davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01

alarms and viewing, with facial consterna-
ton, the approach of the queens forces.
The picture at the other end of the board
shows a gracious and slender queen receiving
the homage of courtiers, while, in the
distance, her artillery is starting in the
direction of the kings palace.
How 1t Is Played.
The pictures are typical of the game it
self. A set of six black knights and fourteen
pawns of the same hue form the king s
army. The queen has similar force ar
rayed in white, and the object of the two
players is to occupy the opponents head
quarters comprising the two squares at
each extremity OF the board. The players
move as at checkers, but the rules allow
many moves that are inadmissible in the
older game. From the outset the knights
have power exceeding that of< the kings OF
the checker boark. A knight may move to
any square adjoining that occupied by him.
He captures his opponents by jumping over
them as in checkers, and may jump, as well
as move, either forward, backward, diagon-
ally or sidewise.
The pawn possesses limited powers. He
can only move and jump forward, either
straight ahead or diagonally. Of course,
jumps are only permissible when another
piece is next to the knight or in front of the
pawn, with a vacant space beyond it. Any
one of. these pieces can jump over another
one provided this condition is complied
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01

the same circle, thence on radial line to figures
3 and 4, thence to the left on second circle to
figure s, thence radial line to figure 6, taking
as prisoners all the men i'll red he passes over
in that move. He may now move to figure Z
for safety and advantage. or to figure for
safety only.
A Colonel may jump in the same manner as
far as figure 6. where he will have to remain,
safety.
jump to the left, taking s. B. and G. B., and
resting at figure 9. He cannot continue and
pass an unoccupied position. Neither can s.
B. at figure II take s. r. at figure IL because a
soldier cannot move or jump on a radial line.
Another Game of Chance.
Louisa is the rather Inappropriate name
OF very good game of chance played with
a board in the sha pc of cross. The men
four to each player-are moved around the
outside edge of the four arms until they ac-
complish the circuit, when they proceed up
the center aisle Of squares to the castle in
the middle. The player whose men all
reach the castle first wins the game. The
moves depend upon throws of dice.
Games requiring special packs of cards
are very popular with some folks. Geo
graphical cards, authors" political (Which
is played on the map of the United States),
and progressive logomachy, are favorites in
this class. The last named is not new, but
it has attained immense success OF course
there are hundreds Of other excellent indoor
games, but those referred to if this article
are representative OF all the newest ana the
best. and afford ample choice for those who
like to while away an occasional evening in
testing their skill and strategic power.
HERBERT W. BURDETT.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01

The upper half illustrates some of the pos
sible moves. The initials indicate the rank
OF the men and the army to which they be-
long; for instance, G. B. stands for general
of the blues, S. R. tor soldier of the reds, etc.
Rules for Militaire.
At the outset the general is placed at
figure 1, a colonel at each figure 2, and the
privates occupy the remaining dotted sta
tions. Soldiers can move one space only
back and forth on the oblique liaes, but
must keep off the radial lines. They NAV
take an opponent only on the circular lines,
and jumps are governed by the same rules as
in checkers. Colonels have the privilege of
soldiers and, in addition, may move sany
number of consecutive unoccupied positions
along a circular or radial line, passing
from one to the other and taking as many of
the enemy as may be found on their line of
march with one or more vacant spaces be-
tween them. When a general reaches the
extent of the move permitted a colonel, he
has the additional privilege of moving off
the line to any other open position that may
offer him safety or an advantage for his next
move. Prisoners may be exchanged at the
rate of five privates for one colonel. When
an army is reduced to less than five men it
is declared vanqushed.
The following is the explanation of the
movements illustrated on the upper half of
the diagram:
G. B. at figure on the outer circle may Jump
to the right over s. R., and land at figure ON
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01
Installing Theater Lighting Plants.

