davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
MYSTERIOUS ELECTRICITY.
The Human NIind May Mover Solve
Problem of What IL Is.

Tho Human Mind May Mover Solve tho
Problem of What 1t Is.
To the metaphysical mind on the one
hand and to the confident ignoramus ON
the other the mysterious nature of cleo
tricity offers a fruitful subject of specu-
lation. To the latter especially it seems
q reproach that the true nature of cleo
tricity has MT long heforo been made
manifest, and he is always prepared to
dash off IN explanation with much more
confidence than Newton proposed his
theory of g~raVitation. 1t seems inexpli-
cable to the public at large that the mys-
terry surrounding electricity is not dis
PEELED. 1t does not seem to occur to
those VIII arc impatient to have the
great question, "What is electricity"
answered that We are in just as dense
ignorance as to the mechanism of other
phenomena. Gravitation, light, heat
and chemical action arc in the samo
category of scientific mysteries and have
had centuries more of thought bestowed
on them than has been devoted to the
new agent. While it now seems that
we may be OH the threshold of one of
the greatest discoveries of the human
mind, yet it is possible, and evcn proba-
BILE, that the knowledge of man may
never be permitted to extend to the en-
tire solution of tho problem, foI it is the
very problem of the universe itself.
Assuming what seems to be unques-
toned, that electricity, electrical action
or whatever we may call it, has its seat
in the atoms or molecules of matter or
Of the hypothetical matter, ether, we
are brought face to face with the same
conditions that confront the cosmical
philosopher. AS the latter can never
hope to have his material vision extend
to the bounds Of the universe, neither
can the molecular physicist hope to ma
terially appreciate the ultimate elements
of matter. Lord Kelvin has shown that
if a drop of water wero magnified to the
size of the earth one of its constituent
molecules would only be nagnified to
approximately the size of o cricket
ball. Bearing this in mind, the im-
mensity of the problem which is SO often
fippantly referred to is evident. True,
we may demonstrate the exact relation
between electricity and magnetism and
may satisfactorily connect these with
osHSA oii' SNOh oDlttlh d
working hypothesis that will answer all
scientific needs, but the ultimate solu-
ton may forever evade the human mind.
Whatever we do learn, however, will
not be through the speculations of meta
physicians or the guesses of tyres, but
through the physical Investigations of
HertZes and Teslas. While as q mental
training metaphysical speculation may
have its use, the absolute lack of addi-
lions to our real knowledge during the
many centuries from Plato to Bacon,
when metaphysics held full sway, is con-
elusive that nothing can DO expected
from this direction, and merely spccula-
tive theories i'll regard TO tho nature of
electricity deserve as little considera-
ton as is now given to the metaphysical
vagaries of the schoolmen Of the middle
ages.-Electrical World.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
Thought They Were Worth 1t.

Billings was q travelling man, carry
ing a line of handkorchiefs and neck
wear. He met Il rather attractive oun
woman on IL Of his trips, and before
he realized how Ill it colnported with
his duties he had married her.
Nature had nevcr intended him for q
married man, and ho was seldom at
home, even when his duties would have
permitted him. Finally he became IT.
regular in the matter Of remittances,
and his wife, needing somo pin money,
took down his route book and found a
letter would reach him at Peru, Ind. So
she wrote him there, asking for $40. He
was i'll the Bcarss House billiard room
when he read the letter. He had no $40
to spare. He needed all his money for
his own follies.
But the request annoyed him. He got
up, walked about tho room for o mo-
ment. and his ayes at length rested on q
deck of cards, lying where some man
had completed agame of solitaire. The
top card on each pile was a nine spot.
Billings looked at them a moment,
then picked up the four cards, inclosed
them in IN envelope and sent it to his
wife. AT Charlottesville he received an
other letter from her, demanding in in
dignant terms what he meant by sending
her four mines. He sat down in tho writ
ing room Of tho Robbins House and
wrote the following reply:
"You wanted $40. l sent you four
mines. Four mines are worth SO any
time. "-Chicago Herald.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16

at ono Of the up town hotels q delight
fully homelike touch is given to life
within its walls by the privilege, when
desired, of having the coffee follow a dim
ing party into the reception room. In
one particular parlor, which is full Of
hooks and embfasures, large and small,
to accommodate groups of various size,
it is quite common to sec the quaint lit
tie table and dainty service set out before
several different companies. The toned
lights and nests Of luxurious cushions
make it extremely easy to dawdlo indefi-
nitely over this final course, and the
groups dissolve slowly and with evident
reluctance, to keep evening engage
ments.
Turkish coffee is often served in odd
little oriental cups set in standards, quito
like tiny egg cups, and tho requisites of
this beverage-to be piping hot and of q
smooth, creamy thiclness-aro never
missed here.-New York Times.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
BurnSvillc Notes.

