davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07

Creature essentially sensitive, the cat re-
fleets not only the violent or passionate hap
penings that disturb him from without, but
he expresses intermediate impressions. often
quite diverse-apprehensio astonishment,
gayety, covetousness, iubilation, love OF gor-
mandizing, etc. Many friends of the cat
think that he really reflects. would not
swear that this pretension is we'll grounded,
but, perfectly convinced that the cat is re-
membering something when he txes upon
me his greenish eyes with so singular pro-
fundity, firmly believe that he thinks of
something he does not see, which is GER
tainIy an approach to reflection.
The cat would not pretend to the consid-
Grafton for varied services, self-sacri6ces and
fide 'ty in attachment that the dog merits,
but he remains, after all, a pleasant mess
mate, always amiable and for the observing
most interesting to study. That egotism
with which some candid persons reproach
him so bitterly is the eliminating point of
his temperament; he teaches US lesson that
we are not altogether without need of-that
it is possible to preserve with dignity even
in servitude some independence.
His pretended domesticity does not en-
barrass him in the least. He takes it up
and he lays it down. He considers himself
as q citizen in a republic represented by
your house; but as for accepting you as lord
and master, that is quite another matter.
If he considers you in the light of presi-
dent he will, quite justly, accord you the
consideration comporting with this title in
land of equality. No matter where fate
casts his lot, he is always at home. If he
shows partiality for the inhabitants of a
house, and especially for women, he does
not disdain to provoke their caresses. for his
calculating instinct teaches him that this is
a good investment.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07
Book Learning in Business.

In a recent interview with Mr.. Gould
there appears quiet sneer of contempt at
the advent of professional and book-learned
theorists in business affairs. Mr.. Gould at
tributes what he calls the failure of Charles
Francis Adams to manage the Union Pa
cific so that it would make money to his ap-
plying the methods of the schools to the
management Of this corporation. Mr.. Viii
lard was good deal such theorist and
book-learned fnancier as Mr.. Gould
describes Mr.. Adams to be.
Wizards associations have always been
with theorists, says the Philadelphia Press.
His newspaper organ. if indeed he is not the
owner of it, the EUenipg Post. is controlled
by men whose knowledge OF affairs is gained
solely from the books, and whose discussion
of events, financial and political, smack of
the library and treatises on political econ
omy. 1t is a TACT that every person who has
made success in railway management and
almost every one who has won victories in
financial fields began at the bottom. There
are some college-bred men who are doing
well in railway management, but in every
case they served an apprenticeship.
Mr.. Depew, though college-bred, and
though lawyer by profession, is no excep-
tion to this rule, for he is not este eemed
particularly brilliant railroad manager, and
his influence in solving the great problems
of the day is not very great, even in the or
ganizatIon of which he is the nominal head.
Every one of the great bankers of this city
began in the menial capacity of sweeping
out the bank, and every one of the railway
managers who is esteemed very great
power learned the business, not from the
books, but from the best of teachers-e1pe-
rience. Mr.. Gould's suggestion is equally
true in political matters.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07
A CALIFORNIA EQUIPPAGR.
The Early Western Vehicles, When spoked
Wheels Were Unknown.

Tho Early Western Vehicles, When Spoked
Wheels Were Unknown.
General B1dwen in December Century.J
at this time there was not in California
any vehicle except a rude California cart;
the wheels were without tires and were made
by telling an oak tree and hewing it down
till it made solid wheel nearly foot thick
on the rim and little larger where the axle
went through. The hole for the axle would
be eight or zine inches in diameter, but a
few years use would increase it to a foot
To make the hole, an auger, gouge or chisel
was sometimes used, but the principal tool
was an ak. a small tree required but little
hewing and shaping to answer Tor an axle.
These carts were always drawn by oxen, the
yoke being lashed with rawhIde to the horns.
To lubricate the axles they used soap (that
is one thing the Mexicans could make), car
rying along for the purpose big pail of
thick soapsuds, which was constantly put in
the box or hole; but you could generally tell
when California cart was coming half a
mile away BY the squeak,ng.
] have seen the families Of the wealthiest
people go long distances at the rate of 80
miles or more day. visiting in one of these
clumsy two-wheeled vehicles. They had
little framework around it made of round
sticks, anu a bullock hide was put in for
floor or bottom. Sometimes the better class
would have little calico Tor curtains and
cover. There was no such thing as a spoked
wheel in use then.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07