A London electrical journal, in comment,
ing on the recent destruction in this country
of theaters by fire which was supposed to be
caused BY electricity, enjoins greater care
being taken in the installation of electric
lighting plants in theaters. A theater and
its accessories should be looked upon in the
light of a powder magazine or dangerous
coal mine, and similar precautions to those
which are adopted for these should be fol-
lowed in such places of public entertaln-
ment. The crossing of wires, which ought
to be easily guarded against, has of late be-
come a matter of too frequent occurrence.
To whatever cause, however, the recent fires
may be due, electric lighting, though by far
the safest means OF artificial illumination
in existence, becomes, when carelessiy con-
Quoted, very dangerous element and will
be the cause of more fires unless the most
stringent supervision is exercised by the
contractor over his men and by the tech
nical adviser over the contractor. Such q
course as this, besides having directly SAL
utary effect in the reduction of the number
of fires in theaters and other buildings, will,
it is to be hoped, also result in correcting
the tendency. which has become very
marked, to blame electricity for almost
every fire that occurs.
A characteristic instance of this readiness
to seize on the electric wire as a scapegoat
occurred some months ago IN Brooklyn,
when the Talmage tabernacle WAS destroyed
by fire. 1t was conclusively proved by the
officials Of the fire department that the fire
was caused bv the electric wires, and this
verdict was accepted by the public for some
days after which, on examining the debris,
the switchboard was found to be the only
thing that was not touched by the fire.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01
.ff{W 1
For Wild West.

tering ones own pieces along the route as to
afford an opportunity for those in t1 rear
to advance by successive jumps over each
other and at the same time blocking ones
opponent and preventing his taking advan-
tage of the opportunity afforded by these
open jumps
Pure Game of Chance.
An excellent game, differing altogether
from those heretofore described, and one
that is peculiarly appropriate and interest
ting at the present time is the Wild West.
Unlike the preceding games, it is purely a
game of chance. From one to four players
compete. The implements are large board,
several figures OF mounted Indisns, four
figures of scouts on foot but armed with
rifles, which, by the way, they keep to
their shoulders in a way that would Indicate
their existence to a perpetual "hold-up,"
and one or more dials with double set of
numbers running around the circle and
stationary pointer.
The board is gayly decorated with pictures
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01
Iiddledu- Winks Tennis.

number shown upon the dial, which is spun
around once for every player. About every
sixth square on the trail is marked with
some direction, and the latter must be
obeyed by any scout whose number lands
him on that spot.
Buffalo Bill on the Trail.
For instance, one of the first commands
is, Join Buffalo Bill" The counterfeit
presentment OF the scout referred to is away
ahead on the trail. and the lucky player is
Immediately transported there. AT his
next spin of the disk he continues on the
trail from his advanced post. Further along
the trail. however, the directions encount-
cred send the player back, instead of for
ward, and one who was within rifle range OF
the Black Hills may, by an unlucky spin,
be sent back to RESCUE lost girl, Recon
noiter Indian village" or perform some
other duty that throws him behind all his
competitors. Upon reaching the Black
Hills the luck scout receives an Indian,
pony and all, and is translated to Fort
Kearney, only to start again on the trail in
quest of more Indians.
The game is won by the player who bags
the greater number OF Indians, and prizes
are often awarded. The intense interest and
the keen excitement that this game some
times gives rise to among a party of sdult
players is remarkable. Children 60 half
wild over it at critical moments, when, for
instance, the leader spins a number that
takes him to the command, "Assist in de-
tense of Lone Tree ranch"-the ranch being
In the rear of ali the rest.
The Latest Craze.
Tiddledy Winks is one OF the most fun.
provoking games of class differing alto
gether from the board games, all of which,
by the way, bear a relationship, more or
less remote, to chess and checkers. It is too
well known to need description. A capital
Improvement, however, is tiddledy winks
tennis. in which a felt cloth accurately
marked out as a miniature lawn tennis
court is used, and net in the center takes
the place of the original cup. The small
counters are served" over the net by means
of the large one, and the method of scoring
is that employed in lawn tennis. Beginners
usually give their opponents the first few
games by succession OF "faults," but prac-
tice soon begets skill at this curious pas
time.
A Detroit man recently patented game
called Militaire. Two opposing armies
meet on a circular board. The officers and
men are represented by circular pegs. The
general of each army commands six regi-
ments, each comprising a colonel and five
men. The accompanying diagram shows
the position Of one army on the lower half.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01

