davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
THE GIANT PURSE CRAB.
He Climbs Cocoanut Trees and Cracks the
Nuts Against Stones.

He C1imbs Cocoanut Trees and Cracks the
Nuts Against Stones.
From the San Francisco Chronicle.
In the mining bureau may be seen q very
fine specimen Of the remarkable large land
crab known as the purse crab, or birgus latro,
which is well preserved in glass jar. This in
one Of the largest species of land crab known.
1t is sometimes found from eighteen to twenty
four inches in length when fully stretched ont
and is capable of erecting itself to the height
OF nearly a foot from the ground, which it
readily does if irritated, retreating and exhib-
iting to the utmost its powers of offense or de-
Tense.
1t is somewhat allied to the hermit crab, but
having the abdomen or tail shorter, yet very
large. on the under side of which it carries its
eggs in immense quantities. Its under side is
sort and membraneous, its upper surface COW
cred with strong plates, which overlap one
another as in Holsters. The first pair OF legs
nave large and powerful pincers; the second
and third pairs Of legs are terminated by a
single nail; the pair next to them are little
smaller, with small pincers: the pair of legs
next 10 the abdomen are very small, but termi-
mated by rudimentary pincers.
Whea teased this crab is SO powerful in its
hrst claws and legs as to be able to cling to a
stick. and can hold its own weight to be car
ried for over half hour before letting 20. It
can travel about as fast backward as forward if
pursued. 1t is generally of a yellowish-brown
color, Its limbs being, however, covered with
little blackish projections.
1t is never found far from the sea. to which it
is said to pay visits in order to moisten its gills;
put 1t always resides on land and is generally
found In holes under the roots of trees, espe-
clally OF cocoanut trees, which it prefers, ard
where 1t accumulates great quantities of the
nbers OF the cocoanut husks, as if to keep itself
warm or for q soft bed. As q general thing the
purse crab stays in these holes during the
daytime and comes out at night. It's food gen.
orally consists of cocoanuts also the nuts Of a
species Of palm known as pandanus odoratis-
mus and other nuts which it climbs the trees
to procure, cutting the cocoanut from the tree
with Its heavy claws and after 1T has cut down
TWO or three it descends and commences to
pull the husk from them.
In its manner of dealing with cocoanuts it ex-
nlDlts remarkable instinct, as it always begins
to tear of the husk at the end where the eyes
are 1t then makes hole through the eye
from which the nut would terminate. This is
done by striking the fruit with its heavy claw
and breaking it sufficiently to admit one of the
small legs, by which it scoops out the nut with
Its small pincers. Sometimes it seiZes the nut
by one OF its great pincers and breaks it against
a stone.
The purse crab is found in the mountains and
in the more eastern islands of the Indian ocean,
az well as on some of the islands of the South
Pacific, more especially the Caroline Islands,
which are u low coral group.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
sICILIAN CRUELTY AND SECRECY.
Traits Observed Among Them in Their
Native Land.

Traits Observed Among Them in Their
Native Land.
From the London Times
The last British consular report from Sicily
remarks that there are dark shades in the
Sicilian character which contrast with the sim
plicity by which one might imagine the people
to be wholly possessed. They can be deceitful,
reticent. malicious and vindictive; petty thefts
and robberies are not uncommon; it is said
also that in gratitude they are sometimes
wholly deficient. 1t is significant that to be
''scaltro" (cunningly clever) is with them Q
meritorious quality, and that advantageous
lying is regarded with favor even in children.
Owing to the spirit Of ''mafia' and 'omerta,"
which pervades all Sicily, they combine to hide
each others misdeeds. and in the case Of rob-
berry, and even assassination, it is generally i'm
possible to get evidence against the wrong
doors, even from the victims themselves. There
Is secret understanding among all that no one
shall assist the legal authorities in their efforts
TO bring criminals to justice and the Sicilian.
as rule. relies on himself and on his friends
for obtaining retribution for private wrongs,
and every one who transgresses this unwritten
law has to fear the vendetta Of his neighbors.
One Of the most disagreeable traits in their
character is excessive cruelty to animals of
which travellers in Sicily frequently have seen
revolving instances. When demonstrated with
on account of this they simply shrug their
shoulders and say: "What matters? They are
not baptized" They cannot comprehend that
any creature has any claim to consideration out
side the pale Of the church. Frightful raws in
horses and donkeys go unnoticed and are fed
on by flies; deep holes are plugged with tow,
and lame animals are made to work with heavy
loads as though nothing was the matter with
them.
As for relieving horse or donkey of heavy
burden going up hill, such thing never en-
tiers their heads. To see country cart
crammed with people behind horse which
can scarcely stagger under its heavy load, and
to observe that no one ever endeavors to re-
Iieve the poor animal in the most difficult pas
sages, Is common occurrence. Live
poultry is carried to the market slung
from pack saddles. or by pedestrians from
the hand. by the legs. The birds
keep their heads up as long as strength en-
dures, till at last they can do so no longer and
die painful death by a rush of blood to the
head. Children are, it is said taught cruelty
to animals from infancy for one Of the COM
monest sights in town and country is to see
children playing with newly caught robin red
breasts and goldfnches, which they hold tied
by the leg with string and pull back when the
poor bird attempts to fly.
Another defect in the character and habits Of
the Sicilian peasant is lack of cleanliness. But
In spite of all these the general demeanor and
habits of the Sicilian are so pleasing that one
feels inclined to regard his deficiencies with
much leniency.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
CHEAPER ELECTRIC LIGHTS.
APropostion to Light the District at Greatly
Reduced Rates.

