davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13
The History of Foot Ball.

The game of football was known in
England prior to 1175, but it was neve.
regarded with favor by the law, and in
the reign of Edward III. (1365) an act
was passed forbidding it. During the
reign of Richard II. (1SSS) similar law
was enacted. and again, under the
Scotch Kings, James 1. (142D and II.
t1457), it was ''decreeted and ordained
that the foote-ball and collie be utterly
.ryed down and not to be used In
l47l James Ill, and in 149l James ~.
passed similar statutes. James i. OF
England also opposed it in his 'Basili-
kon Doron." He writes: From this
court l debarre all rough and violent
exercise, as the football. meeter for
lameing than making able the users
thereof" And in the reign of Eliza
beth, his predecessor, true bill was
found against sixteen persons for play
ing the unlawful game.-Boston Budget
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13
AN EDUCATED SEAL.
He PERI ,rms Feats That WOult Make q
Trained Dog Ashamed of Himself.

He PERI Feats That WOuli Make q
Trained Dog Ashamed of Himself.
The Republique Franchise gives q
long account of the life and adventures
Of a singularly learned seal that ha.
just made his debut in Paris at the Fer
nando circus. This seal, it appears,
came from Russia when he was quite
young, having been sent to fish
monger in Orleans. Instead of killing
him and selling him in pieces to his
customers the fishmonger took compass
sion on the queer little animal and made
a household pet of him. At the end Of
six years Phopho, as the seal is called,
grew to be a big, fat fellow. He always
came when he was called, and cheerful
~ gave his paw, or rather, his ripper,
to every body that he was introduced to.
In addition to this evidence of good
breeding, he displayed remarkable
talents and skilfully performed feats
that would make an imperfectly edu
Gated terrier ashamed Of himself. When
the fishmonger decided to leave Orleans
for Paris, he. of course. brought his pet
along with him, placing him in large
water tank and sending him as
freight with the inscription live fish"
When he arrived in Paris he had to con-
slider the difficulties of finding lodging
for himself and the strange member of
his family. Seals have often been ex-
hibited in large aquariums, but to get
accommodations of that description for
Phopho was something altogether be-
yond the financial reach Of the fish
monger. So he hired apartments in a
hotel in Montmartre, including room
for Phopho, adjoining the one in which
he lived with his wife. Phopho's bed
chamber is furnished with water tank,
and that is all. In this way the happy
family are able to continue the pleasant
mode of life which Was commenced five
or six years previous in Orleans. On
fine days the seal tramps along at a
lively flip-fap gait portion of the dis
lance between his boarding house and
the Fernando Circus, where he is exhib-
tied. On wet days, strange enough, he
insists on being taken in carriage. He
has a horror of rain. He is already
quite q pet with the gamins of the
neighborhood, who were at first greatly
surprised to find that he preferred fish
to candy. At the circus he rides horse
and q velocipede, and also performs
upon trapeze made specially for him
SELF Montmartre is justly proud Of
this wonderful seal, and every body
wishes him long life and prosperity.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13
FACTS ABOUT AMBERGRIS
The Essential characteristics of This Val
liable Marine Phenomenon.

The Essential characteristics of This VAL
liable Marine Phenomenon.
The word ambergris is French, and
signifies gray amber; but by whom Or
when first applied to this marine phe-
cover
The scientific explanation of the nat
ure of ambergris is that it is the prod
uct of some disease in the sperm whale
analogous to gall stones. 1t is found
sometimes in the intestines of the Great
ure, but more frequently is found. after
expulsion, floating on the surface of
tropical seas. 1t floats in masses which
have spreckled-gray appearance, and
mixed with which are generally found
some remnants of the known food of
whales.
The best quality of ambergris is soft
and waxy, but it is said not to be uni
form i'll color. The streaky or marked
specimens are preferred. 1t is Opaque
and infiammab BILE. remarkably light as
to specific gravity, as may be under
stood from its always keeping the sur
face, and it is rugged to the touch.
Most of what comes into the market is
found near the Bahama islands, but it
Is also found at the Moluccas and other
parts of the Indian ocean, of portion
of the coast of South America, and
sometimes floating on the Atlantic
ocean.
The essential characteristic OF amber
girls is it's powerful and peculiar odor.
1t is so peculiar, that art has never been
able to initiate it, although the scarcity
and enormous price of ambergris has
lent every stimulus to invention. 1t is
so powerful and diffusive that the very
minutest quantity is perceptible in the
most fragrant perfumes.
The chief component Of ambergris is
a fatty matter called ambrein, which is
obtained by boiling in alcohol. This
ambrein-and there is said to be about
eighty-fve per cent of it in the best
ambergris-is whatgives tits value, for
it is in this Ingredient that the perfume
lies.
There is another popularity ascribed
to ambergris, and that is the power to
exalt the flavor and perfume of other
substances with which it is brought into
combination. Thus, grain or Swo
rubbed down with sugar is often added
to hogshead of wine. giving percep-
tible and, what is considered by some,
an improved flavor to the whole. And
small particle of ambergris added to
other perfumes is found to exhalt the
odor of the blend.
In fact, ambergris is too dear to use
alone, and it is sodear that it is one of
the most adulterated articles known to
chemists. 1t is adulterated by those
who export it and in the countries in
which it is used.-Chambers' Journal.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13
EVAOING THE QUESTION.
How a Little Girl Upset Emperor Will
Jams EQuanimity.

