davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15
DID BIELA'S COMET EVER STRIKE
THE EARPR2

To tho Editor OF the Eagle:
Accepted authors say that it did; but
not at SO late date as the 9th Of last
month. They also agree that it struck
the earth and broke in twain in one of
its earlier voyages. What it may have
done prior to the voyage of Columbus is
not known, as it was not discovered till
long after the discovery of America. In
1896 is the year in which 1T was dis
covered by Professor Biela, an Austrian
officer, and it was supposed by him and
more recent astronomers that it
would tour through space near
the vicinity of this earth every
six or seven years. the passage on its
orbit requiring lapse of that time.
Other authors STATE that its orbit leads it
upon a journey of ever twenty years.
One of those astronomers referring TO
the matters says: From Theta Cen
taUr to Beta Andromedae is long dis
lance To be travelled IN twenty years.
even al comet speed. but Biela Is not far
from the latter now. Nov. Is ult.
Certain it Is that this comet has been
looked for IN the vicinity of the earth
every seven years since Its discovery
and AZ no time Is the evidence so forcl-
bic. that it 'slruck the earth, as al the
next seven year period of 1888.
One writer IN referring TO that year
saws: when H. Biela discovered the
thing in 1926 in the constellation Aries,
it locked like a small, round speck OF
filmy cloud. Since that time the comets
pathway has been q hard road to travel.
In 1888, when it and the earth missed q
collision by only one month. It's prox-
unity to our habitation split 1t in two,
and each half. with a mead and tail OF
its own, went into business for itself.
And side by side they whirled through
space, like a couple Of race horses,
about sixteen Thousand miles apart, or
twice the diameter Of the earth. These
twins were due for return engagements
in 1852, 1859 and 1865, but failed TO keep
the appointment" This writer goes on
to say that ''what they were doing dur
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

ing this period, history knows not. /" :
Now in this paragraph the writer APP
| pears to have been mistaken, at least in
regard to the s'twenty-nine year pc
| riods," for if our memory ryes US cor
rectlv two comets did appear IN close
proximity in the heavens in 1854 And
| again in 1861 and in 1868 and in 1915
comets appeared, but only the latter was
! claimed as Biela's comet. This being
/ true 1896 will be the year when Bieii
will again visit the earth. Hence we
arrive at the conclusion that while the
particular comet may appear in the dis
/ tance-from different portions OF tae
eartb-possibly, as often as every seven
wears, yet its orbit does not come in close
! proximity to the earth only In every
/ twenty-one wears. This is easily account
| ed for when it is known that its tail IS
sometimes $50 000, 900 miles in length.
| In 1892 and 1889 were the ''seven year
/ period" and a very bright comet appear
! ed in the heavens-it Will be remember
| ed-especially in the former of those
years.
| II must also be remembered by the
reader that il is possible for this comet
! 10 cross the orbit Of the earth every seven
years aud still not approach within mil
lions of miles of the earth.
Professor Young gives it as the year
! 1876 when this comet was split in two,
vet as it did not approach near the earth
at that time it could not have been split
upon the earth at that time. He also
gives iC at six year period"
up to 1852, at which time he says: The
twins were again observed, now at a
distance of about /. 800. 900 miles, {.
and neither of them has ever been seen
again, though they must have returned
many times, and more than once in a
very favorable position. Professor
Young also speaks OF the earth crossing
the track of this 'flost comet" in the
midst of a shower of meteors on Nov.
! 81, 1872, and again in November, 1885,
at which time Miss Cierke expressed it
thus: ''It became evident that .Bela's
comet was shedding over us the pulver
ized products of its disintegration. 5"
After this, Professor Young says, the
proper place for its consideration is Uu-
der the head of meteors"
Whether it be true that Biela's comet
burst up and went out of business or not,
either before we were born or during our
boyhood days, certainly astronomers
have not fully determined. yet it is evil
dent that its periodic years have been
the scenes of most vivid meteoric illum-
nations. the most vivid display being
that of 1888. The next most brilliant
display of meteoric showers was prob
ably between 1866 and 1868, brief ac-
counts of which are tersely compiled
from the press of those dates by Bos-
ton paper which is appended Cor your
publication or not, as you may have
space. Certainly those periods were re-
markable in the physical history of the
earth and of the universe, as will also
the coming seven years be.
j. S. JENNINGS.
Wichita, Dec. 10, 1892.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15
A SERIOUS PROBLEM.

