davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29
History of Purple-Dyeing.

The old familiar story of how the purple
dye in the murex shell was discovered is
going the rounds. There is nothing new in
it, but there is phase Of the purple dyeing
subject that is not any too well known, and
which I think the transient story makes
apropos. The terms "royal purple" and
Imperial purple" have become so common
that purple is almost synonymous of power
and position. How this came about was as
follows: In early ages the most perfect
purple, the Tyrian, was produced from the
murex, shell fish. A single murex would
yield probably drop of the secretion from
which the dye was made, therefore it can
easily be conjectured that it would require
quite number of the curious fish to color a
Cicero pound weight of wool so colored cost
about S1S5 of our money. OF course, none
but the wealthiest class could indulge in
the color at all, but, when wealth flowed in
as result of their successes in the field,
and money was plenty with everybody, the
wearing or purple garments became so COM
mon that the Caesars prohibited its wear to
private citizens under pain of death. The
Byzantine emperors even penalized the
use of purple ink, feserving it for their own
royal signatures.
As the result of these measures the art of
purple dyeing became entirely lost by tho
end of the twelfth century. It was not re-
gained until the seventeenth and that was
through the discovery of William Cole, of
Bristol, England, that the purpurea lapillus
was the identical shellfsh mentioned by
Aristotle and Pliny. Other valuable pur-
pie dyes have been discovered in the mean
time, but none. it is said, are of so rich a
hue as that produced from the murex.
WILKIE
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29
REQUIREMENTS OF THE STAGE
The Face and tho Form Have . Great
Deal to Do With Success.

The Face and tho Form Have . Great
Deal to Do With Success.
In speaking of the requirements of the
stage to a reporter of the New York San,
Sarah Bernhard says: "The face must be
capable of wide range Of expression. All
the sensations, all the emotions of which a
human being is capable. She may be called
upon to express all of these. Her facial
expression must be the outward embodiment
of that something within which magnetizes
"Physique is important-proportion, con-
tour, outline are indispensable to good stage
presence. One may have talent and still
from lack OF physique represent but imper-
fectly the character assumed. Height is
necessary for certain roles. How absurd
would be squatty woman in heroic parts!
Picture to yourself Jeanne D'Arc as
chumpy, short-waisted woman oyerburdened
with 'embonpoint.' How ridiculous would
be Cleopatra with narrow shoulders,
scrawny neck, or an angular body!
And it was in her dressing room at the
Standard Theatre that she continued, in her
quick, bright way, to speak of things dra-
matte between rouging of her lips with
pomade. dabbing powder across the cheeks,
with little whiff! A spraying of throat
and hair with some sweet essence, and
hundred turns and motions, commands and
e1clamations, all apparently in the same
breath.
Sarah is activity personi6ed, and notwith-
standing all that has been said Of her
scarcity of adipose, in her petticoats she is a
dainty, fascinating bit of feinininity.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29
Interesting Statistics on China.

Not many years ago the population Of
China was estimated at about 500, ,000, 900
souls. This was reduced 10 years ago to
405, 900, 900. More recent and thorough in
vestigation, the result of which has just been
published by famous German statisticians,
Supan and Wagner, places the number at
$50, ,0O0,0 600. As these figures have been ar
rived at after an immense amount of labor
and care, it is hardly likely they will
be changed in any great degree by future
estimates. As will be observed, the last re-
duces the first figures $50, 900, 900. or nearly
two and half times the population of the
United States. Truly a tremendous differ
ence, but has the readel ever stopped to
consider the immensity of the figures re-
naming. Idly sounding them on the tongue
gives one no real idea of what is comprised
in number reaching nine figures. es-
pecially when that number represents
human beings. Three hundred and fifty
million rs within 1873, 900 of the populs-
ton of entire Europe. If China organized
its army on a basis comparative with those
of European governments and went to war
it would require q combination embracing
every country on the European continent
to resist the intruder. The wonderful army
of Zerxes would be as nothing in compari-
son with the Mongollan horde.
Another way is to take the total popula-
tion and compare it with anything else of
magnitude that can be reduced to simple
figures. For instance, if you stood every
Chinese individual on his feet and side by
side, allowing IS inches for each one you
would have a continuous line SO, 432 miles
long or very nearly four times around the
earth. Stand them on top of each other,
feet on head, and allowing an average stat
ure of five feet six inches to each individual
and you would have string of Cinnamon
that would reach to the moon, around it,
and half way back to the earth on the other
side If each person in China, consumes an
average of five pounds of food daily, it
would require 319, ,375, 900 tons to feed the
people year.
There is only one small thing about the
Chinese nation, and that is its national debt.
That amounts to only $3S, 500, ,000 1t strikes
me as being greatly to the credit of peo-
pie, who could free themselves entirely
from obligation, by the assessment of ii
cents per capita. In our own country, with
all its greatness, about $24 80 would he re-
quired from every man, woman and child to
square our account completely.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29
Suppose.
WRITTEN FOR THE DIsPATCH.l


