davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12
EVERY DAY SCIENCE.
Precious Stones and the Money That
is Expended for Them.
ICEBERGS AS CRUISER TARGETS.
Tightening the Load to be Forwarded by
the Carrier Pigeon.
TELEPHONES AT TIE BIRCHALL TRIAL
twR1TTEN FOR THE DIsPATcH.1


What is a precious stone? The answer to
this question is not easy, for the value of a
particular kind of stone Is often due in great
measure to the caprice Of fashion or some
adventitious circumstance OF time or place,
and some stones that are to-day of small
value have, during certain periods in the
past, almost displaced the diamond or ruby
in public estimation. Beauty of color, hard
ness and rarity are the essential qualities
which entitle mineral to be called precious.
Strictly speaking, the only precious stones
are the diamond, ruby, sapphire and emer-
aid, though the term is often extended to
the opal, notwithstanding its lack Of hard
ness. and to the pearl, which is no mineral,
but strictly animal product.
Popularity, a gem is a precious or semi
precious stone when cut or polished for
ornamental purposes. The epithet phenom-
enal is used in regard to stones which ex-
hibit an unusual or singular play or color,
such as opal, moonstone, sunstone and Lab
rador spar, or which change their color by
artificial light, like alexandrite; or show a
line or band or bands of light, as the line
in the cats eye, and the star in the sapphire
and ruby astoria. Ten years ago $1,000
was an unusual amount for even the wealthy
to have invested in diamonds, whereas to-
day there are a number of families each
owning diamonds to the value of $500, 900.
Earrings worth from $1,000 to $4,000
a pair excite no wonder to-day; for
merly they were seldom seen. OF the
French crown Jewels sold in Paris a
little over three years ago, more than one
third, aggregating over $500, 600 in value,
came to the United States. The customs
import lists show that import duty was
paid on about S120, 200, 600 worth of cut dia-
monds in the last "a years, of which $780,
000,000 worth were imported during the last
II years. In 1868 81 ,0O0, 900 worth were inn
ported, and about 81 200, 900 worth in 1867,
but about S11 ,000, 900 in 1883, and the same
amount in 1889, or ten times as many in the
latter year as 20 years previous. These are
evidences of the increase of wealth
and the great popularity of the dia-
mond among Americans. The foregoing
figures represent the import prices exclu-
sive of mounting of dealers profits. A
single firm now sells yearly more than the
annual import of 1867. In addition to the
growing demand for diamonds, public inter-
est in semi-precious stones has increased
greatly within the last ten years. Formerly
jewellers sold only diamonds, rubies, sap
phires, emeralds, pearls, garnets and agates,
but now it is not unusual to have almost
any of the neurological gems, such as zlr-
con, tourmaline, spinel or titonite called
for. not only by collectors, but by the pub
lic whose taste has advanced in the matter
of precious stones, as we'll as in the fine
arts.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12

possible to make sufficiently intense spark
to light gas jet, at the same time using a
much smaller battery force than would
otherwise be necessary. The action OF an
electro magnet in this case is then very
much like that of the hy-wheel of steam
enatne. If heavy fy-wheel is set in rapid
motion, it will absorb the power from tne
engine, that is the powef of the steam Will
nave been transformed into that of NOV
Ing mass-:he rotating fy-wheel.
ana II the steam power is shut OH, the
hy-wheel can be made to do the same
amount of work that it took to set 1t In
motion. 1t has thus stored some of the energy
of the steam power, but this energy remains
stored only SO long as the fy-wheel is kept
revolving by the engine, for If the steam is
shut of, the flv-wheel will slowly come to
rest and its energy will be
TRANSFORMED INTO HEAT,
due to the friction of the journals and
the air. The value of this temporary
storage of energy lies in the fact
that it can overcome any sudden load that
might be thrown on the engine. In other
words. it is capable of furnishing, for mo
ment of time. energy greater than that Of the
driving engine.
And so it is with an electromagnetic. As
long as the current is kept circulating
through its coils, the magnet is kept ener-
gized, but the moment that this supply OF
current-that is, power-is cut of, the
stored energy of the magnet is given up and
an intense spark, due to the discharge at the
point where the circuit is opened. is the re-
suit. And the extra intensity of this spark
over and above what the dynamo or battery
could have given alone is due to the stored
energy in the electro-magnet or induction
coil. SCIRE FACIAS.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12
Vocal Culture in America.

