davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
III orse Training.

One popularity of the economy of
the training stable is that, except
when at exercise, the horses are
brought up on the solitary system
Each box is isolated from the rest,
and though there is a connecting
door, it is only opened at the hours
when grooming and cleaning are go
ing on; thus the inmates cannot
converse" as every horse likes to
do, with their neighbors, and so de
rive that relief from ennui which the
mere presence of another of its kind
seems to give to these sympathetic
though undemonstrative creatures.
Routine is the essence of the sys-
tenn. The work set them may be
varied, but the horses are like an
"eight" in training; SO much so III
deed that each horse has its particu-
lar place in the string when at exer-
else. Sunday is the only day that
differs from the others; for then the
horses do not go out. One result is
that they become exceedingly bored
with training and it's consequent iso-
lation. This probably accounts for
the extraordinary fondness which
some of them develop for other ami
mails which are allowed to share
their box. London Spectator.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
QUEER oolNes OF EXCITED FOLKS.

Some Strange Incidents of the Great
Fire in Chicago.
It was never learned how the ru-
NOR originated that COW had kicked
over lamp and had burned a city.
The fire started at S45. The OLearys
had millSed their cow .: :; o'clock,
ali, aud had no lal.lp lighted that
Sunday in either cottage or barn.
The air was SO much like summer
that the inside of both stable and
house was deserted. 1t is probable
the cow story sprang up out of the
inventive power of some man or
woman who was hungry for a small
cause for great disaster. Men love
the aphorism of Mother Goose, Great
oaks from little acorns grow"
From one family learn the motions
of thousands of households. Trunks
were packed hastily. Servants and
mistress and children were one in
mutual helpfulness Each attempt
ed to put the house into a trunk.
Some were absentminded for a mo-
ment and locked an empty drawer
as though to keep the fire from get
ting in; one put a gold watch and
money into a trunk. and then pre-
pared to carry in hand a two dollar
clock; one turned down the gas
through habits of economy; one
neighbor, routed at 80, put on a
dressing gown and began to shave
himself. It was difficult for each
one to do the best thing for the oc-
casion, but all made an earnest effort
to be sensible
The scene at o'clock in the morn
ing was most wonderful in this-th that
fine residences were open to any
body. The inmates had left them.
Pictures, books, pianos, clothing,
table ware, ornaments, were alone,
waiting for fire or some one to take
them. 1t was not just to call by the
name of thief the man or the woman
who ran up the front step and looked
around the parlor rapidly for some
thing to transfer to basket or pocket.
There were not thieves enough in
the north division to meet the de
mand of the night. If there were, it
was the most honest night any of
them had ever lived
One citizen, having run back to
his home, found plain man coming
out with his arms full of the gentle.
mans clothing. If the loaded man
was a thief he must have been
amazed at the greeting from the
owner of the goods, THAT is all
right, my man, take anything you
want; it is all yours Professor
David Swing in Scribner's.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Two Lexingtons.

1t is curious that Lexington" the
title of a British lord, should have
become the slogan of the American
Revolution, but no more curious than
the fact that the first spot of ground
on this continent named to common,
crate the opening battle of that strug-
gle should have been located beyond
the confines of civilization, and in the
heart of the far distant wilderness of
Kentucky. Lexington, the metropo-
lis of the blue grass region, is today
the oldest public monument in exist
ence to the first dead of the war of
independence, and she was toasted as
the first namesake of Lexington,
Mass, at the centennial celebration
of that battle.
The beautiful incident of the nam
ing of Lexington, KY, which oc-
Cured early in June, 1775, was wit
messed by Simon Kenton and other
noted pioneers. Longfellow was
urged to make it the subject of a
poem, and corresponded with the
writer in regard to it, but he died,
unfortunately, too soon for the story
to be embalmed by him in immortal
verse. George w. Ranck in Har-
per's.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Stoppinc Electric Locomotives.

Although it has hitherto been pos
sible to stop an electric car quickly,
the reversal of the current which
the action necessitated resulted in a
considerable waste and caused ten
dency to burn out the motors. A
new method of accomplishing the
stoppage has been devised. The new
motors Of car are SO connected that
the electro motive force of each under
the rotation impaired by the forward
movement of the car opposes that of
the other and tends to produce a
current in such direction as to in
crease its own field magnetism and
cut down that of the other. The car
will thus be checked or brought to a
sudden stop if running rapidly, and
if on heavy grade will creep slow
ly down without taking current from
the supply wire and without having
the brakes set.-St. Louis Globe
Democrat.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Asking Questions of the Cuckoo.

