davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

the express and the track was kept clear for
Us right through.
"1f we can catch that express I'll put you
aboard and lay over at New Haven" said
the engineer as we few along.
"But she's 30 minutes ahead?"
'True," he replied, 'but there is posi-
bility of her getting hot box and tagging
little on the way. She is heavily loaded
with Christmas homegoers and won't make
time. I'll try it anyway"
have heard of fast runs made by old
Commodore Vanderbilt and other famous
railroaders, and have ridden on fast trains
myself all over the world, but that engine
didn't seem to touch the rails at all. 1 al
most imagined her cutting across lots
through the woods and barren fields; my
head was dizzy, but clung to the cab seat
and caught an occasional breath.
"We'l catch the express at New Ha-
-en," said the smiling engineer as he pat
ted the lever of his elegant machine. We'll
catch the express.
was trying to catch my breath and could
scarcely gasp out my reply, 81 hoppe so.
1 do .
As we we're nearing Milford, town about
90 miles from New Haven, our mishaps be-
gan. First we tossed horse over ten-toot
lence, and then, near West Haven, we
smashed a farmers wagon. The farmers
horse balked just clear of the track, and he
wouldn't bulge, even when We whizzed
down upon him. The farmer jumped just
in time. We sped on, for we had not taken
life, and ventured to gasp out:
"How much will this trip cost me?"
you're alive, amt you?" sang out the
engineer as he ordered his feeder to shovel
in more coal
Five miles from New Haven We sighted
handcar on the track ahead. We had just
passed curve and couldn't stop in time.
We whistled and whistled, and the car men
jumped off into the ditch.
"Duck your head, /" shouted the engineer.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

over, there WIS no approach to the bridge,
whose ice-claG buttTess arose abruptly from
the rivers edge 70 height OF 100 feet or
more. The other passengers stopped
right there and sought shelter in a
neighboring hotel. 1 wanted to follow
their good example, but Appleton
wouldn't let me. He said we had gone
too far to turn back then, and besides a
sturdy small boy at the hotel had offered to
show us how TO climb the bridge. He was
rewarded in advance, and then we set out TO
battle with fate. The small boy took the
lead, Appleton followed him, made aelose
third, and my valet, Jack, formed a kind of
rearcuard to lool after my remains in case
Of accident. Our small guide led us
straight tc the huge buttress of the bridge,
which was built of massive blocks of stone
arranged in terrace form, from its broad
base to its narrow apex. These terraces
were about 10 feet high and covered with
ice and snow. 1t was impossible for man
10 climb them unaided, but the boy was
equal to the emergency. After prowling
about for few minutes he found ladder
which had been used bv the workmen. 1
can't begin to describe the difficulties and
dangers of that climb But at last we
scrambled to the top, with clothes torn and
hands bruised and bleeding. Fortunately,
the watchman was walking toward the mid
die of the bridge, and we had chance for
a good start before he could stop u.s. After
a short breathing spell Appleton, Jack and
began our perilous journey along the mar
row footpath that stretched across the
CHASTITY LOOKING iron work. But before we
had reached the middle of the bridge the
vaJchman stopped US and ordered US to 60
back. We pleaded and protested aud
argued, but it was no use. He wouldn't
even take bribe. Hereupon the boy Jack
loudly called nv attention TO the fact that
the water looked awfully cold down below.
Appleton quickly added that under certain
circumstances it would make an excellent
plunge bath, and chIpped in With a flip
pant remark about il being three-to-one
shot.
That watchman evidently thought we
meditated murder, or some equally desper-
ate crime, for his eyes fairly bulged from
their sockets as be backed away from us as
far as the narrow footpath would permit.
We brushed by him instantly and continued
on our way without any further interfer-
ence from him. The vatchman at the
other end of the bridge, however,
proved of different metal He was
Rs big as two OF Us and we didn't
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

Others homes for good time and to play
games of forfeit and chance:
For genuine pleasure those times have
never been surpassed by the stately occa-
sions of maturer years. and more than once
our heart has longed for those happy days.
The custom of ceremonious calls on New
Years Day did not obtain with us till later
years, but the day was not allowed to pass
without celebration, usually with dinner
always with closing up of the accounts of
the old year and beginning the new with
many resolves that were broken and for
gotten before the ides of many months had
passed over our heads.
Mrs. JOHN A. LOGAN.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