this is how it is to be done. Take, for in
stance. an arm, mark with q pencil at the
shoulder end of the arm, the exact spot
forming the axis of rotation; pierce hole
with pin at this point and put it through
the shoulder In the body. Bend mate h
stick at the center as much as possible with
out breaking and drop little melted seal
ing wax, Joining the two ligaments to the
arm and body respectively, making the part
forming the joint be in contact with the
pin. Do the same for the other limbs, re-
move the four pins and the figure is COM
plete. Now we have to give it lIle.
All that has to be done for this is to place
the side of the figure on which are the
matches in plate containing thin layer,
so to saw, of water. The best fbres Of wood
which have not been broken will swell by
means Of the moisture absorbed and will try
to regaia their rectilineal position. The
figure will then make series of abrupt
movements, which are very amusing. The
legs and arms will move apart as those do
which are moved by string. Be careful
to use only large, common match sticks.
The Swedish ones are impregnated with
parafne and would not move as required.
Any other figure will dance as well as the
clown,
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07
THE TWENTY-FIFTH CONGRESS.
A Question as to Who is the Sole Survivor Of
That Notable Body.

That Notable Body.
In regard to the interesting question
whether Judge Richard P. Marvin, OF
Jamestown,is is the only surviving member of
the Twenty-ffth Congress, an esteemed cor
respondent writes:
'Charles Gayerre, of New Orleans, where
he still resides, represented Louisiana in
the United States Senate in 1885,"
This is not quite accurate. says the New
York Sun. Judge Gayerre was elected in
1885 to the United States Senate, but he
to Europe, where ne remained for seven or
eight years, and Robert Carter Nicholas was
elected as Senator in his place. Judge
ana in the Senate, or serve with Judge Mar
vim in the Twenty-fifth Congress.
Is there any other survivor than Judge
Marvin of the distinguished body that in
cluded Clay, Calhoun and Webster, Tom
Benton, James Buchanan, John Crittenden,
Franklin Pierce and Silas Wright, and, in
the House, John Quincy Adams, Jonathan
Cilley, Thomas Corwin, Millard Fillmore,
James K. Polk, Joshua R. Giddings, Ogden
Hoffman, John p. Kennedy, Robert NJ. T.
Hunter, Sergeant S. Prentiss, Isaac Toucey,
and Henry A. Wise?
In that remarkable Twenty-ffth Congress,
besides the great Senatorial triumvirate,
there were not less than five statesmen who
either had been or afterward were Presi-
dents of the United States, namely, John
Quincy Adams, James X. Polk, Mlllard
Fillmore, franklin Pierce, and James
Buchanan; and so far as we have ascer-
tanned, the venerable Judge Marvin, of
Chautauqua, is the sole survivor.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07
Can't Fool Kentuckians on Whisky.

A Washington official resurrected an old
story for Post reporter the other day which
concerns Senator Blackburn and the late
Senator Beck. A friend of theirs, knowing
that all Kentuckians are fond of good Bour-
bon, is said to have sent the Senators a
whole barrel of the best whisky that the
State could afford. 1t was a prime article,
and when the barrel was tapped and the
Senators had sampled it they pronounced it
fine, but each of the gentlemen declared that
there was slight taint in the taste.
81 am of the opinion that it tastes of
iron," said Mr.. Beck.
81 do not agree with you," replied Mr..
Blackburn. According. to my taste some
body has dropped small piece of leather in
the barrel"
AS time wagged on the contents of the bar
rel were consumed, and when at last the
barrel had been emptied with the aid of a
hundred or two of the friends of the Sena-
tors, Mr.. Beck is declared to have insisted
On having the barrel opened, with view of
determining whether he or his colleague
was right. So the barrel was mashed all to
pieces, and after diligent search q carpet
tack was found. Mr.. Beck was right
There was taint of iron, and his friends
admitted that his taste was decidedly acute.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07
Intoxication by Ether.

