davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
Gifts at Baptism,

Gifts to infants ON their baptism are
Of ancient origin. Formerly the spon-
sors generally offered gilt spoons to the
child. These spoons were called apostle
spoons, because the figures Of the 12
apostles were carved at the top Of the
handles. Rich sponsors gave the COM
plete set Of ~, while for those who were
not SO opulent four was considered the
proper number, and poor sponsors would
content themselves with Offering enc.
In the latter case the handle of the spoon
generally exhibited the figure of any
saint in honor of whom the child receiv-
ed its name. 1t is in allusion to this
custom that, when Cranmer processes
himself to be unworthy Of being spon-
scr to the young princess, Shakespeare
makes the king reply:
Come, come, my lord, you'd spare your
spoons"
The mug or spoon and fork Offering
of the present day appears as a very
debased survival Of q really beautiful
christening offering. Westminster Re
view
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
ss.assaa
LUCK IN ODD NUMBERS.
superstitions of Modern Gamblers which
Are Gas old az the FfiIls1

superstitions of Modern Gamblers Which
Are Gas Old as the Hills
# there is one active principle that
enters into gambling, it is superstition,
Gnd for almost every man that hunts the
elusive dollar over the desolate waste Of
tho green baize cloth, or on the race
track, or in any of the other multitude
nous ways or places that one may lay
siege to alluring fortune there is sep
arate fancy.
Jack Mcdonald, one Of the best known
bool1mal5ers of America, believes that
he is most successful in those years
which are indicated by odd numbers,
and if you are doubtful of the truth If
it he viii offer You figures to prove it.
'sCarley B, +" as Bool1lnaker Woolf is
best known, has steadfast belief in
80, " and after he has selected horse
TO bet upon he will place an extra heavy
wager on him if he discovers that he is
numbered ''3" ON the programme.
Several superstitious betting mon at
the Morris park races few years ago
noticed the coincidence that the thir-
teenth day of the meeting fell upon
June 10, and they straightway sought
out a horse numbered "13" on the card.
They found one and bet upon him, and
to mako the coincidence most strange
he won.
That this belief in luck as applied to
certain numbers is as old as our philoso-
ply is shown by the fact that centuries
before the Christian era the Pythagorens
and Platonists, who represented all
movements and phenomena Of nature by
numbers, invented the science Of arith-
nomancy, consisting Of the use Of magic
al squares and applying occult powers
tonunlbers. On the combinations Of GER
tain numbers depended systems Of divi-
nation, and particular virtues were as
cribed to numbers accordingly as they
were odd or even.
There's luck in odd numbers" is
saying as old as the hills. AS ancient
writer as Virgil says the gods themselves
esteemed the numbers odd, for in the
eighth cclogue he wrote:
Around his waxen image first 1 wind
Three wooden fillets of three colors joined;
Thrice round his thrice devoted head,
Which round the sacred altar thrice is led
Unequal numbers please the gods.
The Chinese have similar ideas. With
them heaven is odd and earth even, and
tho numbers l, 3, 5, z, 8 belong to heav-
en-, while the even digits are Of the
earth earthly.
So it is little cause for wonder that
cur modem gamblers stick to their be-
lief that fortune abounds in odd num-
bers only.-New York Herald.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
Moths

Dr.. Aldricls Of kentucky is an en-
thusiastic ontomologist When asked
for somo information Oh the subject he
has made a specially of, he said: ITO
study the habits Of the moth family you
must live and grow up with them. The
finest varieties fly by night, and it is
with some difficulty that they are cap
tured. The usual way is to go out with
o hand net and pot Of stale beer,
sweetened with a quantity Of molasses
or sugar. 4 dash Of this mixture On
the bark Of the tree, whose leaves the
moths feed upon, is the bait which lures
them to death. As soon as they light the
net is sprung over them, and later on
they are asphyXiated by being dropped
in an etherized jar, after which they are
carefully mounted and labeled. I have
a house built especially for their prop
agation and filled with leaves Of their
favorite tree With the caterpillars
crawling to the right and left Of re I
spend many night watching their hab-
its from & rude cot i'll one corner Of the
building 1t Is quite profitable bust
ness, besides being unusually instruct
i've. Some Of the largest varieties are
the size Of q humming bird, and the
rarest kinds, when properly mounted,
easily bring $25. The Smithsonian in
stitution at Washington before the fire
of several years ago, had one Of the
finest chronological collections II the
world. "-Philadelphia Press.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
An Old Prescription.


