davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
THE YARDSTICK.

How an Absurd and Arbitrary Standard
Was Adopted.
From the New York Herald.
"Do you know anything about the history Of
the yardstick?'' said o gentleman in the City
Hall recently. The speaker and his COM
panion were inspecting the beautiful old build
ing and had paused in the inner corridor be-
fore the standards of length which are cut into
the stonework.
These are inscribed "federal standard"
English standard" and Amsterdam standard"
The two latter are given. but the federal
standard measure Is left blank, none having
been adopted at the time the old City Hall was
erected.
The person addressed admitted that he knew
nothing whatever about the standard and that
he would be pleased to be enlightened upon the
subject.
at really is ridiculous" remarked the first
speaker. 1--WE are using today as q standard Of
measure an inaccurate copy Of what is repre-
sented to be the length OF the arm Of King
Henry I, taken by his express order in l120
'The original measure was kept at the ex-
chequer in London for many centuries. 1t was
examined by O royal commissioner In l742 who
in his report Of it said: "A kitchen poker fled
ct both ends would make as good q standard.
1t has been broken and then repaired so
clumsily that the joint is nearly Is loose a. Q
pair Of tongs.'
"For the uses of the British government an
accurate copy Of this arbitrary, clumsy, broken
standard was prepared in 1760, and this copy,
by act of parliament in 1894, was made the
legal measure. At the same time it was ordered
that II destroyed it should be restored by
comparison with the length Of the pendulum
vibrating seconds at the latitude of London.
in 1885 the copy was destroyed by the great
fire at the Parliament House. Attempts were
then made to find the length by means of the
pendulum as already arranged, but the methods
were found utterly impracticable, and the
English government was compelled to make
use Of such copies Of the destroyed yarlstick Is
they supposed reliable.
"The United States government was not only
unwise enough to adopt the inconvenient and
Inconsistent Enghsh measure, but sent . special
messenger abroad to secure q copy of the yard
stick for the use of the coast survey. The copy
secured was made by q London instrument
maker. who certified to its correctness. Strange
to say. however, the American standard IL one
one-thousandth Of an inch longer than the British
standard yardstick.
''Of course" said the speaker, in conclusion,
1--WE should have adopted the metric system.
It's equal divisions are consistent and simpie,
and II commands the respect and praise Of sci-
entidc men everywhere"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
NOBLE EMOTION PLAYED WITH.
Wished to Save Life and 10 Jeered By the
Crowd.

From the Detroit Herald.
'The meanest trick that was ever PLAYED on
me, said q St Louis drummer who was irving
70 boom conversation in the smoking cubby
In q sleeper, "was by an echo in a South Caro-
lima town. The little town IL on the side Of
the hill and is as sleepy and uninteresting o
place as one will find in . years journey.
got into the town on one boiling hot day in
August about O'Clock and proceeded TO rustic
around to get through business and skip out
"The town was so internally lazy looking that
didn't have much confidence in my ability to
get business. Al the post Office corner an aged
and decrepit gray mule with tapping ears and
solemn mien presided over the session Of whit
tiers and tobacco squirters, who were in session
under the big sycamore tree. I accosted one Of
the group to find out where Josh wilkins, the
principal storekeeper. might be found and
learned that he was tending burying over in
Catnip Holler.' just as l was about to move
away heard muffied cry Of
"'Help! Helpr
The whittlers and squirters paid no attention
and the gray mule was giving all his time to a
fly on the end OF his nose.
Again l heard the distant muffied cry Of
Help; Help"
Its a darn shame about that poor niger,
remarked one Of the whittlers.
WHATS the matter with the nigger?' I
asked, at the same time looking suspiciously at
the wooden-grated manhole Of the sewer on the
corner.
"'well, you see, it's this way, stranger. Bill
Starks bull pup crawled up the sewer from the
crick and got fast and when the niger crswled
up after him be got fast too
Great heavens Why aren't you digging
for him? The poor fellow will die
OF course he may die stranger, but then
it's pretty hot today, and he is only . Niger,
MY God, this il inhumanl Come, men,
and well rescue the poor fellow
: Just then another cry of help drove me
almost to frenzy. 1 gave some change to the
lazy colored men and sent them for shovels and
picks. They came, and after distributing the
implements l went to digging like q crazy man.
Presently looked around to see why the Others
were not helping me and there was not soul
In sight. was wild with rage and cried down
the manhole to ask how the man was getting
along. Not word came in answer. 1 backed
of a little to survey the work and heard that
same mufied sound say:
Come of the perch! You are an old fool.
81 looked around and saw the whole town
coming at me. They were laughing and shout
ing. and knew was the cause of great joke
They led me to a bar room and told me to regis
ter in big book labeled Echo Fools There
were over 500 names of people who had been
fooled. 1t was one of those whispering echoes
where sound is thrown back from the bluff 20
one particular spot 1t cost me s17.S0 to buy
the drinks"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
The Murdererss Hand.

