davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23
Seal-Skins.

A soal-skin sacque Al generally &C
counted desirable adjunct of lady's
wardrobe, and our countrywomen know
that most OF the seal-sllins sold in the
United States come from Alaska, but
only after being plucked, dressed and
dyed in London. Few people are CON
versant, however, with the plucking
process, or understand why it is indis-
pensable.
The so-called common seals either
have no under-fur at all, or SC little OF
it, as to deprive their skins of any com
mercial value as furs. The beautiful
.veIvet-like coats which are SO much
valued are the underfur of the Otarip,
which in untechnical language are de-
scribed sometimes as eared-seals and
sometimes as sea-bears. In addition,
however, to their dense, soft under-fur,
the eared-seals have quantity OF long,
loose exterior hair which has to be
carefully removed. The removal is
thus performed: The roots of the loose
exterior hairs, penetrating deeper into
the skin than those of the soft fur, can
be cut by pairing on the feshy side of
the skin, without touching the roots of
the fur. The long hairs then drop off,
leaving the sheet of velvet-lille fur be-
low.
Some of the habits of the Alaska fur
seals are we'll worth nothing. From the
middle of April TO the middle of June,
the male seals resort to the breeding
places, and are followed by the females,
who give birth to one pup each, after
which the pairing season begins. The
younger or bachelor, seals are prevented
from landing by the older, and have
either to remain in the water or go to
the uplands. where they are captured
by the hunters. The seals are polyg-
amous, and the adult males fight
furiously, the aggregate sound of their
roaring being compared to that of q
railway train. 1t is a remarkable fact
that during the pairing season, which
lasts three or four months, the breed
ing males take no food, aud are often
reduced to half their weight, which,
when they are eight years old and in
full flesh, ranges from 500 to 700 pounds.
The females are much smaller; they
weigh from eighty to one hundred
pounds.
No females and no adult males are
supposed to be killed for their fur, the
hunters taking only portion of the
young bachelor seals, whose skins are
of superior quality. The very finest
seal-skins do not come from Alaska, but
from the South Shetlands, and other
islands in the Antarctic Ocean. But
the number of skins brought to the Lon
don emporium from this quarter is
relatively small.-Ne1v York Ledger.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23
Electric Chimes

A somewhat unique musical instru
ment has just been introduced for adj.
vertising purposes, consisting of sci
of chimes, which are worked by cleo.
tricity. They are carried through the
streets on an electric tricycle., and have
q keyboard attached like that of an or.
binary piano, so that most elaborate
compositions can be played by anyone
sufficiently familiar with the piano or
organ keyboard. The system of opera.
ton is quite simple; attached to each
OF thirty bells which constitute the set.
and which are hung on rack above
the keyboard, is an electro-magnet.
When the keys are struck they make a
circuit from battery in the base to
the electro'magnets at the bells, which
are thus sounded.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23
HOW TO SAVE N,ckr,
Now Savings Bank system wh;o,
to Work Well

A novelty in banking circles -.
introduced into the city with W., WI
year. 1t is called the 'sNickel 81, S,,
Stamp SYSTEM" and is desjpno@Ss N
cially for savings banks. The su
was put in operation in June by y
+. Mack, a Detroit banker. II b,.s
successfully tested in Detroit, SAW =
cisco, Denver, Louisville, st. PAM
Angeles and Columbus, o. Aeonci..
the various banks will be estahlisIs
various points throughout the c' lea
to great extent in drug stores ~
resident part of the town.
Sheets containing twenty SHAM.
the system will be left with the drnrs
These stamps are blue and it'll, ls:N
than the ordinary s-cent postage s' .s
In their center is the picture OF sas
rel on the limb of a tree, the emhlsn
foresight and thrift. A boy or pin
any one, for that matter, can buy on'
these stamps for S cents, or can hny
many as he or she pleases at the -,
price. When 81 worth of stamnst
been sold, a book is presented free os
holder of the stamps
This books pages are ruled in ",
rectangular spaces just large enough
allow the FASTING of stamp, and hi
are twenty of such places on the IA,
When the page is filled the book is ta:s
to the bank and an account with the J
positor is opened. The depositrI
credited with dollar and given n
book at the bank. No deposit for ]
than dollar will be received at !
bank.
The first lot of these books was
ceivcd yesterday, when 1000 of IN
came to the Franklin Savings bail
Cashier Scidlitz went to Detroit to mai
arrangements for them.
The system has grown to be an h
mense thing in some cities. In De,r
one bank sold over 100000 stamps in n
than four months and issued betwe
5000 and 1000 nickel savings book
About 70 per cent. Of the custome
were under IS years Of age. The ags,
gate savings of the town through il
system were about $50, 900 a year.-Hc
sds City Star.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23
THEIR cHAPERoN WAS pEAI
Before Her Infirmity Was Discovered Il,
Charges Had Lots of Fun.