The crowd had gathered about
horse and buggy in the middle Of tue
street. The horse had baked.
"Tie string around his ear" said
one of the bystanders. at gives
him something else to think of. l
never knew it to fail.n
A string was produced and wound
tightly round one of the animals
ears. 1t had no effect.
"Blindfold him." suggested anoth-
er.
A bandage was tied over his eyes
and an effort made to start him.
Same result.
Back him."
"He won't back" said the exes-
perated owner. 81 tried that"
"Try him with an ear of corn"
The ear of corn failed 10 move the
obstinate horse.
III see if l can't persuade him
some other way" said the exasper-
ated owner of the animal.
He took whip and belabored the
beast with it till somebody threaten
ed to have him arrested.
Then he kicked him awhile.
! All in vain.
Finally benevolent looking old
gentleman forced his way through
the crowd aud said:
II have seen crest many balky
horses started by building fire I'M
der them. Can you get some straw
or shaviugs!"
A boy was SEM 10 . neigh6oriDg
furniture store for some excelsior.
He came back presently with huge
armful. 1t was placed on the ground
under the horse and lighted match
touched to it.
As the first feeble flame rose from
it and the smoke began TO curl about
his legs the horse unbent little.
He turned his head, took calm
survey of the situation. and when
the combustible stuff burst into a
big blaze he moved forward about
six feet, in full possession OF his fac
ulties and without any unnecessary
haste, and stopped again.
And the elegant buggy was dam
aged $25 worth by tue flames before
it occurred TO anybody to scatter the
blazing stuff.
Aud then an old colored man in u
faded SUIT of secondhand clothes aud
hat with half the brim gone went
out and spoke kindly to the high
spirited animal, rubbed his nose, pat
ted him on the neck, climbed into
the damaged buggy and said, "Git
along, sonny"
And the horse moved Off az Il
brisk trot, with head high in the ali.
Chicago Tribune.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
All Free.

Those who have used DR.. Kings
New Discovery knows its value,
and those who have not, have now
the opportunity to try it free. Call
on the advertised Druggist and get
a trial bottle free. Send your name
and address to H. E. Bucklen & Co.,
Chicago, and get sample box of
DR.. Kings New Life Pills free, as
well as copy of Guide to Health
and Household Instructor, free.
All of which is guaranteed to do you
good and cost you nothing. e. G.
Williams, Jr. & Co.'s Drug store.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
MAKE YOUR OWN SNOW.
IT'S Curious FORMATION In the Full Rays of
July Sun.

July Sun.
Two solid bodies, one yellow, sulphur,
tho other black, carbon, unite under GER
tain circumstances to form a colorless
liquid called sulphide of carbon, which
must he handled with much precaution
oa aocornt Of its great explosive prop
crty. The soluble property of sulphide
Of carbon renders it valuable to take
spots OF Of garments. If its odor is
more disagreeable than that of benzine
If turpentine, it has at least the advan-
iage Of being dispelled quickly in conse-
Quence Of the prompt evaporation Of the
liquid. There is nothing equal to it to
.slze off spots Of paint on clothes 1t
does not do it, however, without Great
ing great fear in persons who use it for
the first time for they see ON the very
Jiiaoe where, to their great pleasure, the
paint had disappeared large white
mot, the nature of which is hard for
hem to define, and the more they brush
The moro unsightly and the larger that
white spot grows. Is then the garment
lost? No, for fortunately after q few
b moments the spot melts away never to
show again. 1t was snow and nothing
more. The sulphide of carbon in evapo-
rating takes heat from the cloth and
surrounding air, and the result of that
IS asUdden lowering Of temperature suf-
ficient to freeze the vapor of the atmos-
phore.
Without operating on your clothes
You may make the experiment in the
following way: Fill small vial with
sulphide &C carbon, taking great care to
10 it far from all flame or heated stove.
Then close the bottle with a cork stopper
through which you have previously bored
q small hole. In this hole place a piece
Of blotting paper made up into o small
roll The paper must reach to the bot
tom Of the bottle and about an inch
above the cork Within 10 minutes you
VIII see the outside Of this paper cover
ed with snow, the quantity Of which
gradually increases. The liquid has risen
through the pores Of the paper as the oil
CT lamp through the wick. When it
gets to the open air, it oyaporates, and
the water contained in the surrounding
atmosphere, being brought to a temper
aturo below % degrees, has been frozen.
Il You divide the paper outside OF the
bOtEo into several pieces, you obtain
flowers and most charming effects. You
may make the experiment in summer
and III the full rays Of the sun. The re
suit viii be obtained then more prompt
j., evaporation being more abundant -
St. Louis Post Dispatch.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

