davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
A Magnetic DeteCter.

A clever contrivance has been invent ed for the detection of small pieces of magnetizable metal, such as needles, Jacks, steel and iron chips, etc., that may have entered the human body unawares and hidden themselves in the skin or deeper tissues. The instrument was do vised by Dr. J B Williams and consists essentially of partially astatic combi- nation of small magnetic needles sus- pended within a glass tube, the tube be- ing covered with tinfoil to minimize electric action, except for small space through which the needle can be ob- served. It is claimed that the instru- ment is sufficiently delicate to detect the presence of one-eighth of an inch of steel or iron wire at a distance of six inches from itself.-New York Telegram.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
WHY HE HATED THE eEAsT.I
An Extraordinary Request Which Excited
 the Curiosity of n Country Boarder.

An Extraordinary Request Which Excited
 the Curiosity of n Country BOarder.
 q never look at that old clock on the mantelpiece," observed my friend Mrs. W. as we sat in her parlor one evening last week, ''that it does not call to my mind an amusing incident connected with my trip to the northern part of this state last summer.
 T was stopping" she went on, 'in a quaint little village at the only hotel in the place. Every evening upon retiring I heard voices in an adjoining room. My curiosity naturally prompted me to listen. The conversation was usually of a commonplace order, but what really attracted my attention was this strange request nightly repeated:
 Now, Jovilla, put that internal beast out of the way and cover him up It was a mans voice, gruff, though, fan cied, kindly. This peculiar request was invariably met with some such response as this:
 "'Oh, Tom, shame upon you! What would dear mother s,Iy if she knew how you treated her present"
 "The voice this time was distinctly feminine and rather shrill and complain ing. Of course 1 was fairly consumed with curiosity. What manner of beast was this which the poor woman was thus obliged to put out of tho way and cover up? And why did they keep a beast in their bedroom anyway?
 '.In vain pondered over this seeming mystery In vain fretted and guessed. Tom appeared to be so kind and even tempered too. Well, could stand it no Ip,0rroy- I Eya11I- T-aSn1N-a1 fn 1 1sly him frankly for an explanation.
 "'AIr Tom said to him one morn ing, pray excuse my apparent rudeness and curiosity, but won't you tell me about that beast you keep in your room and why you wish to have it covered up every evening before you retire?
 "A gleam of 1nirth lighted up his coun- tenance. So you've heard Us a-talllin, neighbor. he said. Well. it's just this away:
 "'Jovilla, she's my wife, an she sets great store by her ma, which, between you an me an that there gatepost, don't. So long bout last Christmas the old woman give us clock. It wasn't much to look at, but it had the awfulest tick you ever heerd. Loud and solemnlike it was, an it made me that nervous couldn't get no sleep O nights.
 ''''Now, JOvilla," says I, you'll have to put that ticEin beast-I always calls it beast-out of the way or muzzle it or su'thin, or I'll smash it with a ham mer, will" So Jovilla she took it and wrapped it up in her flannel petticoat.
 But may I never touch another drop of cider eff the cussed thing didn't tick louder than ever. That kinder made me mad, an told her that if l heerd that tickin ag'in I'd stop it for good.
 "'So, you see, neighbor, Jovilla fixes it every night before she goes to bed sos it kain't make no noise. She just puts it in the washtub, throws q big fur robe over it, shoves it in the closet an shuts the door.
 '''An that, neighbor,' observed my rural acquaintance, is what l mean by coverin up tho beast. '"-New York Her ald
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
Sentenced to NIatrimony.

A young man and a young woman were contesting possession of a piece of property, the one claiming under an old lease, the other under an old will
 ''It strikes me-" said the justice, that there is a pleasant and easy way to ter minate this lawsuit. The plaintiff seems to be respectable young man, and this is a very nice young woman. They can both get married and live upon the farm. If they go on with tho law pro ceedings, the property will all be frit- tered away among the lawyers, who, am sure, are not ungallant enough to wish the marriage not to come off,"
 The lady blushed, and the young man stammered that they liked each other little bit" so n verdict was rendered for the plaintiff on the condition of his prom ise to marry the defendant within two months, stay of execution being put to the verdict till the marriage ceremony should be completed
 This is about the first couple ever sen fenced to matrimony in court of law -GripSacE
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
wh, snow Falls In Flakes.