Our readers are doubtless noticing the
daily telegraph reports of the immense
shipments of American gold being made
to Europe. Two million and upwards
went out day before yesterday, and
more than five million will 60 out
within the week. This thing can't go
on forever, but it looks as if it might go
on till disaster ensues. What is the mat
ter? This question must be answered,
and answered soon. Is the purchase of
nearly two hundred tons of silver per
month by the government the secret or
the bottom of the trouble? Is threat
ened cheap currency driving out the
more valuable? Next to the immigra-
ton question, this currency question is
the most serious problem Immediately
confronting the country.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

You can't step mp in the affections
Of fine young lady by way of stony
stares.-Boston Courier.
When a married woman purses up
her lips IL Is a sure sign that she ia
about to ask hubby for money.-Lowen
Courier.
The man who depends on others 20
do his work is little more Renteei
than beggar. but no more honest
Milwaukee Journal
The girl who marries for money
usually has a look on her face after
marriage that indicates she Is having
trouble collecting her salary. -Atcbison
Globe.
And oh, the Difference to Geniusesl
The chief difference between genius
and insanity Is. that the lunatic Is sure
of his board and clothes -Indianapolis
Journal
~ don't think that man n a.
quainted with his mother tongue"
He has no-need 10 be His wife's
tongue Is more than he can stand. ~.
Y. Press.
The waterproof cloak Is an inven-
ton Of the evil one designed % hide tho
pretty shape OF woman and drip cold
water upon the seat Of the man next -
her-Texas siftings
--Josiah-"Mandy. Isee by that sign
that scalpers' tickets are heap cheaper
than the others" Mandy-"Jo-iah
stay right here won't travel With
Injins IL ! never get nowhere
1T has been wisely remarked that
you never ought 20 ask anyone 20 give
you his word Of honor. u you ara
talking 20 n honest man II s. supersu--
Gus; IL 20 a rascal. useless Boston Bui.
letin.
II wish You would psv little az
tention 20 what I am saying. sir"
rosred an irats lawyer 20 an eEasper-
ated witness well I'm paying as
little as can. was Che calm reply -
It'd Bits
Miss Ethel-'sThere's great nnsu
in your family. iSD't 'hereY' Her Heat
ess fdelightedJ 49, ~ bat makes You
think -, nv d.sr?- Hiss Ethsl-"Why,
all Of you look 50 very tired ~--Phsr-
rnaceutlcai Era
~ Affs - NJ fafeH AaAEtA
the obtuse young man a. they came ont
q the theatsr. Yea" replied the girl
with an appetite. ''weiI. I'll introduco
you N ny aunt She has sorne lovely
eanaries- ''--TFashiogtnn Star.
Must Have a New one--Johrny-
Papa I want q nes reader Papa
Isn't she old one good enoughI- 'Ts
may be, out the teacher Gays I mes.
turn over a new Leaf tomorrow or he'll
cut my hide OF. "--Y snkee Blade
Breaking Bread Charlie fsadlyl--
Since you sc been married. Tom, ron
never ask rae % break b~ead with ron
Ion-''I here's good reason t0r s.. old
fellow. ToE cori8n't break tbe brad
we have a. Cur honss: yea eo1idn't do
more than bend i @-Desroit FrSs Press-
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15
Wichita, Dec. 10, 1892.
CONCERNING RAILROADS.
Some Interesting Items About Various
Kansas Lines.

