness to tell the truth and not to give
evidence on one side My heart must be
clean. If don't tell the truth myself
and my whole family will die, and pro-
nounced it with my own mouth If tell
lie to help the gambling case, may l
die in the destruction of sinking down to
bottomless sea, and my stomach burst
open, and no ground to bury my body"
A large knife was handed the witness
and the rooster was thrown on the floor,
but Bung made a bungling job of it. In
his efforts to chop his head off he became
80 excited that his hand slipped and he
slashed Interpreter Chew. This was re-
peated when Chew tried to change the
chickens position. But finally the fowl
WIS killed and the blood burnt in the
spittoon. The second chicken shared
the same fate, and some mysterious signs
were made with the dead body. Among
the spectators were number of college
professors and the members of the Ori-
entail club.-American Law Review.
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-05-30
A Cunning Dog.

A good dog story is always appreciated,
because canine sagacity seems inexhaust-
ible in its resources. A Glasgow gentle
man owned very intelligent Newfound-
and dog, who accompanied his master
wherever he went, and was his INSOFAR
able companion In his visits and to
church. One evening the gentleman
went to visit a neighbor. The dog at
tended him. 1t was quite late when the
gentleman started for home and, to his
surprise, the dog could not be found.
After the family had retired there was a
great noise in the kitchen. It was supposed
that burglars were robbing the house.
Soon there was crash and smash like
the breaking of window, and then all
was still. The morning revealed the
mystery. The dog had fallen asleep
under the table. He had ,realized that
his master had gone home, and the noise
heard was the attempt Of the dog to
make his escape. AS there was no other
way to get out the sagacious animal
went through the window, taking the
glass and frame with him.
1t was long time before his master
visited that house again. When he did,
his dog accompanied him, and the ami
NAL found his way through the open
door of the kitchen to his old hiding
place under the table. When the mas
ter was about to start for home neither
his hat nor cane could be found. After
long search the dog was discovered fast
asleep under the table; one paw was on
his masters hat, the other resting on his
stick. How the dog obtained possession
Of those articles no one could tell. He
remembered his last visit to the place,
and how scurvily he had been treated.
The sagacious creature resolved not to
be left behind next time. He knew that
bis master could not go home without
the hat and stick, and that he would be
awakened when the owner got ready to
start. His plans were acutely laid, and
II he had been human he could not have
dome battar -ROato,, nuI.,ok
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-05-30

When | first arrived in New Zea-
land, said an Anglican bishop, "a Maori
chief came to me and said that he wish
ed to be baptized. | knew that he had
two wives, so told him that he must
first persuade one of them to return to
her family. He said he feared that would
be difficult; but that he would see what
could be done and come back to me in
two months. When he returned he ex-
claimed' Now, missionary, you may
baptize me, for have only one wife, /
asked; What have you done with our
dear sister, your first wifeY He replied,
smacking his lips Il have eaten her. ~
San Francisco Argonaut.
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-05-30

teSSlonal justification. The bravery and
daring of Taylor alone on the one side and
: the overweening confidence of the Mexican
leader, Santa Anna, on the other brought
about the conflict. The result undoubted-
ly placed the American arms in Mexico on
the road to triumph.
When the Mexican war began in earnest
Gen. Taylor was in command of the south
ern district of the western department,
charged with the defense of the Mexican
border, and had already fought his way to
Monterey, hundred miles southwest of
the Rio Grande, and was preparing to
march promptly into the heart of Mexico.
By reference to n map it will be seen that a
short route could be had by the invading
army from the coast at Vera Cruz to the
Mexican capital. Taylor advised the gov
ernment to send an army there also, and
thus divide the enemy. The troops under
Taylor were in two columns, one under his
personal leadership and another small di-
vision of 5000 new troops at Saltillo, west
of Monterey, under command of Gen. John
F. Wool. At the beginning of the year ls47
Taylor was at Victoria, about 100 miles
southeast of Monterey.
AT this time all the sea coast was in the
hands of the United States, and Gen. Win
field Scott, the ranking officer of the army,
was off Vera Cruz under instructions to
take supreme command and carry out the
plan of campaign from Vera Cruz to the
City of Mexico as had been suggested by
Taylor This route was up the steppes
where the Mexicans had taken every pains
to fortify against the invasion of their CAPT
tai, and Scott felt compelled to draw troops
from Taylor to strengthen his own COM
mand. After he had turned over his best
officers and men to Scott, Taylor repaired
20 GaIf 90 -, L.
division, and he then had under his com
mand in the valley of the Rio Grande n lit
tie army of 5,400 men. Only portion of
these had ever been under fire and but
about 500 were regulars ALI Mexico was
filled with enthusiasm, and the dictator
quickly gathered an army of 10000 of the
best troops for the national defense, and
marched to the valley of the Rio Grande to
expel the invader. Wool, at Saltillo was
isolated from all support, and Santa Anna,
with his overwhelming force, set out to
crush the little division of about 5000 men.
Taylor's remnant made junction with
Wool just when Santa Anna had passed
beyond San Luis Potosi, and old "Rough
and Ready" as his soldiers called him.
started out with his pitifully weak battal
ions to engage the enemy. Wool opposed
the desperate movement and after advanc
ing twenty miles the commander was in
duced by his lieutenant to return to a
mountain pass which the latter had dis.
covered at Angostura The place was an
other Thermopyle. A narrow causeway
between steep mountain spurs on the one
side and impossible watercourses and ra-
vines on the other was the only road by
which the Mexican army could march for
ward Taylor deployed his men on the
mountain spurs and on the crests of the
ravines. The artillery was admirably post
ed to protect the roadway and to sweep the
approaches over the plains in front.