Edmund J. Myer, in recent paper, read
at Detroit before the convention of the
Music Teachers National Association,
draws attention to the rapidly improving
standard of vocal training in this country.
He says: I'VE have as good teachers in this
country as can be found in the world. Yet
we are suffering from that influence of the
past which gave rise to the impression
which has so long prevailed, that the best
voices, in order to receive the most COM
plete training, must 60 to Europe. Do the
facts justify this prevalent impression? The
tide must and will turn. There is no doubt
that the day is rapidly approaching when
those who desire the best possible vocal cul-
ture will seek for it and find it here in our
own country"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12
How to Get Rid of Icebergs.

One of the greatest dangers to Atlantic
navigation, and therefore of great practical
interest to seamen. passengers and owners Of
ships, is the possibility of collisions with
icebergs. This year these huge products of
Arctic winters have been unusually common
and it is stated that more than 20 have been
been sighted in the course of "a hours in the
track of steamers plying from New York to
Liverpool on the Clyde. A corre-
spondent In the London Times makes
suggestion that these icebergs might be
used as targets by cruisers, and thus broken
up and dispersed. The suggestion is we'll
received in England, and it is urged that
the British meteorological department fol-
low the example of that OF the United
States, and mark charts the area within
which icebergs are to be expected. The
captain of cruiser setting out with such
charts in his possession would have a COM
paratively easy task in finding where the
target foated at which he was to fire.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12
Fire-Escape Drills in Schools,

The practicing Of pupils in the fire drill,
in order to prevent accidents from the alarm
of fire, is now regarded as most important
part of school training. In the schools of
Vienna, the fre-escape drill is executed in
three different ways. In the case of fire
in the neighborhood (Signal No. 1) the
pupils place their books in their satchels,
put on their outer garments, and leave the
class room in groups Of four. If the danger
is imminent (Signal No. p the books are
left, the outer garments rapidly put on and
the class room is vacated. In case of ex-
treme peril (Signal No. 81 the books and
clothing are left, and the exit is made i'm
mediately in groups. In the fire drill at
Hamilton, Ont, arrangements are also made
for each class to keep its own side of the
stairway, and move on independently of
other classes preceding or following. In
this school 600 pupils have vacated their
class room in less than two minutes. The
fire drill is not only an effective safeguard
against the danger of panies, but is also
good gymnastic exercise.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12
MEN MUST EAT GRASS.

Rayenstein's Conclusion That the Earth
Can't Produce Enough Food.
Boston Traveller.l
By the way, nearly forgot to mention
the terrible deductions Mr.. Ravenstein re-
Gently made at the meeting of the
British Association. He says that 1872
years hence and we will have to MUNICH
grass for our dinnerl Gracious powersl
by and by we will all have to freeze to death
from the exhaustion of coal, and here we
are threatened scientifically to be left with
out food, owing to the limited capacity Of
the earth's produce and to our own un-
limited capacity of increasing the popula-
ton. In view of this we hope NJ. JuIiens
will desist from his contemplated tax on
eelibates
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12
Novel Use of the Telephone.

One of the most novel uses to which the
telephone has been turned is reported at
Woodstock, Ont, during the progress of the
trial of Birchall for murder. The court
room is very small, and could hardly accom-
modate the court attendants, attorneys, re-
porters and witnesses, much less the eager
crowds which the sensational character of
the trial drew to the town. A smart public
housekeeper, however, saw the chance of
doing a good stroke of business, and
he very effectively carried out
his ideas On the wall, over the
Judges head, he managed to have
fixed large telephone receiver, which he
connected with 20 instruments at his place
of business. Here the tubes were rented for
a certain time at 25 cents head, and four
of the tubes were placed in a private room
for ladies. 1t is needless to say that all day
long, each day of the trial, the hotel tele-
phone was in requisition, and every word
that was said in the court was thus carried
to the ears of the distant listeners.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12
Commerce of the Great Lakes.