Jams Equanlm1ty.
During stay of Emperor William l.
of Germany at the fashionable water
ing place of Ems, that monarch paid a
visit to large orphan asylum ano
school that was under government pat
ronage. The presence of so distin
guished parsonage created quite sen
sation in the establishment. After
listening with much interest to the reel
tations of several Of the classes, his
Majesty called to him bright, fiaxen
haired little girl of five or six years OF
age, and, lifting her into his lap, said tc
her:
'Now, my little Fraulein, let me sec
how we'll you have been taught. Te
what kingdom does this belong? And
taking out of his pocket an orange, he
held it up to her.
The little girl hesitated moment,
and, looking timidly up in the Empe
ror's face, replied:
ITO the vegetable kingdom"
every good, my little Fraulein; and
now to what kingdom does this belong?'
And he drew out of his pocket a gold
piece and placed it on the orange.
Again the little girl hesitated, but
soon replied:
'To the mineral kingdom"
"Better and BETTER" said the EN-
peror. "Now look at me, and say to me
to what kingdom belong"
At this question, there was an ominous
silence among the teachers and visitors
who were listening with much interest
to the royal catechism. Could she make
any other reply than "To the ANNA:
kingdom?" The little girl hesitated
long, as if perplexed as to what answer
she would give. Was the Emperor ar
animal? Her eyes sought those of hel
teacher and her schoolmates. Then she
looked up into the eyes of the aged EN-
peror, and, with a half-startled, fright
ened look, as if she were evading the
question, replied:
'TO the kingdom of heaven"
The unexpected answer completely
upset the equanimity of the old gentle.
MANN. Y. Ledger.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13
MEN WHO FASClNATE,
Female Views on the Fellows Who Hav
Winning Ways.


Winning Ways.
"And would you marry the sort OF
man who faScinates you?"
"Yes, indeed. don't think there are
any of them good enough, so there's not
much choice, and you are more apt to be
happy with the man who fascinates YOU
to the extent of making you forget his
faults than with the one who has so few
faults and Is SO moral he just isn't any
thing else.''
It'll tell you the kind of man I call
fascinating" said right chatty married
lady with well-established opinions at
Is the one who always says the courte-
GUS, agreeable thing, whether he means
1t or not. The one who helps you out of
a street car as if you were a princess
royal. The one who continually piques
your curiosity by making you feel that
he is keeping something back, and that
never really allows you to believe that
you know all about him. / like him to
be cultured in the broadcast sense, to
have travelled and read and thought so
much that he has something to say, and
with authority, on all subjects, and vet
who pays you the most subtle of all
compliments by occasionally referring
to your opinion or asking your indorse.
ment of his views"
1.-The man call fascinating" said a
girl with reputation for possessing all
the destinations belonging to women, as
well as understanding those peculiar to
men, lis the big, manly, strong, gentle
one / don't admire that detestable
creature known as the male fiirt, but
one who, when thrown with a person of
the opposite sex, makes her feel, for
the time being at least, that she is the
only woman in the world worth talking
ton. Y. Evening Sun.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13
There is a species of acacia which