We have had Il very severe attack
of disagrceablc weather, bat the bright
blue sky is again visible and the pow
crful king Of day sends forth her beau
tiful raves with the same loving ten
dcrncss.
On last Monday morning Mr.. John
ID. Mills was presented with II New
Years present weighing thirteen
pounds. It's of the masculine gender.
Miss Matte Majors has charge of q
flourishing school at Riddles old field.
The health OF the community is
somewhat better than our last report:
but our doctor still has as many cases
as he can attend regularly.
Mr.. f.. NJ. Leopard is making some
improvement around his already com
Portable dwelling.
Bob. Simpson. II negro boy, got shot
through the hand accidentally by
fooling with a pistol n few day hence.
Bum is through painting and is
aeain.undcr control of that well known
little professor whose weight is only
$50 pounds. So haven't got time u
note our visitors.
bum BLINkER.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
Nit. Gallagher.

We are having some disagreeable
weather at this writing.
Mr.. Henry Redden hos moved to Mr..
Jim Martins, his son-in-law.
Mr.. Henry Wright and family we
hear, have gone to Piedmont.
Mr.. John Clifford died on last Sun
day and was buried the following day
at Mt. Olive. Rev. j. A. Martin con
Quoted the funeral services.
Mr.. John Daniel, who has u child
that has been afflicted for many years,
left yesterday for Greenville to see
Fred Leo, the great Indian doctor.
Miss Lula Owings is now staying
with her uncle, John II. Owings OF
Owingsville.
Mr.. Drew Culbertson is now living
on the Scott place.
Mr.. w. w. Cooper has been quite
i'll, but we are glad to say that he is
better to-day.
Mr.. w. F. Bolt, who moved from this
place to H0nea Path was in our
midst this week.
A. E. Hill, we hear, has gone to
Laurens and will make it his home.
Mr.. J. w Washington has gone to
Abbeviie, where he will remain for
some time in the machine shops.
]. d. Masters and family have moved
to EnOrec Factory. JIM.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
LanfOrI Locals.

Judging from our long silence, l sup
pose you think Mr.. Edi4or, that our
little town is growing quito dull: but
not u bit of it. The fact is we have
been SO busy during the Holly-days,
that we simply haven't had time to
write.
First | shall begin by telling you of
the marriage Of Miss Etfie West to
Mr.. w. II. Owings, of the Theological
seminary, Columbia $. c.. The mar
riage took place at the home of the
brides uncle, Capt. b. w. Lanford, of
this place, on Tuesday, Dec. Goth, '93.
A few invited guests had assembled in
the parlor and ut eleven o'clock cX-
a:ctly the Rev. f.. G. Watson, walked
in followed by the bride and groom
and in Il few brief moments two loving
hearts were united forever and aye.
Immediately after the ceremony a few
special friends accompanied the newly
married pair to the home Of
Mr.. Jot Owings, father of the groom,
where they enjoyed Il regular feast of
good things, very tempting to the APP
petite. The afternoon was also spent
very pleasantly in Il social entertain
mcnt. May. their lives be full of hap
pincss, vcr strewn with the brightest
flowers. Mr.. Owings has now returned
to the Seminary, where he will re-
sumo his studies.
Mr.. John Y. Cooley, of Ty~lcrsville.
has now moved to LanfOrd's and is oc-
cupying his new dwelling.
Miss Allie Wallace, of Young's, is
boarding at Mr.. Joe JOhnson's attend
ing school at this place.
Mr.. S. G. West, of Bcnncttsvillc, S.
c., spent a few days with friends and
relatives here during the holidays.
Rev. MI. Hcavcncr, of N. c., spent
IA few days with his mclcs, Messrs.
Johnson.
Mr.. b. Woford Wait, of Woirord
College, and Miss Miriam Foster, of
Spartanburg, paid relatives at this
place a flying visit during Christmas.
Mrs. Minnie Croft and little daugh-
ter, Ethel, OLGA, have been spending
some time at Mr.. j. w. Lanford's. Mrs.
Croft is Il sister of Mrs. Lanford and
they had not seen each other for II
long time. She has o gone to Spar
tanburg to visit other relatives.
Miss Julia Foster, of Cherokee
Springs, spent one night last week at
}. w. Lanford's on her way to Now
berry.
There has been a good deal OF sick
ness in the community mostly La
Grippe.
The Ladies' Aid Society OF this place
have bought stoves for the Baptist
Church and they are being put up to-
day. GERALDINE.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16