A recent article in Bradstreet's gives some
surprising statistics of the commerce of the
great lakes. During 234 days of navigation
last year, tonnage passed through the De-
troit river to the amount of 100000 tons
more than the entries and clearances of all
the seaports in the United States, and
5000, 600 tons more than the combined for
eign and coastwise shipping of Liverpool
and London. This does not include traffic
between Lakes Superior and Michigan or
Lakes Erie and Ontario, or local traffic be-
tween ports on these lakes. The growth of
shipbuilding on the lakes has been very
marked in the last lew wears. In 1S86-87
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12
Artificial Celluloid Ewes.

DR.. Meurer, French physician, has
issued warning to physicians against the
use of artificial eyes made of celluloid.
They are cheap and of good appearance,
and for the first three or four months rem
der good service. After this, however, they
undergo chemical changes and set up a
high degree of irritation. DR.. Meurer has
repeatedly overcome the resultant infam-
nation by antiseptic treatment and by sus-
pending the use of the artificial eye. So
soon as the old eye was again used the in
fammation returned, but if a glass eye were
used the parts remained normal.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12

A series of experiments, made with a
view of discovering the best fodder for
French cavalry horses, has established the
fact that straw and oats are, in season, pref
erable to hay. 1t appeared that when the
ration of hay was reduced, and that Of the
straw and oats proportionately increased,
the staying power of the horses was much
improved; they sweated less and bore ia
tigue better. These experiments have e1-
cited much interest in military circles, and
it is very generally recognized that there is
imperative need for complete and careful
study of the question of cavalry forage.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12
Metal CEILINGS.

One of the most excellent of recent inno-
vations is the Introduction of metal ceilings
in place of wood and plaster These ceilings
do not shrink or burn like wood; they will
not stain, crack or fall off like plaster. but
being permanent, durable, ireproof and or
namental, will eventually supersede both
wood and plaster, besides being in the end
far more economical than either.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12

A novel leech jar has been brought out in
Germany, the innovation consisting Of
vertical partition dividing the vessel into
two equal compartments, to be filled re-
spectively with pure water and with moist
peat, so that the inhabitants may change
their abode at pleasure.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12

15 or 20 minutes. In the case of children
with cholera infantum, he has often sue
ceeded in quietlng the stomach by interdict-
ing everything else, and using few drops
of fresh ice cold buttermilk at intervals
varying in length according to the severity
of the case.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12

DR.. Stanley NJ. Ward states that be has
found fresh buttermilk very serviceable in
relieving vomiting Of various forms, even
at times, the vomiting Of pregnancy. The
remedy is administered ice cold, in doses of
about half teaspoonful, repeated every
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12

there were 81 boats built, valued at S4, ,074,-
600; and in 1889-90 there were 56 built,
valued at 81, $50, 900, the tendency being, as
elsewhere toward iron and steel for large
ships.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12
Lovers Are Like Politicians.

"Is this ink indelible 2"
"Yes, SIR"
Are you sure?"
''Yes, SIR"
''Then I don't want 1t. Give me some
ink can use in writing love letters."
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12