When through the long hours Of she night
A restless vigil oft l keep,
And ponder, till the morning light,
On all the cares that Danish sleep.
There sits upon my tumDled bed
A teasing demon at my head,
And whispers i'll my tortured ear,
So loud / cannot choose but hear,
A dreary catalogue of woes
That all begin alike-:Suppose!
"Suppose! Suppose.'' he whispers first,
Suppose the kitchen boiler burst?
Suppose the doctors say the worst
OF poor rheumatic Jimmie's case?
Suppose you never sleep again?
Suppose you get that horrid pain
You had last winter in the face?
Papa is looking rather pale:
Suppose his splendid health should fafls
Suppose the gout should attack his toes?
Suppose! Suppose! Suppose! Supposel
"Suppose the landlord raise his rent!
Suppose your Charles his luck abuse
To speculate with every cent
And all his hard-earned fortune loser
Suppose the horses run away"
(On, on, the teasing urchin goes)
"Upon virginia's wedding day!
Suppose! Suppose: Suppose. Supposer
At last answer once for all,
Suppose! Suppose the sky shoulo 1allf
The bed is soft, and warm and VIDE;
L turn upon the other side;
With quiet breathing, long ana oeepb
try to cheat myself to sleep,
Yet still the demon interposes
To rouse me from my sweetest dozeo.
I'D like to smother in the clo'es
That wretched little tmp-Supposet
DAIsKI DAHDarDoA
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29


she is married to a man whom she affection
ately calls Rainilaiarivony. Do not fear
that the resources of the Malagasy tongue
have been exhausted in the above efforts;
greater efforts are to come. The woman,
whose name dare not repeat, is the niece
of Queen Rasohenina, who reigned about
25 years ago, and great grand-niece of King
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (what do you think
of that one?), who died in the fullness of
his wears and of the fullness OF his name 81
years ago.
Is it any wonder that people with SO
little respect for the alphabet should
experience trouble? They have had it and
heaps of it, and now they are in great con-
fusion, on account of disagreement with
their protector or rather master, France.
This trouble arose over what might be
termed a simple thing. The foreign
representatives at Madagascar wanted exc
guaturs. The French President-General
decided to grant the requests. The Malagasy
government refused to allow him to do SO.
So the matter stands and it is feared that the
obstinacy of both will eventually lead to
serious consequences. In case of war,
the French will have their hands
full to subdue these people, not
withstanding the fact that they have
quite number of forts on the Island.
Although the Malagasy army consists of
only 10000 men, this number could easily
be incr ased to $4,000 if occasion should
arise and it is well-known that the Madag-
ascar Islanders are hard fighters. Frances
greatest difficulty would be in getting at the
largest cities, all of which lie in the far
interior and there are no roads in the
country. Reduced to penetrating inland in
small parties, by the rivers and rough paths,
they would be picked to pieces by the
natives, who excel in guerilla warfare.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29
Mitchells

wealthy, really do not think thev COM
mand great deal more money than the
Rochefoucaulds, and thus there is good
reason to believe this to be at least one in
stance in recent international unions in
which hearts have been played against
hearts. Miss Mitchell is lovely girl, which
almost goes without saying, inasmuch as
her husbands surname is the SYNONYM for
comeliness of person, and he would natural
Iy be a little fastidious in his selection,
having such precedents as the lovely girls
in his own family to 60 by. The Dues sis
ter, whom 1 mentioned in these columns on
one occasion, is by many considered the
most beautiful woman, living. He himself
is one of the titled foreigners who have un-
sullied regulations. His army and social
records have been models of purity and
manliness. In every particular this mar
riage has much to commend it.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29
A DOLLAR INVESTMENT IN BULBS
How to Have . Window Full Of Winter
Flowers at Small Cost.
WRITTEN FOR THE pIsPArcH.l

