davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-10-01

substance in their tribe. From 10000
to $1,000 of these natives find employ.
ment in the mines all the year round.
They work in a state of perfect nudity.
The amount of wealth extracted from
the Kimberley mines within the last 22
years is bewildering to contemplate.
AT the end of 1885, calculation based on
the most reliable data placed the out-
put at 33,000,000 carats of diamonds OF
the valuation, in round numbers, OF
s200,000,000 To this add the estimated
production for the sever years since,
l7,5O0,000 carats, of the value of $751;
100000, or total production in az
years of 50,5O0.0O0 carats, (about nine
tons weight) of diamonds, of the
wholesale market value of $685., 900, 900,
and conception OF the value Of these
mines may be'had. j. w. Su.Kk
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-10-01

searchers who even to this day have
their patient toll rewarded by an occa-
sional find of an overlooked gem.
Since the Brazilian mines were prac-
tically closed as the source of diamond
found, in limited quantities, in several
widely different countries. They have
been found in North Carolina, Georgia,
Arizona and California, in the United
States. And in 1929 diamonds were
found in the gold washings on the
European side of the Ural mountains,
and small quantities have been found in
Algeria, as well as in the mining dis
tricts of Siberia. About fifty years ago
diamonds in considerable quantities
were found in the island of Sumatra,
and subsequently in Celebes. But about
that time Borneo won the distinction of
yielding the largest diamond in the
world, pure white gem of 367 carats
weight, which is now in the possession
Of the rajah of Matam, and which
money cannot buy.
But of all diamond discoveries known
to history, and excepting these of India
and Brazil, the recently opened South
African mines are by far the most pro-
ductive. The discovery of diamonds in
Africa dates back less than a quar-
ter of century, and the personages
most prominently identified in an event
which has since grown to such marvel
GUS dimensions in the commerce OF the
world never aspired to fame.
The story of the discovery, of which
many different versions have been pub
lished, is as follows: A trader named
John O'Reilly, travelling southwark
from the Orange river. outspanned his
oxen for rest near the house of a
boer stockfarmer named Van Niekerk.
The trader, having established friendly
relations with the farmer, was invited
into the house of the latter, and while
the two were enjoying their pipes and
exchanging bits Of frontier gossip the
traders attention became suddenly
fixed upon several peculiarly bright
looking stones lying ON table near by.
Taking them in his hand he examined
them closely, and asked the farmer
what they were and where he had got
ten them from. To this the farmer re-
piled that he supposed they were
bright pebbles OF some kind; that they
had been brought in at different times
by that scamp, Jan, the Hottentot herd
boy, whose eyes were everywhere ex'
cept upon his sheep, where they should
be.
At o'Reilly's request the Hottentol
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-10-01
POISON IN FOOD.
In Old Times Sharp Watch Was Kept
On the Cooks Dishes. tsF

oh thc Sooh
The fear of poison which haunted the
mind of every person of quality during
the middle ages gave rise to certain
curious customs, and even to certain
superstitions. When dishes are now
served covered it is understood that it is
merely for the purpose of keeping them
warm. This was not, however, the
principal reason why they were served
covered during the dark ages. 1t was
the fear that poison might be intro
duced into them surreptitiously be-
tween the kitchen and the table where
they were to be served to the kings or
the lords, or even to persons of inferior
rank.
The covers We're not removed until
the master of the house had taken his
place. All dishes afterwards served
were brought on the table in the same
manner. Ns.
1t was the custom, originally, when
the dishes were uncovered, for some of
the servants to first partalie of them.
but this custom was afterwards in part
replaced by the servants touching the
food with one of several objects which
were regarded rs infallible preserva-
tives against poisca
These objects were the horn of the
unicorn, serpents tongue, the fabu-
lous stone found in the head of the
toad, .serpentine, agate and other stones.
The first was considered the best, but
as the unicorn never existed, its horn
was replaced by that of the narwhal or
by sharks TOOTH which vera sold by
all the druggists instead of 1t and uf-
der its name. ''H-'' G&fa' i'i rtr-ai"
Many persons kept u small piece Of il
at,the bottom of their drinking glasses.
Unicprn's horn was so rare and precious
that it was worth more than ten times
its weight in gold.
1t was never proved that the stone al,
eyed to come from the head of the toadl
had that origin, and the druggists who
sold it knew that what they vended WAS
| q mineral dug out of the earth, but this
did not prevent the fraud or put an end
to the superstition. "l'
In the time of Louis XIV. and Louis
XIV. the faith in these talismans had
considerably weakened, but all the
dishes placed on the royal tables were
touched, as well as the plate, the nap
kin, the knife, the fork and the tooth
pick of the monarch, with piece of
bread, which the chief of the gob!etat
on;e swallowcd.--Golden Pays.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-10-01