The Santa Fe has 10, 147 stockholders.
The Santa Fe has 2,48699 miles of
road in Kansas.
The capital stock of the Santa Fe is
$102, 200. 600
The Missouri Pacific system in Kansas
now includes over 5000 miles.
The Rock Island has S,343 freight cars
equipped with automatic cOuplers.
The Santa Fe owns $4,615, 406,88 in
bonds. and $29, 24S, 967. 81 in stocks.
The net income of the Santa Fe land
department last year was $50, 690.93.
The average daily compensation of
the general officers of the Santa Fe is
S12 81
The Santa Fe's profit on the sale of
coal lands last year amounted to $685.,
57036.
There are 729 bridges, 1854 trestles
and one tunnel on the Rock Island
road.
The Rock Island has Alb cars in its
passenger service and 14,417 in its
freight service.
The Santa Fe expended $1,972 ,928 "a
for repairs and renewals of freight cars
last year.
The Rock Island Melted nearly $4,000
from the sale Of agricultural lands last
year.
The Rock Island laid 1859. SO tons of
steel rails the last year and nearly 7OO,-
600 new ties.
The total cost Of the construction and
equipment of the Santa Fe in Kansas
was S2,022, 781.S3.
The Santa Fe spends over hundred
| thousand dollars year for its water sup
ply for locomotives.
The estimated operating expenses of
the Rock Island in Kansas last year
amounted to So, Ala, 437. "a.
The Missouri Pacific paid S2,778, $50
interest last year on its outstanding
funded debt of $51, 1916, 900.
The main line of the San Ia Fe is
1893 10 miles in length; the to tai length
of all lines operated 4. $50 10.
The Santa Fe has 81, 055 employees, who
are paid total of $11 ,317 OBS. II year,
an average daily compensation of S201.
! The passenger earnings of the Santa
| Fe last year per mile of road was
! 81, 222. 50: passenger earnings per train
mile $l.056.76.
! In running 90, 464, 412 miles. Rock
! Island locomotives last year used 626, 023
! tons of fuel, an average of 81. Is pounds
| per mile.
The Santa Fe last year carried /, 609,-
! 040 passengers, earning revenue. The
average distance they were carried was
| 70 "a miles.
The Missouri Pacific last year received
| $54, 1856 80 from the United States gov
eminent tor bridges burned during the
/ civil war
The expenses of the telegraph, includ-
ing train dispatcherS and operators, last
! year amounted to $3.50, 4305 on the
! Rock Island.
The Santa Fe has % general officers,
/ 6S7 general office clerks, 517 station
agents, 20 engine men, SO firemeE aud
! 515 conductors.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15
CURED BY LAUGHTER.
A Case OF Insanity which Yielded to Pc
Guitar TrpRtmsnt

Guitar Treatment.
A business man who was laboring
under great mental strain, though a
man naturally of jovial temperament.
one DIV at the dinner table suddenly
ceased laughing and assumed very
grave mein. His friends soon discov-
cred that he had become insane. and be
wat removed to a lunatic asylum. All
efforts made in his behalf were un-
availing. and he became so norose and
disorderly that he was at last confined
10 barred room
Despairing of the patients recovery
BY the employment of other means, the
physician in charge conceived the novel
idea OF trying the effect Of laughter
upon this solemn-faced patient and &C
cordingly employed great fat. jolly
looking Dutchman To come every day
and stand before .he barred door o.
the patients room and laugh There
stood the big Dutchman. day after dav.
laughing as though his sides would
split,-"hs-h a- hz-ha'"-with laugh
so hearty and natural that IL would
seem that even = sphinx would
be unable TO suppress IT least smile,
but the poor, sad lunAtic was m
changed At last. without previously
having given the slightest Indication
of any improvement in his mental STATE.
the spell seemed suddenly ~ break. and
the sick man joined the jolly German
in mis- laughter. and laughed 50 heart
lily that the shackIes 81 disease were
shaken of, and he was found, upon sx-
animation by bis physicians. 20 re IN
souud mind and was returned % hs
friends Good Health.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15
THAT HASKELL COUNTY CASE.

The much discussed Stubb-Rosenthal
legislative contest in Haskell county has
been settled, satisfactorily we suppose
to all concerned. Mr.. Stubs furnished
the Santa Fe Monitor with a card ex-
planning the matter fully in which he
disclaims any knowledge of or sympa-
thy with the error made by the county
clerk in transposing the votes received
by him and his opponent, at the same
time exonerating iLr. Hussey, the coun-
ty clerk, from intentional wrong in certi-
flying the returns as forwarded to the
state canvassing board. Concluding his
card Mr. Stubs says:
Il am in favor of honest elections and
no one is more willing to submit to the
will of the people when honestly and
fairly expressed than myself. l have
good grounds for believing there were
some fraudulent votes polled for nv
opponent at the late election, but / do
not believe enough such can be found to
materially effect the result, and unless
there could be / would not, under any
circumstances, consent to serve as a
member of the legislature. If there
could be enough such votes found to
change the result, / do not hesitate to
say that | would contest the election,
and neither would any other loyal citi-
zen hesitate to do so if he were in my
place.
"In conclusion, / will simply say that
did nothing to aid Mr.. RoSeuthaps cleo
ton. | have done nothing directly or
indirectly to prevent his receiving his
certificate of election, and, although
willing to do all | can to rectify the mis-
take that has been made, | shall not go
out of my way to see that he obtains his
seat. 1t Is not my place to do So.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

