davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17
Rough on Draughts.

A common source Of cold and discom-
fort in winter is the draught from the
bottom of Il shrunken or badly fitting
door. A simple device has been brought
out by which these currents OF air can be
so diverted as to be made desirable i'll
stead of objectionable. A slab of wood
works on twopiyot hooks projecting from
the bottom of the door and fitted ut one
end with u curved piece Of wood which
comes against the jamb on closing the
door and presses a felt facing close to the
floor. On opening the door an india
rubber spring draws the bottom OF the
slab toward the door, and SO clears the
carpet The bottom &c OF the slab,
being lined with felt, is absolutely
draught- tight. On the door being shut
the air which ruShcs in strikes against
the slab is turnedupward and goes tothe
top of the room. In this way the draught
under the door, which was before a con-
slant menace to the health Of the occu-
pants of the room, becomes positive
advantage in promoting the thorough
ventilation Of the apartment Chicago
News.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17
Then the Numbers Go.

1t is not generally known that when a
person commits suicide in hotel, the
number of the room in which he ends his
life is henceforth dead and another one
takes its place.
Recently middle-aged man stopped
up the cracks in room 76 at the Occidental
Hotel and turned on the gas
In the newspaper accounts Of the affair,
some stated that he died in room rs and
others gave the credit to No. "a.
The doorplate of the frst-named apart
ment has already been removed and the
room is being renovated. Recently the
occupant Of "a was told that he would
probably be given a new number before
long.
Everybody reads newspaper accounts
of hotel suicides" said the employee who
impaired the news, land | believe the
travelling public keep records of rooms in
houses which have been thrust into PROM
inence by suicides. When you move out,
| doubt greatly if we could let "A. Many
people would come here and stoutly assert
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17
The Pug Saved the Child.

The sagacity Of pug dog owned by
Mrs. Porter in Johnstown saved the life
of two-year-old child at Providence.
R. |. Mrs. Porter was at work in her
pantry and the child was playing on the
floor in another room with the dog. Sud.
denly the dog ran into the pantry and
barked and jumped about excitedly and
finally seized Mrs. Porter's dress and
drew her toward the room where the child
was. Mrs. Porter followed the animal.
which ran to the baby, licked the child's
face, and put paw to its mouth. Mrs
Porter saw that the child was choking,
and with a sharp blow between the shout.
ders forced the obstruction from the
child's throat. 1t was a six-pointed
blackstone" made of iron, such as chill.
dren use in play. With the exception of
the fright and the loss Of a little blood
from his throat the baby is all right
Boston Transcrir
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17

Harper's Weekly says: The impression
made by Blsmarck's personality has Ger.
tainly been disturbed by his course since
his removal. Apparently he has some
what mistaken his hold upon Germany.
1t was not that of a popular leader, but
of ruler of great resources and despotic
will. Consequently when he fell from
power, and it was seen that there was no
interruption of the usual course of events,
that the situation was, in fact, unaf-
fected, there was no strong personal feel
ing and loyalty upon which he could rely
in opposition to the Government. It is
not to be expected that Bismarck will
greatly influence affairs when he reap
pears in the German Parliament. In the
conviction Of Germany, undoubtedly, his
day is past.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17
THE BEZOAR STONE.
A Deposit in Monkey Anatomy
Highly Priced by Indian Doctors.