There is species of acacia which is
commonly called the angry tree. 1t
reaches the height of eighty feet after a
rapid growth and somewhat resembles
the century plant. One of these curious
plants was brought from Australia and
set out at Virginia, New, where it has
been seen by many persons. When the
sun sets the leaves fold up and the
tender twigs coil tightly. like little
pigs tail. If the shoots are handled the
leaves rustic and move uneasily for a
time. If this queer plant is removed
from one pot to another, it, seems angry,
and the leaves stand out in all directions
like quilts on porcupine- A most pun
gent and sickening odor, said to resem-
Bile that given off by rattlesnakes when
annoyed, fills the air, and it is only after
an hour or 80 that the leaves fold in the
natural way.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13
AMERICAN HISTORY.
As Yet There Is No Satisfactory History Of
the United States.

As Yet There Is No Satisfactory History OF
the United States.
Of more Importance than is generally
supposed is the American Historical AS
ISOLATION. Its membership comprises
many of the best known literary men in
this country, and they are carrying on
labor of love with great zeal and re-
markable success.
1t is lamentable fact that this coun-
Try, which has done more to shape mod
ern history than all others combined,
which is new and successful expert
nent contrary to all human experience,
Is without a satisfactory record of its
OWN history. Many admirable books
nave been written on the subject, but
none do more than faint justice to it.
Bancroft's history is rich in colonial
lore, but even that is incomplete.
History has not received proper atten-
hon in this country until within de-
cade. Previous to our centennial year
there were few colleges that maintained
chair of history, and the attention
paid to this most important branch of
study was very slight. One of two in
different text books were used, with
occasional lectures, but the student who
desired to learn any thing about history
was obliged to rely on such resources as
the college library afforded without any
assistance from his professor.
Of recent years this has been changed.
Every frst-class educational institution
has chair of history, and history is
ID NJ WI 0f fhn
lum. The study of American history
has received an impetus from many
directions. The Smithsonian Institute
is doing great work in the prehistoric
period. Antiquarians are delving into
Libraries and public records in search of
facts instead of taking as truth many
legends of the colonial period which are
based on very slim foundations.
The association referred to is doing
great work by interesting our best men
in the subject. The result is that mate
rial is accommodating rapidly, so that be-
fore many years an American history can
be written which will adequately deal
with the subject. The genius of Macau-
lay is needed to handle it. but there is
no reason to doubt that in due time the
man will arise who can perform the task
successfully.
The study of history is, perhaps, the
most important duty of an American.
We can not expect to survive as Nation
unless we know how to escape those
evils which have destroyed other peo-
pies. The past is the guide for the
future, as to what we should do as we'll
As what we should not do, and every
movement that stimulates study OF
our own general history should be en-
,ouraged. Inquirer.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13
"a LITTLE NoNsENsE.''
lin times like these the doctor skilled
His hopes Of curing offers,

I'm times like these the doctor skilled
His hopes Of curing offers,
His pockets are with money filled
Drawn from the publc's coughers.
Washington Capital.
This is somewhat of a Irvine
trust" said the young man as his best
girl wound her arms about his neck to
whisper sweet nothings in his large left
ear.-Kearney Enterprise.
-Papa-'.If 1 have to speak to you
again I'll whip you" The Terror-"Say,
papa, what did you have little boy for
If you can't get along any better with
him than you do?"-Philadelphia In
auirer.
-Newly-Accepted Suitor-''Well, Bob
by, you will have new uncle soon; am
your Aunt Mary's choice for a husband"
Bobby surprised -"Well, that's strange.
I heard her tell mamma. only yesterday,
thatyou were Hobson's choice. Life.
The only man whose melancholy
trip to the bottom of the sea ever stirred
the sympathies of the people as much as
Dan McGinty was the lamented Pharaoh,
who went down in his best Sunday cha
riot some thousands of years ago.-Chi-
cago Tyre.
Tramp you give me permits
sion, lady, to go into your barn to com
init suicide?" Lady (filled with pity
Poor man! Here's piece of mince-pie
for you" Tramp-''Thank you, marin,
but I've got some Rough on Rats that
will do just as we'll. IN. Y. Sun.
Mrs. Dolliver Ito the new girl)-
"Noreena, throw this water out of the
window; but be sure you look out. (Ten
seconds later.) What's the matter?"
Noreena-'I looked out, Mum, and l
saw the water go all over as fine gen.
leman as you'd care to meet. Puck.
First officer-"What's wrong wild
him, Jimmy? Can't yer lift him?" Sec
ond officer-''Not a hair can 1 move
him." Party who has fallen-'Its no
use, gentlemen; you might just as well.
leave me. I've been at the West-side
,ooking-school dinner, and ate four
amateur doughnuts. Judge.
out West?" said one travelling man who
was conVerSlng with another In rem1-
aiscent vein. Every we'll" ''He was a
high strung fellow" "He was when l
last saw him." "What do you mean?"
"a vigilance committee had taken
charge of him. Merchant Traveller.
Lucy tagged eleven, who is reading a
paper)-'It is perfectly DREADFUL" Fa-
ther-"What's dreadful, Lucy?" Lucy
-"Another faithless wife, the mother
Of six children, runs off with a married
man, who leaves large family behind.
Dear me, if this doesn't stop pretty soon,
there will not be any parents left
Texas Siftings.
Guest at eating house (grumblingly)
-"Bring me some reed birds. Seems to
me fifty cents is good price for them.
though" Waiter-"Yes, sab. Reed
birds is expensive. They are hard to
get, sab, and we have to bring 'em q
long distance" behind the screen
some minutes later ''Lively, now.
Hurry up them English sparrows."-
Chicago Tribune.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13
Paid for Wearing Fine Clothes.