The Commissioners today received an offer
from the Potomac Electric Company to light
the city and District by electricity at greatly
reduced rates from those now in vogue. At
present the District pays s219 per lamp per
year for arc lamps of 1000 candle power.
should the District allow the new company to
hight the city. it would save S69 per year on
each lamp, and as there are at present 2O6
lamps. the total amount saved would be SI4.2l4.
The Potomac company says that it will give
any guarantee the Commissioners may desire
a. 20 the full and complete fulfIIment of its
proposal The company says that it is aware
that II has been held that only those having
electric wires already established can be
given permits TO lay underground wires.
and also that several members of Congress
have assured the company that this inter
probation of the law is not il keeping with
the intent and purpose o. Congress when IL
law was enacted, and that relief measure will
certainly be enacted az the next Congress re-
heving the District from the monopoly that has
been imposed upon it.
The matter has been sent to Capt Lusk for
confederation
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
Judgment for Plaintiff Affirmed.

In the Cour: in General Term, in the case Of
VIM Williams and wife against John Rouey,
this morning the judgmen: of the court below
for the plaintiff in Sl.5O0 was affirmed and re-
msnded to the Circuit Court, Chief Justice
Bingham delivering the opinion o: the court
This was an action for SANDER in chargll. 2
that the plaintiff Eliza Williams was a thief i'm
. remuneration, the plaintiff claiming tia; the
use OF the words had damaged her in her bust
ness Is dressUakeE ana sued for 80, CO., Mr..
Moulton represented the PLAINTIFF and Mr. r. S.
Davis the defendant below. but before the case
was heard in General Term ROnsy had been ad-
judged lunatic and committee appointed, in
whose name the case was heard.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
THOMAS BOWLING 4 SON. Auct,oneers
TO CLOSE AN ESTATE.

PR0yE1 :, AND TNIMPRoyLp Real estate
sTIAER CO oSRS THE OF f9hTEHEr ASR
C,S sIE IIi, e., NoRTH ai IMMED. ATELY
SNp ofHEk BEfcR AND hS fkASE A b6iIb!
HoTfE Ri aSS EkTy aND
to ns Of se al pssss I nS
OF APRIL 1891, tine following described real estate
in the city OF Washington. District OF Columbia. to-
At FOUR O'CLOCK PM. ORIGINAL lots numbered
one feet and inches by the depth Of ORIGINAL lot
hye to,, in square numbered three hundred and ity
THESE lots and part Of lot situated at the south
ioCfeet and inch and ii5ieet ana inches
on It'll street containing 9O5 squarefeet of ground
Iney viii iirs; lie offered as whole and sold viii
Tm,edateiy thereafter will sell original lots num
bered three. four and aye and lois numbered three
90 and tour s4. in Maenns subdivision OF ORIGINAL
three hundred and forty nine 49) Said original lots
corner OF 18th and streets northwest and Contain
$40 square feet Of ground fronting l5 feet and
and prs a5s
ESSS PAy sE
M in 70, So R:ss
Beginning at point the line Of 1lth street
distant ~ feet north from tue southeast of said
square and running thence west ieet: thence nort
feet thence west 20 feet thence north feet thence
~ teet and inca to an alley; thence north WITH
the OF said alley q feet thence 80 feet snd
inch thence south IL rect: thence east 30 feet and
thence south II feet to the place OF beginning.
Said OF lots front IL street between
and streets northwest and are improved by two
story frame house.
Terms sale TO each parcel One fourth cash and
the balance IN three equal instanients, in one two
and three to lie secured the promssory notes
OF the purehassr and deed OF trus: on the property
per until paid. payable semi o,
all cash. at the option OF the purchaser Deposits time
wIti ne required follows On lots 3 A. 5 and
sub lot in square i49, $1,000 sub lot g. square
S49 $2oU; lots q. 7snd and part of lot s. ii sold
together ~, CO., Ii sold separately, 400 on earh
lot part OF lot All conveyancng at the purch
expense. mhZ1-dkds
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
HAMILTON HI. srEELE.s DEATH.
His Friends Believe That 1t Was Acct
dental.