with. Friendly pieces are not affected by
the jumps, however. Some of the combina-
tions that arise are remarkable in the op-
portunity that they present for reversal of
fortunes, and single piece can sometimes
travel all over the board in one series of
jumps.
A Somewhat Similar Game.
Another new and frst-class game, re-
sembiing kings and queens in its object but
played on a novel form of board and with
much smaller pieces. is that of Migration.
Its most distinctive feature lies in the fact
that no pieces are removed from the board,
but the object of each player is to first occu-
py his opponents quarters. The board
comprises an outer circle. which is the bat
tie ground, and an inner circle. The latter
is divided into four triangles, each of which
is q headquarters, and contains 16 squares,
each occupied by one man or piece. The
pieces move one by one and space at a
time out of their triangle and around the
circle to their adversary's quarters.
Jumps may be made over any piece ad-
joining, so long as the square next to it, in
direct line with the jumper, is vacant.
Successive jumps may be made sideways,
diagonally and back again, it desired, the
only limitation being the principle that a
space cannot be skipped and that there must
be vacancy beyond the jumped piece into
which to land. Either four or two players
can compete. The chief skill lies in so scat
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01
FEATHERED COsMoP0LITANs.
Long Island Resort for Birds From Many
Distant Chimes.

Distant Chimes.
Confirmation is constantly being obtained
to the statement of John Akhurst, of this
city, that Long Island is locality where
the birds of many climes do congregate, says
at certain seasons of the year are found here
and those of milder regions than ours are
frequently encountered. During the pres
ent winter large numoer of snow owls
have been shot on Long Island. These are
Arctic birds. While cunning on the South
Beach, opposite Babylon, recently, George
Saxton shot one. The crew of the Zachs
Inlet Life Saving Station have killed IA,
and 20 of the same species of blrd have been
taken in the vicinity of Sag Harbor.
The snow owl is found in the Northern
regions of America, Europe and Asia. 1t
hunts in the day time and at morning and
evening twilight. Being Of rapid and pow
erful flight, it strikes ducks, growse, pigeons,
etc., on the wing like falcon, and seizes
hares, squirrels and rats from the ground,
and fish from the shadows. From its
color it is seen with difficulty, amid
the rocks and snow of its favorite
haunts. Some OF the wise men down on
the island say that the catching of 30
many snow owls indicates a very severe
winter, but the predictions will hardly hold
good. Ornithologists tell us that snow owls
are sometimes found in winter as far south
as Georgia, and it is not probable that their
appearance on Long Island has anything to
do with the present or future condition of
the weather. These birds make very at
tractive ornaments after being mounted by
taxidermist, and the Nimrods of the
island consider themselves fortunate when
they succeed in bagging one.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01
Threshing by Electric Light.

Not the least important effect OF the gen.
eral introduction of the electric light has
been its influences in modifying the condi-
tions of various industries. Another of the
innumerable exemplifcations of this which
are constantly being recorded is the fact that
a great deal of tbreshing which farmers
heretofore carried on in the long summer
days is now continued through the
night by means of the electric light
This arrangement is particularly
advantageous to the proprietor
of threshing machinery, which can
be hired out, as the machine can thus in
a single season earn half as much more hire.
Where the farmers staff is limited to a GER
tain number of laborers, and more are NOT
available, it is no small convenience il they
can be made free for the accomplishment
of other duties by more rapid completion
of the threshing. The economy of fuel ID
also a matter of moment, as the consumption
is considerably reduced by keeping the
boiler constantly hot, and thus obviatins
the necessity Of getting up steam afresh
every morning.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01
THE RED JACKET MEDAL.