We can bear out from personal observa-
tion, says the London Lancet. many of the
statements which are now going the round
OF the public press in reference to the habit
of ether drinking in some parts of Ulster;
for, in fact, some of the paragraphs are
nothing more than copies of what have been
reported in years gone by. The practice
came into use about the year 1S41-42, and
was at first kind of reaction against the
great temperance movement which had been
inaugurated by Father Mathew. Ether, at
that time of the ethylic type, probably not
very pure, was substituted for whisky; and
the habit, commencing in or near to Drapers
Town and spreading over a small surround
ing area, is continued up to the present day.
The order of drinking, as witnessed during
o visit to the district named, is singular.
The ether purchased at open shops and at
stores was doled out in wine glasses. The
drinker first washed out his mouth with a
Graught of cold water and after that tossed
off wine-glassful of ether "nate," as it was
said, drinking 1t quickly, almost at gulp.
Both men and women took part in this in
duigence, and were speedily brought into a
state of intoxication more or less complete.
The intoxication differs from that produced
by alcohol. 1t is more rapidly induced and
more rapidly dispelled; in fact, the effect of
one dose may be developed and cleared off
in Is or 20 minutes. The delirium is sharp;
the stupor, for brief period, deep; and the
excitement so long as it lasts, hysterical.
OF late years the use of the cheaper
methylated ether has taken the place, to a
considerable extent, of the ethylic variety,
and some think with more injurious effects;
but on this point there is no evidence strictly
Trustworthy.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07
In THE FELINE FACE.
Tabby Expresses His Emotions BY
Variations of Countenance.
STUDIES THAT ARE FAMILIAR.
Moral Qualities and the Independence Of
the Household Pet.
A BETTER ACTOR THAN The DOG

Nature compensates animals for the mar
row limits imposed upon their use of the vo-
cal organs BY bestowing upon them the fac
ulty of expressing by their visual organs the
impressions they experience, the sensations
they obey. Mans eye has been called the
mirror of his soul; not less characteristic
are the revelations in the eye In the animal
world.
This visual language is found to greater
or less degree in all animals, says writer
in the New York Herald. In herbivoro US,
domesticated creatures, upon which we I'M
pose Lie Of inaction and drepose, and whose
cravings are unimportant and easily salts
fled, the faculty is quite restricted. Their
eye, ordinarily gloomy, with almost touch
of melancholy, is scarcely capable OF any
thing but rage or griei.
Far more eloquent are the eyes of carniv-
orous animals, which are subj ect to more
numerous passions. Nevertheless, contrary
to general opinion, I do rot consider the dog
to be the most richly endowed OF this class.
Fidelity in love being his strongest charac-
teristic, his expression bespeaks above all
else tenderness. L believe that our own
species would have to be searched to dis
cover look of. passionate self-denial COM
parable to that in dogs eyes, but the dog
makes use OF it on too many occasions.
Beaten, his eyes are still saying 81 love
you" while cringing beneath the hand that
chastises. Then, too, the dogs eye is ire
queutly stupid, vacant.
Never so with the cat. At any rate it is
to so small q degree that we are wont to
think that the feline is soberly phllcsophiz-
ing on some occult theme when, with eye
lids widely distended, it gazes by the hour
fxedly into the warm ashes before which it
is ensconced.
Its expression has only in very excep-
tional cases the tender quality which we
have seen so prodigiously developed in the
dog. To make up for it the range of the
cats expressionable sensation is widely en-
larged, as may be seen from a series Of
studies of cat faces by +. De Cherville,
reproduced from ILLUSTRATION, of Paris.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07
The Worst Of All Poisons.

have helped in very large number of
poisoning cases says DR.. o. A. Hortwig in
the St. Louis Globe Democrat. and sue
ceeded in defeating the intentions of several
would-be suicides, but, until quite recently,
1 never had a case, nor, indeed, heard of
one, in which a man or woman who had Sc
lected the rough on rats route to eternity
recovered under. medical treatment A
young lady was saved week or two ago
after she had taken a small quantity of this
peculiar poison, but her suferings were e1-
cruciating, and she may never fully recover.
There is hope after almost any poison except
rough on rats has been taken if a physician
is summoned promptly, but there is some
thing in this vermin-killer which
seems to defy medical skill. This is prob
ably due to the presence of arsenic and cor
rosive sublimate or phosphorus. At any
rate, 1t is absurd to place restrictions on the
sale of polsons, SO called, and yet let this
deadly compound be sold practically. with
out precaution or limit.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07
Superstition in Russia.