The friends of Hamilton Fl. Steele state
that tho published accounts Of his death do
him IN injustice. He was never, they say, ad-
dicted to the incorporate OF excessive Use Of
intoxicants Of any kind and was a very active
and successful man in his business until within
the past year. About ten months ago it became
apparent that his mind was impaired and he
was placed in ST. Elizabeth Hospital for a very
short period. When taken out by his relatives he
continued TO suffer from depressed nervous
condition bordering on an inoffensive form OF
insanity. During this period he used choral
and other drugs for the relief of his real or
imaginary ills and while il cannot be posi-
lively known wha: object he had in taking the
fa.al dose it is believed that he took too much,
through ignorance Of the effect 1t would have.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
What to Do With a Winter Coat.


funny thing came to the notice of New
York girl on the occasion Of the last warm
spell Of weather. says tho New York World
Crossing 7th avenue she saw pet young man
OF her acquaintance entering o door over
which hung the ominous three gold balls with
his winter overcoat on his arm. He was walk
ing in a sprightly fashion and seemed to be at
peace with his pocket book and with the world
And yet-there he WAS on his way into pawn.
shop. Meeting the young woman later all was
explained.
You see." he said blithely, 81 board and
have so little closet room that can't keep nv
coat in any kind Of shape and so hang it up
Hang it up?'
eyes; that is, give it to my uncle Pawn it,
don't You know! They pay me about half its
value. Perhaps, if I'm lucky, get $40 for it,
maybe little more. They put Il away in cam
to pay per cent interest on the month for the
length Of time have had it. but that don't
amount to much. In return have had the use
of the money all summer, haven't had to pay
storage on my coat and have been furnished
with guarantee that old ''Unky' would take
good care Of it for me-"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
CITY AND DISTRICT.

81 Advertising is profitable only when prop
erly done,-that is, in the medium sure to reach
the largest number of those whose attention il
sought Money otherwise expended for that
purpose is wasted To expend it wisely, ad-
vertise in The STAR 1t not only has the
largest circulation, but gives figures, and
proves them
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27

A special from Fayetteville, Ark, states that
Capt W. ID. Dowell. a well-to-do farmer and
state treasurer Of the Farmers Alliance of
Arkansas, was buncoed out of 80 600 yesterday
by three sharpers. 1t was the same old game
Capt Dowell loaned one of the men the money
with which to cover a wager on game of cards
made by an apparent stranger. The stranger
did not finish the game. but put tine money in
valise. drew a pistol as though he was going
to shoot and departed. His Whereabouts are
unknown. The other two men were captured
and gave their names as DR.. Howard and Judge
Baker of Springfield Mo-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
OUNCANsoN Bros. Auctioneer..

EXECUTORS SALE OF STREET PROPERTY
VALUABLE REAL Estate BUSINESS PROP
in THE CfTY OF wAsaiNGToN. h'i'
BY virtue OF the last viii and testament of Anna NJ
G. Smith. deceased. bearing date the nh day Of
n;itted to probate and recorded the Once OF the
register OF vii for the District of Columbia, WE
SHALL, as executors thereof. offer for sale public
suction on THURSDAY. APRIL SECOND. AT FIVE
at private sale before that DATED all that lot piece
parcel OF ground lying and being the city
ington in the District OF Columbia, and known, laid
city and being the west one-nalf lot Numbered
six (U), IN square numbered two hundred and fifty
three t2ij) having frontage on street northwest
~ incnes) more or less. and depth of hundred
and thirteen feet eight and one-nah inches 0i3
h1 tncheSl more less. gnd running back to thirty
(O) foot alley. and being improved by that ne tour
street northwest
Terms OF sale: Onethird of the purchase money to
be paid in cash and balance in and years. for
Which de;eIred payments notes OF pqrchaser Or pur-
interest 1t the rate OF six centn annum. pay
able semi annually. end secured by deed trust
purchasers. II the terms OF sale complied with
within ten days iron, day Of sale the property will be
reso,d AZ the risk and cost Of alter
Ave days notice Of such resale In some Newspaper pub
a deposit Of twenty Ave hundred ts2 500 dollars
VIII be required when the property 10 knocked down.
Al conveysncins. &c. at COS; u purchaser.
PROPOSALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF THIS
Pk0PERTx At PRIyAfE SALE WILL BE NJ
SHRRH Vii II sa aasf TgGE 1:ssio.
.A,s-sSSs issh Ia az.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
The Knoxville southern Strike.