We ploughed through that big hand car
loaded with tools and railroad parapher-
MALTA. Axes and crowbars flew about that
cab, and the canDonade lasted, it seemed to
me, fully two minutes. All the glass in the
cab was shattered, and what was LETT of the
ear was scattered about the fields. We had
to stop this time to make some needed re-
pairs. The.colision had nearly thrown the
engine off the track. but the great speed at
which we were running saved US.
Did catch the express?
Yes, Stree. The train was delayed at
New Haven, and actually had time for
luncheon there. bought couple of bot
ties for that enginser-the coolest man 1
ever met If we had run into river
really believe he would have quietly sung
out:
"Say, duck your head, we're in for it. %
1 received the bill the next day, but won't
say how much it cost me to settle it. This
Christmas Day take dinner with myifriend
in New York, and instead of paying for ten
Of his friends he pays for ten Of mine.
NEIL BURGESS.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

dare to attempt any bluff with him. He
was even more obdurate than the other
fellow. 1t began to look as though all our
labor was TO be in vain, when Appleton
whispered to me to run while he engaged
the watchman in conversation. Well, 1
scooted, and so did Jack. but we didn't
scoot far, for we were brought to Sudden
standstill by the abrupt termination Of the
bridge at the buttress. 1t was a sheer hun
dred feet to the ground and there was no
ladder. 1 gave it up again and could
have wept scalding tears if it hadn't
been so cold. Appleton, however,
succeeded in paciiying the watch
man and came to our rescue with
grim determination in his stride. He
boldly jumped down the first terrace aud
called upon Jack and me to follow. Jack
did so, but 1 hesitated. Those 10 feet
seemed like precipiee and the landing on
the next terrace looked awfully hard and
insecure. l didn't dare to Jump, so COM
promised by taking kind of toboggan
slide on my coat tail. 1t wasn't as exhil-
arating or as fascinating as many other
slides I've had, but it was quite as exciting.
In this way l reached terra hrma in a some
what dismantied condition. incidentally
bade fearful goodbY to my trousers next
day.
1t was about two miles from the bridge to
the Opera House and we had to foot it, be-
cause there wasn't a vehicle abroad that
night. We ran most of the way to keep
from freezing, and after frightening couple
OF women into Mysteries, because they mis-
understood our hurried request for informa-
tion, we arrived at the theater at 9:15 and
proceeded with the performance. As there
was no time to change I went on just as
was, looking like a scarecrow on q Massa-
chusetts farm. The audience was good
natured, though, and readily iorgave me
when they learned what had happened. 1
shall never forget that trip and 1 wouldn't
go through it again, even to elect Harrison.
NAT c. GOODWIN,
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

But never could catch him, in secrecy
skilled,
Though when morning arrived my broad
stocking was filed
There were candies, and jewsharps, tops,
jacknives and balls:
But the fruitfullest present my fancy re-
calls
(Better far than these trinklets pill ed up SO
profuse,
Better far than the quarto sizo book
Mother Goose')- ...
Was the swift steel shod sled, on which
Mabel andI
Coasted down the long hill as swallow
might fly.
She sat iirht on my lap. my first sweetheart
of Old.
And held her soft hand so it might not be
cold,
And her cheek came so near my lips as we
sped
That 1 helped her much better to stay on
the sled.
The mountain-high hill was too short soon
found,
wished it might circuit the planet around
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25
NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE.

Secretary Charles Foster Tells of the Merry
Christmas Ce: :ebrations of His Boyhood
The Pies His Mother Baked-A Frolic
of Thirty-Six Hours.
Christmas is the one day in the year which
above all others should be the occasion of
family reunions and general rejoicing. 1t
is the mid-winter festival when We should
celebrate the fact that we are alive. doubt
if there be a man living to-day who, having
attained the ripeness of middle age, does
not look back upon the simple manner in
which Christmas was celebrated 80 or 40
years ago and compare it to the present de-
cade very much to the disadvantage of the
latter.
The pleasantest Christmas 1 ever passed
was at my old home in Ohio when was
boy, with no idea OF the honors and res pom
sibilitles of life. 1 remember one occasion
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