attended with meager success, few
stones being found, and the excitement
finally subsidized Two years later,
prospectors wandered north of the
Orange river far out on the desert,
some IS miles from Van Neikerli's
sheep farm, and there discovered what
has since become famous throughout
the world as the Kimberley Diamond
Mines of South Africa.
The news of this new discovery
spread like wildfire throughout the
country, and a general rush from all
parts of Cape Colony was made for tho
new Eldorado.
Kimberley is about 500 miles from the
coast, and the way there lay mostly
through roadless desert, where water
could only be had at long intervals and
food for man or beast was scarce and
difficult to obtain. Yet men by thou
sands and tens of thousands conquered
these obstacles and found their way
there, while many others left their
bones to bleach on the hot sands of the
African desert The thirst for wealth be-
came epidemic, and made'men oblivious
to every other thought or consideration.
Some made fortunes in a few days;
others, less fortunate, became despon-
dent and blew their brains out, or
wandered off into the desert to perish
of hunger and exposure.
But the days of the private digger in
the South African mines have long since
passed. A great syndicate of capi-
talists has absorbed the entire
Kimberley mining interests, and now
regulates the output of the precious
gems according to the demand. After
years of prospecting over many square
miles of adjacent territory it has been
ascertained that the only paying
diamondiferous ground in the whole
region is situated on the spot where the
town of Kimberley has been built, and
this entire area does not exceed three
miles in diameter. From this little
spot are unearthed ninety-nine hum
dredths of all the diamonds now sup
piled to the world.
The benefits accruing to South AT
rica through the discovery of the dia-
mond fields have been enormous.
Kimberley is now reached by rail from
two different points on the coast; and
by a system of irrigation a large por-
ton of the desert country has been
transformed into fiourishing farms and
stock runs.
The lowest depth reached in the Kim
berley mines is about 700 feet, and no
diminution of the yield from the
ground has been observed. All
the manual labor is performed by
native blacks, who, attracted by the
high wages paid (s5 per week), come
here from the far interior. They are
engaged for sixty days, at which time
they are paid off in English sovereigns,
and return to their native Kraals with
wealth enough with which to purchase
at least couple of mines each, and
thenceforth are looked upon as men Of
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-10-01

kissing is good thing, but we have
at least in public. 1t is sacred rite
that should not be performed before a
mixed audience. If a man were part
ing from his wife, mother or sister for
weeks or months, he might be excused
for kissing them on the depot platform
or in the cars, but should prefer to at
tend to that ceremony before leaving
the house The sights and sounds on
every depot pla tform are enough to
give sensitive person a severe attack
of nausea. | have no objection to wo-
men kissing each other on the street if
they enjoy the diversion. 1t is always
understood that they do not mean it
1t is mere formality and keeps them
in practice. l once attended church
festival where there was kissing
booth. A bevy of pretty girls sold
their osculatory favors for twenty five
cents each ''for the good of the eau se."
1t reminded me of those gross scenes
which history informs us were once
enacted in the temples of Bacchus. A
woman cannot be too chary of her
kisses to the opposite SEX How man
processing to be gentleman can wed a
woman whom he knows has been
mouthed and mumbled by others is be-
yond my comprehension. Indiscrimi-
nate kissing is about as reprehensible
vice as woman can possibly be guilty
of.-St Louis Globe Democrat
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-10-01
PuNoENT PARAGRAPHS.