A curious legend regarding the
cuckoo is found among the Danes,
which, with some notifications, is
likewise current in many parts of
Germany, in England and the north
of Europe. When in early spring
time the voice of the cuckoo is first
heard in the woods every village girl
kisses her hand and asks the ques-
ton, "Cuckool cuckool when shall
I be married9" and the old folks in
quire, "Cuckool cuckool when shall
be released from this worlds caresa"
The bird, in answer, continues sing
ing Cuckoo" as many times as years
will elapse before the object of their
desires will come to pass.
But, as some old people live to an
advanced age, and many girls marry
late in life, the poor bird has SO much
to do in answering the questions put
to her that the building season goes
by; she has no time to make her
nest, but lays her eggs in that of the
hedge sparrow.-London Queen.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Hindoo Children.

The costume, or at times the lack
of costume, makes a never failing
source of interest in the native town
in India. The Hindoos form the
largest portion of the inhabitants,
and are noticeable for their some
what diminutive stature, delicate
features and dark brown color. Their
children swarm in all directions, ut
terly devoid Of clothing, their ma
hogany brown limbs as round and
perfect as little brown statuettes.
Among the Hindoos of Bombay only
the Weather class wear more than
an apology for clothes, although girls
not older than ten years may beseen
with the simple flowing garments
which are SO graceful and so admira-
bly, fitted to the climate. The cries
of the vendors, the strange sights
and sounds go to make up one of the
most picturesque and interesting ex-
periences to be met with anywhere
in the east.-Cor. Washington Star.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Three of q Kind.

A young man who suffers from the
embarrassing affection Of stammer-
ing entered one of the modest beam
cries of Park row the other evening
to get a lunch. He chose the place
not so much because of its attrac-
lions, nor because it was handy, but
rather because he dislikes to go into
a more public place with his FAULT
ness of speech. AS luck would have
it, however, there were no vacant
tables, and he was obliged to sit
down to one already occupied by an
other young man.
"Puh-puh-puh- pork and bib
b-beans, he murmured to the waiter
who came up.
That functionary looked little
surprised. "Puh pub puh-pork
and b-b-b-b-beans CAL rr-r-right,
sir" he said, and hurried back with
the order.
The young man was very lndlg-
nant at being Knocked. He REDEEMED,
and when the waiter came back he
got up with the intention of boxing
the fellows ears
But no sooner was he on his feet
than the young man who sat oppo-
site also arose and interfered.
''D-d-d-on't hit him |" cried the new
young man. He w-w-w-wasn't
m-m-m-ocking you. He st-st-st-stut-
tiers l-l-l-like w-w-w-we d-d-d-do. -
New York Recorder.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Wagner as an Acrobat.

Ferdinand Praeger, relates an Incl
dent of visit to Wagner at his
Swiss home. The two men sat one
morning on an ottoman in the draw
ing room, talking over the events of
the years.
Suddenly Wagner, who was sixty
years old, rose and stood on his head
upon the ottoman.
At that moment Wagner's wife en-
tered. Her surprise and alarm caused
her to run to her husband, exclaim-
ing, "Ah! Richard Richardl" Quick
ly recovering himself, he assured
her that he was sane and wished to
show that he could stand on his head
at sixty, which was more than Fe,,di-
nand could do.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Table Manners in 1G55.

A valet of Louis XIV published a
cook book in 1856, in which he gives
as follows the reason for the inven
ton of the hollow soup plate:
The plates of the guests will be
hollow in order that they may help
themselves to as much soup as they
may want without being obliged to
take it spoonful by spoonful, because
of the disgust they may have for one
another on seeing the spoon go from
the mouth to the tureen.
Guests, it will be seen, used their
own spoons to fill their plates, the
large spoon to be used for serving
the soup not being invented till some
time later. Yet, even a hundred
years after the invention of the soup
plate Q749), work on civility adj
vised that all the dishes should be so
placed on the table that every one
could reach them with his spoon,
and that if the soup was served in a
dish (tureen) every one should help
himself with his own spoon without
seeming to be in a hurry. A work
on manners that appeared just be-
fore the French revolution-that is,
at the close of the last century
deemed it best to advise its readers
that it was impolite to pass the spoon
back and forth between the mouth
and the tureen. Golden Days
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
A Plain Case,

The reporter of a ST. Louis paper
had been sent out to work up case
of suicide by an unknown person,
and after laborious effort of three
hours he returned to the office.
"Well, what did you geta" inquired
the city editor anxiously.
"All about it except his identity.
and that is lost completely"
WAS there nothing on his person
to identify him2"
mot thing, except a half dozen
or SO newspaper clippings and the
name John Smith on his collar
What were the clippings?"
Jokes and gags ON st. Louis"
"Why, man, that's all the identif-
cation you want" asserted the city
editor confidently. "He is John
Smith, of Chicago, and you will
please say 50 in your article DE
troit Free Press.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
The Distribution of Snakes.