A prominent tailor having noticed the
article regarding the probable establish
ment here of dress suit department for
rcnt, said: There is another new dodge
now being introduced in Western cities;
most of the leading houses employ so
ciety young men to introduce their new
styles. Do you not hear people wonder
where this and that young man. who is
known to work for small salary, gets
bis money to buy so many fine clothes.
This explains the matter, for whenever
new style shoe, hat, suit Of clothes,
necktieS, etc, ETC., comes out these
young men don them at once and pay
therefor by systematic plan of adver-
Using. These men not only get their
clothes, but many receive good salary
besides" This is what you might call
travelling on ones shape and living on
it, too.-St. Joseph Herald.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13
National Airs and Songs.

! The author of the National song Hail
Columbia" was Joseph Hopkinson, a
distinguished American jurist, born in
Philadelphia November 10, ITO. died
there January Is, 1S42. He is now best
known as the author of Hail Colum-
bia," which he wrote in 1798 for the
benefit of an actor named Fox, after an
air entitled 1.-The Presidents March, I"
composed by German named Feyles in
1889. The origin of Yankee Doodle"
is uncertain. BY some the tune has
been traced back for two hundred years
to England. 1t is believed to have made
its first appearance in America in 1875,
when it was introduced into the Ameri.
can camp by DR.. Richard Shuckburg. OF
the British army.-Chicago Inter-Ocean-
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13
The daily rations of a pair of os-

The daily rations of pair OF os-
triches on the Fallbrook farm in San
Diego County, Cal, are forty pounds Oh
beets for breakfast and for dinner a
gallon or two of grain. For dessert the
birds are given bits OF bone. Gail
Hamilton, the pride of the farm, is two
years old and stands nine feet i've
inches high.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13

MIR. Tootles (who has been scolded
by his wife for being out late)-"If you
don't like it, my dear, why don't you
do?" Mrs. Tootles-..No; I won't strike,
but you'll find there'll be lock out
some night. "-Munsey's Weekly.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-06-13

The woman who never said ST told
you 20" il entitled to . monument
Minneapolis Journal.
The Forrest City times., 1890-11-08

Dyspeptics are ever hopeless. They seek relief from their distress of stomach and liver. and find it not Indigestion. heartburn, vertigo. extreme lassitude. loss of energy, etc, is the bane of their existence, and mars ihe complacent fesl-
 ngs of others around the iircsidc. Why won't dyspcptics come and be cured. IL can be done. There is one sure way of strengthening tie digestive organs and removing every sympton of general de bility caused thereby. But this cannot: be doue by the taking of pills and other cathariic mixtures. Such treatment, while seeming to give temporary relief Ut first, iu the end aggravates the disease ana increases the suffering, for it is like whipping q tired horse, il irritates and urges. but the strength to move at last gives out entirely. Thousands of former dyspeptics are now happy in health and strength of stomach brought about by the use Of the finest of healing and tonic alternatives known as Dr. Bulls Sarsaparila. the condensed virtue of many excellent herbs It is the biggest and the best Sarsaparilla sold.
The Forrest City times., 1890-11-08
Standard Remedies.

