davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
He Wanted a Divorce.

Once upon time man went to Ger
tain judge and said:
ledge, | want a divorce from my
wife, n as hain't no bible reasons, nur
sech, fer gettin' it, | jest thought | come
yuh kind o quiet like n git it with
out any fuss"
oh" said the judge smiling affably;
land what charge do you bring against
your wife, sir? Upon what complaint do
you seek divorce?''
''Why, jedge," and he Strengthened up
and spoke in az awe-stuck tone, 'my
wife was the meekers' sort of gal yuh
ever see, n 'lowd s how we'd get
along 'swim'n'; but sir f you'll b'lieve
me, afor we'd been married six months
tibet WON n let out tibet she had opinyuns
yes, sir, actyully had opinyuns, same's
I had, only diff 'runt-I may say mostly
diff 'runt.
Now that won't do fer two people n
tn same house, jedge; 60 | jest made up
my min wouldn't have no wife what's
got opinyuns.
81 see, said the Judge, alphabetically;
sit is bad business, but I'm afraid |
cannot help you out.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
The Fayerweather Benefacton.

The agreement entered into by the ex-
ecutors and residuary legatees uHder the
will of the late Daniel B. Fayerweather
of New York to turn nearly the whole of
the residue of the estate, amounting to
some 100000, to charitable and educa-
tional objects in addition to the 50, 100000
or So, 300 900 so bestowed directly by the
will itself, will, if carried out, make this
the largest benefaction of the kind known
since the time of George Peabody, Johns
Hopkins and Stephen Girard. Mr.. Pea
body, before his death in 1862 made pub
lie gifts that must have aggregated 81 900,
600 if not more, in addition to large
amounts quietly bestowed in charity in
divers ways. But his fortune considerably
exceeded this, and he left as much as S.
100000 to relatives at his death. His
benefactions made him famous all over the
world.
Johns Hopkins gave 81, 5OO,O tor the
hospital and So, 100000 for the university
bearing his name at Baltimore and at his
death in 1873 the margin of his estate,
above these gifts, was about $4,000, 900.
But quite all of The estate of Mr.. Fayer-
weather will go to charitable and educa-
tional objects. as did that of Girard; and
the further fact that he was never known
by even friends to be so wealthy man,
until his death, will all go to make this
benefaction of over 100000 perhaps
the most noticeable in the history of the
country.
But in the time of Peabody and Girard
and Hopkins there were few private
fortunes as large as theirs, and at about
the time of their deaths there was probab
ly not more than two men worth over $40,-
900. In the time of Fayerweather,
however, there are two or three men
whose fortunes will amount to over $780,
600, 900, and very considerable number
in addition whose individual wealth ex-
ceeds $4,000. And yet amid such diff
ferent surroundings a public bequest as
large as that of Mr.. Fayerweather is as
were the gifts of Mr.. Peabody.
There is an impression abroad among
the people that with the rapid growth Of
these amazing and unprecedented indivi-
dual fortunes there has been no CORES
ponding quickening of the sense of the
tremendous responsibility which their
possessions imposes upon the possessor.
1t looks very much as if this might be the
case.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
COINS AND COINAGE.
Some Interesting Facts Regarding the Is
sue of Coins.
Age of Steel.