On this page will be found some short
stories apropos of this day sent to THE DIS
PATCH by men and women whose names
are familiar to everyone. No filter intro
duction could be given them than this
Christmas sentiment from E. W. Halford,
Secretary to President Harrison:
A happy Christmas is the rule, anything
else would be an exception. Christmas is
not q national festival; it belongs to the
world in recognition of the Unspeakable
sung its carol than that of Charles Dickens
and so, when the day comes, ''God bless Us
every one"
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

been particularly happy in this respect,
and. although shadows intervene now be-
tween me and the place where the stock
ings used to hang, L can look back upon
those times with the perfect conviction
that at no period in my existence have
experienced such perfect Joy as when could
hear the prattle of many childish voices at
peep of day-yoices that were imDatiently
awaiting sunrise, longing eagerly for the
fire to be lighted in the nursery that they
might spring from their beds and hasten to
see what st. Nicholas had brought for their
e enjoyment.
There were six of those little folk born to
Us within ten wears. As the7 stood in line,
side BY side, their little heads formed the
stepl oder to happiness over which any
fathers fancy might climb with that calm
enjoyment which supersedes every other
worldly pleasure.
Every Christmas Eve was a gala time in
our house then. It was q delight to con-
template their eagerness and innocence, to
answer their multitudinous questions, to
indulge them in their raptures of expecta-
tion, to administer to the fond fancieS
which are all in ali to child life, all in all
to the fathers and mothers of such children.
1t was no small task to induce the little
ones to retire Christmas Eve, but when at
IdSI Lhey were asleep LHe Joys IHAb * peri
enced in playing the Fart of Santa Claus
and in filling each little stocking with
longed-for toys we're greater, know, than
any that can ever come to me again.
Now, even though sadness is mixed with
that precious season OF the year, it will
ever remain q glorious event to me, tor
with it comes the memory of the days that
were. My own boyhood sinks into insig-
nifcance in the contemplation of the happy
laces, rosy checks, eager voices and light
footsteps 1 have seen and heard around my
own freside among nv own childre
The father and mother of family should
be tine happiest people in the world at
Christmas time, even though some of the
merry voices NAV have been stilled by the
changes which time invoEes. but when the
children are all there, laughing. dancing,
shouting, singing, running, stamping, blow
ing horns and whistles and pounding drums
words utterly fail to depict the acme OF
happiness parent feels; the heart falterS
and is dumb when joy such as this becomes
its portion.
The happiest Christmas DAYS ever lived
were with my own children, when l knew
them to be happy. CHARLES f. CRISP.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25
KEPT HIS ENGAGEMENT.

Nat Goodwin's UnlucIzy Adventures on a
Christmas Night-He Met His Audience
at the Expense of Frost Bites and
Bruises-An Uncompleted Bridge.
The most eventlul Christmas 1 ever
passed was Just one year ago. We had
plaved in Utica Christmas Eve and were to
leaTe on an early morning train for
Poughkeepsie. The company caught the
train all right, but it was frightfully cold
and blizzard was raging. decided to
wait for later train, which would reach
Poughkeepsie Just about o'clock. Instead
OF clearing up, however, the storm grew
worse, and the train that 1 waited for never
came It was stalled in drift up the road
somewhere. began to realize then that 1t
was a cold day for me in more senses than
one.
tried to hire an engine, but didn't sue
ceed, for there we're none. I finally gave it
up in despair and went back to the hotel
George Appleton, my manager, was made
OF steTner stuff than I, however, and in
about two hours had organized a party of
Etormbound passengers and persuaded
another railroad to make up a mixed train
and try to get us through to the uncom-
pleted bridge at Poughkeepsie We would
be lauded on the opposite side of the river,
they said, but we could get across to the
town by the ferry. The depot was about
three miles outside of Utica and it took US
three hours and quarter to reach it. There
was no fire in the cars We secured and
mighty little in the engine. At S o'clock
Christmas night we were dumped out at the
landing opposite Poughkeepsie.
The river was full Of jagged masses of
ice, and the ferryboats had been compelled
to stop running at o'clock. There was no
possible way OF crossing except by the halt
finished railroad bridge, and that was
guarded at either end by watchmen, who
had orders TO alloT no one 20 pass. More
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25
MY EARLY CHRISTMAS.