Flowers at Small Cost.
rwEITrEN FOR THE pIsPArcH.l
It seems easy at first blush to answer the
question how best to spend 81 in bulbs for
winter Towering. But the most casual con-
sideration shows SO many good ways of
spending it, that il is hard to set down any
one as unquestionably the best. For those
who want flowers in quantity. without regard
to color, nothing can be more satisfactory
than the mixed hyacinths, tulips, crocuses
and narciscii. In hyacinths, choose the single
aowered sorts, which bloom much better
in the home than do the double ones.
Four bulbs will cost 40 cents. They will
be more sat isfactory If grown in pots, and
same. Plant them in good rich earth
rotted turf and manure are best, with lit
tie SCOT mixed in. Cover the crown an inch
deep, then set the pot in either cold
frame or cool cellar for six weeks, until the
bulbs make strong roots. Then bring them
to light and warmth; keep them moist, but
never wet, and in three weeks you will
have flowers. For long season Of bios
SONS, bring in only pot or two at time.
Fifteen cents more will secure half a
dozen tulip bulbs, either mixed or the
glowing scarlet Duc van InOl. lnSteau
of the colored hyacinths you may have
the white Roman ones, which are as
cheap as the tulips and wonderfully beauti-
full in contrast with them. Fifty cents
worth of the two will make a gorgeous
window for weeks. To go with them
should advise an edging of snowdrops, at
twenty cents a dozen, and q large Easter
lily at thirty cents. This gives color
scheme of white and scarlet, fecked with
green.
If you fancy, or if your decorations in
cline to white and yellow, then by all
means put your money into narcissus--
Trumpet Maj jor and White Pyrenees. A
dozen of each will keep your windows two
months in flowers To make it truly golden
and glowing, get dozen yellow crocuses
and set them along the edge. Next them
set either canary bird or Chrysolora tulips,
and back of them your tall-growing yellow
narcissus.
I strongly recommend this massing of
color as we'll to all who have any other
floral reserve than the window garden.
GEORGE D. CLARK.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29

Due Francis de la
Roch efoucauld, a
member of one of
the most distin-
guished families OF
France. It is to be
hoped that this af-
fair amounts to
S o m e t hing more
than the mere i'm
notation of Amerl-
C an beauty an d
wealth to impecu-
nious European no.
bility. We are as
sured that it does.
Al t h u e h tn 9
AIi4ahallr nra
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29
THE JINGLE OF A COIN
win Almost Invariably Expose the Man
Who Is shamming Deafness.

WIN Almost Invariably Expose the Man
Who Is shamming Deafness.
That no man is proof against the love of
money is evidenced by the ease with which
a physician can expose man who is feign-
ing deafness, says DR.. Wallace Smyth, of
st. Louis, in the Globe-Denaocrdt A man
can pretend to be deficient in any one of the
senses, and it is sometimes necessary to sub
iect him to an electric shock to break down
his self-erected barrier. But if a man who
is pretending to be deaf is approached from
behind while standing on stone floor or
sidewalk and coin is dropped so as to ring,
he will invariably turn sharply around with
a view to picking it up.
This simple device is frequently resorted
to in countries where conscription Is the
rule and where deafness or any other in
frmity relieves man from army service.
I saw it tried in Paris on six alleged youths
in succession, and much to the examining
physician, amusement it succeeded in ex-
posing the sham every time.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29

golngs. NAll sorts OF
tricks are resorted to in
the effort to divert the
suspicious minded from
the real purpose of
their movements. NJ.
De Giers, the Russian
Minister of Foreign
Affairs, arrived in Paris
ten days ago "to see
his daughter, "he
told the reporters. Sure
enough, the little girl
was on hand to greet
her famous relative, al
though the hour was
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29
Mdme. Bernhardts Certificate of Birth.