age OF steel.
The head of the Caesar ON a Roman coin
was its authority, and its Latin super scrip
ton an announcement to that effect. An
imperial profile could dignity the basest
metal, and an autocrat In a toga decide the
fate of coin as he did the life or death of
slave. The right of coinage in English
history was royal perogative. Authority
was the god of the mint. 1t fixed the de-
nomination, design and superscription,
and made the national coinage the etalllc
tablet of the royal will. The gentlemen
with their heads in golden skillets were
not always up to par in financial ability,
though seldom wanting In the gift Of
knowing how to empty the national pocket
without going to Jail. Hence the debase-
ment of coins became royal virtue, by
which the subjects suffered, bat the sover-
eign satisfied his ambition and his appe
tite In 1905 nearly all the silver coin in
England was debased by diminishing the
weight OF the metal, and to such an extent
was this kingly art put into practice that
in the reign CT that delicate monarch
Known as Henry VIII the profit in ex-
changing silver for gold was 355 per
cent
When England was being made into
m1ncemeat and blocks OF real estate oy the
Saxons and Danes silver and brass were in
use as currency, but the Normans subse-
quently installed the aristoeratic metal,
and left the democratic brass to take care
of itself. Gold was first coined by Henry
III. and copper made into British coin in
1872 lin was issued for coinage in 1880,
and tine national farthing was made OF
this Cambrian product with stud of cop
per let in the center. In 1890 and 1891 tin
half pence were issued In considerable
quantities. The only pure gold coins
issued in English history were those of
Henry Ill.
In the reign of Edward |. the pound in
tale of silver coins was equal to the pound
in weight of standard silver. The pound
in tale was div ded into 20 shillings, the
shilIings into II pence. and each penny
piece weighed penny weight or "a grains,
Before the mlntage of gold coins In Eng
land. the byzant. valued at 10 shilings,
was impo: ted from Consrantlnople and
fiorences Of The same value from Florence
Edward III subsequently minted
the noble, Edward w the rial, Henry VII
the doule rial. James | the laurel, and
Charles ii revived the old laurel coin under
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19

DIT wren could nor Torgeu tuc EIIIpul ts,,, {
political questions of the day even amid all
this gayety, but would always find some
one with whom he could discuss the diff
cult problems agitating the country Dur
ing the concert instead of listening to the
music, he was in q retired corner of the
great drawing-room in earnest conversa-
ton with a member of the British ParIia-
ment. When heard Parneu's name | be-
came interested and asked Lady Waiver
land to excuse me and / soon Joined them
in the discussion.
But sir" said Sir Wren, why need
the new party be destroyed"
''The power they will hold can force one
party or the other to grant their demands
in the coming parliament. If the men are
elected, in the strength that Parnel ex-
poets, he will hold IL controlling power"
said the NJ P.
Il believe he will elect nearly every can
tlitlate he chooses to nominate" said Sir
Wren, earnestly. But England need not
care" he continued, ''if she is willing to
comply with an act of parliament passed
in the first year of the present century.
That the independence of Ireland should
ever remain to her."
w ny Sir, sad the NJ. F., that can
never be. Ireland is part of the empire,
and as such she can never be independ-
entr'
ireland does not ask complete indie
pendence, but to have the legislative right
for a local parliament and local govern
ment."
eff we should grant that in this coming
parliament, in the next she will ask even
more. The more we grant the Irish peo-
pie the more they wantm exclaimed the
NJ p with animation
ITO be cOntinued.1
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
Have a Garden,

Samuel Edwards, Peoria, ILL.,, writes
Every famaily possessing a small plat of
ground should have vegetable garden,
some fruit (if ouly one or two grape vines),
and flowers. No mistake was made when
the human race was given the care of a
garden as their occupation. A little at
tention at this leisure season, in starting
plants of vegetables and flowers indoors
will repay cost many times in adding
several weeks to the season. Lettuce is
now up by a south window in our furnace
room, and rhubarb will soon be ready for
use. Tomato plants from market gardeners
for two years having proved about worth
less, ours were last year grown in the
house and proved so far superior that seed
is now in, for this years supply. Cucum-
bers and muskmeons started on pieces of
inverted sod proved so satisfactory getting
we'll under way before the advent of the
bugs that We shall continue the practice.
Melons should, in their season, be daily
article Of food for those who are fond of
them, and though our markets are we'll
supplied, the homegrown melons will
average better, be more heaIthful and
cheaper that the southern product.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
The Wrong Kind of Food

Is too often used. The horse at work
needs mainly such grain and provender as
will build up muscle. To feed fatten-
ing food to work animal exclusively is
similar to man building fire by which
to saw wood. When a horse is being fit
ted for work in the early spriug, after be-
ing idle several months, exercise-moder
ate work at frst-is economy, as this hard
ems the muscles, preparing them for less
waste of material when properly fed as
the hard work is endured later on. To
neglect the exercise is to lose good share
of the proper food in the pradaration and
in the later hard labor. The beast in
tended fer fattening needs mainly other
kinds of food. But the modern demand
for lean meat, even here, calls for a good
share Of muscle growth. In this direc-
ton there is no safer policy than that
which provides for grazing at least ten
months in the yea1-twelve, if possible.
With this should be coupled the feeding
of some variety of grain neari Y every day
in the year, at least two sorts every week
The instinct of the animal, be it hog. OK
or sheep, will prompt it to eat the grain
it most needs, as a rule, and to select the
sort of grass required for its best growth.
The exercise Called for in such life is rot
to be despised. 1t is source of loss to
neglect variety of grass and lay as we'll as
of grain.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
What She Gave Him