The widow of church beadle died in q
village in the Governments of Penza, Russia,
having expressed the desire that her re-
When the grave of the latter was opened the
coffin was not found. On investigation it
was discovered that the peasants oil the vii
lage had stolen the body of the dead beadle
and sunk it in q swamp. There had been a
drought in that district last year, and the
peasants believed that if they sunk the body
OF righteous man in water rain would
come. The superstition is prevalent among
the common people in that region.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07
OF AFRICAN DISCOVERIES.
Some Illustrations in Which Due Merit and
Credit Should be Given.

some Illustrations in Which Due Merit and
Credit Should be Given.
The history of African geographical dis
coveries, for more than 80 years past. says
the Illustrated Ne,Cs of the World, is topic
so wide and so complex that in mere passing
alIusions one cannot enumerate all the ac-
tions of merit. In our recent memoir of the
late Sir Richard Burton, it was stated, and
justly, that he was the first European trav-
eler who reached Lake Tanganyika, accom-
panied by Speke. but that Speke first discov-
cred Lake Victoria Nyanza, which was after
ward explored by Speke and Grant, while Sir
Samuel Baker was the discoverer of Lake
Albert Nyanza, and of its outlet in the
White Nile. But the river called the Vic
toria Nile, which connects the Victoria Ny
ANA Lake with the Albert Nyanza and the
White Nile, was first explored. in 1874, by
Colonel Chaille Long, Chief Of the Staff to
General Gordon.
From Urodogani and from Nyamvongo,
where Captain Speke was stopped IL years
before. Colonel Long descended this river by
canoes to below M'rooli, discovering the
Gita' Nzige Lake and Lake Koia 90 Ibra-
him, and proving its connection with the
Nile. This important geographical discov-
cry is attested by letter OF General Cor
don's, and General Longs merits ought not
to be forgotten.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07
Habits of the Drummcrs.

A statistically inclined drummer of st.
Louis recently distributed a set OF questions
along his route, aud from a careful compila'
ton of answers received found that 73 per
cent of customers, IS per cent of railway
conductors and 80 per cent of hotel proprie-
tors would join him in q social glass.
have followed up his line of inquiry, says
another, and have arrived at the following
conclusions: Despite all the temptations
which our pomadic habits offer, only 60 per
cent of our number indulge in the inebriat-
ing cup, our favorite beverage being beer.
Ninety-fve per cent OF the fraternity use to-
bacco in some form, and but 25 per cent can
play cards. The favorite game is poker,
within a 10-cent limit. OF our merchant
friends, about 20 per cent invite us to &C.
company them to the theater, and per cent
urge us to attend church. Thirty per cent
OF our number refuse to take orders on Sun
day, while 50 per cent Of our customers in
terpose NO objections to the purchase of
goods on that day.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07

See, the door-bell has sounded; pussy
hears an unusual noise on the stairway, and
his gravity is overcome. Who can have
come at this unusual hour? Can it be a
windfall, or is it danger? Tabby is not ig-
norant that both Of these count for as much
in cats life as in the lives of men, and
that wisdom commands readiness to profit by
the one, to turn the tables on the other. He
crouches for a spring with kind of anxiety;
he arches his conch-like ears-so sensitive
that he can hear mouse's footballs in finest
sand-the tips advanced to catch the slight
est vibration; his diiated pupils never leave
the direction where the noise comes from,
and he waits
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07