There is q very exclusive school
town where kindly old lady of gre
responsibility and good family was re
ularly employed for several months as
chaperon. She doesn't fill this ID
portant position now. The principalh b;
discovered that she is deaf, and, what
worse, has been ever since
was engaged. The girls had found hi
and had directed her to make an apple
tion for the confidential office-whicha
pears in the prospectus as one Of Il
new and attractive features of the inst
tuition. They told her how she shoul
conceal her infirmity, and, everythil !
working according to program, she vi
appointed. Many a lark the girls thsI|
had with her. At the theater the del
old matron would, sitting erect in I'd
chair, be oblivious of the shy courtd
going on at her side and of the ocss
ional fiirtations which once in a whileA
lieved the dreariness of a tedious 81
Torrance. She used to accompa
the girls on shopping tours,
fairs and concerts, and she proved
faithful guide. But all things have a
ending. So did this sport. The gin
had been out one evening to a concer
and returned enthusiastic over the tim
they had had. They gathered in oned
the girls room and fell to chatting abo1
their adventures. Incidentally referenO
was made to the old chaperon's deafness
of her failure to detect some nonsensica
exploit. 1t was spoken in schoolgirl
whisper, too, but the principal heard n
Now younger woman, who had to pad
a regular civilservice examination,
the official chaperon.-Nc,D York Star.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23

The burglar complied. With ashen
face and mean, hangdog look he stood
there and said not word. Mrs. Win
terbottom had recovered her self pos
session, but the baby continued to
howl.
ut would serve you right, you sneak
ing, contemplate villain" said Cyrus
in deep, tragic voice, eff I should
shoot you where you stand I believe
Ill do it any how"
Mercy! mercy!" pleaded the tremb-
ling wretch. Its the first time ever
broke into a house. I'll never do it
again. Please let me 60"
It's the first time you were ever
caught ct it! It'll be the last. Down
on your knees!"
Don't kill him, Cyrus!" begged his
wife. "Think OF the carpet!"
Listen, said Cyrus, coming closer
to the lneeling burglar. "Hold up your
hands!"
While the fellows hands were mn
Cyrus rifed his pockets. He took
therefrom two loaded revolvers, bowie
knife, dagger, a slung-shot, q bottle
OF chloroform and sandbag.
Your first offense, is it?" said Cyrus.
For novice at the business you carry
a pretty good kit of tools. Stand I'D j"
The burglar obeyed.
Are you man of family?"
yes, sir. Oh, please"
Stop your winning"
A look of hard, stern, relentless pur-
pose settled on Cyrus face. He pointed
the revolver at the abject scoundrels
head again.
Go and take that baby!" he COM
manded.
"Wh-what for?"
Never mind what for! You 20 and
take that baby!"
"Cyrus!" exclaimed Mrs. Winter
bottom in dismay, what do you mean ?"
Il know what I am about, Emily.
Pick up that saualling infant, you vii
lain! !"
The man obeyed.
Handle it carefully!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Now walk the floor with i'll"
For four long hours Cyrus Winter
bottom held that empty revolver leveled
at the head of the miserable man and
compelled him to walk up and down the
1oom with the crying, squirting infant
in his arms.
At daybreak the cringiug, crawling
villain was permitted to sneak away
from the premises, broken-hearted
man.
His raven hair had turned white in
that one night.
1t was horrible retributiop, but who
shall say it was not deserved? And
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23
6EGeY