Mrs. Corntassel had been to the
Corcoran Art Gallery.
"What did you think of the stat
uary!" asked her hostess.
"Well," was the meditatiye reply;
"of course, its mighty poor taste and
sinlully wasteful fur people ter over
dress. But 1 must say the anclents
carried economy ter an extreme"
Washington Star.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
THE BLOOD is the source O
health. Take Hoods Sarsaparilla to
keep pure and rich. Be sure to gei
HOODS SARSAPARILLA.

Mistress (arranging for the din
ner)-Didn't the grocer send the
macaroni yet?
Cook-Yes, mum, but Oh sent it
back. Every wan of thin stims was
empty.-Vogue.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
$2l. The Tyler Desk Go.
"M0re Facts

Is handsomely illustrated fifty
page pamphlet issued by the Chica,
go, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway
Company, giving valuable informa-
ton regarding Agriculture, Sheer
Raising, Climate, Soil and other
resources Of South Dakota. 1t also
contains correct map of North as
we'll as South Dakota.
Every farmer and in fact any
one interested in agriculture, etc.
should have a copy it. Sent free
to any address upon application tc
John r. Pott, District Passenger
Agent, Williamsport, Pa.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

Dick feeling Of Toms bicepsJ-My,
what an arm! Do you frequent the gym
nasium?
Tom-Gymnasium nothing! Tread all
the papers, dailies and weeklies. Just
try it for a week or two yourself. The
amount Of turning over it gives a fellow
to follow the different articles from one
page to another beats all the gymna-
Sums III Christendom for exercise. -
Boston Transcript.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
Business,

Say, old man, want to talk bust
ness to you few minutes.
Certainly; go ahead"
Gould you lend me $25 without in
convenience"
eyes, think I could"
''Thanks. I'll return it shortly"
''What security will you give?"
"Why-er-I-didn't think any nee
essary."
"Oh, probably I misunderstood you.
thought you said you wanted to talk
business. indianapolis Sentinel
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
1894.
HARPER'S WEEKLY.
TTTJTcTP Attn

Hdrper'S Weekly is beyond all ques-
tion the leading journal in America, in
its splendid illustrations, in its corps of
distinguished contributors. and in its
vast army of readers. In special lines,
it draws on the highest order of talent,
the men best fitted by position and
training to treat the leading topics of
the day. In fiction, the most popular
story writers contribute to its columns
Superb drawings by the foremost artists
illustrate its special articles. its stories,
and every notable event of public inter.
est; it contains portraits of the distin-
guished men and women who are max
ing the history of the time, while spec
ial attention is given to the Army and
Navy, Amateur Sport, and Music and
the Drama, by distinguished experts.
In word, Harper's Weekly combines
the news features of the daily paper and
the artistic and literary qualities of the
magazine with the solid critical charac.
ter of the review.
HARPERS PERIODICALS.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
Japan and Foreigners.