Peculiar Relic of Interest in These Days Of
Indian Troubles.
Mrs. Elizabeth Townsend Meagher, widow
of General Thomas Francis Meagher, has
presented the Red Jacket medal to the State
of New York, arranging that the Red
Jacket Club, of Canandaigua. N. T., shall
be its custodian. It was given by WASH
ington to the eloquent chief in 1892 when
Red Jacket mad come to see the Great
White Father as ambassador for the six
nations whose hunting grounds were
in the western part of New York
and thereabouts. The Father Of His
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01
Insulating Electric Wires.

In an interesting article on the invention
of the electric motor by Davenport, a Yer
mont village blacksmith, so years ago, Mr..
f. L. Pope, who has been investigating the
subject historically. states that in order to
insulate his wire the poor inventor was
actually driven to the necessity of tearing
up into strips his wife's much priced we'd
ding dress. One can imagine the tears with
which the brave woman took It from her
clothes press and gave it to him. This in
cident has recalled an amusing episode Of
the old telegraphic days when James d.
Reid, now United States Consul at Dun.
fermline, but then pioneer with Mr. Morse,
started out in charge of gang and coated
the wires between Philadelphia and Balti-
more with tar. No hotel proprietor would
give him or his tar bucket any hospitality.
That was in 1886.
At another time the use of waxed cloth at
the point where the wires met the suspension
pins was tried. The only result was thaS
the bees of all the country round made q
dead set at the wa1ed rags, and in a short
time were revelling in beeswsx boom that
seemed without end. Their millennium
came to an untimely close with the October
frosts, and waxed rag insulation OF that
kind passed into history.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01
SELLING BY METER.
Advantages of the System Of Retail-
ing Electric Currents.
FIRES STARTED BY TIE WIRES.
Shearing Sheep, Threshing and Running
Farms by Electricity.
INSULATING MATERIAL FROM SILK
PREPARED FOB THE DISPATCH.

RREPARED FOR THE DIsPArcH.I
In the earlier days Of electric lighting il
was the common practice to sell current at
''fat rate" Arc lamps for street lighting
are so sold down TO the present time except
that the vague phrase that they should be Of
so many candle power is stipulated in city
contracts. The requirement that such
lamps shall be OF !, 200 or 1000 C. p. is, in
fact, purely conventional, and is not in
tended to represent the actual value of the
lamp. Electric light men themselves would
much prefer to have the lamps rated in
terms OF the energy or current that they
consume, SO that the contracts they make
may be based on conditions to which both
the parties attach the same definite mean
ing.
In incandescent lighting this reform 10
already being carried out, and the exacti-
tude is far beyond that attained in gas light
ing, in which the state of the meter and the
yellow dimness of the fame are all that the
consumer can bear witness to. 1t is still
customary to call incandescent lamps as 10
candle power, 16. 80, so and so forth, but il
is becoming practice to rate them accord
ing to the watts" they use up at their best
efficiency. Thus they represent at once q
definite consumption of energy, which must
give corresponding value of light. 1t is
also becoming the practice to sell current by
meter, with the effect that the central station
is run with closer economy, while the Gus
toner pays for exactly what he has bought
Current for electric motors is also being
sold in the same manner, it being found
that very often a little one-horse
power motor has been hitched up to FIVE
horse power job in some shop or factory
whose proprietor thought there was no limit
to its ability or endurance. These motors,
in turn, as we'll as dynamos, are now rated
also at their watt capacity, or, to state it in
another way, in the number of amperes Of
current they will produce at certain pres
sure or voltage. This practice has already
become so prevalent in England that it is
the rule without exception, and some of
the largest American electrical manufac-
turers have begun to classify their machines
on the same intelligent basis. This resort
to definite figures and an exact scale has
led to an enormous demand for measuring
instruments and meters, and great deal Of
ingenuity is bestowed just now on their in
vention and perfection.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01
shearing sheep BY Electricity.