The "Bczoar stone plays great part
i'll native doctorinr throughout those
countries where it is found. The true
variety esteemed in these days is found,
SO far as we know, in Borneo aloncr
where the collection and export Of it is q
valuable business with the Jungle tribes,
as will be understood, when Il single stone
may fetch t2O to G23. Ordinary Bczoar
is extracted from monkeys, but from
which part of the body does not vet seem
assured. Some Of the natives allrge that
they find it only in the stomach, others
IN the intcStncs. Mr.. Hart Everett was
told that it grows in the head, and also
III the hands, while many say that they
expect it i'll any part Of the body. This
seems most probable under the circum-
stances, though somewhat opposed to our
notions.
The stones vary much in size, the
largest common V reaching the dimcn-
sions of a tilbcrt, but vastly bigger
specimens have been found. The sur.
face, though contorted, is smooth and
shining, OF a pale olive green color The
great supply comes from the upper
waters of the Batang Lupar, in the
kayan country. This river is diverted
at one point by limestone hills, in which
presently it vaniShcs-so the natives,
say. Salt springs abound, and the
species of monkey which yield Bezoar--
one of the Scmnopithccus gcnus-gathcr
in troops to drink. 1t is this water
probably, imprcgnatcd with salt and
fine, which causes the Deposit Hunters
lie in wait around the springs. By cx-
pericnce they can distinguish the
monkeys which suffer most from the
diseasc-though they do not report that
it obviously causes suffering These
they shoot with blow pipes and arrows,
which are thorns Of the sage palm, tipped
with upas poison.
OF late, however, this monkey product
has fallen in the estimation Of IIindus-
tani doctors, who used to consume great
quantities. They put more faith now in
a variety obtained from a species of
porcupine inhahting the same region,
called Guligu Landatc--landate is the
native term for Bczoar in general This
kind, though not perceptibly differing
from the other, except in its greater size,
is much more rare and proportionatcly
more costly.
As for the use Of Bczoar in medicine,
in the first place it is regarded as an an
tidote to snakes venom. In the next
it is employed for fevers, asthma and
debility. Patients who can afford to take
l costly medicine receive the stone itself
n powder; others mast be content with,
water in which it has been soaked.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17

The Pennsylvania Deaf and Dumb
Asylum, near Philadelphia, has discarded
the use of sign language and will adhere
hereafter to the so.called oral system of
instruction. An account says: "Moses
Moses, boy of Easton, Penn, who has
been in the institution since 1885, is one
of the marvellous products of the 'oral
instruction system. He was born deaf,
and has never heard the sound of his
own or of any other persons voice. But
be can now move around among his fell
lows In the world outside of the institu-
ton, and no one would ever know that
he was either deaf or dumb. BY a la
borious process he has been taught how
TO move his lips and vocal chords and
how to frame sounds, and now he talks
like one who has heard conversation on
every hand since the cradle. He has
been taught to understand what is said
to him by watching the movements of
the speakers lips and throat, and now
he can hear, or come near enough to
it, for all the activities and duties Of
Me.n
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17
Tributaries OF the Mississippi.

Total navigation of itself is 2161 miles
but small steamers can ascendseventv-six
miles further. Its principal tributaries,
with the miles open to navigation, are:
Allegheny, 1926 miles, Arkansas SS4,
Atchafalaya 21S, Bartholomew 100,
Black Ua.) 81, Black (Ark) 147, Big
Black 80, Big Hatchic 70, Big Horn 80,
B~uf 50, Cane "a, Chippewa so, Clinch
80 Cumberland 600, Cypress A, OAR
bonnie 80, Green 200, Illinois $50, Iowa
80, Issaquena 161, Kanawha 81, Ken
lucky 105, Lafourche 1853, Little White
As, Macon 50, Minnesota 295, Missouri
1887, Monongahela 40, Muskingum 81,
Ohio 1921, Usage 302, Ouachita 3S4,
Red 9S6, Rock "a, ST. Francis $50, Sun
flower 271, Tallahatchie 175, Teche 81,
Tennessee 270, Tensas 112, Wabash 800,
White U9, Wisconsin 1876, Yazoo 228,
Yellowstone 474 Total, 1883 miles.
There are ten lesser streams having an
aggregate of about 800 navigablc
Boston Cultivator.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17

Never till this time were there 50 manv
Italian names printed in any American
book as are to be seen in the New York
City Directory for this year, just pub
lished. These names appear on almost
every page and scores of them are often
to be found on a page. There seems to
be twice as many of them in this years
Directory as there were in last years.
Its evident that large proportion of
the mass of Italian immigrants in this
country stay in New York City.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17