In the last century there was Japa-
nese law providing that no ship or ma
tive should leave Japan under pain of
forfeiture or death; that any one return
ing from a foreign country should be
killed; that no one should purchase any
thing from a foreigner, and that any
person bringing a letter from abroad
should die, together with all his family
Chicago Tribune
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

California Girl-And you are to
marry q man with real title! How
lovely |
Oklahoma Girl-Yes, it's short !;
but like a man with title.
ooh, do tell me his full title!'
"Polecat Pete !'-Cleyeland Plain
Dealer.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

The sea was pretty rough, the hip
was pretty rocky, and the sick pass
ergers was leaning against the rail.
BE careful" cautioned an officer,
,r you will lose your balance.
The passenger went through two
or three spasms.
"Well," he replied recklessly, 'ff
this thing keeps on there won't be
much balance to lose."- Detroi
Free Press.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

The earlier symptoms of dyspep-
STA, such as distress after eating,
heartburn, and occasional headaches,
should not be neglected. Take
Hoods Sarsaparilla if you wish to be
cured.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

Postage Free to all Subscribers in the
United States, Canada, and Meyieo
The Volumes of the Weekly begin
with The first Number for January of
each year. When no time is mentioned
subscriptions will begin with the Num-
Der current at the time of receipt of
order.
Bound Volumes o. Hdrper'S Weekly
for three years back, in neat cloth bin :
ing, will be sent by mail, postage paid,
or by express, free of expense (pro Vided
the freight does not exceed one dollar
per volume), for $500 per volume.
Cloth Cases for each volume, suitable
for binbing, will be sent by mail, post
paid, on receipt of 81 90 each.
Remittances should be made by Post
office Money Order or Draft, to avoid
chance of loss.
Newspapers are not 10 copy this ddueT-
tiSeaaeat scithout the cypress order of
HaLper Dc Brothers.
Address: HARPER & BROTHERS,
New York,
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
RumfOrd Yeast Powder
EXceIs all Others.

in baking strength, purity and
healthlulness. 1t is strictly pure
phosphate powder, and is beneficial,
to health. Recommended by ply.
sicians.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
RuokIen,s Arnlca saIye.

The BEsT sALvE in the world Tor cuts,
bruises. sores, ulcer, salt rheunii, fever
sores, letter, chapped hands, ehiiblains
congestion, cruptians and II positively
cures piles or no pay required. lis guar
anleed to give satisfaction or money re-
funded. Price % cents per box, at L. c..
Williams, Jr. 4 Co.'s drug store.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
Financially Embarrassed.

A large manufacturer, whose ar-
fairs were very much embarrassed
and who was overworked and broken
down with nervous exhaustion, went
to celebrated specialist. He was
told that the only thing needed was
to be relieved of care and worry, and
have a change of thought. This doc
tor was more considerate of bis pa
TENTS health than Of bis financial
circumstances. He ought 10 bave
advised him to use DIR. Miles Res
torative Nervine, the bestremedy for
nervous prostration, sleeplessness,
dizziness, headache, i'll effects otspir-
its, tobacco, coffee, opium, etc.
Thousands testify to cures. Book
and trial bottle free at A. NJ. Gil
belts.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

"Tommie," said the teacher, "de-
fine the word widow-what is a wild
ow?' "a widow" began Tommie,
slowly, Sis "a woman "Yes?'
said the teacher. ia woman what
wants to get married again" con-
tinued TommY.-Harper's Bazaar.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
what Will do ~?

Medical writer's claim that the
successful remedy for nasal catarrh
must be non-irritating, easy ofappli-
cation, and one that will reach the
remote sores and liberated surfaces.
The history OF the efforts to treat
catarrh is proof positive that only
one remedy has completely met these
conditions, and that is Ely's Cream
Balm. This safe and pleasant rem
edy has mastered catarrh as nothing
else has ever done, and both physi-
clans and patients freely eoncede
this fact. Our druggists keep it.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

Many Persons ere broken
down from oyerwork or household cares.
Browns Iron Bitters Rebuilds the
system, aids digestion removes excess Of b1a
End cures malaria Get the genuine.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

"The search is fruitless,' sighed
the man in vain as he looked for
pineapples on a pine tree.-Texas
Siftings
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

Miss Mannish-None Of the girls
will have anything to do with that
Miss Dainty.
Miss Jockeyclub-No wonder
She's so effeminate.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
The Color of AnimaIs.