The distribution of serpents over
the earth's surface is partial and un-
equal. They are essential inhab-
itants of the tropics, and diminish
rapidly in number, both as to species
and individuals, as we advance north
ward or southwark through the tenn
perate zones. Great distinctions ex-
list between the snakes of the two
hemispheres.
The rattlesnakes, boas and harle-
quin snakes are entirely confined to
America; while vipers, cobras and
roughtails are as exclusively inhab-
itants of the Old World. The tree
snakes and the whip snakes are east
ern and Australian animals. -Quar-
terly Review.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
A Patent Fisherman.

One of the oddities of the Column
bia river is the patent fishing
Wheel" an automatic disciple Of
Walton, which stands on the Oregon
side of the river, about mile below
the famous cascade. The whole de-
vice consists of jetty of rocks built
out from the shore, with an outside
sluiceway in which the gigantic fish
ing wheel constantly revolves 1t is
an undershot wheel, and, having
been built at time when the river
was remarkably low, can be raised
or lowered according to the stage Of
water. The persons who built this
odd piscatorial device understood the
habits and instincts of the salmon,
the finny beauty for whose capture
it was specially erected, it being well
known that in making their runs"
they follow the shore line instead of
taking to the middle of the stream.
A sluiceway to the slackwater
caused by the jetty has been built,
and the salmon in attempting to go
through this are caught in the net
buckets that are fastened to the arms
of the fishing wheel and safely de-
posted in trough. This trough or
gutter communicates with the
''rorlnd up pen on shore, where the
"catch" is canned and shipped to all
parts of the world. Besides several
hundred young fish unfit forcanning,
from 1, 500 to 5000 adult salmon are
caught every day in this fishing
novelty, and it is safe to say that
there is not a more curious machine
in the world today. st. Louis Re
public
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Wild Animals in College.

When Labouchere went to Cam
bridge it is said that he developed a
distinct taste for tanning wild ami.
mails. His rooms, which were spa
cious and commodious for college
quarters, were arranged somewhat
after the manner of a miniature
menagerie. 1t is even reported that
at one time he kept a young bear in
cupboard and fed him entirely on
plum cake and sherry. London Cor.
New York World.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Test Offices I'm Paris

In Paris there have been establish
ed for some years public ''test Of
fees" at which experts are employed
to test and analyze any article of
food or drink which may be suspect
ed to contain anything harmful to
public health. The same experts are
appointed to examine the food prod
ucts sold in the markets and shops
of the city.
Such offices serve to bring before
the people ''the knowledge of good
and evil" as regards the dependence
of health ON uncontaminated food
and drink. Youths Companion.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
A Pleasant Meeting.

The day after Barney Murphy was
elected chairman Of the Fresno con-
vention Francis Murphy, the great
revivalist, pursuing his personal can
vass of Oakland, approached Coun-
Gilman Brosnahan on one of the
boats and began:
II want your aid, sir, in my work.
l want you to help us. Come
around and see me. Get into the
fight and be in earnest. I'm Mr..
Murphy, you know p
why, yes" said the councilman,
his face beaming with delight.
when did you get back from the
Fresno convention2"- Francisco
Examiner.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Rusiness Is Business.

It was a saloon and restaurant COM
bined. as was the fashion in the early
days Of Deadwood.
A hard up stranger entered ana
walked up to the bar and said: !.
81 haven't had mouthful of food
for two days"
"Yes, Just So" replied the proprie-
tor as he looked him over. &
Dead broke and ready to do some
thing desperatel"
"Any thoughts of suicide" kindly
queried the landlord. :.
"Bet your life I havel Ii don't
strike something by tomorrow shall
blow my brains outp
Sand what are the prospects OF
your striking something's"
'sNot one chance in hundred.
Can you spare me a bowl of soup|
Look here" said the landlord,
after moments thought, I'm the
coroner here and can make an in
quest pan out about twenty dollars
I'll take chances on you"
"How?"
"I'll fill you up now, and If you fail
to hit it tomorrow you're my mutton.
Business is business out here. Yes
or noa"
eyes, and on the dead square"
every well; sit down over there.
Waiter, bowl of soup, three pota-
toes, a hunk of meat and bread and
coffee for this man, who'll give you
his name, age, address and the way
he wants his grave to head New
York Herald.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
True to tho Old Country.

During term of the superior
court at Caribou, Me-, a number of
aliens were naturalized, among them
an Irishman When the clerk put
the question, "Do you renounce all
allegiance to the queen of Great
Britain and Irelands" etc., the Celt
replied, ''I'll go back on the queen;
but, young man, I'll never go back
on old and-neverr The law
yers smiled. the spectators Uttered
and Judge Robinson laughed OUT
right. The candidates conditions
were accepted and he got his papersj
New York Sun.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Extraordinary Egg LAYING.