The suggestion which was made some
short time ago that electricity should be
utilized for the shearing of sheep has been
promptly taken advantage of by the Aus
tralian sheep farners. A very effective in
stallation has just been made on the Rauka-
puka estate for actuating Wolseley sheep
shearing machines by motors. Ten Of these
machines are now electrically worked there,
and it is calculated that the extra value Of
the clip of Ia, 900 sheep has. nearly rscouped
in one season the whole cost OF putting mp
the machines. In the Raukspuka plant, Q
turbine drives the dynamo, and an overhead
wire conducts the current to the motor which
drives the shafting in the wooished. Spe-
cial arrangements are made to keep the
speed ofthe shafting constant. though the
work being done continually variea
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01

representing various forts, ranches, noted
scouts. etc. A broad trail winds about the
board, in and out among the various pictures.
1t starts from Fort .-Kearney." in one cor
ner OF the board, and ends in the ~Black
Hills" the entrance to which is defended
by the Indian figures The scouts are dis
tributed among the players, and start from
Fort Kearney, advancing along the trail so
many squares at time, according to the
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01

Country was much impressed by the bear
ing of the chieftaln, and also wished to
reward him for the services he had rem
dered in bringing the six nations TO a
peaceful frame OF mind. So the big silver
medal was made, and presented with due
formalities.
The medal Is Of pure silver, oval In shape
and about five inches long. It bears upon
its face an engraving representing George
Washington presenting the pine of peace to
Red Jacket. The chief wears the medal
(and not much Of anything eise). On the
reverse side is the old-fashioned eagle,
whose fearful and wonderful shape Is hap
PLY not % familiar % it used to be.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01

checkers from the position they have occu-
pied hitherto. One of these is known as
kings and queens. 1t is PLAYED somewhat
after the fashion of checkers and, without
being so complicated or serious pastime
as chess, presents many features Of interest
not possessed bv checkers.
The game is played upon board contain
ing 80 squares. grouped in the form Of
diamond with the points cut of. At one
end of the board is a really well-drawn
traditional appearance surrounded by men
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01
THE LATEST GAMES.
RecreatiOns for the Home Circle
Brought Out Recently.
CHASING THE INDIANS OUT WEST,
SOME THAT ARE WON ONLY BY LUCK
WRITTEN FOE THE p1spArcu.1

F the many games
recently offered for
sale there are a few
hat give promise OF
prolonged life and
success. Some en-
thusiasts even predict
that one or two OF
them will oust such
ancient favorites as
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01

number shown upon the dial, which is spun
around once for every player. About every
sixth square on the trail is marked with
some direction, and the latter must be
obeyed by any scout whose number lands
him on that snot
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01
The Mothers Instinct Missing.

The good sisterhood, by the way, being all
maiden ladies, are scarcely the natural
guardians of childhood, having voluntarily
foregone the development of the maternal in
stiuct and being compelled by their VOWS to
sternly repress the most tender sentiments
of the heart. Worthy women though they
undoubtedly are, I searched every counte-
nance in vain for one trace Of that unde-
Unable yet unmistable sweetness of express
sion indicative Of completed womanhood,
that comes only to the faces OF those who
have loved.
In this asylum the children are carefully
trained in the tenets of the Church and edu-
Gated to moderate extent in the lore of
books. while each is taught some useful
trade, which be or she may practice for
future support. Thus, while the boys learn
saddlery, shoemaking, poncho weaving,
cabinet work, etc., the girls manufacture ar
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-02-01

There was maiden-a very little maiden
who had just stepped ont of one of James s
novels. She owned a delightful mother and
an equally delightful father, heavy-eyed,
slow-voiced man of finance. The parents
thought that their daughter wanted change.
She lived in New Hampshire. According
ly, she had dragged them up to Alaska and
to the Yosemite Valley, and was now re-
turning leisurely via the Yellowstone Just
in time for the tail end Of the summer seas.
on at Saratoga.
We had met once or twice before in the
park, and I had been amazed and amused
at her critical commendation of the wonders
thst she saw. From that very resolute little
mouth received o lecture on American lit.
Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1891-06-26

The people all over the country have
ormed an opinion by this time and con-
emn the action some of the leading
izens of Colfax took in cheating Pull
IAN out of the college building. The
stion taken might possibly cheat the
ounty out of this noble institution. It
i'll bear its own fruit.-Uniontow
purnal.