There is q connection between the
color and character Of animals. Al
though much Of the subject is yelled il
considerable obscurity, as q general rule
it may be stated that vivid conspicu-
Gus coloring accompanies strength, cour-
age and often ferocity The black CT red
hair and the ruddy skin indicate carbon
or iron somewhat in excess, q sangaine
temperament rapidity Of thought and
action and courage frequently bordering
ON rashness In the brute creation 1t is
rather character that has modified color
in the course Of the survival Of the fit
test. The timid animal, bird CT fish pos
sessing the most neutral coloriug lived
longest and left most offspring and SO
gradually the conspicuous mombcrs of
the family were eliminated This neu-
tral coloring as well as color that
changes for protective purpos,8 is the
external characteristic Of shyness and
timidity, aIertncss of sense, kecnncss of
vision and scent and swiftncs5 rather
than strength of limb. -PittsbuTg Dis
patch.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

ForMalaria, Liver Trou-
bic, or Indigestion, use
BROWN Us IRON BITTERS
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

Foods Pills cure all Liver Ills,
Biliousness, Jaundice, Indigestion,
Sick Headache.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
Primitive Names.

The CONSERVATION which some bota-
nists have raised in pressing the duty Of
abandoning many universally accepted
plant names and adopting for general
use more primitive ones is spreading to
other departments Of learning 1t is
found that the whole English language
is in the same unfortunate condition as
the language Of botany. 1t is proposed
to abandon thinks, " walks, lis
tens, " freezes" etc, for "thinlloth, 3"
''walketh, " 'listeneth, - ''frcezeth, ="
etc, as having much prior claim to
our regard. -Meehan' Monthly.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
two Valuable Friends.

l. A physician cannot be always
had. Rheumatism, Neuralgia, Sprains;
Bruises aud Burns occur often and
sometimes when least expected.
Keep handy the friend of many house
holds and the destroyer of all pain
the famous Red Flag Oil, 25 cents.
2. Many precious life could be say,
ed that is being racked to death with
that terrible cough. Secure a good
nights rest by investing rs cents
for bottle of Pan-Tina, the great
remedy for Coughs, Colds and Con-
sumption. Bottles of Pan-Tina
sold at E. G. Williams, Jr. &Co.'s
Drug Store. Sept. 80 If.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
Brace Up.

You are feeling depressed, your appetite
is poor, you are bothered with Headache,
you are fdgetty, nervous and general gu
OF sorts and want to BRACE up. Brace up
but not with stimulants, spring medicines
or bitters, which have for their basis very
cheap, bad whiskey, and which stimulate
you for an hour, and then leave you in a
worse condition than before, What you
want is an Alternative that will purify our
blood, start healthy action of Liver and
Kidneys, res.ore your vitality and give
renewed health ana strength. Such medi
cine you VIII find in Electric Bitters and
only 30 cents a bottle, at E. c. Williams,
Jr. 4 Co., Drug Store.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
10 COuSUMpTIVES.

The undersigned having been re-
stored to health by simple means, after
suffering for several years with severe
lung affection, and that dread disease
Consumption, is anxious to make
known to his fellow sufferers the means
Of cure. To those who desire it, he will
clleerfully send free of charge) q copy
of the prescription used, which they
willfind a sure cure for Consumption,
Asthma, Catarrh, Bronchitis and
all throat and lung Hlaladies. He
hopes all sufferers viii try his Remedy,
as it is Invaluable. Those desiring the
prescription, which will cost them moth
ing, and may prove a blessing, will
please address, REV. EDWAI1l} A VIII
SON, Williamsburg, kin County
New IOsi<
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
Castoria.

ssCastoria Is an excellent medicine for chi
dren. Mothers have repeatedly told me of its
good effect upon their children"
On. G. G.. OsGooD,
Lowell, Mass.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

1 represent the following old, reliable
and well-known companies
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

"Castoria is the Lest remedy for children -
which am acquainted. hope the day is not
far distant when mothers VIII consider the real
interest of their children, and use Castoria in
stead Of the various quack nostrums which are
destroying their loved ones by forcing opium,
morphine, soothing syrup and other hurtful
agents down their throats, thereby sending
them to premature graves"
On. ]. F. KINcHELoE,
Conway, Ark.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

A sworn statement of their condition
will be found 90 file at the Circuit Clerk S
office in compliance with State laws.
Respectfully,
HERBERT L. LEXANDER.
Feb, 10, '94, year.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05

The Centaur Company Murray New York City.
Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1894-05-05
HARPER S PERIODICALS.
Per Year:

Postage Free to all Subscribers in the
United States, Canada, and Meyieo.