davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-04-03
GeIatInous fiuid In Storag, batteries

GeIatinous fIaid In Storag. BatterieA
A Swiss electrician. Mr.. Paul Schof,
now of Chicago, has adopted a service
able plan for making storage batteries
more portable by Transforming the
liquid electrolyte into pa,ty. gelatin.
Gus mass. This is acc ,mpished by add.
ing to the cell small quantity OF sodium
silicate. which is decomp,sed by the
sulphuric acid. the silica being liberated
in the form Of translucent, Arm, and
elastic jelly. This jelly is unattached
by sulphuric acid. or by the more pow
srful oxidizing agents which come into
existence during the changing of the
cell.
The resistance OF the cell Is slightly
increased, and lis capacity in Watt
hours Is somewhat diminished by the
jelly. The best method Of gelatinizing
the elec'rolyte is to add one volume OF
sodium silicate of a density l. 18 to three
volumes of sulphuric acid of density
1.25. allowing the mixture to stand for
"a hours. At the end of that time the
whole liquid is set to jelly. During
the charging OF the cell small quantity
of liquid rises to the surface Of the Jelly,
but this disappears again during the
discharge.
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-04-03
GREAT MEMORIES
Some Old Timers who Could Repeat
Whole Books Correctly

Some Old Timers who Could Repeat
Whole Books CORRECTLY
There was Corsican boy who could
rehearse 40,0 words, whether sense or
nonsense, as they were dictated, and
then repeat them in reverse order with
out making n single mistake. A physi.
clan, about go years ago, could repeat
the whole of Paradise Lost without
making a mistake, although he had not
read it for 90 years. Euler, the great
mathematician, whom he became blind,
could repeat the whole of Virgi's
Eneid, and could remember the first
line of every page of the particular
edition which he had been accustomed
to read before he became blind.
One kind of retentive memory may
be considered as the result of sheer
work, determination toward one par
ticular achievement without references
either 10 cultivation or 10 memory on
other subjects. This is frequently
shown by persons in human life in re-
gard TO the bible. An old bcpgar man
at Sterling, known 80 years ago as
Blind Allck, afforded an instance Of
this. He knew the whole of the bible
by heart insomuch that il sentence
was read to him he could name the
book, chapter. and verse, or If the book,
chapter, and Ner-c were named he
could give the exact words.
gentleman, to test him, repeated
verse. purposelv making one verbal
inaccuracy. Alick hesitaled, named
the place where the passage Was to be
found, but at the same time pointed
out t.e verbal error The same gentle
man asked linn to repeat the ninelieth
verse of the seventh chapter of the
book of Numbers. AIicli aim )st in
stantly replied: "There is no such
verse. That chap er has only 50
verses Gasscndl had acquired by
heart 6,000 Latin verses, ana in order
to give his mem, ry exercise he was in
the habit daily of rcciting coo verses
from different languages
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-04-03
sitting Bulls Wives.

Sitting Bull had three wives, two of
whom survive him. The name of one
of them is The One That Had Four
Robes. The other seems to have distin-
guished herself by doing more than a
wife's share toward keeping the name
of the Bull family upon the Sioux cen
sus roll, and is called The One That Had.
Twins-Twice. -[St Joseph Gazette.
The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-04-03

TAKE my pen in hand to in
form you that ] am in a state
of crate bliss, and trust these
lines will find you enjoying
the same blessins. Tn re-
guvinated. I've found the
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15