Pail Mall Budget
Mdme. Sarah Bernhardt's birth certif-
cate has been found. She is not native of
Ravre, as she herself supposes, but Paris
ienne of the Latin Quarter. She was born
in 1874, her mother being a Berlin Jewess,
who was then struggling milliner in the
Rue de l'Ecole de Medicine, few doors
when assassinated by Charlotte Corday.
Her sister Jeanne is two years younger.
The house in which the great actress first
saw the light il N old and dilspidatsd one.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29

ON p ar lively
youthful wom-
an she was
born in 1861
who lives on .
very large ISL
and on the
South e a S tern
side of Africa.
This island is
named NADIA
gascar and the
woman referred
to is Queen of
the people on
it. Her name is
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29
Ihs Story ofa Diamond.

One of the most interesting diamonds in
the world is the Orloff diamond, which be.
longs to the Gar of Russia. 1t weighs 1914
carats, and is as big as a pigeons egg 1t
was once one of the eyes Of Brahman idol.
When the temple was destroyed in an
Indian war, the Shah Nadir obtained thi.
diamond. 1t was stolen by French sol.
dier, who sold it for $40, 900 to an English
sea captain. He sold it to Hebrew dealer
for $50, 900, and in 1775 Catherine II. Of
Russia bought Il for $4bo, ,00Q
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29
MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF SCHOOLS
Tho Spres1 of Diphtheria and Other Dis
cases Might Be Prevented.

1u0 6preBI OF Dlpntncrid anu ObuoE OtS-
cases Might Be Prevented.
Health Commissioner DIR. Samuel Fl.
Durgin, of Boston, says the increased prev
alence of diphtheria in some of the more
thickly settled wards of that city may be
due to many things, but thinks not the
least important cause is the absence Of med
ical inspection of the public schools. There
is no doubt that disease like diphtheria il
often propagated in the public schools.
The examining physician would immedi-
ately detect the danger that the presence Of
. child i'll with contagious disease would
present, and he could take steps to remove
the danger. As it stands now it is dificult
to see how anything could be done to pre-
vent the affection of an entire school by q
serious contagious disease. Even any of the
very serious contagious diseases might gain
ground, whereas the presence of examiners
would do away with such danger
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29

H De GieYs quite late and great
show was made of treating her with
bonbons, etc, but all the same, within
an hour De Giers had begun lengthy
consultation with the Russian Ambas-
sador, and, in a few days thereafter, at
tended any number of prolonged seances
with the French President. the French Min
lister of State, and all the other notables of
that Government worth talking about.
Coming so soon after his visit to Italy
and his prolonged councils with Humbert
and Di Rudini, this would seem to bear out
the intimation made at the time that the
Triple Alliance, so far as Italy is concerned,
is on its last legs. 1t is probable that Italy
is in about such condition now that she is
willing to sell her friendship at its full mar
ket value to the country that is willing to
pay for the same in cash.
In discussing Italy's probable future
movements, it would be well to bear in mind
the fact that there is but one nation in the
world that has a larger national debt, and
that nation is France. The latter country
has rich possessions and stands some chance
of overcoming its indebtedness in time, but,
with Italy, the case is practically hopeless:
In the last four years France has reduced
her debt $747, ,467, $40; in the same time
Italy has increased hers s., $50, 896, 515, or
nearly double what it was in 1887.
In case the supposition proves true, that
Italy has withdrawn from the Triple Alli-
ance, or is about to do so, the query arises,
what sort of compact is this, that it can be
dissolved so easily? Ifthose countries COM
posing it can withdraw at will, it is difficult
for outsiders to understand the real import
of the famous agreement between Italy,
Germany and Austria. Can it be possible
that the Triple Alliance, of which so much
has been heard within recent years, is really
an imaginary affair after all?
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29
Tho Predictions of Virgins

The person or persons, who are In the
habit of saying when they do this, that or
the other thing, ''thsre will be two moons
IN the sky" had better b careful to make
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29

Let us talk about people with long names.
herewith is presented the portrait of a
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29
THE DEBT OF ITALY.
May Be the Cause Of Breaking Up
the Famous Triple Alliance.
REASON FOR N. DE GERS VISIT.
Pleasant Features About Miss Mitchell's
Approaching Marriage.
FACTS ABOUT CHINESE POPULATION

WRITTEN FOR THE DIsPATcH,1
European diplomats are at their wits
ends to invent excuses for their comings and
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29
The Mitchell-Roc An,.,..