Snow falls tu the earth i'll flakes be cause it is water solidificd ill starlikc crystals, each snowflake being usually made up of several crystals, which are excessively light on account of the largo quantity of air among the frozen parti- clcs. The snow crystals arise from tho slow passage of the water vapor of clouds. when the temperature falls be low freezing point, into the solid condi- ton, the fairyhkc transformation taking place by the Inolrcule or sinaltcss inde- pendent particles of the water grouping themselves with the utmost lnathemat- ical regularity around different centers.
 Each crystal of snow, as of anything else, is therefore a more or less perfect gcometrical solid The most complete snow crystals are formed in clear at mosphcrc, where there is nothing to re- tard the gradual process of crystalliza- ton or molecular construction. Rain, on the other hand. being a liquid, falls in drops-Lonton Tit-Bits.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
Government Printing.

Some prodigiously large volumes have been printed at the government print ing office in a wonderfully short time. For instance, the Revised Statutes, which constitute volume of 1,O3S closely printed pages, were set up, proof read three times printed and delivered in bound form to the house of representa- tives between ! o'clock, p. m., on a Wednesday and l2 o'clock, noon, on the following Saturday-an interval of only G. hours. Perhaps the greatest work of printing ever undertaken anywhere was the publication of 10000 copies of the records of the war of the rebellion in 12G royal octave volumes of 500 pages each, at a total cost of S1 ,2G0. GOO for printing and binding.
 This single publication will require over 75,000 printers reams of white pa per to print it, and the composition will probably exceed 800. .OOO. .OOO,0O ems. There will be when the work is finished not less than 200. GOO actual books of 500 pages each. These figures dwarf those of the largest encyclopedia ever published in any country or in any lan- guagc.- Star.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
A Pocket Life Saving Apparatus.

In 1874 Lieutenant Brunei of Dieppe introduced his pocket life saving lines, of which already upward of 3,340 are being used in France, where they now rescue annually some 2S5 lives. Nevertheless these admirable inventions are almost unknown in our rempire Brunels small pocket line consists of wooden float round which some 90 feet of stout cord is wound The other end of the cord terminates in an efficient grapnel armed with four small hooks. The whole ap- paratus complete weighs only five ounces and is the most convenient of all life saving lines Hence urge its adop- tion everywhere. especially for officials and others engaged about our coasts and inland waters. These appliances could be profitably retailed for about Is. Cd each, and any one can make them.-Lon- don Vanity Fair
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
WHY THE INTERVIEWER EXISTS.
A Few Reasons to Account for the Popu-
 larity of One Form of Journalism.

A Few Reasons to Account for the Popu-
 larity of One Form of Journalism.
 Why do persons of notoriety admit the domestic interviewer: Probably number of reasons may be assigned. The most respectable is indolent good nature; it is easier to say ives" than mo-" to have the tiles in your fireplace described as Persian" and, at the same time, as the work of an Englishlnan, than to keep your drawing room for your acquaintanceS. This is the faircst plea for permitting your person and furniture to be exhibited to the subur- ban citizen who, honest man, prob ably never heard of you and cares very little about you.
 Again the patient may really like be- ing talked about in public-may enjoy the idea ef permitting all the world to know, as MT. Allen says, curious little details which might be left to your con science, your cook and the commission CTS of inland revenue" It is an odd taste, but it is possible that "the animals enjoy it." The interviewed may pre- tend to complain, but may really re- joice. The public does not mind it, the patient is pleased, the interviewer earns HIS Iee III lnc way lS ndS Deen HIS SplTSu to choose.
 All this may be admitted, but the plea of necessity cannot be admitted. Again, probably many of the patients think an interview" good advertisement. They are brought before the public notice; therefore the public will read their books or buy their pictures. This is sad mis- take. The public which reads interviews knows nothing about the interviewed author and his works, cares nothing about them nor about anything of the sort. Here is gossip about somebody whose name l have seen in the papers, says the reader, so he reads the gossip. l but there his interest ends.
 The theory of advertisement, of profit to accrue from little more of personal notoriety, is blunder. The public of this kind cares to know that an author squints. weighs 12 stone 10 or has q broken nose, or uses thick handled pen; but as to what he writes with that pen this kind of public is serenely in. different. Where, then, is the necessity | for admitting the interviewer? Neccs sity there is none, but indolence, vanity | love of notoriety, are likely to keep the author of interviews in full employ ment
 MT. Blathwayt has added to his vol ume a defense of his art, in which he says practically that "Zenophon" in teryiewed Socrates" An author who talks of "Zenophon" falls little short of the universal knowledge which il seems is necessary for the ideal inter | yieUer-London Saturday Review
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18