stantlally and handsomely built up, many
costly modern commercial buildings, banks
and ell gait Office structures having been
erected on the principal thoroughfares,
while others are in course. oil construction
and under contract. 1t is impossible to Sc
cure detinite data concerning the number of
new buildings erected during 1890, nor the
amount expended upon such work, but 1t Is
safe to say that not less than 531 buildings
of various kinds have gone up during the
to $4,000 each. Next in importance
to a rich and well-settled agricultural
country. as a factor in city building,
is manufacture. and we find that
Oakland is peculiarly well situated for
becoming great and prosperous manufae-
turing city, with its magnificent water front
and railrOad-tracks Factories already in
operation there, such as great iron works,
cOtton-mills, nail works, several tanneries,
potteries. brick works; sash, door and blind
and other woodworking establishments.
fruit and vegetable canneries, match fac
torres, borax works largest in the world,
beet-sugar factories. together with numer-
Gus lesser industries, all prosperous and
successful, indicate Enthusiastically that
manufacturing enterprises are most excel
lent investments III this favored city.
Had proper count been made by the late
census enumerators Oakland's population
would have been found verging closely on
10000, but the official count only allows
it $500 This, however, is a very healthy
increase from 1880, when the inhabitants
numbered only 34,0O0-an increase during
the decade of is, 600 souls. The population
is made up of a very superior class, among
which the social amenities are fostered and
cultivated, while as an orderly and law
abiding community it has few if any supe-
riors among American cities. This, to-
gether with the splendid educational
facilities existing. renders Oakland par
ticularly desirable place in which to reside
and rear family, and hundreds have
located there for these reasons largely, as
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15

terminal Point of both the Central and
Southern Pacific Railway systems, and as
consequences in the matter of rates ENJOYS
considerable advantage over the METROPOLIS
on the opposite side of the bay Besides
tne Two great transcontinental roads mem
tioned above, there is also the South Pacific
Toast Railroad, branch of the Southern
Racine, which passes southwest through a
very rich country to Santa Cruz, on the Pa
clhc. The Coast Division of the Southern
Racine also terminates in ,kland (or one
branch OF it does. This road has been built
down the coast on the western side of the
Coast Range Mountains as far south as
santa Margarita, and will undoubtedly soon
De extended to Santa Barbara, which will
make another ana shorter southern outlet
from San Francisco and Oakland to South
ern California and open up a new and frnit-
ful field for the jObbers of those cities he
SIDES making accessible vast scope of fine
1ruit and agricultural land to the energy and
industry Of the agriculturist and frnIt-
grower. A branch also runs from Oakland
north to Calistoga, also flourshing section
which Is thus made tributary to Oakland's
commerce.
Oakland's water front is also quite extern
slVe ana valuable. and its safe, land-lock ed
haroor Is black with shipping. Great i'm
proVements are under way in this direct on
also. IN order to enable the largest vessels
70 reach It's wharves. The ship Ing inter-
ests OF the Pacific Coast are yearly growing
more important, and Oakland is sharing in
lne general prosperity incident upon fhis
state OF affairs. In fact, it is constantly
growing and increasing in every denarf-
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15

ment of human activity, giving promise OF
future greatness in no uncertain terms.
The real estate market in Oakland may be
said to be in the most healthy condition and
values are steadily advancing, the causes
therefore being good and sufficient. There
never having been any 'boom" or unnatural
furry in the market, values have never re-
ceded and men have lost no money in such
speculative crazes as have afflicted other
cities on the Coast.
additions have been LAID out in East Oak
land and other sections, aud they have
rapidly been purchased by actual home
builders. So that Improvements have been
the rule in all instances where the agents
have made such efforts, while street-car
lines, cable and horse systems render these
accessible. Fine improvements in the
matter of streets have also kept pace with
existing necessities, and the result has been
a healthy and steady increase in values in
every direction. Realty investments made
in this city at present prevailing lrices must
of a necessity prove lucrative.
The city is steadily Increasing in popula-
ton, in commerce, in manufactures and
wealth, and the writer feels safe in advising
investments there at this time, as nowhere
could better assurance be given that they
would prove permanently lucrative.
Inside property is also steadily augment
ing in value, while desirable business houses
command premium. In brief, the Situa-
tlOu HldN DC Suullutu up dS lDllOWS. YAK
land is destined to develop into large city,
a city commanding extensive trade relations
with large scope of rich tributary country
1t is fayOrably situated for becoming an i'm
portant manufacturing city, and will be
sought by practical men for numerous in
dustrial purposes. As a place for residence,
owing to its beauty, its equable climate,
splendid educational facilities and health
fulness, it bids fair to become the favorite
city Oh the Pacific Coast.
In a very short time the advent of another
great traDscontinental line of railroad will
turn the eyes of the world in this direction,
and when that time arrives the possibilities
of Oakland are boundless.
The press of Oakland is creditablv repre-
sented by not less than three dailies, one
morning and two evening papers. The
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15
IMPUDENT BELL.
He Refuses to Plead, But Poses for Gan
ing Crowd.