grumbled drowsily.
"a cat doesn't wear boots and &C
around opening doors. Hark!"
The baby stirred, and Mrs. Winter
bottom soothed it to rest again.
Il don't see what anybody wants te
get into our kitchen for. growled Cy
rus with a yawn. There's nothing te
heigh-ho--to steal in that part of the
house, is there9"
Nothing to steal! There's o plate
full of tarts, pan OF doughnuts, and a
sponge cake"
"Some of your-heigh-ho-your own
connection, Emily?"
"Yes, some of my own making. Then
there's all the silerware, and"
He'll never get to the silverware,
Emily, if he tackles the doughuuts first.
You will find his horribly distorted body
in the morning"
"Hush! Hark!"
He listened again. All was quiet.
But pre- emily an uumistakable sound as
of somebody moving about on the floor
below aroused even Cyrus dulled
senses. Steps seemed approaching the
stairway. Cyrus took his revolver out
from under his pillow, climed softly out
of bed, went to the door of the room
and got behind it, first having cautioned
his wife in whisper to make no noise
and leave matters entirely in his hands.
Softly and stealthily came the steps
up the stairway, and in few moments
the dim light of the night lamp on the
dressing case fell upon the stalwart
form of q man whose face was concealed
by mask.
Mrs. Winterbottom screamed at the
sight of him, the baby woke up and
howled, and before the burglar could
recover from the momentary confusion
into which this unexpected. reception
had thrown him Cyrus confronted him
with the revolver.
"You internal scoundrel!" he Missed,
Don't you move muscle or I'll put a
ball through you?"
The revolver hadn't been loaded fol-
year or more, and Cyrus knew it, but
the burglar didn't.
The pitiful wretch stood perfectly
still.
"Take off your mask!" sternly com
manded Cyrus.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23
eyes" and ono"
noon.

It is wonderful how vast an amount
of mischief, and of misery even, is pro-
duced by the simple misuse of these
little words. People many times say
Yes" without thinking what it in
wolves, or they say mo" in so feeble a
tone that those who are urging them to
do something which they cannot honor
ably do are invited to persist until they
get the answer they desire. And thus
they assume obligations which they
have no settled purpose to fulfil, or
neglect duties which their own con-
science and their sense of honor tell
them they should discharge. Eyes" is
more easily said than No." because
it is more agreeable to assent to an
others wishes than it is to oppose
them, Hence, of some good-natured
men the remark is often heard: "They
cannot say No."
Young man, consider we'll what you
ore asked to do before you pronounce
your "Yes;;" but, having utter, d it, re-
member that the reply to all who wish
to break your promise must be mo"
so emphatic, prompt. decisive, that they
cannot for moment doubt that you
mean it. You have made a great at
tainment if you have learned to say
No." and stick to it. Frequently you
will find it NEST unpleasant word,
sometimes very painful word to utter.
But that sort of pain is momentary. It
is not the pain caused by conscience
violated, by honor sullied. 1t is not
the pain produced by the lifelong
memory of evils inflicted on yourself
ard others, which a little timely firm
ness would have prevented. "Let your
Yea he YEA and your Nay be Nay -"
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23
Some Saltwater Questions.

The capacity of the average small boy
for asking questions is practically I'M
limited, but we do not remember even
hearing more searching lot of inquiries
than these propounded by New York
boy to his father, who had taken him
for steamer trip on the Sound. Here
is a partial list:
DO they call this Sound steamer
because Of the noise?"
us that water down there any wet
ter than the water in the Atlantic
Ocean?"
What makes the water wet, any
how?"
How many men could be drowned in
water deep as that?"
IF mamma fish couldn't get any
worms in the water for the little fish.
would she go ashore and dig for
them?"
Suppose whale came along and
sat for three days on an oyster, so that
he couldn't open his shell, would it suf-
focate the oyster?"
Doesn't the dampness ever give
clans malaria?"
Does it hurt to get drowned?"
is that big man with the gold but
tons on his coat the papa of all those
men who do whatever he tells them
to?"
who are those mon up there in the
little house on the roof playing with
the bicycle?"
Where do all those soapsuds behind
the boat come from?"
Gould q locomotive go Is fast on the
water as this boat?"
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23
Grasshoppers in Africa.