Some remembrance of Christmas, suffused
with delight,
1 bring at your summons, for it thrills me
tonight:
Its fine flavor drifts down from the doorway
OF life
When to live was ecstatic-where trouble
and strife
Were unknown; and each day glided ST.
lently by
Meath the clearest. unclouded, cerulean
sky.
Christmas Eve hung up, by the nreplace's
side,
4 stocking capacious, beseeching and
Never doubling the miracle, old with re-
nOwn,
Which made Santa Claus drop the long
chimney down.,
To NIL that receiver with comflts and toys
Expected by all little girls and good boys.
Did sleep with such promise-1 think with
one eye,
With the other 1 watched the Good Saint to
deScry;
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25
THREE CHRISTMAS TALES.

George b. McClellan's First Drum and the
Funny Accident That BefeH It-Spoihng
the Wine for Daniel Webster - Ths
Merry Christmas Bells.
Christmas! What flood of memories
the word revives. To tell of the happiest
Christmas 1 ever experienced is almost an
mpossibility-there were SO many happy
ones when my father was alive to teach me
how to enjoy them. The first Christmas
that remember seems now like scene
from a long-forgotten comedy. 1 was
very little boy then, but the day is i'm
pressed upon my memory by q mishap
never to be forgotten. Who has not
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

the matinee performance on Christmas
Day. Our meeting was a joyous one in
deed, and we spent the time between the
matinee and evening performances in re-
calling anecdotes and events of our youth
and in discussing theatrical matters, for my
friend had become a manager of considera-
BILE reputation. After a bird and our last
bottle preparatory to my nights perform
ance my friend made a wager.
''Now, Neil, you play in Boston next
Christmas Dav, believe" said he. swell,
I'll invite you to spread at DePs on that
day, and I'll bet you don't keep the en-
gagement, and it's only a short run from
Boston to New York at that. !"
Not for moment thinking of my matt
nee performance in Boston, and the short
time that would leave me for a run to New
York, 1 at once made the bet, naming my
own hour, 7:30 A. NJ, for our breakfast.
agreed, if failed to keep my appointment,
on the following Christmas Day, the one
we are now approaching, to lay covers for
my friend and ten others he might name.
Did 1 keep the appointment?
OF course did. 1 LETT Boston ut mid
night last Christmas Eve, and was az Del
monico's at 1880 O'Clock sharp to meet my
friend.
Did 1 enjoy the repast?
or course 1 did. 1t was the best that gold
could procure. But didn't leave Delmon-
ico's till it was toe late to catch nv ex-
press. Every moment 1 STAYED in New
York Iessened the possibility of my playing
that matinee in Boston. A Christmas Day
matinee is worth for the County Fair in
Boston about 81, 900, and then, too, would
not have disappointed my audience for five
times 81, 900 on Christmas Day. had ar
ranged to make the matinee hour o'clock,
as q matter of business.
1 chartered an engine from the consoli-
dated railroad, and at halfpast 9 left the
Grand Central depot to make the Boston
Theater at o'clock or a quarter-past 8
o'clock at the latest. We were following
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25
A FAST RIDE FOR A WAGER.

How Neil Burgess Almost Lost His Life to
Win a Dinner He VIII Eat To-Day
Speed of Chartered Ensine-The A. Accl-
dents.
A red letter Christmas Day in my exist
ence was ore year ago will remember it
the longest day live, for in race to win
a bet nearly lest my life. 1t happened
like this:
Two years ago, when the County Fair"
was on at Union Square Theater, New
York, met an old boyhood friend after
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25
GO HOME ON CHRISTMAS.

Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Tells n Talo OF a
Boarding House and Dissectins Room
That Has q Moral-An Artist SpOils a
Day.
We were in city whose name is of no
consequence, at a boarding house whose
address 1 have long since forgotten-two
young women, sufficiently familiar with
dear and comfortable homes, and. fortu-
nately or unfortunately, strangers to the
miseries of boarding house life. Ny friend
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

It was large hall that had been warmed
for us, aud there, to the scraping of fddles.
the rattle of bones and the plunk of banjos,
we danced and frolicked nearly all night
There was a supper, too, of baked beans,
cold turkey, cold coon, bread and butter,
pie-such pie-and hot coffee.
It was broad daylight when we got home.
That Christmas was Sc hours long. and it
was the happiest one ever spent.
CHARLES FOSTER.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25
Can You Punctuate This?