PROMINENT Chinamen on the Pacific coast are predicting big exodus of their countrymen from this continent and all other lands to the cele stial empire within a year or two. They will go to be present at the big fair which occurs there once in sixty years, and at which every subject of the great emperor tries to be present. Hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of Chinese from all parts of the empire and the world will be there" says Interpreter Pon Se of San Francisco. '.AIl nations will bo invited, and everybody ought to go, for it will be the sight of a lifetime" The fair was founded many centuries ago, and has been held regularly since. He is not sure of the exact date, but it is within two years. Great prepara- tions are being made for it all over the en- pire, and announcement of it will soon be made to the world.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
Force of Imagination.

It was in Paris. A lot of high rollers were talking about tobacco. Howell Osborne was there, Wilkie, the retired dentist, and several other fellows who had hard work to spend their income. Wilkie, who didn't smoke, offered to bet dinner that he could fool another member of the crowd on cigar. Man swore he couldn't. He'd been cussing a blue streak because he couldn't get Per fectos on account of the government monopoly. So they blindfolded him, and Wilkie lighted cigar after cigar and handed them to him. "Pooh," he would say, ''another Parisian failure"
 By and by Wilkie lighted a cigar, which he had obtained with some mys- tery, extinguished the flame with quick stroke of his penknife and handed it over. The cigar was still warm. The expert took several puffs and threw down the cigar, exclaiming. French, and mighty bad!'
 Then they set up howl, for the cigar was smuggled Perfecto.-Paris Letter
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
\ PODular Myth.

The time worn million stamps" lie still survives and is likely to prove i'm mortal. People all over the country are trying to accumulate l 100000 cancelled postage stamps, in the belief that a standing offer is made by the govern ment or by somebody of big prize for such a collection. Some think that $1O,- 900 is the sum guaranteed, while others imagine that the reward is the endow- ment of a permanent bed ill a hospital.
 The popular notion on this subject be ing somewhat undefined. letters asking about it are constantly received at tho postoffice department. But no denials serve to destroy the widespread faith in this strange chimcra.-W ashington Let
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
What You Shoot In China.

A naval officer once told the writer that pheasant shooting in China was very fair and would be really good if there were not so many obstacles about to enjoying it comfortably He said that the people were so numerous that if you let gun go off almost anywhere in Chi na yOl were pretty sure to hit a China man. They seemed easy. however. to deal with, small present as damages sending them away in contented state of mind. and indeed this naval authority did say that they would sometimes try to get in the shooters way on purpose to get these damages. Macmillan's Maga- zine
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
curIou. Mode of Catching Turtles.

A curious mode of catching turtles is practiced in the West Indies. It consists in attaching a ring and line to the tail of species of sucker fish known as the remora. The live fish is then thrown overheard and immediately makes for the first turtle he can spy, to which he attaches himself very firmly by means of sucking apparatus arranged at the top of his head. Once attached to the tur- tie, so firm is his grip that the fisherman on drawing the line brings home both turtle and the sucker.-Exchange
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
.ANnid ExrIanations.