He Refuses to Plead, But Poses for a Gap
ing Crowd.
Sydney Bell, alias Thomas, the foatpad
accused of the murder of Samuel jacobson,
was before Judge Murphy yesterday for ar
raignment. He exhibited the same garru-
lous, defiant and impudent demeanor that
has characterized him from the first and ex-
planned to the Judge. when his name was
called, that he wasn't ready to plead, as he
had no attorney. He wanted three weeks
more time.
"You can't have so much time" said
Judge Murphy.
81 can't get a lawyer before then" said
Bell
"Well, I'll appoint one for yOu," said the
court.
AZ don't want one," was the surly reply.
The Judge paid no attention to him, and
ordered the Clerk to proceed with The ar
raignment. There were three charges Of
robbery and one of murder. and as the ac-
cused held the documents in his hand he ar
ranged them as a card-player does and re-
marked loosely TO his fellow-criminals that
he had almost full hand" When the
reading had been concluded he told the
Judge he wouldn't plead, but Judge Murphy
gave him until next Saturday to make up
his mind.
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15

avoiding useless and extravagsnt expendi-
lures.
Public improvements have kept pace with
the cty's needs in the direction of sewerage,
paving and sidewalk-laying. while illumi-
nation is provided for by both gas and cleo
trio light systems. These plants are modern
and perfect of their kinds, AMI are paying
handsomely on the investments made in
them.
The city is regularly laid out according TO
modern methods of city building; the
streets in the business and principal resi-
dence portions have been graded and paved
quite effectively, and further improvements
in this direction are constantly being made.
A vast amount of money has been and is
stone sidewalks, which for such purposes is
unsurpassed for beauty and desirability.
This material is manufactured in Oakland,
and creates employment for a large force of
men.
Extensive improvements involving heavy
expenditures will soon be inaugurated in
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15

at best fair chance in the battle of life.
The school buildings are creditable and
modern structures, and instruction is af-
forded from the kindergarten to the higher
classics, while business colleges flourish and
fill an ample field of usefulness.
A Lumber of private institutions of learn
ing. both for male and female youth. of a
very high order of merit also attract hnn-
dreds of pupils from other localities and
even other States, and form one of the city's
most desirable features as a place of resi-.
dence. This is one of the principal features
inquired into by families moving into other
localities, and TO such we may say that in
this respect Oakland challenges comparison
with any city west OF the Mississippi River,
of every citizen.
In the nineteen public schools existing is
enrolled scholarship of 1862, for whose
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15

State laws, and two conduct savings depart
ments and transact a general commercial
business.
In 1880 there were four banks in Oakland,
with combined capital of S1,174, 200 and
deposits of S3,059, 1859 65. The banks as be-
fore stated now number five and are oper-
ated with combined capital, surplus, funds
and undivided profits Of S1,549. 265, and de-
posts amounting to the grand total of
S8,S4 2,O69 rs. This is very creditable ex-
hiblt, and we may say of Oakland's bankers
that they are regarded as substantial, con-
sentative and accomplished financiers.
whose standing in financial circles is of the
highest. They have also always been
among the foremost TO further public enter
prises. and to aid the merchants and manu-
factnrers In extending and building up the
city's trade and industry, while none have
ever closed their doors during the most
stringent periods through which the State
has passed
The majority of the banks have erected
handsome and costly buildings, specially
designed Tor their purposes, equipped in
modern style, with fire and burglar proof
vaults and safes, time locks, etc., for effectu-
ally guarding their treasures.
Besides the banks, there are also several
building and loan associations, which are
doing large amount of good in aiding wage
earners and men of limited means to become
home-0wners upon the most reasonable
terms, thereby intoxicating habits OF thrift
among those classes, and gradually building
| up valuable, permanent, tax-paying citl-
Zenship, making 1t city of home-OwBers
instead Oh renters. and thus aiding its up
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15
Lundquist and His Next Trial.