THE MOTHER LOVE.-Ihe w0odcock
makes very shabby attempt at nest build
ing; slight depression IN the fallen leaves
of some shadowy wood or thicket serves as a
receptacle for the eggs, generally two in
number, says writer In outing. The
young are at first queer-looking, tottering,
helpless things enough, but the mother bird
takes rare good care of them. If surprised
when the young are helpless she will simu-
late lameness fairly well in her efforts to
draw of the attention of the intruder from
her precious charges. At times, too, she
will utter hollow, bleating note totally
unlike the cry Of any other bird that
know. Surprise her and pretend to be mis-
led by her Geigned lameness for awhile and
then conceal yourself, keeping a sharp
watch on the spot where the young are
crouched, and you may see very touching
illustration o. bird love. She will return
cautiously to her little family. and pres
emily take wing again, huttering heavily
away to a more secluded nook, and if your
eyes are keen you may see one OF the young
sters held closely between her legs, for so
she will surely bear them from the place
where you discovered them.
THE EPHEAsANT.-Thep pheasant is an ar
tifcial production and not bird of the
wilderness, says writer in Outing. He is
an importation, not only into England, but
into Europe Whether he came into En-
gland through their Roman conquerors,
whose ayiaries he adorned, or through
France, where he has always been widely
spread, is matter of little or no moment.
Suffice, as the Americans say, he got here
all the same, as be would. ii carried, get into
and thrive in any country where the tenn
perature is not too low and where there are
silent woods with thick underground for
shelter, for he is ready colonizer.
After his infautile day his natural food is
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12

a DUCK IN A TREE.-A South Wey-
mouth man has displayed in his store a
very curious freak of nature. 1t is the Sec
tion of the butt of tree sawed of, say two
inches thick, and which has the perfect pro-
file of duck. Many who have seen it
were of the opinion that it was painted. and
could not be made to believe otherwise until
they closely examined it.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-10-12

JAooBIN PIGEoNs-Few pigeons can
claim greater beauty than can the Jacobin,
which is embraced among what are called
the standard varieties. The name is derived
from the fact that on the back part of the
head or neck some of the feathers lie in the
opposite direction to the rest on the body,
and encompass the head like monks hood
when he puts it back to uncover his head.
This hood is one of the chief points in the
JacobIn, and perfect specimens as to shape
and size are very valuable. We have seen
birds that could completely hide their heads
in the hood, and for evenness of feather
were really remarkable, though they owed
something to art as we'll as nature.
Another property is the chain of frill.
which is a continuation of the forward
growing hood feathers down each side Of
the neck. The rose is the name given to
the clean division of the feathers at the
back of the head between the hood and the
shoulders; and the name are the feathers
which fall below the hood at either side.
The combination of all these points make
the Jaeobin one of the most attractive
pigeons extant.
There are several colors, all of which are
characterized by great richness of plumage.
The chief colors are red, yellow and black,
in, each of which the head and tail are
white. There are also blue, silver and
mottled Jacobins, but there are not of the
same quality as those first named. Pure
whites are often bred, and, when perfect in
color and points, are very beautiful indeed.
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1890-04-25
THE CRIME CONSUMMA TED.

The crime of the people Of Montana was
coDsummated last week in the United States
Senate by the seating of Sanders and Power,
who had neither legal nor equitable claim
to the seats into which they were indicted
by partisan vote. The facts in the case
were clearly set forth in the Democratic
arguments in the Senate, but they were I'M.
needed and in reality unheard by the Re-
publicans who vacated the chamber when
the Democratic Senators were speaking.
The equities were with the two Demo-
cratic claimants, but the cases of both Re-
publican and Democratic Senators from
Montana were weak through defects in their
certificates and irregularities in their cleo
ton. Some of the Democrats in the Senate
recognized this and Joined with the Repub-
licans in refusing to give seats To Messrs.
Clark and Maginnis. A proposition to send
both sets back to Montana was supported
by the unanimous Democratic and rejected
by the unanimous Republican vote, and
then the Republican claimants were seated
by strict party vote, just as was known
would be the case from the first.
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1890-04-25
STRIKES HA We .ALWAY rs RESULT
ED IN FAILURES.