Two who had been deeply loved came
one day to part because of some trivial
misunderstanding, and because each was
to proud too say, 81 am in fault; forgive
me-" So they stood with cold eyes but
trembling hearts and looked at each
other.
Here is the-ring." shes aid drawing it
slowly from her finger.
He took it as slowly, turned it over and
over, and, as she did not speak flung it
upon the glowing Goals. She paed a lit
tie but unclasped from her throat tiny
chain and gave it to him with shaking
hand. 1t shared the same fate. Then they
stood silent.
II have given you nothing, at last
she said, in tone of dull regret, and ne
replied, his voice breaking with deep
emotion:
mo; you have given me no ring, no
chain, no petty bubble it is true which may
be returned and flung to the flames; but
y5u have given every thought for two
years past to me; you have given me your
eyes, your lips, your heart; you have given
ME to know that heaven still lives on
earth to the man who is loved by chaste
woman. These | can not give back to
you"
Then, all in a moment, the heart tears
leaps d up TO her eyes, and his words we're
silent ON her lips.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
FARM NOTES.

A nice fat peafowl makes an extra good
table fowl. the meat is tender, juicy and
well favored, although not very generally
used.
If you can arrange to have your poultry
ready for market little earlier than the
greater majority of your neighbors you
can generally realize better prices.
The quality of the butter fixes the price.
1t is better to make pound of good but
ter than to market two pounds of inferior
butter. II as much care was used in car
ing for the cream, churning, and packing,
as in feeding and milking, more profit
would result
1t is cheaper to keep breeding stock in
the proper condition for breeding than to
make them very fat. Until it is under
stood that very fat animal is unfit for
breeding purposes, the failure to secure
vigorous young stock will continue to ex-
ist. 1t is not necessary to have the stock
poor in flesh, but simply to avoid ex-
tremes.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19

the name of the guinea. This guinea in
The reign of Queen Anne originally issued
as a 20 shilling piece, rose in value to 80
shillings, and was acrobatic in values till
Sir Isaac Newton secured authority order
ing the guinea to pass for q shillings ster-
ling. The present English sovereign was
issued in 1917, and weighed 2021 parts of
a guinea. The present standard of fine
ness for silver coin is II ounces or two
heavyweight silver and Is pennyweight
alloy
From these facts in the evolution of the
coinage of a nation we see that where
sovereign will was the authorizing power
the intrinsic value of the metal was not
the infallible rule OF its purchasing power.
In autocratic and irresponsible hands a
signature was supposed equivalent to a
value and was without exposure or rebuke
till In the turning of the economic wheel
the fly of the tire went into the mud.
As financial intelligence develops and
the iuctuating change in basic values can
be definitely placed with a safe average of
elastic margin the coinage question will
be less a problem, and as international
commerce will some day demand a stand
ard IN coins as in weights the outlook is
hopeful for uniform coinage.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
What Became of Our Baby.

One bright summers day beautiful
wee bit of a baby was laid in my arms.
His little hand was like ID folded rosebud,
his eyes like two blue lakes, and his lips
seemed just made to kiss. How | did
love that baby Three years passed by,
and | had lost him, but instead of him
there was little toddIing fellow following
me about all day long, who had prattling
lips, laughing blue eyes, and hands always
in mischief from morning until night
Somehow loved this merry little chap as
well as l had done my baby Ten years
more have gone by. | have no baby, no
merry little boy, bullock! There comes
a fine, sturdy lad down the street on a
bicycle. He sees me; his cap is off his
head, and he calls out, "Hurrah, mamma,
this wheel is beauty"
Now what became of my baby, and of
my prettry boy? Old Time is a wizard.
Every night he laid his wand on my ba-
by's brow, and slowly, surely changed him.
This sturdy lad was my baby, but | love
him; yes, even more than did the cooling
baby, or the pretty boy. Thank you, old
Father Time, for this fine, manly lad
that you have given me in place of my
how
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
Glaciers of Alaska and the Alps.