The Capitals effort to create a sensa-
ton by undertaking to show that the
electoral vote of Kansas may be counted
for Harrison failed TO create a ripple
upon the touchy surface of current po-
litical interest. The circumstance that
the majority given the fusion electors
was secured by combining the votes of
the Democrats and Populists cuts no
figure in the. case. There is no written
law requiring the electors to vote for the
candidate of the party for which they
stand, and if there was, they could elect
which they would support in the cleo
toral college, because they were reg
ularly nominated by and placed upon
the tickets of both the parties to the
fusion. But as for how they may vote
the Democrats at least do not expect
them to vote for Cleveland; they knew
they would not when they were NOM
mated and when they were voted for.
The Capital will have to try something
else if it wants a real sensation.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

Evangelist Moody was on the steamer
Spree when it was disabled in mid ocean
and since he reached soil in safety he
saws that the rescue of the vessel is due
10 the Intervention of divine providence.
He does not accuse divine providence
of disabling the ship, nor does he give
credit to tie ships. architect, who had
constructed it in alright bulkheads; and
Brother Moody does not explain why he
headed subscription list to make up
cash presents for the crew, who worked
manfully TO keep the Spree ahoat. But,
then, it would be uncharitable to criti-
else the good mans intentions too
closply
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15
The New England Magazine at the
Front.

The fine literary illustrated magazine
of Boston. Able critics say it Is one of
the most interesting magazines publish
ed IN America. A great favorite with
New EnSlanders, and they are every
where. Local only in name. 1t is the
peoples favorite. To see this magazine
is to want it, Its circulation has doubled
the past year. 1t is unique, containing
American legends, traditions, history,
story ard poetry. A conspicuous feat
ure of the magazine. the treatment of
the great American cities, will be con-
tinUed.
Some of the attractions for 1898 are:
Harvard College Fifty Years Ago" by
Rev, Edward Everett Hale; ''New Eng
land Towns Forty Years Ago" by Rev.
Edward Everett Hale; "Vassar College"
"Society Life in Amherst College"
Manual Training in America, 'Rhode
Island in the Revolution" Brother JON
athan and His Home" "Whaling and
Fisheries of the United States" Each
number contains several interesting
stories and poems.
Price $500 year; % cents a copy.
Sample copies sent to any address free,
Agents wanted. Address New England
Magazine, Boston, Mass.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

The Cincinnati Commandments is
very discriminating paper and frank,
withal, in its statement of fact; especially
so when it says, in reference to Christmas
buying, that shoppers consult the
newspaper advertisements before START
ing out to make purchases. knowledge
of just what they want, where they can
get just w hat they want, and the best
bargains. saves them time and wearying
labor hunting about Shop people, too,
are saved time and trouble pulling down
goods for the inspection of those who
have no definite idea of what they wish
or how much they are to pay for it. The
advertisement is instructive, aud is
money in the pockets of newspaper
readers"
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

There is some very attractive verse in
the New England Magazine for Deem
Der. p. Macarthur, one of the cleverest
and best known contributors to Life,
Puck, Judge and other leading pictorial
weeklies, contributes piece of delicate
verse. "A Refrain" John White Chad
wick writes a touching sonnet called
"A Thought of Whittier" Robert Love
man has "In Lighter Vein," and j. Tor
rev Connor gives a new thought in
November"
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

1t is no doubt proper thing that pro-
motions in the governments naval serv-
ice should be facilitated, but it sounds
trife odd to hear a Populist representa-
tive make such a motion, in view OF the
opinion that that party IS understood to
entertain in regard to the navy. That is
what Senator PETER did Tuesday.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15
jay Gould's Patent Rat Trap.