The white ant is possessed of the
most extraordinary egg laying pro-
pensities of any known creature;
she often produces SO, 400 eggs in a
single day. From the time the white
ant begins to lay until the egg lay
ing season is usually reckoned
by entomologists as an exact lunar
month-she produces 100000 eggs.
In point of fecundity the white ant
exceeds all other creatures. st.
Louis Republic.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
A CURIOUS PIPE.

A Relic of Libby Prison on Exhibition IN
a Bowery Cigar Store Window.
There is a pipe on exhibition in the
store of a popular Irish cigar manu-
facturer in the Bowery that is well
worthy of study. It tells sadden-
ing history of blood and carnage.
Its details point mutely back to the
fearful conflict that almost rent the
country in two in the dark days of
the rebellion, and its owner prizes it
so highly now that no money will in
duce him to part with it.
The pipe was made in Libby prison
by one of the Union soldiers. The
head was carved out of a broken gun
stock. Inlaid on the exterior of the
head are emblems of many of the
regiments that did battle for the
Federal government and the insignias
of secret societies and other orna-
mental work. The only implement
used in making the pipe and it's en-
bellishments was penknife rather
the worse for wear On one side of
the curious pipe is inlaid a triangle,
with compass and square, all made
out of the shoulder bone of a dead
Confederate officer.
A circular wreath inclosing a
scroll, evidently intended for some
inscription, is inlaid in the brass OBJ
tanned from an old army button. A
heart pierced by an arrow is made
from a piece of an exploded she'll A
scroll inclosed by olive branches is
obtained from the buckle of belt
and a crescent is made from piece
of an old bayonet. On the opposite
side the legend 1885," inclosed in a
scroll, is made of other pieces of
bone. A circle, inside of which is a
star, is obtained from a fragment of
copper used in some part of the
equipment Two crossed guns on
the front of the bowl are made of
pieces of Confederate gun metal and
two American flags are inlaid in vari-
GUS materials.
The owner of this pipe tells a Curl
GUS story of how it came into his
possession. An old man used to call
at his store every day and beg enough
of the cigar clippings from the fac
tory to give him a good chance to
smoke.
After time his visits grew less
frequent, and one night clerk in
one of the cheap lodging houses in
the neighborhood called in a hurry
and said the old fellow was dying
and anxiously requested him to come
to him. The cigar dealer went, and
the old fellow gave him the pipe.
He told him it had been made by the
Union prisoner, but added: IT never
knew his name. I was one of the
Confederate guards stationed on duty
at Libby prison, and I gave the chap
who carved out this pipe many a
good feed on the quiet" The old
Confederate died with these words
on his lips, and the cigar manufac-
turer had him decently buried. New
York Advertiser. g.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Easily Satisfied.

Countess Zeppelin during the
Franco-G German war brought many
things to the prisoners at Rastatt.
A Turco, bald and black, and re-
pulsive in his dirt and ugliness,
passed close to the countess on one
occasion.
"See, Turco, she said, offering him
a long white shirt. here is a new
suit for you"
He donned it on the instant as
proud as Artaban, and strutted round
the wards shouting, me go marry
nowi"
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Natural Icehouses.

The cold in a cavern in France is
SO great, no matter how warm the
external atmosphere may be, the
visitor cannot prolong his stay with
out Inconvenience unless wrapped in
winter clothing. There are not less
than score of these natural ice
houses in France and probably half
as many in Italy. Philadelphia Led
ger.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
A Hero of the

History records the
and the bravery of our
of danger, and future hi
the bravery of our wo
their daily bread amid
imminent peril. An j
last week by Mr.. Brigh
oner at Parr, near st.
named Richard Gill, I
About a year and a
working in the shaft of
three other men, blastirI
ceased, after the shots
the other men to get in|
He then lighted thd
with the shots and Il
hopper. He fancied |
wrong signal and jun
hopper to cut off the fl
to cut off one, but thd
far burned. The other
to give the signal to as
the hopper, but he said
where | am. 1t is be
to die than for ALL"
per began to ascend a
were drawn to the to
Gill pulled the sigma
went down to him ant
ly injured about the
compound fracture of
manned five months in
never got over his
Lancet.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1892-07-01
Spaniards as 81
Spaniards are now
predominant amOOo

Spaniards are now
predominant among
rested for stealing il
pocket picking on +;
great public gatheri1
rians have been caugh
at the Gingerbread faI
just appeared before
two men and two wo1|
Pyrenees who practid
a large scale. The 81
been suspected of poe
Jardin d'Acclimat;ltio|
a d etectiye, who saw
Grands Magasins dd
drove to the place il
the jehu of which was
After having remainel
shop they saw that
watched, so they left |
their vehicle and were
Printemps.
Thither the detect |
and although he had
that the Spaniards std
rested the lot, the dri
being seized by a poli|
ceived instructions I'd
ments. Under the Cd
hicle were found thr
silk which had beer
Louvre shops and WEI
over forty pounds. i