Nitrous oxide gas is q combination OF
nitrogen and oxygen, formerly called the
dephlogisticated nitrous gas. Under or
binary conditions Of temperature and
pressure this substance is gaseous; it has
q sweet taste and afaint, agreeable odor.
When inhaled, it produces unconscious
ness and insensibility to pain, hence it is
used as an a aesthetic during short surgi-
cal operations. When it is breathed dilut-
ed with air, an ex~hilarating or intoxicat-
ing effect is produced, under the influ-
ence of which the inhaler is irresistibly
impelled to do all kinds of silly and ex
travagant acts; hence the old name of
laughing gas. The circumstances under
which nitrous oxide should be applied as
an an@sthetic must always be determin-
ed, just as with any other anasthetic,
by medical authority.-Brooklyn Eagle.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
F.. ANIMALS AND MUSIC.


A CoriposnrThinks All Living Things Sen.
sitive to a5asicai Tones.
TIE lu&aenco ct Music on Man, AMI
mails and piauGsH YES discussed by Di-
rector .AsSer EaInorik in a lecture at the
Peabody conservatory. OF tho second
p&:s OF his subject 10 said:
"IAnre iiuO doubt of music's power
mammals. All singing birds are sub
ject to the 'iTl.,Ucnce. Tie spider, the
mouse and tho snake can be charmed
with tunes. l saw on ST. Paul street
one day IL runaway horse stop suddenly
where a street organ was being played
N tremble all over. ( Ihad once a Cor
don setter that would play with his paw
on the keyboard Of my piano and, with
a kind OF murmur, try TO initiate the
human voice, maEiily an effect that, if
not musical, showed at least that the
dogs mind attempted something in that
direction.
81 have had personal experience with
the musical qualities Of mice, for [ once
used to play the piano il Il room where
there were many mice. When l played
for Il little while, out would come troop
ing q critical audience Of mice, which
seemed perfectly tame SO long as the
music lasted. L experimental with them
again and again and arrived ut the con
clusion that they undoubtedly were in
some way influenced by and very su8-
ceptible to music. l grew tired Of my
faithful auditors after awhile and closed
the doors of the concert hall to them by
having timer cover the holes and cracks
in the floor.
"The song of the bird and Tho growing
of the rooster arc not their conversation.
They have a. kind OF chipping for that.
What. then, do the song and the growing
mean? JOY, contCntment, cxultation-as
with man. When y rooster has had q
good dinner, or when the sun shines
brightly and warmly, OF when any other
cause makes it think that lifo is worth
living, the rooster rows oyously. Mu-
sic is with man also an expression Of
emotion, but with him it has been re-
duced to a science and is not, therefore,
used naturally for every expression of
happiness, as with the uncducated and
unscientific rooster or son9bird.
81 believe that everything created, like
ourselves, with ears, is susceptible to mu-
steal tones, and it is probable that, if we
could only find it out, there is musical
material mall such animals tllat could
be developed and cultivated in some
way."-Ealtimore Sun.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
Death of Mrs. y, G. Todd.

On the 10th OF January, 1893, all
Laurens was glad at the happy marri-
age OF Mr. S. g. Todd and Miss Maggie
Boyd.
Just a year and u day afterwards at
two o'clock p. NJ, OF last Thursday,
it pleased God to take away the young
wife. She died ut the home of her pa
rents, Mr.. and Mrs. VIM. l.. Boyd, and
was in her 2Ith year.
The untimely end of her sweet and
beautiful life is universally mourned by
our people, who will not soon forget its
Christian purity and goodness.
The funeral services and intcrmcnt
at the cemetery Friday were ATTENDED
by a very large assembly of friends.
The young husband and infant son
and the bercavcd parents, brother and
sisters have the sincere sympathy Of
the community in their great anlic-
ton.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
A Juvenile Pessimist.