-"Do you know gus meter is to me
almost human?" ITO me, too. 1t has
that dreadfully human tendency toward
untruth."
"A Sudden Flight (anXiously)
-"How did papa appear when you
asked for my hand?" He--'I didn't
have time to see, darling. IN. Y.
Herald.
Fair Soprano (having finished her
triaD-"Do you think my voice will fill
the halo Grim Manager-'T fear it
would have just the opposite cffcct."-
Boston Courier
MIR. NiclSle---'Ts the young man
prompt and regular in his habits?" Mr..
Dullpate-'T should say so. Never a
month went by without him coming to
borrow Of me. Inter Ocean.
Mrs. Gadder-"IIave you seen Mrs.
Hemphill since her husband eloped with
the coolS?" Mrs De Gush--"Yes, she
doesn't care; she was going to give the
cook notice anyway" Life.
Young Wife-''O John, the rats have
eaten all my angel calsc!' Husband
IAN of it?' Young Wifc-"Every piece.
feel like crying" Husband-"O pshaw!
DON'T cry over a few rats!'
Poor creature, suppose he has
some spinal troubls?' Dr. Knowall:
No; his wife has borrowed his sus-
penders, and he is trying to get along
with hers until she is home from the
picnic. Chicago Inter Ocean.
-She-"Just think, girls, came over
in the steamer with three live lords,
and they were all single" The girls lin
chorus)-"O. how lovely! And wasn't
one of them engaged?" She-"Not un-
til the third day out"-N. Y. Herald.
-"He must have a wonderful amount
of modesty," said Howdock. Never
struck me that way" replied Birny Bill
Inns. Perhaps not But when you con-
slider how little he uses the stock on hand
must be enormous. s."-Washington Star.
-IIenry-"I meant to call on you last
evening, Mary, but really, I-I-fact is,
1 don't know what to offer as an eX-
cuse" Mary-"O, don't feel annoyed,
Henry. Any excuse you care to offer
will be amply sufficient. boston
Transcript.
-Janet-"Why should you have in
formed him of the fact that was 26?"
Shloc- uiiu uhllth you NOultt bS ol-
Tended" Janet-''But it was uncalled
for" Chloe-''How could know that
you We're getting sensitive, even about
your professed age?"-Smith. Gray &c
Co. IS Monthly.
-Murilla-"Who is that gentleman
you introduced me to a little time ago?
didn't catch his name" ,Millicent--
THAT is the distinguished poet, Mr..
Scrawlcr" Murilla-''Indced. Now
understand why he seemed hurt when
he asked me who was my favorite poet,
and replied Shakespeare ''-Tit-Bits.
-"Ethel Tilted that magnificent crea-
ture Ponsonby, and now she is the
center of attraction for about twenty
five miserable dudes. THAT'S all right
She simply turned her first love into
small change. 1t takes about twenty
five dudes to make man. ''-Harpers
Bazar.
-Parson Jones had just completed his
long discourse, the benediction had
been pronounced and the congregation
was dispensing. Said Deacon Brown, a
great admirer of the parson: "a fine
sermon, and well timed, too 'Yes," :"
replied Synnek, sit was certainly we'll
timed. About half the congregation
had their watches out most of the time
he was talking. Transcript.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-10-01
a Great Name.

Wicks-By the way, what has be.
come Of Bjackson? / haven't seen him
for good many years.
Hicks-Biackson? Why, don't you
know? He went cast fifteen years ago
to make a name for himself?
Wicks-A name for himself, ell? And
did he make it?
Hicks-Oh, yes.
Wicks-What was it?
Hiclls-Dcnnis -Somerville Journal.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-10-01

They have begun to put pneumatic
tires on sulkies used in trotting races.
The men who bet on the horses draw
ing these sullSies continue to be tired
in the same old way.-Buffalo Express.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1892-10-01
Vacation Amusements.

SLOW are you going to spend your
vacation, Mudgc?"
"Samc as ! did last year, guess. I
suppose I'll pat in two weeks trying te,
borrow enough to go away for two or
three days" s."-Indianapolis journal.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-10-03