cook his evening meal. The mosquitoes
were very thick about the fire, and some
of them flew into it and were scorched.
This so worried old Johnny that he took
old mush-pot hat filled it with water and
he, ''that | should build a fire for my
comfort that should be the means of de-
stroying any Of His creatures
At another time, it is said, he made Il
camp fire at the end of a hollow log He
intended to sleep in the log, but just as
he was about to crawl into it he found
his prospective bed occupied by some
cub bears. Rather than disturb them he
removed his fire to the other end of the
log and slept on the snow in the air.
Once, however, the old man was forced
to put aside his sentiment in regard to
injuring animals and fight for his life.
lie was frequently lost in the Wilderness
On one OF these occasions he came face
to face with IL black bear. The animal
was on mischief bent. and at sight Of the
old mush-pot bedeckcd pilgrim it rose on
its hind legs and advanced toward him,
evidently anticipating an easy victory
and a good meal. In self-dcfcnce Old
Johnny picked up long pole and add
vanccd to the fight yaliantly. At every
blow that bruin received, however, the
pole broke. Finally it was but three or
four feet long, and the old man was in
despair. However, by the help of the
Lord, he said, he eventually slew the
animal, had good supper, and carried
one quarter and the hide into the next
settlement.
odd Johnny had love for all men but
landlords. He said that their charge Of
~ cents meal for victuals was extor-
Tomato. In the early days one meal and
a nights lodging could be had at the set
Element inns for lS4 cents.
The old man was never known to be
sick. He would sleep on the floor, and
if no better could be had, he would be
satisfied with the scraps that were
usually thrown to the dogs. The old
man was very fond of children, and he
always carried presents for them. These
were generally bits of bright calico and
ribbon or Indian trnkets, but the chill
drcn OF the earl y settlers priced the gifts
highly. However hungry he would
HtNtI 'ulishc VI ltbu ulltll Ht WAS as |
sured that there was enough for every
child of the family.
1t is said that the strange old man to
whom the West is indebted for most of |
its great apple orchards, died in Allen
county, Indiana, near Fort Wayne. \
person who knew him says that his death
was a triumphant passing into glory.
He lay on the grass with his face toward
the setting sun. His countcnance was
with smiles of rapture and as
the last beams of the great luminary died
out of the west the vital spark left its
abode Of flesh and passed into the great
Chicago Herald.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17
a Cheap Cement.

A man who is in the business says:
cover dozen kinds of cement are made
which will unite the broken edges OF
glass and china, and one is about as good
as another. The easiest and cheapest to
prepare is made by taking two ounces OF
pulverized white gum shellack and half
an ounce of gum mastic. Soak them to-
gether in couple of ounces Of sulphurio
ether and add half pint of alcohol.
After the whole is dissolved, the prepare
ton is ready for use. You heat the
edges of the article to be mended, put on
the cement with brush, hold firmly till
the cement has set, lay the article away
for a week, and it will break anywhere
else than in the mended place."
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17

4 very pretty idea is carried out in
London which aims to bring about
love of plants and flowers among the
poorer classes. A fund is raised out of
which prizes are paid for the best display
of window gardening or ported plants,
and the scheme has become so very pop.
ular that thousands of cottage homes are
now beautifed by floral effects, and it is
no uncommon thing to see window set
out with plants growing in old teapots,
cans or cigar boxes marked as a prize
winner.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17
A Human Barometer.

Tommy johnson, a fourtecn-yc ar-old
boy, who lives near Mascoutah, ILL.,. is
able, SO it is told, to predict the weather
infaliibly by looking at his hair The
hair is straight and black as that Of an
Indian ordinarily, but at the approach
of storm the hair begins to kink and
curl two or three days before hand, and
it remains i'll that condition until after
the storm is over, when it again be-
comes perfectly straight. If the storm
is of any magnitude the hair will curl
up into little balls. The boys hair is
used as u barometer by the farmers Of
that section. If neighboring farmer
wants to haul hay to town, harvest
wheat, or anything else that makes him
particularly interested in the weather, he
calls at the johnson home beforehand
and looks at Tommy's hair. If the hair
is straight, the famer makes his ar
rangcmcnts to do the work, but if the
hair is curlcd, then the work is post
poned until after Incorporating storm.
The people of the vicinity have seen
the warming Of rain storms verified SO
often that they have implicit faith in
Tommv's hair as a barometer. For an
ordinary rain the hair kinks only a triHe.
A few weeks ago it was discovered that
Tommy's hair was kinkcd in hard balls
all over his head, and the news spread
all over the community in a very short
time. The next day a violent storm
struck that section, doing considerable
damage. After the storm was over the
people were greatly relieved, until it
was learned that Tommys hair was
curled up more than ever, and then au.
other storm was expected. The second
storm was a cyclone. Houses were
blown down and several people were
badly injured in the neighborhood. After
the cyclone Tommys hair becam" per-
fectly straight again, and the people
rejoiccd thereat.-L Picayune.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17

Another depressing prospect of doubt
and misunderstanding presents itself,
exclaims the Washington Star. A Chi
naman was arrested in New York for
passing counterfeit note. But when it
came to question of Identification, the
main witness was nonplussed by the fact
that large number of Chinemen had
the same facial peculiarities and could
not be distinguished. Here we are with
large population of people among
whom alibis may at any tlms grow like
grass in summer.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17
s'Slngular as 1t NAV appear" saws til