from the 81. James taxette.
Has the murderer o distinctive hand2 NJ
Desbarolles, French savant, who made the
hand his study, was emphatic ON the point.
The murderer, he was convinced, is known
by the thumb, and to this thumb he gave the
marks that the faces Of murderers may not
necessarily be repulsive, but that the hands are
always hideous-self- condemnatory. Evidence
on the latter characteristic Is but scanty, and
rests upon the investigations Of the French
chiromancists; but as to the former it il a fact
that some Of the most brutal murders on re-
cord have been perpetrated by men whose
countenances habitually wore a mild express
sion. Williams, the murderer of the Mars. il
is said, had q singularly soft voice. A girl who
knew him, giving evidence at his trial, was
asked by the prisoner whether she would be
standing by her bedside. ''Not il heard your
voice and knew 1t was you, Mr.. Williams, /" was
her reply. Mr.. Scott, chaplain Of the prison
In which Deeming was executed, says the muir
derer was Q pleasant man to speak to until
crossed, and the mans influence over women
certainly supports this statement.
Some OF the medical authorities who exam.
ined Deeming's hands declare his broad thumb
indicated the born murderer. But the draw
ing which has been published ID not that of the
pouce en- bile. The true pouce on billie, OF
ball-headed thumb, as it might. be termed in
Engusn, gives 10 the uret pnal0nge round
dubious appearance. It is short, and the nail
is so abbreviated as to suggest that it has been
gnawed. It is imbedded in the flesh which
rises on either side and extends beyond it. In
the drawing Of Deemings thumb the dubious
swelling is carried below the phalange and the
nail is level with the tip; but these differences
may be due to the inaccurate observation of
the artist.
Desbarolles examined the hands Of many
murderers, and in all he found the pouce en-
billie. He also discovered other signs. The
fingers Of Armande Philippe, who committed
an strocious murder, were bent toward the left
side, and the lines Of the palms were Of o deep
red, a. though they had been dipped in blood.
The fingers, especially the second and third,
were spatulous ct the tips, and the nails, abort
and ugly, were buried in the flesh.
. To sum up, the signs Of the murderer's hand
are: Firstly, the pouce en- billie. Secondly, and
only less important, the thickness Of the Mount
Of Mars ct the edge Of the hand. from which
flows the blood direct to the brain st the slight-
est motion and causes the man to s'see red -
Thirdly, the scaffold sign. Fourthly, the
presence only In the palm Of the three princi-
pal lines, occasionally reduced TO two and a.
most always Of bright scarlet Fifthly,
crooked fingers with spatulous tips, The naiIsi
small and uneven. According p the rules Of
axt, thersfore, o murderer, Il . murdsrsr By
disposition and mot (as in most casss) b. cod
dent, ought 70 have . hand with IN or naaxly II
theoo chnSnetoxiefic&.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
THE COURTS.

CIRCUIT CoURT-Justice Montgomery.
G. II. Stanley ct al. agt. W. Fletcher; order
for commission. Same agt. K. Laughlin; do.
Belle sgt. Woodward: do.
Today-Inre will Of Michael Tally; order vacat-
ing verdict as to fraud and undue influence and
overruling motion as to mental incapacity
Blauner agt. King; motion to strike out
amended declaration, &C., overruled; appeal.
for judgment granted. Judson ct al. agt.
Wright; motion to quash attachment, &c.
Mackel agt Giddings; motion for security for
costs and order striking from files. Ellis agt.
Reddington, Fdel Bros. agt. Bell, Simpson agt
Orme and Bambery Co. agt. King; defaults.
EouITY CoURT-Judge Bradley.
c. and ?. Telephone Co. agt. Lambu; restrain
ing order.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02