To the Editor Of The Ai.ruMria Gazette:
an article in the local column OF your issue
of September 3Oth. does ms great injustice
and / respectfully ask 4 correction OF tho
same.
In YOUR report of the proceedings of mag
i,trlte's trial OF warrant for debt, III which
was the plaintiff and Timothy Ryan was
the defendant, you say that Mr. Ponnet
deputised me 70 procure the necessary per-
mission TO erect frame addition to his house,
and that fulfilled that mission and presented
10 Mr. Ryan Il bill for SO for said services.
The facts in the case rs was shown ut the
trial were rs follows viz: Mr.. Ponnet has
occupied for some years the premises leased
from Mr.. Ryan, and Ryan agreed for an add
tiOna 10 rental sum to erect an ADDITION 20
the buildings, and rs often as lmportInod by
Mr. ponnet To erect the additional building.
Ryan promised TO do so, but failing TO comply
with his agreement Ponnct became tired OF
Ry.n's Delinquency and employed me to inSti-
tute a suit against him for damages. Before
taking legal steps in the matterand actuated by
friendly feelings toward Ryan ] called on him
and stated tie facts Is above. lie informed
ME that he would at once erect the building
and avoid further trouble. ! reported this
fact 10 Pounct and told him this ended my
connection with the case. \ short tiue there
after RYAN went t. Ponacts place. where l
had conversation with him, ,hc and ponnct
not being on speaking terms and after show
ing mr. the Auditors permit. and the written
consent of the adjoining propeHty owners 70
make the contemplated improvement, he re-
4;iestcd me TO meet him al the wharf on the
following day. | met him IN compliance with
his request. and he then, in the presence oi
Mr. Cheshire handed re the papers as above,
l,.i,t. an IN
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-10-03

The excise commissioners have APP
proved the application of Thomas Muir
ply Tor a liquor license.
The amount OF flour inspected by R.
II. Hancock, deputy inspector, for the
third quarter ending Sept 80, 1892, was
S,994 barrels.
In addition to aUnited States flag and
a Cleveland and Stevenson flag, an E.
+: Meredith flag now floats from the
First ward democratic pole.
Mr.. VIM. II. Marshall. father of
Messis. j. \. and Chas. 3. Marshall, of
this city, died at his home near Deco
guam yesterday, Of heart disease.
The building on Prince street occu-
pied by the Midland railroad officials is
be renovated and hereafter the super
intendent's Office will be on the first
floor.
The city democratic committee will
meet nj the Office of the chairman, L.
c. Barley, tonight, when plans for
conducting the canvass will be per-
fccted.
The electric cars yesterday carried
$500 passengers to Mount Vernon,
and would have carried more but for 4
few trips which were missed by reason
Of hot boxes.
In the Corporation Court to-day
decree was entered in the case Of j. P.
Laphen vs.. The heirs Of Thos Preston,
correcting description of certain prop
criV ON Prince street.
The additions to the Presbyterian
Chapel atBallston are nearly completed,
making it one OF the finest churches in
this section and great Improvement
t. Ba!lston village.
A woman from one of the upper
counties arrived here this morning via
Il Midland train on the lookout for her
husband, who. she said, had recently
deserted her and gone off with another
woman.
Messrz, O'Neal & Lunt, auctioneers,
sold to-day for S. c. Brent, commission
er, two acres of land in Alexandria
county, on the new road leading to the
new iron bridge and to Georgetown, to
Mr.. II. p. Dodge for $3.50.
a crowd of disorderly negroes gath
cred at the corner of King and Payne
streets on Saturday night and engaged
in fight which lasted for about an
hour, mnch to the annoyance OF the
residents Of the nclghborhood.
The young ladies connected with the
First Baptist Church will give an
oyster supper at Odd Fellows Hall
tonight and tomorrow night, and
all who attend are guaranteed pleas
ant evenings entertainment.
A dispute about ticket between an
Alexandria passenger and a conductor
on the electric road yesterday resulted
in fight between the two, in which
the conductor came out second best.
The row took place some distance be-
low this city.
The case of w. II. Wilson, Of Wash
ington. arrested in Portsmouth on the
charge of abducting Bessie Allen, girl
thirteen years Of age, from gypsy
camp near this city, was before Mayor
Baird in the Police Court of Ports
mouth Saturday. The prisoneS secured
counsel and succeeded in having the
warrant for abduction dismissed, but
was sent on to court for trial on the
charge ofattempting q criminal assault
on the girl.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-10-03

FIREMEN DEMAND AN INCREASE
fYhc officials OF the Richmond and Dan
vile Railroad system have been in con-
saltation for the past few days with the
REPRESENTATIVES OF the firemen from the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemer.
4 committee of eight. with NJ. J. Boil
inc chairman. representing the iiremen
Of the Virginia Midland, the Richmond
and Danville. the L. y C.. the Atlantic
Coast. and the Georgia Pacific, met
Capt. AIagbce, Gen. Supt. r. ID. Wade
superintendent Of motive power, and ).
:. b. Thompson. superintendent, on be-
half of the road, TO request an increase
in pay for the firemcn. The argument
OF the men was that the introduction OF
heavier engines upon the road had en-
tailed extra work upon the men, and
that they were entitled to the extra pay
The officials replied that the road was
not ut present making its running eN-
penses, and that ii would be impossible
Tor the management to entertain the
suggestion of the men. The committee
wired the decision of the road to Chief
Sargent. of the brotherhood. who Is now
m rerra Haute. Ind, and he will start
at once for Washington. The men say
that their demand for an increase Is
iust and that they are in position to
enforce it. Ii is said here that but few
ofthe lremen on the Midland division
OF the road are members ofthe iiremen' 5
brotherhood.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-10-03
DRY GOODS.
a.--.s-- ..a~
An Outline Of New Fail 81