John Flournoy, who so ably defended
Carl Lundquist on his recent trial, stated to
Judge Hebbard yesterday that if fifth
trial should be had he wished it to take
place Immediately, as his client had already
been imprisoned three years. Another rea-
been appointed by the Court to defend
Lundquist and was acting without COM
pensation. 1t was extremely detrimental
to both his interest and his clients to have
the case hanging fire so long. The District
Attorney opposed the motion on the ground
that many other cases are waiting and enti-
tied to precedence but the Judge will de-
eide The matter this week.
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15

the construction Of magnificent bou levard,
to run from Seventh street east to Lake
Merritt, along that beautiful sheet of
waters eastern, western and north
This will be very valuable i'm
provement, and one that Will add
millions to the value of the already choice
and desirable home sites in that cha rming
portion of the city. The city govern ment
enterprise, for which right of way has al
ready been secured. 1t is estimated that not
less than S45O,O00 will be required to COM
plete the work, aud the money will be forth
coming. This enterprise will prove valua-
BILE as au investment. While realty adjacent
to the boulevard is sure to rise enormously
in value, home investments made at this
time must prove exceedingly lucrative in
this direction. The public buildings of Oak
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15

VIEW ON EIGHTH STREET LOOKING EAST

toward metropolitan greatness made by
such cities as Oakland, Cal, which. only a
few years ago, were but small, Insignificant
villages, possessing but little except natural
advantages to attract the worlds attention.
There is at the present time an intense in
te-est manifest among the people Of the
Eastern and Northern States to obtain reli-
able information concerning the material
advantages, attractions. resources, and COM
mercial as well as industrial features, not
only of the State Of California at large, but
# its cities as well, and it is with view Of
furnishing this information that this re-
view is compiled and published.
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15

building and prosperity in the most
practicable manner possible.
There is also local insurance company.
which, during the eleven years of its ey'
istence, makes fine exhibit of prosperity
and satisfactory increase of business.
Many of the principal Eastern insurance
companies have branch agencies in Oak
land, all of which report a large. satisfac-
tory, and steadily increasing business. Oak
land is daily becoming a more favorable
city for insurance writing, as the wooden
buildings of the early days are rapidly Civ
ing way to more substantial class of
structures of brick, stone and iron.
Oakland. in common with all modern
American cities, prides itself upon its edu-
catlonal systems, and has provided the most
ample and liberal facilities for the educa.
ton Of its youth, believing that on education
rests the p'rmanenee and safety of onr
political liberty, no less than the welfare of
the rising generation in this enlightened
age, when a thorough education is Also
lutely essential to enable person to have
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15
THE CHABoT OBSERVATORY

There are about a hundred miles of mac
adamlZed and so-caled bituminous streets
IN Oakland. more than twenty of which
nave been laid during 1890, from which it
will be observed that its people ara fully
abreast of these stirring, progressive times,
determined that their city shall take front
rank, not only as a desirable place of
residence but in all the important features
which go to make up great, prosperous
ana modern commercial metropolis.
Business men are very apt to INQUIRE into
the financial resources, facilities and stand
ing OF cities that thew NAV think OF locating
In, and hence it will be a matter of Interest
to our readers TO give some data concerning
the growth of Oakland's banks. their opera
tons and Increase during the decade.
There are at present five banks in Oak
land, two of which operate under the
national system. and the others under the
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL cBURcH