"Is this the hestpM Is question skei often when medicine is waat-d The following are few of the medi- zines of known reliability sold by II . Evans & Co, druggists. They have many other excellent medicines. but these are worthy of especial nieution:
 Chamberlaili's Cough Remedy, fa- mous for it's cures of severe colds and as preventative for croup. Price % cents per bottle.
 Chamberlain 's Pain Balm, a general family liniment. and especially yalu- able for rheumatism. Price 50 cents per bottlo.
 Chambellain's Collie, Cholera and Diarrl1a Remedy. the most reliable Snown medicine Tor bowel complaints. !, is especially prized by persons sub i-et to colic. IL has cured many cases fl chronic diarrhra. Price 25 and 50 cents per bottle.
 St pat,ick's Pills, for disorders of tae liver and bowels. X vigorous but xtatle physic that c'eanses and reno ystes the whole system. Price % cents per hox
 Cllambeisain's Eye and Skin Oint-
 nt. for letter, salt rheilm, scald- 0ead. eczema and chronic sore eyes. < h's so cents per box.
The Forrest City times., 1890-11-08
M e etlng of the Teachers Associa-
 ton, Saturday.

| Meeting of the Teachers Associa- ton. Saturday. The first regular meeting of the St. Francis County Teachers Association was held in the Chrisco hall on Satur- day, Oct 9. Despite the fact that but a few of the teachers were present, the interest manifested by those who were present was none the less. The meeting was called to order by Prof. Durham in the chair. Prayer was offered by Rev. Kelly. Minutes of the called meeting of two weeks be- fore were then read and approved. There being no business before the Association, the regular programme was then taken up.
 Prof. Free discussed the subject, Our Duties as Teachers He gave many good. wholesome practical sug- gestions. which should be remembered by every teacher. One important duty of every teacher IS to attend all edu- cational associations. especially when held in the interest of our own county schools. His talk was spicy and full of rich thought to every earn est teacher
 Prof. Durham opened the discus sion, How Shall We Improve the Schools of St. Francis County He gave some lines of work which. fl prae. ticed by every teacher, would verily cause our schools to march ou to tfi- umphant victory. aud he equal to any schools in the state. His ideas were practical and to the point.
 Hon. 0. E. Reliwage also gave one CT two timely ideas as to how the schools may be hettered The discus sion was continued by W. ]. Mcllwain and others. All we're of the opinion that the greatest work was in the hands of the teachers of the county. The subject w1s continued until next meeting,
 Miss Emma neNeler followed with the subject. Methods of Teaching l'ri- mary Reading She showed very clearly how to avoid the many ohsta cles that so many teachers experience in teaching children to read, Her methods are the mnst modern. which shows that she k 6eepin. pace with all educational progress. Every teacher should have heard ter, for the way ta teach reading and make Il tull of in- tcrest requires hard study and great effort, Miss DeNeler's methods arc certainly good and practical.
 The last subject ou the programme was, Aims of all Education, dis cussed by W j. Meliwau
 This closed the exercises for the day It is hoped that tt the future meet lngs of the Associa atiou the teachers Will, at least, he present No duty is more urgent, and none accompanied with richer benefits Directors ali over the county and friends of educa- cation are cordially invited to attend, also
 Ca motion. the Association ad jourred, to meet ou Saturday. Novem- Der 9a, at Palestine. A full atteud- snce is desired. Let every ttacher Do present. The following programme has been prepared:
 Fundamental Principles uf
 Attthmptic' ...-.-.-.. Prof. C. ptirhAm Methods of Teaching Rcal-
 ina intermediate Miss Emma EaNeler "Mcthods ot Teaching Gepg-
 mphy '......t.4..--4.... Miss Matte Mos-ley "A Npdvi Teacher s..,..... Prof, C. D, Free The Function af the PGbllr
 schools ..,s...s......,p Prof. ". J, McIisan "hrtntais of Improving the
 Schools ot Our County .,.. ,s... Discussion
 GEO DURHAM, Prt sident.
 W. J. MClLwAtS, Sec'y