Stanley says that certain portions Of
Africa will always be worthless on &C.
count Of the ravages of the grasshop.
pers. In one instance he saw column
OF young grasshoppers ten miles broad
by thirty miles long marching down a
valley, and when the grass was fred
against them they were thick enough to
smother tho flames.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23
shrewd Diamond Thief,

It is natural that articles of great
value are objects of temptation. We
are prepared to understand that the
common thief is constantly scheming to
gain possession of precious stones and
learn, through stories that come across
the ocean, of the tricks indulged in
there by the diamond trade-the legiti-
mate, everyday dealers in precious
stones. The popularity of this can
dition of things Is that the sharp prac-
tice of dealers does not involve their
reputation or standing, the thing being
looked at as matter of shrewdncss and
rather admired as clever piece of
business. An anecdote is related by
the JeWelers' Weekly to illustrate this
A dealer called upon firm with
whom he was in the habit of transacting
business and asked to see q lot of dia-
monds. After examining them for
some time he returned the paper, say
ing he would call again in reference
to buying them. It was at once noticed
that a large stone was missing. A
hasty search was made, but no trace of
the diamond being discovered, the
dealer, without more ado, was accused
of having taken the brilliant. He in
dignantly denied the charge, and SUBJ
mitted without hesitation to being
searched.
The stone was not found, and profuse
apologies wore offered for the false ac-
cusation. The following day the dealer
appeared again, this time with paper
of diamons to sell. but also with an
ether object in view. which he took
good care not to disclose. A careful
observer might have noticed that while
the stones were being examined at the
light he ran his fingers along the under
serface of the portion of the counter
near which he sat and picked off some
thing that stuck to the wood. It was
nothing more nor less than the diamond
which had 80 mysteriously disappeared
the day before. He had fastened it to
the counter by means Of piece of wax
with which he had provided himself,
and on the occasion Of his second visit
secured his booty.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23
The Individuality,

The nation is subject like the indi-
vidnal to passions. Gold is discovered
in California; the passion of gold sweeps
a multitude across the continent and
round by the isthmus to dig for it. A
cannon b]azes forth against the flag on
Fort Sumter; passion of patriotism
sweeps over the nation and $4,000 an
swer to President Lincoln's call almost
before the call is issued.
Shall the nation then feel only the
passion Of avarice and not the passion
of patriotism? Shall it be moved by
covetousress. by party zeal, by pride
OF blood, and not by reverence, by
fidelity, by honor, by sense of duty to
God, to posterity? But reverence.
fidelity, honor, the sense of duty to.
wards God, and posterity, are all re-.
ligious emotions, profoundly religious
emotions. A people without churches.
monuments: museums, centennials.
national songs, would be PEOPLE with.
out power to meet any great crisis or
achieve any great deed.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23
THE MIDNIGHT MARAUDER.
How He Did Service in the Winterbottom
Household.

Fl, Cyrus, what was
that ?"
Nothing. E lily.
Let me go to sleep, will
you?"
For a few moments
silence reigned in the
sleeping chamber.
Cyrus Winterbot-
tom, there's somebody
in the hou e.! l hear o
noise in the Kitchen"
Cyrus sat up in bed
and listened.
Its the cat" he
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23

I'd you ever have
any dealings with
Congress? E err
m a k 9 q request
that was unheed-
ed? Ever forward
apetition that mys-
teriously disap-
peared? Ever wait
until you were
heartsick and dis
couraged for the
wheels of legisla.
ton to revolve?
NoS Than vf,,, aro
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23
Had Soruples About It,

Il think" said Mrs. Brown, II will
preserve my bathing suit in camphor
this winter"
"A good idea, my love-" said Mr..
Brown.
will you step into the druggists
and buy me as much camphor Is Is neo.
essary, dear?"
II would with pleasure, darling, but
I'm really ashamed to ask for 90 smsli
aquantity as drsohm. Cod
Item.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23

THE insolent cooking utensil," is /.
phrase for saucepan credited to Boa
ton housekeepers. - Boston Tran
script.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23

THERE are two things that ALWAYS
make man dream: mincc pie and Iowa
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23

VEsUv1us is no pimple, and yet it is vs1
frequently in a state of eruption.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23
MAKING THE LAVE
THE COURSE OF LEGISLATION
TRACED THROUGH SEM
ATE AND HOUSE.