"singular as it may appear" says the
Paris american Register, "the German
capital mas and pays an official bird
Catcher. The catching or birds is pro-
hibited, but the collections and educa-
tional institutions of the university fire.
quently require, for scientific purposes,
birds eggs, nests, etc., and the taxider-
mist Lemm is the only person commits
stoned to furnish them within the
precincts of Berlin, and the districts of
TeltoW and Niederbarnim.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17

greeted with: "Well, Smith you lost
your vessel, didn't you:" Smith, who was
hdlf-seas over, drew himself up. "Loss
her. he said; why that ship sank fit
teen days before we quit sailing her.
We'd have sailed her right into Bath,
but the wheat was soaked vita water, and
the captain says, he said: "To Davy
Jones locker with the underwriters. l
am sailing this ship to make money!
New Orleans Timcs~Democrat.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17
An Old Salts Sagacity.

There was Maine boatswain who had
sailed with one shipmastcr for seventeen
years. In that time the captain had not
lost vessel and had made money as
fast as Il man-before-the-mast can climb
a ships rigging. But in the eighteenth
year of his boatswains devotion his
captain, on voyage from San Francisco
to Liverpool, laden with wheat, lost his
vessel. Four months later captain and
boatswain landed in Bath, Me. Now
Smith, the boatswain, had always boast
ed that his captain could sail the rotten
est ship afoat and not lose her. When
he returned to Bath, therefore, he was
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17
nNOWILAYMED DOWN TO SLERPr

1.-THE Wichita Earle says that this poem wa
ct tat 'thco by an unknown man who came to d
tor work.
Near the camp-fre's Pickering light
In my bIanket-F e I lie
Gazing through the shades of night
At the twinking stars on high
Ger me spirit. in the air
Silent vigils seem to keep,
As | breathe my childhood prayer
"Now l lay me down to Sleep"
Sadly sings the whip-poo r-will
In the Dough of yonder tree;
Laughingly the dancing rill
Swels the midnight melody.
Foemen may be lurking near
In tie canyon dark and deep;
Low breathe IN Jesus ear,
Il pray Ihee Lord, my soul to keep"
Mid the stars one face see,
One the Saviour called away,
Mother who in infancy
Taught my baby lips to pray.
Her sweet spirit hovers near
In this lonely mountain brake,
Take me to her, Saviour dear,
''If should die before wake"
Fainter grows the Pickering ligh.
As each ember slowly dies;
Painfully the birds of night
Fill the air with sad ming cries;
Over me they seem to cry,
"You may never more awake"
Low l lisp, eff should die,
Ipray Thee, Lord, my soul to take"
snow lay me down to sleep,
lpray lhee, Lord, my soul to keep;
If | should die before I wake,
pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take"
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17

Canada's new banking law, which re-
Gently went into effect, makes the sale
of stock on margin a penal offense. 1t
also fixes the minimum capital at $780,
900, restricts dividends to eight per
cent. and provides for redemption fund
of five per cent. on circulation to pay the
notes of suspended banks.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17

It is said that the mining output in
Colorado this year will exceed anything
ever known in the history of the State.
The SHOWS on the mountains will furnish
plenty of water for the gold placers this
summer, and the silver deposits are rap
idly being developed.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17

One of the train despatchers in the
service of the Georgia Southern Railroad
is woman, Mrs. Willie Coley. at is
remarkable innovation in railroading,"
observes tho New York World, sand it
shows that woman is gradually captur-
ing all the strongholds of masculine Ia
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17

It is estimated that $3.50, 900, 900 will
be necessary to put our coast in proper
defensive condition. Admiral Porter
once said that even two iron clads could
sail from Maine to Texas and put every
port under contribution.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17
that it was the room where the tragedy

that it was the room where the tragedy
had taken place.
But we will satisfy everybody
Henceforth there is no IA or no 76
Other numbers will be substituted, and
the superstitious can sleep in the room
where a man took his life without feeling
squeamish. u Now York Commercial
Advertiser.
St. Landry democrat., 1891-10-17

The Washington Star thinks the news.
paper is gradually crowding the brass
band out of politics. The people want
to think-not listen.
Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1891-05-22