One bit of wisdom may be condensed into n pithy sentence. Avoid explana- tions. In some families nothing Is taken for granted. Every action, every deci- sion, every new departure, every accept ance or rejection of an invitation must be endlcssly talked and fussed over, ex- plained and re-explained. In that way lie all sorts of stumbling blocks. As rule, beyond your parents or your hus- band there is nobody who has the right to demand of you explanations at each step of your onward path. Don't give them. Establish a reputation for keep ing your own counsel. It will serve you well in many crisis and be no end or a cOmfort.-Harpcr' BaZar.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
The ErucifiN of Louis XVI.

It has Often been wondered what had become |" the crucifix used by the Abbe Edgewurth at the execution of Louis XVI, Our Paris correspondent says it is now in the possession of the parish priest of St. Medard de Guisierc, to whom it was given by one of his flock, a Mime. d'Espilat, when she was dy- ing. Sho enjoined him never to part with it because it was sacred relic, and shc expected that Louis, the martyr, would enc day figure in the calendar of the church along with his ancestor, St. Louis. The crucifix, with the Christ on it, is in old carved ivory and was prob ably made at Dieppe. News.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
Breaking a VvIshbone.

The divining rod is feature in all early mythology, especially so among the Hindoos. As the forked branch of a tree it indicated in various parts of Europe, Asia and Africa where treasures were hidden or where water might be readily found. From the forked branch of Q tree it was but step to the forked clavicle of a bird, and this bone was soon invested with the power of securing the gratifica- tion of the wishes of those who in break ing it retained the forked part, for it was the fork that was possessed of mystic power.-New. York Telegram.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
prummcrs In King uenry's Time.

King Henry Y had band which dis coursed sweet music during his cxT's,,ii- tion to Harticur. each member being reconlpensyl for his services with the sum of l2 pence per diem When lh.. citizens or London were mustered in inc thirty-!irst year of the reign of HrTry VIII, We hclr that "befoTe every stand ard was appointed one dromslade at the least" Each company of 100 men at this time possessed a couple of drum mers.-An the Year Round.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
ACnrions NnxaILau.

A curious discovery was some years ago made among the archives at South- ampton of n box containing the original naval laws of that port as early as the fourteenth century. One of them was that if the majority of the sailors of a vessel on the point of sailing were of the opinion that the wind was unfavorable, and the vessel was wrecked afterward, the captain was responsible for the valus of tho goods lost.-St. Louis Republic.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
Rather UninVitIng.

A hungry looking countryman was Ieisurely exploring one of the quiet lanes in the city in order to comfort the inner man, when his ears were suddenly sa- luted by shrill voice, which uttered ill rapid tones the following incomprehensi- ble jargon: "Biledamancapersors-Rose- semuttonantaters-B Billed amancabbagevegeta e-Walkinsirtaka- seatsir."
 The astonished man hastened his pace in order to find house where they spoke English Tit-Bits.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18

He listened, mute and quiet
 With earnest eyes of blue, Then: "I don't fink I'll try it.
 I'd ravver be like youl" D. Lummis in Kate Fields Washington.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
An Example ofResIrnntIon.

NJ. Pasteur is devoted to his studies and to his family. It was a terrible blow to him when his daughter married and left for her new home, but he could console himself after a fashion of his own.
 "Well," he said after she was gone, with long sigh but with gleam of comfort dawning in his eyes, lat least shall be able now to devote myself to typhoid fever. Companion.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
When Washington Was InauEurated.

On the occasion of Washington's sec ond inaugural, many of the members of congress were desirous of waiting on him in testimony of respect as chief magis- trate. A1notion was made to adjourn for half an hour for the purpose, which, however, met with great opposition as a species of homage-''it was setting up an idol dangerous to liberty; it had bias to- ward monarchy. y."-Philadelphia Ledger
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
The IsnnI I,rncfIcc.