Process of Making Law-Its Various
Stages Followed Up from Its Introduce
ton to the Moment When It Becomes
a Law.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23

thus we learn, my children, that crime
sometimes brings its own punishment,
and that the way of the transgressor
continues to be hard.-Family Ledger.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23

The burglar complied. With ashen
face and mean, hangdog look he stood
there and said not word. Mrs. Win
terbottom had recovered her self pos
session, but the baby continued to
howl
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1891-01-23

|, for best beyond
, who asks nothing
ily, it will DO granted
}. The pathway to
while not always
is seldom strewn
8 crowns effort only
~, persistency, and
Vexatious delays
final defeat for the
private or busine IS
Government, while
brings joy to the
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-08-21

the ordinary character of these combinations
--inasmuch rs II does not mean self-cnrich-
ment by the oppression Of the public. but
only elf-protection- Is. therefore. justi-
fable.
1t may be remarked here. incidentally. that
this proposed convention or conference Of
Georgia cotton planters affords a frst-rate
example Of what is the legitimate province OF
farmers organizations for the promotion OF
agricultural interests This conference will
confne itself TO devising ways and means for
securing to tho planters the best results for
their labor and preventing them from over
cropping themselves In this there is nothing
political nor distinct from the proper field Of
farmers clubs and conventions. If alliances
and all similar bodies would confne them
selves to such matters as this they would soon
prove their merit by the increased prosperity
which the planters and farmers would realize.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-08-21

An important convention Of planters will lie
held in Atlanta early next month, whose OBJ
ject will be 10 effect a general restriction
of the cotton production Of the South. No
body who understands the condition of tho
Southern planter and the hardships brought
on him by overproductiOn Of cotton can
doubt the wisdom and benefcence Of this
movement. The cotton crop is every year
growing greater and greater, and cotton acre
age is being increased more and more This
large and growing production is already too
great for the worlds ordinary supply, and
not only is there considerable surplus LETT
over each year, but more attention is being
paid to the culture Of Egyptian cotton, which,
although contessedly inferior to the American
product, is still becoming annually a more
formidable rival to the South
All this means lower prices to the planter,
and much lower prices will mean to him
actual loss on every pound of cotton he raises
The only way in which he can hope to realize
a fair profit. or even "A GOOD living from his
labor, therefore. is by the proper and system
attic regulation of the production Of the great
staple.
This systematic control of the chief South
ern crop can only be obtained by the planters
meeting together. discussing intellgently tho
situation and mapping out programme
which promises mutual benefit The demands
OF the world must be considered and the sup
ply regulated in accordance Herewith, and
so il will become necessary for tho planters
TO agree among themselves as 10 the wise re-
striction Of acreage and the quantity which
each should raise
This has long been a subject Of much
thought and concern among the Southern
planters but so far all efforts at reducing the
acreage and consequent supply have failed
for lack of intelligent and harmonious action.
This Atlanta conference however, now
promises to satisfactorily solve the problem
or. 1T least t. get 1t in better shape than il
has ever been heretofore. The movement
can hardly be called trust OF combination
in the usual acceptation of that term. because
Its purpose is not to exorbitantly mise
prices so as to make them bear
heavily upon consumers. but only TO
seek, If possible, to prevent the planters
from starving eash other out by greediness
and oyerproduction. and so, instead Of their
cotton representing TO them so much money
with which they can support themselves
and families, meaning actual loss and
poverty in proportion 10 the number
Of bales possessed. If. therefore, it is
trust. it is one entirely different from