A Knoxville, Tenn, special says: Receiver
Glover of the Knoxville Southern was in
conference with engineers all yesterday after
noon and evening. At 10 o'clock last night the
conference closed. The gentlemen say that
nothing definite i'll regard to settlement of
the strike has vet been reached AID each ex-
presses the best of feeling for the other side
and states that the conferences will be resumed
All engineers on other roads continue to haul
Knoxville southern cars.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27

The Lake Seamens Benevolent Association
in Chicago held its annual election of officers
last night. A vote was also taken on tho ques-
ton as to the wage schedule for the coming
season. The result was unanimously in favor
of demanding 81 a day from the opening of
navigation till the end of the fair weather sea-
son. the rate to be arranged later on for the
last months OF the season, in which better wages
are usually paid, owing to the dangerous nature
OF the work. Officers voted for last night wer
port agents, general secretary and delegates to
the international convention. Voting took
place last evening in eleven ports for these
officers.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
nUNCANsON BROS. Auct;oneers.

AssIGNEEs SALE OF FIVE FINE BUILDING
LOTS NEAR UNITED STATES CAPITOL, BE-
ING ON STREET BETWEEN FIRST AND
SECOND STREETS SOU INVEST.
By virtue Of an assignment to me. duly recorded,
will sell at auction on WEDNESDAY, The EIGHTH
DAY OF APRIL, A. D. 1891, at FIVE O'CLOCK
p NJ. in front OF the premises,
LOTS H.. 10, 16, IL and 20, SQUARE 57s,
Each having front OF 20 feet on street end depth
Of 100 feet to lO-foot alley.
These lots are in the immediate vicinity Of the United
States Capitol and should attract the attention of
investors.
Terms: One-third cash, balance in two equal paw
ments at one and two years. notes to bear cent
tereSt payable seni-annually. and to be secured by
deed Of trust property sold all cash option
purchaser. deposit OF 500 required each lot
time of sale Conveyancing &c. at purchasers cost
right reserved to resell at risk and cost Of defautng
purchaser after five days advertisement such resale
ALLEN WALTON,
mhoI-dSde Assignee Of Reese EyanR
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27

dispatch from Hutchinson, Kan. says:
John Caplieg of Buffalo, NY, passed through
this city yesterday on his way home from
Beaver City, in No Mans Land, where it is
proposed to locate a cooperative colony to be
organized on the Bethany plan. He said that
he expected the colony would be formed this
spring in time to put in crops. if possible
The colony, he thinks. will comprise about 500
people to start with, and is to be strictly CO.
operative.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27

Birmingham. Ala, special says; Nearly
every citizen of Chambers county, where de-
faulting State Treasurer Vincent lived, has
signed petition asking the governor to pardon
him Similar petitions are being circulated in
every county in Alabama. Vincent is in the
penitentiary for fifteen years. four of which he
has served In the Pratt coal mines. That con-
finement is SLOWLY but surely killing him is
urged by the petitioners.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
The Grip i'm Dubuque.