A Detroit lawyer was in Washington recently and among the sights took in the supreme court of the United States.
 What do you think of it:" asked a friend in the evening.
 Well. sat there and listened awhile, and though I am ashamed to confess it I went to sleep"
 "Oh, that's all right" said his friend encouragingly; everybody does that."- Detroit Free Press.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
A Creature From the Fire.

Aristotle believed that some creatures were capable of supporting life even though confined to the devouring ele- ment. He says: Tn Cyprus, when the manufacturers of chalcitis Qime) burn it many days in the fire, winged crca- ture something larger than great fly is seen emerging from tho stone and leap ing and walking about in the fire. These creatures perish immediately upon being removed from the furnace. "-St. Louis Republic
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
An Expression Prom n Ftxs-,car-ala.

Some of our present day children are startling occasionally. 4 little girl of 5 years recently used the expression post mortem judgment. Upon her brothers questioning her and insisting that she should define it, she said, Well, if you do a thing and then afterward wish you had done another thing, that's postmor- tenn judgment. New York Times.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
Imitation In the Matter of Dress.

Imitation is one of the most marked characteristics of human nature, and in nothing is this more noticeable than in the matter of dress To the desire to do as others do may be attributed the prev alence of almost all the fashions that have existed since the days when our primitive ancestors donned their unpre- tentious fig leaves. s.-London Tit-Bits
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
A REPORT COURTEOUS.
I'd explained to him over and often What a good little boy should be; How temper and tumult to soften. And naughty ways to flee.


 He listened mute and quiet
 With earnest eyes of blue.
 Then: "I don't fink I'll try it.
 I'd ravver be like you!"
 D. Lummis in Kate Fields Washington Friendship Between n Horse and a Dog. A plumber at Narragansett had horse 27 years old. which was used for carry ing around his masters material when that was necessary, but spent most of its time in a small pasture. A fox terrier. also belonging to the plumber, was an in separable companion of the old horse When the old horse was harnessed to the cart the dog was on guard to see that nothing was stolen from the cart. In the pasture the dog was always sniffing around the horse and was never so de- lighted as when the horse would begin to roll in the grass, which it often did, ap- parently to please the dog. which would jump about in every direction and bark for pure joy.
 At night when the horse was put in the barn the dog always entered with its friend and slept on the animals body. One day the neighbors heard the most dismal howls coming from the pasture and found that the old horse had died There was the terrier on the dead body bowling out its sorrow and misery. The dog remained with the body until it was removed for burial.-New York Tribune
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
Good Authority for "noughten. D

'Boughten" has the authority of age, example and well-considcred use by Cole ridge, Southey and others. Still more weighty authority is found in story told to us by Roscoe Conklng, who was pres ent at fashionable hotel in Philadel- phia thirty years ago. when lady asked for tea. The reply was, Will you have sassafras tea or boughten tea?'-New York Sun.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
Tcmntinc PrnHidence.

Mary Jane," said the Dakota farmer to his spouse, ''it seems like fyin in the face of Providence to name the boy Elijah. It sounds too much like the old feller in the Bible that was carried away by a cyclone. don't think it's proper name at all fer this country. y."-Indianap- olis Journal.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18

It is common thing for actors and actresses on the road to send money or ders to themselves at coming places on their route lists, which is often the only care for the future many of them will fo
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
Snn,n Sntisfnctinn

Stranger-Suppose a policeman ex- ceeds his authority and assaults repu- table citizens, what redress have you?
 Mir. Gotham-Well, those of us who get killed have the privilege of swearing at him through a spiritual medium.-- New York Weekly
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
Metal Ties For Roadbeds.

Numerous metal ties have been invent ed and many railroads have tried them. but all have proved unsatisfactory. The principal objections to them are based on their cost and their nonelasticity A track laid on metal ties wears out roll ing stock much faster than one laid on timber-New York Tribune
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1893-12-18
Govetnment "peadheads.

In some of the departments at Wash ington there are so many clerks that the useless ones stand in the way of those who are disposed to work. The working clerks are asplendid force of experienced and capable men, but the Tite Barnacles are found everywhere Post