An open fielu.
Mr.. Ftitor In this great country of ours
we are continually wanting more food, our de-
nands keep pace with the supply, while #
there be Il snperabundaucc, our cousins across
water are glad enough to take it from us. It
follows therefore that there is to be money
made at farming, and the food producer has
The means of Independence at hand. The
problem OF how to make living eau he more
satisfactorily solved by falling back on the
soil, than by any other experiment. No ne
cessity for wandering westward or seeking
home in the Sunny South, right here sur
rounded NY Old acgulutaHces and familiar
land marks--a native to tie climate 6olnI
IS the place for It youns ran 10 take hold If
he lacks money, let him commenre in small
way and by stock raising, truck patching or
some Other limited essays . this wholesome
and useful icld Of agriculture, secure u lifing
aud IN ume i compelcn.
Wrh all the h,rIshjps Of farm life and
they hare been exaggerated, il is the lsppest
life known to men 1t is life commonly at
ieuded WITH hc4'Jh wiki good spfctic and
digestion, sound sleep, expanded lungs an
open mind aud an untroutled conscience.
\ farmer is his own master, and to he that
is something to he coveted and soaght after.
The energetic yccus Glow who has m,de
good selection Of Il little farm and VINO means
to be foiehanded, can be his own master in
every proper sense, aud he will find this free
and open air life thousand fold happier than
the artificial life OF towns. C.E. II.
Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1891-05-22
Local BreUities.

The clover crop will be failure this season,
Tobacco plants are scarce throughout the
county.
Mr.. Charles Adams is no longer in the en-
ploy Of this Office.
Buttorhoiinu was .he order Of the day dur
ing court by tie would b Office holders.
The French contract FOR tobacco this year is
. GOO hogsheads. The successful bidder will
be known about the irst Of Junt.
Get an outing shirt for GUNNER wear for
Is cents, from Breslau, at Pomotkey.
The Republican primaries meet tomorrow.
Let there be peace and perfect harmony cne
fight is about enough in year.
Mr.. John B. Lyon, whose piostration by
stroke Of paralysis we announced last week.
is, we are pleased to state, much improved.
Judge Stone is suffering from the prevailing
malady, grippe" but is, we are pleased to
state, much improved.
Mr.. Joseph N. Rye, well known resident
died at bis home in Napjemoy on Sunday
morning last, after long illness. lie leaves
a wife and several children.
Mr.. Luther Dement, has given up bis South.
ern home and returned to his native land. He
coutemplatcs engaging in business in WASH
ingtOn city.
Thrift is showing its hand at La Plata. Its
enterprising citizens are whitewashing, ar
ranging their lawns and planting out beauti-
full flowers adding much to the already lovely
village.
Mr.. and Mrs. John NJ Boarman, have re-
turned from their winter visit to New Orleans,
bringing with them Mr.. Bailey and Phil
s.mms. A happy family rejoicing followed
tic safe arrival Of the party.
Mr.. C. C. Megruder, who is a candidate for
the Judgeship made many friends among the
Democrats during his stay with US. Mr..
Magruder's candidacy Is no child's play and
his many supporters say he Will surely win
the nomination.
Il is said the oystermen Of Cobb Neck pur-
pose naming candidate Of their own for the
Legislature this fall As the oyster and
farming are the two important interests
needing most legislation at this time, both
should be represented on the Republican leg
islative ticket at the coming election.
Mr.. Joseph Lancaster, son Of Mrs. Elizabeth
Lancaster, Cobb Neck, who left here several
years ago and was supposed dead, is mot
dead but liveth, " IN the land Of Alaska where
he married and has family oftwo children.
In letter to his mother he told Of his where
abouts and promised a visit to the county
soon Joe was a great hvorite and his many
friends are glad to know Of hi'a.
Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1891-05-22

Not in the recollection of the Oldest in
habitant has the fishing on the Potomac been
such complete failure as that
of this year. Oilers, trappers
and hauil. all =. ! .seclaFge .sst ,lsas be re
caught fewer fish than ever before and that
prices for those caught we're not in proportion
to the scarcity of shad and herring. All
haulers. many trappers and not few gilers,
have "cut out" for the season. Gale, who
now owns the celebrated Chapman's Point
Shore, asserts that during the whole season
his catch of herring did not exceed in the ag-
gregate one hundred and fifty thousand Old
fishermen have various theories why the FISH,
did not come in the usual large quantities,
but none of the theories can fill their aattened
.pocket- books