jeremiah, who is IL years old, is nj.
ready q confirmed pessimist. Among the
things he continually grumbles about are
his lead pencils, which never have points,
and to sharpen which ho always has to
borrow q knife Of some choolmate.
"Why don't you have u knife of your
own, jerry" ono of the boys asked.
"Got no pockets to keep it in" said
Jerry.
"Then why don't you have a pocketT'
off had II I'd have q hole in it,"
"Wcll, even then you wouldn't be any
worse off than you arc now"
elm! Yes, should. If | had a peck
eth u hole in it / never'd have anything
to lose through it,"
Jerry sighed deeplyand went on whit
Ting his pencil with the dull blade of the
other boys knife. -Lewiston Journal,
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
a Fire Escape.

That WAS q narrow escape LaurcnS
had from q serious and destructive fire
Friday night and it was bad enough as
it was.
At fifteen minutes past twelve o'clock
a negro named Rutherford Little told
Chief LangstOn that A. G. billiards.
store in the Boyd Block was on fire
and the alarm was speedily given. The
colored masons happened to be in Sos
the colored ircmcn had their hand en-
CINE playing on the flames. 1t vas
doubtless due to their prompt and Of
fcctive efforts that the flames were cX-
tinguished without great trouble. The
hook and ladder company and the
steamer were quickly or hand but their
services were not very necessary.
The loss on the store will amount to
several hundred dollars. 1t is covered
by insurance.
The stock of goods was badly dam
aged, principally by smoke, but it suf-
fered some from water and was knocked
T~raynham'S agency for $1,000.
The fire was undoubtedly OF incen-
diary origin. 1t started in the cellar,
the door of which was found closed but
unfastened. Two pair OF new shoes
taken from the stock were found out
side the door and some cigars just in
side. a number of barrels had been
moved and carefully placed around the
kerosene tank and on them was placed
two or three barrels filed with shay
ings. The kerosene tank luckily did
not catch. An old coat was found on
the floor.
The promptness with which the col
bred iiremen got a stream on the
flames was remarkable, the quickest
over known here before. They won for
themselves praise from everybody.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
a Tribute 10 Mss Ycargiu.

To the Editor of the News and Courier:
The sad fate of Miss Icargin, the
promising young South Carolina girl.
who met an untimcly end at Cornell
University, u few weeks ago. has OK
cited Il deep. sympathetic interest III
her work and CHARACTER in the histor-
ical departmental Johns Hopkins Uni
verSity. Her companion OF that UNI
fortunate boat ride, when both were
also had q bright future. DR.. Merriam
took the degree of doctor of philosophy
here last June. He had prepared IL
history Of education in Tennessee,
which will soon be published by the
United States bureau of education.
Very strong and beautiful testimonials
Us to his worth and winning person
ality have appeared in the last number
of the Johns Hopkins University His
torical Studies. In the one by Prof. II.
B. Adams are the following touching
reference and high tribute to Miss
Gcargin:
The young woman who went dow
with Merriam to the silent depths
of Cayuga Lake at Ithaca was also a
rare type OF humanity. She was Il
County, who had earned her own way
from her fathers plantation through
school and college at Columbia and
into the law department of Cornell
University. AS Il school teacher in her
native state she had obtained the
means OF educating Il younger sister.
BY public authority in South Carolina
she had bccn engaged to prepare Il re-
| port on the industrial education Of
women. II is to be hoped that Miss
Ycargin had completed her work as
Merriam had his, and that their labors
will enter into the educational labor OF
the new South"
Johns Hopkins University, Balti-
more, Jan. 10.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
Tribute of Respect.

AT a meeting of the Board of Direc-
tors of the National Bank of Laurens
held on Jan. 1, 1894. the following res
olutions were unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, our friend and associate,
James Bell departed this life on Dec,
ember Doth, last,
Resolved, That in the death of Mr..
Bell this Bank loses an able, efficient
and conscientious director.
Resolved, That a blank page of oul
record book be inscribed to his mem
DRY.
Resolved, That these resolutions be
published and that u copy be sent tC
the family Of the deceased.
JNo. a. BARKRDALE,
&. w. Tune, Sec. Pres.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
Long Branch.