From Temple Bar.
A few years ago the question was asked.
"Does nobility still exist in switzerlsnd?" And
no one was able to answer IL. OF all the thous-
ands of English folk who haunt the Swiss hotels
in summer not one, IL would seem, had inquired
whether that Rudolph Won Erlach. whose
equestrian statue they must have seen, has any
living descendants; not one had even heard OF
the Barnese nobility noblesse which holds It.
British legation. Yet from the Jura 20 the Luz
gano there is hardly scanton-there IL perhaps
no canton-.in which noble families are not 10
be found Some OF these, such as the Plantas
and the Buols Of the Graubunden, have turned
their energy into modern channels, and mako
their fortunes, like the Hauser or the Sellers,
out Of the English and the American tourist
Others, like the Van Allmen, have sunk into
a humber rank. But the gresser part remain
IN statu quo, still enjoying, in the towns or In
the country, social prestige that varied with
their wealth and their intelligence
For from the vesy nature Of the case al
Swiss mobility IL more or les ancient and IA,
therefore, stin venerable in . republic which
has not vet cast Oh al reference for historic
tradition. The vslais, for instance, contains Q
very ancient noblesse, some Of whom, - the
Dc Sepibus and the De Cocatrix, bear Latin
names, WHISTLER or not they claim . Roman
descent. And Roman dssoent aDuredly b
claimed by the Berncse family Of Lensufus,
who aGliate Themselves 10 that most fnuCtr,ous
house Of the gems CorneliA
In . congiomerate nation hks ths evi. u
fountains Of honor have been numsroua.
Some Of the nobility owe thsir distanosioa 70
the empire or 70 The dukes Of Austria; soma 70
the dukes Of zAhringen, the foundsru Of Bsrps
and Fnbourg; some 70 Che dukss Of Burgundy;
some. who were HugusnOta, 70 Shs kinU a
France, and some Of H. uoro nan 60
even 10 ths hngs Of PrussiA.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
TO TERRIFY THE NEGROES.
The "Knights OF the White Shield" OrHa
ize to Preserve White Supremacy.

The "Knights OF the White Shield" Organ
fze to Preserve White Supremacy.
CHICAGO, July "A special from Birming-
ham, Ala, says: An organization has been
formed here known as the "Knights Of the
White Shield About $50 were initiated
into the order. The oath is iron-bound
and rock-ribbed. The constitution narrates
the troubles with the negroes and proposes to
lation of United States and state laws,
but steps are to be taken to spread
the order and rid the country Of the
negro race. Some Of the prominent men of
the city are members Of the order. 1t is pro-
posed to organize lodges all over the south as
fast az possible and form il as soon as feasible
into political party. The meetings will be
held weekly, but sessions will be secret.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
THE JUDGES MISTAKE.


He Takes an Editors Bundle and Has 10 Pay
for 1t.
From the 81. Louis Republic.
A certain eminent jurist, whom il might not
be well to name, but who, suffice it to say, ha
occupied D position on the circuit bench Of this
state with marked ability, and is at the present
time candidate for Judge Of the supreme
court Of the state, had q very funny experience
the other day. He was going out to Clayton on
legal business, but stopped at Forsyth junction,
thinking to take Q train later from there, but
missed the train. Going into the telegraph
Office he picked up bundle, spread out sheet
Of paper on it and wrote o telegram saying he
could not come to Clayton. Now, it happened
that the learned judge was much engrossed in
o certain legal case and nt7pindedly carried
the bundle around with him, and, catching a
Ferguson accommodation, came on into the
city to spend the day at the Law and Mercan-
tile Libraries, where he may often be found
At the Union depot he first became aware Of
having carried Of the bundle. What should he
do? He eyed the bundle suspiciously II looked
very much like bundles that lone females carry
when travelling long distances and images Of
nameless garments fitted through the mind of
the learned judge. He had a vague suspicion
that il might not be safe to throw the bundle
away, though he much desired to do 90. He
carried it around all day and then learned the
other side Of the story.
The owner Of the bundle was the distinguished
editor Of German paper, and he was also on
his way to CLAYTON, and while waiting for his
train had wendell his way to Forest Park TO
have beer, pretzel and cigar with "Charlie"
He left his bundle at the depot When he re-
turned it was gone, and o. 1t contained ga in
cold, hard cash he went out and meditated sui
eide, but finally made inquiries, learning from
the agent that 1t was carried OF By the learned
judge.
Then he tore his hair and swore great big
oaths at the judge, exhausting all ct his COM
mand in both the English and German tongues.
But it is all settled now; only the judge is out
some several dollars and costs, which the editor
expended in chasing the judge Ill over town
and out to Clayton that afternoon. And the
editors wife 10 happy because Q certain gar
ment, made Of much lace and soft white mate
rial, which was in the bundle, was uninjursd.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02