"You know 1 have been in the newspaper
business a long time, and was never known
to shirk, not even during riot or blizzard, I"
says an old timer in the st. Louis Republic.
well, 1 came very near tossing up the
pencil few nights ago. 1t was very cold
and had to call on Bishop - in refer
ence to some church matters. Taking a car
downtown 1 soon reached the street on
which the Bishop lived. 1t was Just strik-
ing the hour of II. But had to see the
Bishop. Well sir, hunted for the number
in the dark for some time. Not finding it,
waited to see il could meet some straggler
who lived in the neighborhood. Pretty
soon along came a nicely dressed young
fellow in a rather mellow condition. /
asked him if he lived in the neighborhood
and he said yes. The truth is the young
man was none other than the Bishops son.
He told me in a semi-articulate way that he
would 60 up to his fathers room and speak
with him about the matter In question.
Reaching the outer door he unlocked it
and asked me to walk in. 1 stepped in, he
opened the second door, and went into the
house. Both doors were now locked. The
gas had been turned of. We hunted for q
match in vain. Well, the young fellow
left me in darkness, uttering a drowsy
promise TO return soon. nearQ MIN staSger
up the stairs all right. He went back sew
eral PAGES until could detect his footsteps
no more. He failed to return. ! believe he
fell asleep and forgot all about me. 1 stood
there for about 10 minutes, not knowing
what to do.
II made modest noise. No result. A
more decided noise. The same result. 1
began to walk about, purposely humping
against the furniture. Then something
happened. heard hoarse voice shout:
Throw up your hands or you are dead
man.
"Up went my hands like shot.
"Whiz, bang, bang-three bullets ratified
over my head. Thought my time was up.
do you know, it seems as if L lived my
whole life over in the few minutes was
standing there. When the gas was lighted
the first person I saw was big burly negro.
The shots brought the Bishop out in his
gown and his young son with him. Ex-
plantations followed. The house had been
robbed few nights before and tine negro
had been placed in the basement to watch.
He fell asleep. Ny walking about aroused
him. He came upstairs and seeing my
shining hat, which had forgotten to take
of, he banged away at it. 1 secured the
interview, bought a new hat the next day
and vowed never to wait in dark hall, no
matter who owned the house"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07
Matching Out Bananas.

Few know how bananas sold from hand
carts are ripened, says the st. Louis Globe
Democrat This business is almost exclu-
sively in the hands of Italians, who buy the
punches when they are green, as they are
cheaper when in that condition than after
they have been ripened by time. The pur-
chaser then proceeds to apply the forcing
process. The bananas are cut from the CEN
tral stem and laid in layers ou a mattress.
A blanket is then thrown over them and the
owner makes this his couch. A man with a
large and corpulent family has distinct
advantage over his rivals in trade, as he can
hatch out great many more ripe bananas
from the green fruit than one who has only
himself TO depend on.
The process is much more rapid than the
usual method of allowing the fruit to hang
until it is in proper condition. When sales
are brisk have known Italians to keep
their families in bed all day. rlpening their
stock in trade. Some experts claim TO be
able to tell by the odor whether fruit has
been ripened by Italians, but this has al
ways appeared to me to be without adequate
proof
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07
Heine on the Ghost Dance.

Cincinnati Enquirer.l
1t is probable that those Sioux warriors
never read the German poet Heine; but
here, for their especial benefit. is presented
one Of his most famous passages:
Gayly the ghost song goes ringing about
And now the old harper himself steps out;
Time was when my song was waking.
The end of my song is come,
When the heart within is breaking
'Tis time for the songs to 90 home"
All of which means that, now the whisky
ID gone, the ghost dance will come to speedy
end.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07

only is visible, Tabby watches attentively
the goings and comings OF his enemy. II
his countenance is refractory in the expres-
sion OF the Sc ntiments of affection which he
is capable of feeling, his wrinkles, his
threatening eye, speak clearly repugnance
and rancor for the person below. who is
putting away in the icebox the meat he has
brought.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07

In the first cut Tabby is in repose. He
has just played some sly game and you must
remember the passion for play is the iavorite
sin of his kind. His countenance still
shows the effects OF the pleasing sensations
he has been experiencing; he is wide awake
even rebellious, expressing vaguely regret
that the amusing distraction has come to IN
end, and at the same time expectancy for
what the next moment may have in store.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-07
Tho London Clearing House.
3entieman's Magazine.l

The daily average at the London Clearing
House for 1888 amounted to e22, 25o. 900. II
these transactions for single day were set
tied in coin, it would require ITS tons of
gold or 2,7s1 tons of silver, while probably
the documents actually used did not weigh
mere than hundredweight