land are noble, costly. substantial and cred
liable structures. such as the county court
house, Hall of Records and City Hall being
particularly worth of mention, comparing as
they do very favorably with similar stru c.
lures in cities of this magnitude.
There is as vet no Government building in
oakland, and this is a matter which the
Congressman of this district should be ur-
gent in his claims to secure at as early day
as possible. Cities of much less pretensions
in all parts OF the Union are thus recognized
at every session of Congress, and Oakland
has equal if not greater claims for such rec
ignition than many already so favored.
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15

education the sum of s246, 36S IA was ex-
pended during the fiscal year ending June
30. 1880, while the department estimate for
the current year is placed at S295, 773 25
Ihese figures are very suggestive and speak
volumes for the community's broad minded
ness and 1t is only proper to state, Ia the
possesses more competent force of princi-
pals and. teachers, and better or more
thoroughly equipped buildings for this great
and noble purpose than does the city of
Oakland.
For California city Oakland is well pro-
vided with transportation lines. it being the
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15
To Receive Valuations.

The COMMISSIONERS Tor The opening and eX-
tending of Twentieth, Twenty first, Twenty
second and Twenty-third streets and the
extending and widening of Nineteenth
which Mr.. Wander Naillen delivered maps
and pats showing the surveys of the above
district. and it was resolved to hold meet
ing o-morrow evening in the rooms of the
Commissioners, 213 Larkin street, for the
purpose of hearing from the owners of the
property within the line Of the proposed
extension their valuation of their indiyid-
mol prOnertv
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15

| no one prizes such advantages so highly as
| do the American people.
! In 1880 the city'S assessed value was re-
| turned at S2S.69l go; ten years later it
reached $50. S43. $40 the actual fgures). or
an increase Of S6552, $40 during the decade.
The city's bonded indebtedness at present
does not exceed S357, 900. the sum of S303, 600
of the original debt having been paid during
the decade
The rate of taxation for all purposes in
the 500 for all purposes. In the annexed
district the rate is only 81 cents. This, as
will be noted with interest, is a very low
| rate of taxation indeed, considering all the
municipal advantages existing. The total
] tax levy Tor the fiscal year ending June 80,
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15

Every locality is busily engaged in pub
fishing to the world its particular advan-
tages, and as Oakland possesses many
which must appeal in the strongest possible
manner to several desirable classes, namely,
capitalists interested in manufactures, finan-
eial enterprises and commercial ventures,
the following facts will naturally prove in
teresting.
Oakland. whose name is derived from the
forest Of oaks which covered the original
site. to-day occupies the proud position OF
the second city in population, wealth and
commercial Importance in California.
while its location, surroundings, tributary
country, rail ana water transportation
facilities entitle it to hope for great things
In the future, from the fact that as a dis
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15
A Sketch Of The Second LARGEST City
in The State Of California.
WONDERFUL GROWTH AND PROGRESS.
A Concise Review Of Commercial, Industrial,
Financial, Educational and Social Features
That Have Developed During The Past Ten
Y8dS-The Many Advantages That The
city Of the Oaks " Possesses and what's
Done to Demonstrate Them.

At this time, Immediately following the
close of the most remarkable decade in the
history of the United States, decade which
has witnessed n greater degree of growth.
development and increase of wealth and
population than any previous one. it is pleas
ing task to set forth to the world the strides
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-15
TIE COURTHOUSE.

tributing center it possesses every advan-
tage of San Francisco, besides many not
found in that city.
0akland's commerce is almost wholly con-
fined 10 retail business as yet. no ATTEMPT
having ever been made TO establish whole
sale houses. Just why this has not been
done no one seems to be able to explain, as
lohbing houses of various kinds should not
find II an advantageous point from which to
operate. Compared to San Francisco, prop
erty Is cheap; buildings can be erected more
eheaply than in that city, and the rates by
rail are the same. A very extensive and
prosperous scope of country is tributary to
Oakland, which, if an effort were only made,