A correspondent of the New York Sun, OF
late date, says, print these four lines with.
out punctuation and no one would believe
them, yet rightly punctuated they are true;
Every lady in every land
Has twenty nails on each hand
Five and twenty on hands and fees
This is true without Deceit
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

shoes had been replaced by shining copper
toed new ones, and my Christmas Day was
very bright and glad.
Later in life 1 learned that my keen sor-
row and disappointment so worked upon
my brothers heart that he had ridden a
horse through and over knee-deep drifts to
the nearest store, seven miles distant, and
brought home such trifes as his pockets
already burdened with necessities for the
house-would contain.
ELLA WHEELER WILCOX.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

But since it would not the most consummate
Was to upset the sled and climb up with a
kiss.
Dainty Mabel, your face and your figure so
lair,
Your rosy red lips and that sill1en soft hair,
Still run through my memory, though the
half is not said;
And wish you were here and had back
the sled.
Lack of lame and great fortune would not
deplore
Were you fast in my arms on that hillside
oAce more! JOEL BENTON.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

II E appiest
Christmas days
man ever expert
ences are those on
which his children
are gathered around
him enjoying the
annual invitation oil
Santa Claus and the
joys he brings to
them in so many
and such varied
forms
NJ 49, I,E. L..
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25
JOYS OF THE FATHER.

Speaker Crisp Tells of the Pleasure of
Playing Santa Claus for His Little Ones
Music of Childish Voices at Peep OF
Christmas Day.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-12-25

Ella Wheeler Wilcox Tells How One of Her
Eanly Christmases Came Near Being
Disappointment-A A Brothers Sacrifce-
Watching the Beautiful Drifts
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-04-13

1. INSTALLMENT STOCK. = Nom.
bership foe, 81 per share, which carries
the stock the first month, after that the
monthly dues are 60 cents per share
Q. PAID UP INTEREST BEARING
STOCK.-S50 per share (par value, 5000,
yielding dividend, payable semi-an-
nually, January l, and July 1, of 6 per
cont. per annum on the $50 paid in, which
is duly remitted by check to the share
holder.
g. The stock Is expected to mature In
seven years from date of each series re-
spectively, the same being issued
monthly.
4. There is no Investment anywhere
safer or moro profitable than its stock.
With the assets of the Association in.
vested in first mortgages on improved
town real estate, duly insured for the
benefit of the Association, on a basis
not exceeding so per cent. of its value,
as ascertained by appraisers who are
themselves stockholders of the Associ.
alton, while the debt of tho member
borrowing is being curtailed every
month OF its existence, it is difficult to
conceive OF safer investment than its
stock affords to the prudent investor.
Apply at Home Office, ITO Jefferson
street, or to
JAMES R. TERRY, or to SIMMONS,
CARPENTER & TINSLEY, Roanoke.
va. apr19-1y
The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-04-13

know not how, l tore myself loose
from the cutie and darted after
Walker Fortunately for him had no
weapon in my hand or ! believe I
would have slain him then and there;
as it was l struck with my clinched
fist, and down he dropped like stone.
I'm a few moments my mind got
clear of the daze, and / brought my
companion to with some difficulty
HIS first question was characteristic Of
the man and incenscd mo greatly.
Have you got him? Surely you did
not let him go?' he said, anxiously.
i know not and care not what has
become of the sQuid,' 1 said. 4 can
only remember your heartlcssness and
Indifference when was in position
in which my worst enemy, if ! had
one, would not permit me to remain an
instant. From this time out, sir, don't
presume to address me; you are be-
meath my contempt or l would post
you to every one in the ship-puppy!'
How large was that cutie fish,
doctor??" asked my friend, Wilbur
Each arm was about four feet long.
making the animal quite nine feet in
diameter. Its body was not much
larger than cocoanut, nor was it's bite
poisonous, being q smooth cut as
though made with double pair Of
scissors. The marks left by the suck
ers remained several days. and / felt
the pain for two weeks. 1t Is needless
to say determined never to attack an
animal of that description again. and
kept my word"--J. d. Milligan, In
Yankee Blade. ~