There are over 1 GOO grip cases in Dubuque,
Iowa. In many business houses half the en-
ployes are down with the disease and almost
every household has one or more victims
Physicians state that the grip this year often
develops into pneumonia. although fatalities
are not alarmingly frequent. The cold and
disagreeable weather prevailing is very favor
able to the spread Of the epidemic. Congress
man Henderson is confined to his bed with an
attack and Senator Allison is also suffering
from . slight touch.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
FUTURE DAYS,
I ATIMER L SLOAN, Auctoneers
- 14O9 q street n w, near q. s. Treasury

SPECIAL SALE OF HOUSEFUINISHING GOODS
Or ALL KINDS, BLING THE STOCK OF
MERCHANT GOING OFT OF The BUSINESS.
On MONDAY, MARCH THIRTIETH, 1871 com.
mencng at TEN O'CLOCK A. M. e will sell withou,
reserve. within our salesroons, large lot of house
keeping effects of every description to close the
of local dealer, compris ny
Block lin lea and Coffee Pots.
Crockery and Glassware, all kinds,
Fancy MUS. Pitchers, Jugs.
Ewers and Basins, Stop Jars.
Vases Chflds Toy Dishes.
China Tea Services, Lamps.
WHISKY and Champagne Glssses.
Cuspitores. Bird Cages.
Hanging Lamps, Mirrors.
Rockingham and Majolics Ware.
Bird Cups, Casters and z. Ware
ROGERS spoons Forks. &c.
Magic Lanterns. &c, sc.
Sale positive. Terms cash.
mh26-dts LATIMEk SLOAN Aucticmeerx
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27

A marine trade council will meet next SIM
Day In Chicago with q view to forming a gen.
tsrests Of the lakes
The 1900 coal miners employed in the Lau-
rsl-Jellico districts Of Kentucky are to strike
on Nay I. They ask pay on coal before it is
screened and eight hours per day.
The Maryland court Of appeals has refused q
nv Trial TO William Blaney, convicted in Ealti-
Dsrs Of nuxdsring his grandmother and amt
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
An Oklahoma Hotel.

FrOfn Munsey 5 " etkIy.
waiter-.Feller in the dinin' room says he
wants a napkin. What shall do?''
acknowledgements. Napkin. Er-tell him
they're onto season this time o year. Um-no!
Tell him the French cook is dead. an SO we
hsin't settin' up no new-fangled mixtures that
Liddy don't know how to cook"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
r ATcIIFEE. DARE. I CO.. Auc.,oueer..
u n =

II ATCIIfFE. DARR Z CO.. Auct,oneen.
~ $40 Pa. ave- NV.
VALUABLE TwO-srSRY AND BAsEMENr RAY.
WINDOW BRICK HOUSE. KNOWN AS 80 G
sTkEET N0kTHEAST, Bl AUCTION
O'CLOCK ma ~ Tnl seIl n front q the prsmisss.
LOT IN SQUARE $50,
Fronting ID feet on Of. between Delaware ave. ana
LIST g. me-. and improved by u wsll-built Sroom
and bath ba!ement brick house. with cabinet mantel
and AZ modern improvements. near Mstropolitan
Improving and near 70 the heart Of the city.
vcb AN rs sha "a, aeeve an %
the viii Of the purchs.sr): Cash, ali cash e the
nfeen days from the day OF SALE othsrvlss the ght
ressrved 70 rsse ct the risk and cost Of thu Default
s sss: Al sSd 5iffff1 q
Oh26-d6ahD AuokaooousnL
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27

G. A. Nye, colored, q waiter in hotel in this
city, dropped dead on Wednesday night at
the railway station in Hagerstown. His re-
mains were taken to his home in Chambers
burg.
John b. Cook, . prominent resident Of Ha-
gerstown. died there last night aged sixty-Ave
years. He was the inventor Of . popular plov.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
WALTER B. WILLIAMS 1 CO.. Auctioneer.

IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE. UNIMPRoyED
PROPERTY FRONTING ON NINTH STREET
BETWEEN RHODE ISLAND AVENUE AND Z
STREET NORTHWEST AT AUCTION.
nOnr Mv6E I[,s ESD W. APRIL FIRST. at HALF
OF the premises part Of original lot No IA in square
No. 1854, having eighty front 9th n W.. running
back one hundred ieet.
This property is advantaseousy situated and worthy
Terms sale: purchaser to assume trust of As ON
winch mas one and two years to about June
bic semi annually. the balance in cash All convey
sncins. Be-. ut purchasers cost, 500 down when
the property IL struck OF. And ii the terms of sale
are not complied with within ten days from day Of
the property Will t resold at risk and Of default.
ing purchaser. WALTER B. WILLIAMS CO.,
nll2l-at
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-03-27
Something Pretty.

From the San Diego Union.
sea captain who is exercising his land legs
here brings curio from Punta Arena, Straits
OF Magellan. 1t is fur rug or spread made of
guanaco skins, llama-like animal that bears
domestication. Ten of the light tan pelts, with
their white under fur making the outline. have
been skillfully stitched together to resemble
pattern in fur.