From the Cleveland Leader
Near a bright fire in cosy home on
Clinton street, last evening, sat an aged
couple reading the story of the life of Jay
Gould. The story was of unusual inter-
est, for the reason that the life of tn e
great millionaire was TO them familiar
study. The corple referred to are Dir.
and Mrs. \. II. Bnrhans, a whose home
Dir. Gould, in school days, lived.
Il was just reading something about
the rat trap which Jaw Gould patented, y
said Mr.. Burhans. II well remember
the homemade affair that It was, a
square tin box with a cover. In the
cover q square section Of the tin was cut
out and placed on piyots, balancing Il
on each side. Above the middle OF the
square was suspended piece of cheese
When the IA: stepped out for his
luncheon the square would revolve and
the rat would find himself in q box full
OF water"
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

The Washington Post quotes Repre-
sentative Blanchard of Louisiana, chair
man of the house committee on rivers
and harbors, as saying that there will be
no new river and harbOr Improvements
authorized at this session of congress.
Sixteen million dollars, he says, will be
required to carry on existing contracts,
and this amount will be provided for in
the sundry civil appropriation bill, as
though the sum required would be any
less burden upon the treasury in that
form than in a straight appropriation
hill
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

The conviction OF Professor Smith by
the church court before which he was
tried on charge Of heresy-though un-
der a different name-whatever the
merits of the case, will no doubt prove
an entering wedge, as has been suggest
ed, 10 the division of the Presbyterian
church. The professor Is a strong man
and has liberal following, in numbers
as well as sentiment. This and similar
cases that have DISTURBED religious circles
not a little during the past several
months are not conducive TO the growth
of the church, either spiritually or nu-
merically. The subject is full of sug-
gestions in moralizing vein, but we
leave that for the reader to pursue ac-
cording TO the Individual bent.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

The appointment of Susan B. Anthony
TO state Office in New York will fill a
long-felt want, in that sterling woman's
ambition. The only point that occasions
anv special wonder in connection with
the case is that the prefermeut comes
from the hands of Democrat Susan
will now probably quit foolil' with Kan
sas politics for 4 time and let Mary
Ellen paddle her own scow.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

Reciprocity has not been IN existence
q fulI year with all the countries now IN
cIuded in it, yet it has increased our eX-
ports of farm products nearly $2,OOO,0O
and our imports of free sugar, coffee and
the like nearly $50. 100000. This IS
what the Democratic party calls hum
bug, but it is the sort of humbug the
people want. Let the present majority
party knock it out if it dare.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

In contradjstinction to the proposed
scheme TO extend the presidential term
10 six years and make the incumbent
ineligible to reelection, the Globe
Democrat moves to curtail the term to
two years, the change to 60 into effect
the 4th of next March. The G. ID. sug-
gestion says nothing about the eligibility
feature, taking it for granted, no doubt,
that such inhibition would be unneces-
karv in the case in point
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

The mugwump newspapers say Mr.
Murphy is not a statesman, The Wash
ington Post rejoins that he doesn't want
70 be a statesman. All he asks for IS a
seat in the United States senate. That
IS of piece with the decision of the
Kansas supreme court at to the legal
qualification necessary to be county
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

Some strange spell seems to have
come over western Kansas the past few
DAYS. They quit talking about dividing
the state and dropped the county seat
fight in Seward county simultaneously
md with a suddenness that Is all but
IL
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

In attempting to locate the RESPONSE
hility for Republican defeat the investi-
eating committee speedily passed the
case of Vice President Morton. Nobody
has accused him of having anything
whatever to do with it.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

Mr.. A. X. H. Boyd, the Scotch
''meenister, is, fortunately for his
readers, blessed with some sense of
humor. He tells Us of a Scotch advo-
cate who, while discussing with a
Judge the question Of vacancy on the
bench, said; Il think. my lord, they
might find worse than myself and the
judge replied: Nv aaur?''
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15
He Had Had Enough

The politician came into the count
ing room and asked 70 see the editor
The man behind the counter stated the
case through the tube
Show the gentleman "" came a
duh roar down the tube
The gentleman was startled
Not much" lie exclaimed I've
been shown up too much already, and |
don'twsn any more Of it. That's what
! came IN here for. Good morning. .
and he made break for the door and
escaped Detroit Free Press
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-12-15

The speaker of the house having been
roasted to a Crisp by the punsters, anent
that Saturday night dinner In New
York, the reading public will hope they