Captain Randall will offer . very attractive
program ct River View for tomorrow, when
Miss dot" Zelno and Mons. Frank Zelno will
both ascend in the monster balloon Memphis
and then make separate parachute drops. The
dog 'Zola" win also ascend and make Q sepa-
rate drop. This evening the Samuel J. Pentz
at 6'45 goes to Indian Head, stopping at River
View both ways.
Large crowds went down on the Samuel J.
Pentz today to see little "Dot" make her Satur-
day ascension. On the Fourth of July Miss
Dot will make her last ascension and parachute
drop. This will positively be the last balloon
ascension at River View this season.
The commodious barge Oak Spring goes to
Great Falls July 4.
There will be o grand display Of fireworks
and fancy dancing in addition to the usual
attractions at Bay Ridge July4.
fireworks display. The George Leary leaves
the Beach at Has pm, arriving at Washington
$50 a-m.
The Norfolk and Washington Steamboat Com
pany makes special rates to Fortress Monroe,
Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Ocean View for the
Fourth.
The Schuetzen Park offers especial attractions
for the Fourth Of July.
The Charles Manchester leaves at 6A5 pm. TO-
day for Marshall Hall and Indian Head. There
will be sacred concerts during the trip to Mar
shall Hall tomorrow.
The Samuel J. Pentz makes trips to Indian
Head and River View every Saturday evening.
The Mary Washington goes to Occoquan Falls
every Thursday.
Bethesda Park presents q large number Of
popular attractions.
The Anacostia M. E. Sunday school gives a
select excursion to Piney Point Thursday,
July7.
The steamboat trips to Alexandria have been
much enioyed durinD the warm weather
No moro patriotic way Of spending the Fourth
could be found than by going to the tomb OF
Washington at Mt. Vernon The Manchester
will make two trips, leaving at 10 and 8. just
across the river from the abode Of the dead is
Marshall Hall, where the joys Of the living can
be obtained. Boats will leave for the Hall al
$50, 10 M, 8, 4 and 6:45 pm.
A special train will leave the Baltimore and
Ohio station Monday morning at 7:45 o'clock
for Ocean City, Nd, the new resort. There
will be plenty Of time at the beach for plunge
in the ocean, dinner at the Atlantic Hotel
and for the purchase Of an ocean lot. Ocean
City is 100 miles nearer this city than any other
ocean resort.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
THE FOURTH OF JULY.
Judge Kimball Expects to Have q Load on
That Day.

Judge Kimball Expects to Have q Load on
That Day.
The many friends Of Judge Kimball Of the
Police Court will be shocked to hear that his
honor expects to have load ON next Monday
morning. However painful the inteli-
gence may be, and in the case Of
gentleman SO noted for unyielding
prohibition ideas as Judge Kimball is the news
will be moro than ordinarily distressing, the
statement has the authority of his honor him.
SELF In adjourning court this afternoon his
honor remarked that Monday morning he would
be promptly on hand at $50 O'Clock. "Judge
Miller, | imagine" explained the court,
time Monday. but will have
load on! So want to begin as early as pos
sible." In justice to his honor's friends it
should be stated, however, that the court re-
ferred to q loaded docket
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
Tho Death Record

During the twenty-four hours ending at noon
today burial permits were issued from the
health Office for the following:
White-Louis J. F. Jaeger, 60 years; Agnes
c. Pepper, Sc years; John Cameron, "a years;
Mary E. Jarboe, so years; Martha Rushton, 2
months; Anthony Hermit, months; Chester
Dodge, 2 months; Edward E. Anlisdel months;
Bessie Beavens, 10 months; Michael Dunn, 8
days.
Colored-Wm. Scott, 81 years; Geo. Gates,
"a years; Ellen Turner, 20 years; Edmonia
Nails, 6 months: Edith Gray. months; Sarah
c. Kelly. 5 months; Mary Williams, s months;
Pearl Exuen, 5 months; Ella Thomas, 2 month";
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
Murderer Fales Refused a New Trial.

NEWARK, N. j., July 2.-Before Judge Depue,
in this city today, application was made for a
new trial for Robert Alden Fales, the boy muir
derer, by his counsel, LAWYER Frank McDer-
mott. Counsel submitted afidavits for the pur-
pose Of showing that young Fales was not Of
sound mind at the time he killed
Thes Hayden. Counsel also sought by IN affi-
davit to prove that Frederick A. Baase who
was the foreman of the jury which tried Fales,
was incompetent to act as Juror. Assistant
Prosecutor Hood argued against the application,
which was denied by the court. No day was
fixed for the sentencing Of the boy murderer.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
ANOTHER FLAG COMEDY.
This One Was Enacted In an Ontario
Town.