Farewell to the old year and happy
morn to the new year. We forgive all
shortcomings Of the past and join
hands with the human family and 90
forth with bright hopes for the future.
We had the pleasure of meeting our
old friends, Mr.. p. II. Todd, of Wood
run, and Mr.. j. NJ. Todd, of Newbcrry,
who We're attending the funeral of
Miss Nancy Todd, who died on the 9TH
inst.
Reid BlakcIy will occupy the prcsi-
dents chair and weld the gavcl OF the
loafcrs club at Hairston's shop this
year and we think if Bum Blinkcr
would make an application for mem
bcrship he would rejoice ever after.
Rev. Mr.. Clarkson, pastor OF the
Clinton circuit preached his first SER
mon at Lccsvillc on last Sunday even
ing and made II favorable impression.
The young ladies OF this section have
a society Of Oak grove academy which
meets once u week. We suppose their
object is to prevent cruelty to young
mon.
There have been but few parties i'm
this section during the holidays for
almost everyone had la grippe, the little
Gilsons excluded.
G.. G. Johnson is rejoicing over the
fact that there is another little Cannon
at his house.
No, dear Bum Blinker, Xmas is not
the time to go fishing, but July and
August, the time of singing schools,
when they are easiest canght.
There has been very little moving
about in this section as everybody
seems satisfied. Mr.. Young Todd has
gone to Ala, and Mr.. Ewel Taylor has
taken his place.
We propose to give the news every
two weeks this year. Neighbors, please
furnish locals. SLoCUM olson.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
Happenings of the Week.
In and Around the City.
THE COMING AND GOING AND MIN
CLING OF THE PEOPLE.
Sec notice city licenses due.

See notice city licenses due.
Miss Lidie Irby has returned from q
visit to friends in Newberry.
Jesse Vance. of the Southern Elk
press Service, is in the city.
Mr.. Will Farley, of Spartanburg, is
in the city visiting relatives.
Miss Perrin Farrow, is visiting
friends in the low country.
Mrs. Green, of Clinton, is visiting
Mrs. Rivers.
Col. w. r. Darlington, of Barnwell,
was in town Saturday.
Capt. Sam Sherard is in the city for
q day or two.
Capt. Mintor is erecting a cottage
in the rear of his store lot.
Capt. Albert Dial went to Grcenville
on q flying trip Saturday.
Cresswell Fleming. of Greenwood,
was in town last week, visiting rela-
tives.
The ADVERTISER was mistaken
when it stated that Governor Tillman
visited Col. Shaw during Christmas.
Read notice, another column, of
Clemson College competitive cXamina-
ton, January 18th.
Adjutant and Inspector General
Farley is visiting Mrs. Mary f. Todd,
his sister.
Rev. Mr.. Vass, of the Connie Max
we'll O~rphanage. Greenwood, preached
in the Baptist Church Sunday evening.
Rev. A. G. Wardlaw delivered an
eloquent sermon on repentance Sun
day night,-the first Of u series on the
cardinal doctrines of the Christian
Church.
The ''NV~hatsoover" circle of the
Kings Daughters will meet at the
residence of Mr.. j.. j. Roland at 4
o'clock Friday afternoon.
Senator lrby is out in Il card cNcori-
ating August Kohn, Columbia CORES
pondcnt of the News ~ Courier. de-
fcnding the Laurcns Alliance rcsolu-
tons, and whacking somebody whom
he docs not name and whom we can't
locate.
The LaurcnS Cotton Mill.
(Our now Sprio1
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16

The I.aurcnS Cotton Mill.
(Our new Scrial.)
[To DE CONTINUED IN OUR NEXT.
a Chance for Choice Seeds.

Representative Shell of the fourth
district, has Il quantity OF seed contrib
utcd by the government for diStribu-
ton among his constituents. All who
wish Il share can secure it by address
ing Captain Shell by letter or postal
card at Washington, ID. G. Give your
address fully and plainly and say what
seed You prefer. What you want may
not be obtainablc. but it will be useful
to him to know what your choice is,
or course this notice is intended only
for people in the fourth district
GrccnVillc News.
The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1894-01-16
Narnic.

The school trustees Il preparing to
build Il school house. Land and lum-
Der have been contributed.
Miss Daisy Mitchell will take charge
of our school the 10Th inst.
MIR. David Balentinc has the con-
tract to build the bridge ut Goodgions
Mill.
Mrs. A. Fl. Martin visited Mrs.
Crisp last week.
Mr.. Robert Hellams is building him
a concrete barn.
Mrs. Craddock is very i'll.
Mrs. Bryson's school at BarksdalC is
i'm q hourishing condition. II. A. j.