The peaks of the Yakutat Bay spurs
and the point of Cook presented their
sharpest angles toward US, and the sand
stone cliffs standing above the snow could
easily be mistaken for volcanic dykes. [
can readily understand how St. Elias,
Cook, and other peaks of the range pre-
senting to the sea their upturned angular
strata, and consequently sharpest, steep
est slopes have been mistaken for volcanoes.
1t was bewildering to watch these snow
fields, which in the sitting sun were not
luminous but fine, clear, white expanse,
gradually assuming a darker hue as the
sun gradually dropped behind st.
Elias.
l smiled to think of the great care
taken by Alpine guides, forbidding even
a whisper or journey without guide
upon the Mer de Glace. IF such noun
talneer were suddenly Transported to the
great Seward Glacier, and felt the glacier
tremble and listen to the constantly fall
ing avalanches from the crags of Elias
and Cook, imagine he would throw away
his alpenstock and flee in dismay.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
A Pretty Window Ornament.
Inndnn RaLar's Tiror

Get a piece of sponge-the coarse. cheap
kind is the best-and after wetting it
thoroughly with warm water, squeeze it
gently so as to wiring out most of the
water, but not all. Have ready some seeds
of rice, oats, miDet, barley, grass and red
clover, and push them into the damp holes
of the sponge. Now hang it up in
window where it will get the sun during
part of the day, taking care to sprinkle it
with little water every day for a week,
so that it may be slightly moist. Soon
the little spear-like leaves will begin to
as they increase in length, beautiful
green fringe will be seen falling down
over this rus tic basket and covering it on
every side 1t will remain green and re-
freshing to the eye for a long time If
carefully tended and srrinkled the clover
will bloom.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
W.AVERLAND.
BY MARIE SARAH BRIGHAM.

Yes, / remember it very well. So you
were going to carry out that plan if we
had remained in America a year," ne
asked of Lady Irving.
Most decidedly, my Lord" she said,
making him a hooking courtesy.
"Then am thankful for that telegram. -
$50 am |, for now that the day is set,
have enough to do to get ready to receive
Lady Waverland at her new home" /
said.
81 claim the right to keep Cousin Stella
as my guest until that time" said Mel
vorne.
"No, have prior right to her for my
companion" said Lady Irving
After some debating Lady Irving won
her point and Stella was to remain at Sill
yer Deli until after the wedding.
The voyage was a most delightful one,
yet we were glad when it was ended and
we were quietly seated in Lady Irving's
spacious dining room. She had earnestly
insisted that the first evening of our home
coming should be passed together at her
home. Silver Dell is beautifully located
on the Upper Thames not far from Lon
don. 1t is grand old mansion, perfect in
all its appointments.
IL 10 always LedOy 10 receive us NOBLE
mistress and ali her guests.
After dinner we spent few hours talk
ing over our plan for the future. 1t was
agreed that Melvorne should attend to the
business which had called him home and
then we were all to visit Ravens Park to-
gether
"Come Lloyd" said Melvorne, "you are
TO be my guest while you remain in Eng
land"
'Thanks," l d. 81 was dreading a
lonely lodging aft so much pleasant com.
pany."
1t was late whel ye reached Blue Ridge,
but the great II lsion was brilliantly
lighted. Lady Hortense had a gay party
about her.
The following day we ran down to the
city, and while Melvorne was attending to
business L was travelling over again. in
imagination, the mountains and glens of
Colorado with Stella and Lady Irving.
When Melvorne returned we decided to
visit Ravens Park the following day
eve almost need our business manager
to keep us posted on the days proceedings,
said Melyorne.
81 wonder where the LOllards are now"
said Lady Irving. "Some time | aIn going
back to finish the tour your telegram cut
short"
81 am going too" said Stella. II am
not satisfied with our short stay in the
new world"
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
FARM, HOME And GARDEN.
THE VIGIL.
ALICE o. DARLING.