TORONTO, Or, July "A special dispatch
from Wharton, Ont, says: On the morning of
dominion day the citizens Of Wharton were sur
prised to see the ''stars and stripes" hign over
the union Jack on the premises OF the Rev. G.
A. Yeomans. Presbyterian minister located
here. IL was by far the largest flag floating in
town, while the British flag was the size OF an
ordinary handkerchief. The citizens be-
came excited and called the authorities
attention to the matter. Councillor
Parker met Mr.. Yeomans and asked him to
have the flag lowered. or to ut least place the
two flags on equal terms. Mr.. Yeomans re-
fused TO do SO and deied any one to interfere
with the flag About thirty or forty Of the
leading citizens then marched to his house. a
constable lowered the flag and 4. was torn up
by the excited citizens. A band present played
God Save the Queen" Hearts Of Oak" and
"The Red, White and Blue" The crowd then
dispersed, after giving three cheers for the
queen
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
Railroad Employees ON Strike.

FRzsSo, CAL, July 2-The freight conduo-
tors AID brakemen Of the San Oaquin division
Of the Southern Pacific railroad are ON strike,
They presented demands for . new schedule
decreasing the number Of miles to be run in
month. The demands were refused and the
men went out yesterday. The strike vas not
ordered by the brotherhood Of Trainmeu.
Superintendent Fillmore has received Q dis
patch from Grand Chief Wilkinson Of the
brotherhood stating that he has ordered the
strike stopped, and should the men fail to re-
turn to work the assistant chief b authorized to
ignore the strike and have othsr man put in
their places.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
Galilean FiaHcrmen.

The R. W. q. d. Grand Tabernacle, No. 2,
G. o. o. of G. F., with her officers, organised
new tabernacle at Bowie, Prince George
county, Md, named st. Mark Tabernacle, with
the following officers: VIM. D. Kyler, R. W.
RULER Fanris Sarah Fetchs5 R. " A. ruler John r.
treasurer; Serena johnson, R. W. conductor;
Sarah J. Kyler, R. W. instructor; Samuel
Garther, R. W. adviser; Samuel Culver, n. W.
messenger, and Edward Harrison, B. W. O..
D. X.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
Held for Smuggling.

NEW YonK, July 2.-John Balm, the father of
the family Of eight children who landed from
the Teutonic few days ago and who attempted
to smuggle about O., 900 worth of jewelry past
the customs officers, was arrested last night by
United States Deputy Marshal Trautfield at the
Philadelphia Hotel. This morning he was
brought before United States Commissioner
Lymen on a charge Of smuggling. After short
examination he was held in 81 900 bail. Balm
Is we'll connected. 1t Is said that his wife owns
q large amount Of property in Pittsburg, Pa.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02

GERxASrowS. Pa, July Anew York came
again to the wickets this morning In the inter-
city cricket matches and made . desperate
effort to make 153 runs and exceed Boston's
total Of 269 in Two innings. good start was
obtained, Calder's wicket going down ct
IS, Prendergast's at Sc, Wright without
scoring and Mattock being caught by Priestly
after adding 10, the total for four wickets being
in the first innings then came in and began hit
ting steadily. The score soon passed the cen.
fury mark and became apparent that IL was
anybody's game, with good chances for New
York.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
Motion for . New Trial.

In the case Of Frederick Barber, convicted on
June "A Of the murder Of Agnes Watson by
drowning her in the canal, Messrs. Cahill and
Ferguson today fled motion for new trial
and Justice Cox fixed the hearing
for Tuesday morning. The grounds are
the usual ones with the additional ones Of
. juror serving who they claim WAS . salaried
oficer Of the government, although receiving
but "a per year - . stamp agent; the sleeping
Of . juror during the taking Of important testt-
mony and The discovery Of new testimony b.
N eye witness 10 ths drowning
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-07-02
A Lynching Party Repulsed.

PORTLAND, ORE, July 2-Shortly before
midnight mob Of about 200 men arrived in
this city from Milwaukee Village, SIX miles dis
tant, and proceeding to the county Jail de-
handed that the sheriff surrender George VIII
son, who is confined for outraging and muir
at Milwaukee a week ago. About 1000 people
were attracted to the scene. and the leaders
attempted TO break in the Jail, but the police
force which is on guard drew their revolvcrs
and repulsed the mob. The leaders withdrew to
hold consultation. 1t Is probable that an
other attempt will be made.