We have many good things attract the intending
purchasers of fall goods that only give an
ment an outline of the various attractions you fill
the complete picture by paying equ visits of nspec
ton
In Dress Goods we better equipped to meet
YOUR wants The styles are numerous the standings varied
and the prices most attractive.
The rage the popular Storm Serge continues and is like
y to continue during the fall and winter There is
nothing desirable stylish for wear and the mod
another item of interest For dressy styles
we show full line of standings in Wool Benganes
ours This fabric NEW has handsome silk ustre and the
general effect of silk dress. We show the same
silk fabrics Besides these leading popular styles have
not neglected other decided avotes value and style and
we show some desirable novelties in Paids Stripes Plain
Serees Whipcord Serges Broad Cloths &c.
Last season line of popular a-wool fabrics the
general value of which soc, at size This fall
fortunate being able give assortment of very choice
dark shades in wool goods attractive price 3c
per yard
full line of desirable cotton and wool and all dress
fabrics at popular prices.
Our Carpet stock is fully equal the demand
Our bargain sale during the cleaned all the
desirable remnants &c, and this goods all fresh
and new
Merchant Tailoring stock just in, and fully equal any
previous seasons exhibits.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-10-03

SUFFoCATED BY GAs.-Saturday night
Mr.. George F. Carsen, a white man
about 80 Years Of age, who resides at
Arlington, Alexandria county. took q
room at the lodging house No. 1901
Pennsylvania avenue. Washington.
Yesterday morning the smell of illumi-
mating gas was perceptiblc in the pas
sage near his chamber. and Mr.. Leo P.
Zwissier, a barber, who carries on the
house, found Mr.. Carson dead in the
bed and the gas turned on but unlight-
ed. Notice was given to thepolice and
by permission of the coroner the body
was transferred to Lees undertaking
establishment.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-10-03
DRY GOODS.

OPPORTUNITY is a good
4 thing, and no sensible
person, not even the small
boy, ever misses a good chance.
There are opportunities OK
isting now for people to Sc
cure bargains, and the chance
may not present itself again
for a long time. All we asks
that you will call and compare
our goods and prices before
buying. We claim that our
goods are the finest and most
varied ever shown in this city,
and we challenge competition
in both quality and price.
We wish to especially call
your attention to our Dress
Goods stock, which comprises
all the newest weaVes and col
orings. We are exceptionally
strong in our IS and soc lines.
Our Black Goods stock is
also bountifully supplied.
In selecting our stock Of
Dress Goods we have not
omitted to buy appropriate
trimmings and can supply your
wants with as large a variety
as can be found in stores in
large cities. We have also a
large variety of wash fabrics,
one especial bargain being one
(D case, 5000 yards, of assort-
ed Aprons and Dress cling
hams at 61ac, regular Ioc
goods.
The season of the year is
now upon US when housekeep-
ers who anticipate beautifying
their homes with an appro-
pirate floor covering are ask
ing themselves where to find
the variety of styles and pat
terms of Carpeting, etc, at the
right prices. We can answer
by inviting you to our Carpet E;
Department, where you will
find we have surpassed all tor
mer efforts, and can safely say
we can suit the most fashdlous.
ISAAC EICHBERG.
Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1892-10-03
MONETARY AND COMMERCIAL.

New YORK. Oct. 1.-The week opened at
the Stock Exchange with more life and ami
nation in the dealings than for some time.
The excitement. however, conferred in COM
paiatively few stocks. In the first half-hour
$4,000 shares Of stool. changed hands. The
Improvement in the general list was equal to
Ia:. After the shorts had covered freely Z
reaction ensued and with several leading
shares yielded from 10 !.
BALTIMORE, Oct. 3-yirgin;a consols : !;
do ;0-.iOs :: do IS 745a15.