The clock strikes twelve. Into the past
Another year has flown,
And time to come must reap OF Inal
Which this dead year has sown.
And when the reaper shall 90 forth
me harvest morn TO greet,
Full well know that we Will find
The tares among the wheat.
For chilling winds and rain fall oft
The loaded vines attend,
Though only blue and tender skies
Above the seed-time bend
"A well, the dead days come not back;
Be- bad l only known
How many more than must reap
Where only had sown.
That some may plant where others come
To sit beneath the vine,
And some must aye the vintage tread,
While others drink the wine.
In those dead DAYS that come not back
My hand had taken heed
Against the binding of the sheaves
To sow the better seed.
The clock strikes one-from out the east
The New Year comes apace:
The birthday of hope divine
Shines on his fair young face.
Whatever else msy change or fail,
Whatever else may die,
Hope lights the fires of sunrise in
Each New Years red ning sky.
She bids the faltering faith 90 forth
Across the fresh turned sod
To scatter seeds of love and truth
And leave their growth to God
And, though the hand that sows the seed
May be no longer here,
Its fruit shall fall in harvest time
Some other heart to cheer.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
THE HOUSEHOLD,
UNREST AND CONTENT.

When the great sea roars, like million lions,
With jaws wide open and flashing names,
And Kings itself in terrible passion
Across the tides long, reeking plains.
Ny soul leaps in its clay-walled prison,
In mad desire to be put ont and free;
To shake the earth with that terrible power,
And be one with the tempest that rocks the
When the tide goes out, and the moon looks over,
The far, blue, cloud-veXed mountain lines,
And the dusk is sweet, ard the white and red
clover,
Like stars in the murmurous meadows chimes
When the waves creep back, like the beasts tina
are conquered,
And the sea lies Sobbing, her passion spent,
My soul rests glad, in its wise stern prison,
And sinks to sleep. Sweet, sweet Is content.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
A WONDERFUL CAR.
Detects All Defects in Rails, Loose
Joints, Etc.

There was car in the yard of the New
York Central at AID street a few days since
which was novel specimen of a labor
saving machine. Inside the car is some
clock-Iike mechanism which, as the car
goes over the track, records every defect in
the rails have spread the 32d part of an
inch beyond the standard width. or there
is loose joint or defective connection, the
machine notes it all down, as well as the
distance from one place to another For
merly this work was done by an army of
men called track-walkers. Now a single
machine does it with unfailing accuracy.
1t is proposed to develop the invention so
as to combine the detective mechanism of
the car with an ordinary coach, so that
mechanical examinations of the tracks can
be made by the regular trains.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-19
He Saw Himself.

You must excuse me, gentlemen, for
cannot drink anything" said the man
who was known to the entire town as a
drunkard.
This is the first time you ever refus-
ed drink, said an acquaintance. THE
other day you were hustling around after
cocktail, and IN fact you even asked me
to set 'em up"
That's very true, but an very diff
ferent man now.
preachers had hold of you?''
mo, sir; no one has said a word to
me-"
"Well, what has caused the change2'
"lll tell you. After leaving YOU the
other day kept on hustling after cock
tail, as you call it, until | met party of
friends. Then | left them about half
drunk. To man of my temperament a
half drunk is a miserable condition. for
the desire for more is so strong that he for
gets his self respect in his effort to get
more drink. l remember that there was a
half-plnt Of whisky at home which had
been purchased for medicinal purposes.
Just then reaching the gate | heard voices
II the garden, and looking ever the fence
| saw my little son and daughter PLAYING.
Now you be ma, said the boy, and I'll
be pa. Now, you sit here, and iii come in
drunk. Wait, now, till I Eli my bottle. ;
He took a bottle, ran away and filed
1t with water. Pretty soon he returned.
and entered the playhouse, nodded IDIOT
cally at the girl and sat down without say
ing anything. The girl looked up from her
work and sald:-
James, why do you do this way?'
'Wizzer way?' he replied.
:" Getting drunk
Who's drunk?'
=" You are, an you promised when the
baby died that you wouldn't drink any
more. The children are almost ragged,
and we haven't anything to eat hardly,
but you will throw your money away.
Don't You know you are breaking my
hearth
Il hurried away. The action was too
life-iike. [ could think of nothing during
the day but those little children playing in
the garden. You must excuse me, gentle
men, | cannot drink again.