Miss Matte E. Mitchell, daughter of Sem
ator Mitchell, of Oregon, will shortly marry
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-29

the recognized amateur champion of Amer
lea.
trust the challenge will be accepted, for
it is bona fide, and if it is accepted have a
strong idea that Mr.. johnson will come out
second best. 1t may be interesting to know
that Johnson's best time has been beaten
recently several times by Pittsburgers, and
johnson holds the American record. But
were match to be arranged between Flowers
and johnson it might tend to develop some
good swimmers in this country, and we
need them. During this year we have seen
how far we are behind the Britishers in
swimming, and there is no reason why
we should not be superior to others in swim
ming, as We are in almost everything
else. If contests such as those Just referred
to were to be more encouraged 1 have every
faith in the United States having the cham
pion swimmers of the world before very
long True, such "water spaniels" as Nut
tai and Finney have made extraordinary
records, but bless us what man has done
man can do again.
Unfairness to Slavin.
One of the most amusing things that has
for long time been before public notice is
the way in which few of the "whoopers
up" for Sullivan are dealing with Slavin.
We all know that for a long time past
Slasin has been declaring his willingness to
fight Sullivan; in fact he told Sullivan so
and the latter stated he would accommodate
slavin as soon as ne, Sullivan, returned
from Australia The latter returned and
put up a forfeit to fight Slavin
about wear from now. That
was all right; but surely when a
man puts up forfeit to fight another man
II months hence he has no grounds whatever
for wanting that forfeit covered at once.
Most assuredly to allow ones money to lie
six months is long enough. Slavin has not
The record-union., 1891-03-19
RROOKLYN EOTEL

DUSH STREET, BETWEEN. MONTGOM--
ID cry and Sansone, San Francisco: con-
Quoted on both the European and american ,
plan. This Hotel is under the management
Charles Montgomery, and is the best Fannil ,
and Business Mems Hotel in San Francisco
Home comforts, cuisine unexceiled, first-cla. !
service highest standard of respectabilit =
guaranteed. Beard and room per day, 81 &
to So; single room, so cents TO 81 per nigh t
Free coach TO and from the Hotel. Lmrl-ly yTTS =
The record-union., 1891-03-19
zrs Howard Street. near Third, San Franci

7I5 Howard Street, near Third, San Francisco.
A FIRST-CLASS LODGING HOTEL, CON
"A tanning 900 rooms water and gas in each
room no better beds in the world: no guest
allowed 10 use the linen once used by another;
large reading room; hot and cold wafer
baths free. Price of Rooms-Per night, so
and rs cents; per week, from So upwards.
Open all night. r. HUGHES, Proprietor.
Es- AT Market-street Ferry take Omnibus
Line of street cars for Third and Howard. IT'S,
The record-union., 1891-03-19

"DoN'T feel WELL" and yet you are not
sick enough to consult doctor-we will
tell you just what you need. 1t is Hoods
Sarsaparilla, which will lift you out of
that uncertain, uncomfortable, dangerous
condition, into state OF good health, con-
fidence and cheerfulness.
The record-union., 1891-03-19


TN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
/ Thomas Harrigan, deceased, now pending
in the Probate Court, no final account has ever
been made nor no final settlement as yet.
MARGRET HARRIGAN, executrix and ad-
ministfatriX. jaS-tf
A SSESSMENT. NOTICE-ASSESSME
"A No. 1.-The Feather River Canal Com
pany, the principal pace OF business being
of California. Notice is hereby given that at a
meeting of the Directors held ON Tuesday,
March 10, 1891, an assessment of ten cents
per share was levied upon the capital stock of
tie corporation, payable April 3, S91. to the
Secretary, J. L. ellis, at his Office in the
Any stock upon which this assessment shall
remain unpaid on APRIL 80, 1891, will be
delinquent and advertised for sale at public
auction, and, unless payment is made before,
will be sold on the 10th day of May, 1891. to
pay the delinquent assessment. together with
costs of advertising and EXPENSES of sale.
J. l.. G1LLIS, Secretary.
Sacramento City, Cal. mr12-5t1h
The record-union., 1891-03-19
AttnrueyH-ut-Inap. .
D. K. TRASH.

r AWYER, FULTON BLOCK, LOS ANGE-
II les, Cal. Attends to business in Southern
California for non-residents and ATTORNEYS.
answered
The record-union., 1891-03-19

BRADYCRoTINE cured headaches for A.
B. Laforme, Boston, Mass.