1t is often said that labor strikes precede
or accompany business improvement. We
have never had much confidence in the pro-
position, buff it has any significance BUSH
ness is reviving with great rapidity. 1t seems
more reasonable to suppose that labor
strikes accompany the annual activity in
different lines of industry. 1t appears that
the carpenters seek this time of the year to
make these demands because their services
are more in demand than at any other sea-
son.
But the essential fact is the existence Of
these strikes In Indianapolis the strike of
the carpenters is based on demand for
eight hours work at IS cents per hour, and
this same movements being agitated in other
cities. The success or failure of this eight
hour movement is dependent on SO many
contingencies that the outcome can hardly
be anticipated.
From the carpenters standpoint, the re-
suit depends largely upon the condition OF
the carpenters generally. II anxiety for
work brings new carpenters into the great
cities from small towns, the strike is likely to
result in loss of time and money. On the
side of the contractors it may be more of q
question of ability to meet the demand than
the carpenters imagine. The contractors
have TO meet competition with one another
and the exactions of their customers. The
loss of time and the advance in price are
~ I,atx nfQFa nd
contractors. Unless the contractor can Sc.
cure adequate concessions from his Gus
toners he cannot pay his carpenter. II the
contractor fails to induce the customer to
help to make the concession to the carpen
ter, then the contractor cannot attempt tc
do any work at all.
The entire movement is based on blind
struggle. The persons interested know
what they want, but they are in total igno
rance of the circumstances which will con
troll in the final settlement This ignorance
has always existed, and it is the reason why
strikes have, thus far in the history of thu
world, been failures. Beyond all reason
able doubt present methods will fail a:
signally in the future as they have in the
past All the world recognizes the uttel
inadequacy of strikes or even arbitration to
improve the condition of the masses.
The political economist who imagine
that this or that school Of economic science
has done anything to actually lessen poverty
and tighten the burdens of humanity is ter
ribly mistaken. The drift has always beer
Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1890-04-25

and then it stays not longer than the mid
die OF February or first of March, when II Is
followed by full-blown spring, then work
commences and continues, with short inter-
mission for rains, until finished, and the
farmer confidently awaits an abundant re-
turn for his labor, with the full assurance
that fertile soil and equitable climate will
give him the fullest returns for his enter
prise and industry.
The country TO one who has fellow.feel-
ing with nature is an unbroken pleasure
The prairies are gently rolling, while from
any elevation huge mountains with snow
tipped peaks can be seen covered with
rich and luxuriant growth of pine, fir
cedar and tamarack.
To me, one Of the greatest sources of de-
light Is to wander off in the great pine for
ests that lie to the north and west Of the
place, reaching our very limits In fact, and
! among its grand old trees, which shoot their
| tops 80 high that one grows dizzy while
scanning their height, to give reins to the
Imagination, to run wild amid the children
Of many centuries and contemplate nature
as she comes from the great Creator. What
could some of the grand old trees tell could
they but speak of the many changes nature
has undergone while they were patiently
| growing from the tender shoot into the
mighty giant Of the silent forest! What
would our friends think of great trees, as
straight as arrows, that will make saw-logs
102 feet long and square foot at the top.
saw such by actual measurement. But apart
from the beauties of nature the soil is of the
richest quality ever saw--a deep black
loan, easily cultivated after the first break
ing, and readily yields, year after year, from
80 to 40 bushels of wheat TO the acre, which
brings from 80 to 81 cents bushel, almost
at the very doors, while from 60 to 100
bushels of oats are produced, selling at frem
$1.20 to $1.40 per hundred weight, and
weighing about 40 pounds per bushel, and
timothy grows in about the same proper
ton. Clover, too, has done well, but has
not been tried TO much extent yet Vege
tables of all kinds grow for the planting in
the largest quantities, while apples, pears,
pfunes and plums, of every variety, goose
berries, currants and strawberries do so well
l should be afraid to give you the reported
yield, lest you might think had let my en-
thusiasm run away with my Judgment
AS to living, you have few comforts at hom'
that we have not here. have fine larg
room, desirable in every way, wall-papered
lace and linen curtains, ingram carpet, will
stove and fire if desired. Thus you see W,
have all the comforts of your more advanced
civilization.
With many thanks for your kind remem
brancc, yours truly, ID.