davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19
FATHER,s CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.
They Were Useful to the Family; aad He
Saw Little Of Them.

Saw Little Of Them.
We were talking about Christmas
presents, the girls and mother and I,
when father came in. Then we changed
the subject just little bit, because it
was fathers presents we were dis
cussing. Father sat down by the stove
and rubbed his hands-he had just been
out at the barn-and queer expression
slowly settled upon his features.
"Say, mother, and Ned and girls, :"
he said, 4 don't want any of you to get
me any presents 'Tain't no use, you
know
''Why, father" said Lena in an ag-
grieved voice, 1--WE always get you use
full presents, don't we? I don't myself
believe in things that are not useful. "
Fathers eyes twinkled. Eyes" he
said, "but sometimes think they are a
little too useful, you know"
Nell shrugged her shoulders impa>
tiently, but mother said: "Let father
have his little joke. What is it this
time, father?''
The old gentleman, having warmed
his hands, settled himself back comfort
ably in his big chair, and his eyes
twinkled more than ever.
''Well, let's see" he went on in a
ruminating manner. do you remember
the dozen hemstitched han n'kerchiefs
that you gave me last Christmas, Leny?
I guess I used one ON 'em just once.
Some way or other" with a genial, i'm
partial glance at the company, ''Leny
and Nell have been usin of 'em, and
I've been usin of Leny and Nell's old
torn ones He, he! l don't know jest
how twas, but it's fact. Then, Ned,
do you remember the compass you got
me for birthday present last June? 1t
was nice little compass, and guess a
feller about your size thought so, too,
for he's been usin of it ever sence.
Then. let's see, there was the silk ham
kerchief that mother give me at birth
day, and I put it away choicelike, and
the fust thing knew Leny was a-wear-
in of it inside her jacket. Yes, my pres
ents are all useful, leetle bit too use
full, mebbe. See the point, don't your"
Fathers next presents had his name
written on each of them, and none of us
ever again thoughtlessly used the dear
old mans things. Agricul-
trrist
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19
CHRISTMAS IN INDIA.
A Lazy Picnic Amid the Tropical Sur
roundings of Calcutta

roundings of Calcutta.
The san shines gloriously overhead.
The sky is pale, cloudless blue, and
the foliage around us shows every shade
and tint from brown to scarlet, from the
palest to the deepest green. We saunter
along the grass under the trees beside
the avenue and find quiet spot, with
a pool of clear water haunted by swans
before us. The ground is oarpeted with
soft grass and shaded with trees. On
one side, 800 yards away, is bank of
shrubs, with the most gorgeous variety
Of coloring, from mauve and lilac to
crimson red; on the other three, cool,
restful green leaves On such Christ
mas morning it is good to be alive.
Let us think of it as we shiver over
our fires in England. We spread our
rugs and coats ON the ground and lie
down and smoke lazily. Presently the
Khidmutgars arrive with hampers We
do not move, for in India we have not
that irrational and idiotic notion that
q picnic is no picnic unless you wait
upon yourselves, lay your own lunch
and burn your own fingers over your
kettle The lunch is admirable from
the solids to the fruit, from the drinks
to the ice. Nothing has been forgotten,
for once Khidmutgar has been taught
a thing he may be relied upon to do it
again with absolute exactitude on a
similar occasion till the crack of doom
unless he is idiotic.
A picnic is a complete rest, with
nothing to do save to lie still and en-
joy No one even talks unless the spirit
moves him. For the most part we sit
quiet, drinking in the beauty of the
scene. The servants pass silently to and
fro handing dishes, which are accept
ed or rejected as silently. 1t is waste
Of energy to speak. The cool breeze fans
us gently. There are no mosquitoes. All
is peace. Last of all come the coffee
and the cigars. Saturday Review.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19
A serxian Christmas Dinner.

The poorest family in Servia will
pinch themselves all through the year
so as to have money enough to buy a
pig at Christmas Skewered to q long
piece Of wood, the pig is turned over a
blazing fire until cooked, the guests
watching the process with increasing
interest. After dinner stories are told
and songs are sung. Santa Claus, who,
in the person of an honored guest, is
present to receive instead OF to give
presents, departs after the feast, deco
rated with long ring Of cakes around
his neck and laden with such gifts as
his friends can bestow. The feasting
room is symbolically strewn with straw.
New York Journal.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19
THREE TURKEYS.

Three turkeys came sofrowing home to roost-
Home to roost as the sun went down.
Each thought Of the usual Christmas boost
That the poultry trade would receive In town.
For birds must fatten,
And men must eat
And the juicy worm
Makes the best of white meat,
So what is the use of bemoaning9
Three forms through the dark'ning barnyard
stalk
With axes as sharp as sharp can be.
There's a scuff1e Of wings, a smothered
squawE-
Three gobblers sailing the jasper sea-
For birds may flutter,
But cooks must kill
And pile the Christ
Mas table until
The festive board is groaning.
Three corpses lay in the morning light
On the kitchen dresser all ready to roast.
They are trimmed and skewered and rammed
full tight
With sage and with everything else almost.
For "turlzs' must siZZle
And change to brown,
And if there's a turlzeyless
Man in town
I've bird that don't mind 1oaning
San Francisco Examiner.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19
Christmas ut Osborne.

The royal boar's head, the baron of
beef and woodcock pie, which are indis-
pensable for British sovereign's Christ
mas feed, are all sent from Windsor to
Osborne ready cooked. The bears head
is brought in in solemn state, preceded
by choir boys singing carol as follows:
The queens boar's head in hand bear
Bedecked with bays and rosemary,
And pray you, my people, be merry.
Quot eatis in convivio
Caput apri defero
Reddens laudea Domino.
Lord steward has provided this
In honor Of the king of bliss.
On Christmas to be served
In Reginene Atrio
Caput apri defaro
Reidens laudea Domino
Exchange
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19
Is Life
Worth Livinq?

That depends upon the
Liver. If the Liver is
inactive the whole sys-
tenn is out of order-the
breath is bad, digestion
poor, head dull or aching,
energy and hopefulness
gone, the spirit is de-
pressed, heavy weight
exists after eating, with
General dependency and
the blues: The Liver is
the housekeeper of the
health; and a harmless,
simple remedy that acts
Ike Nature, does not
constipate afterwards or
require constant taking,
Goes not interfere with
business or pleasure dur
iag It's use, makes Sim
mons Liver Regulator a
medical perfection.
lave tested its virtues personally, ant
know that for Dyspepsia, Biliousness and
Throbhing Headache, it is tho best medi
cine the world ever saw. Have tried forty
other remedies before Simmons Livej
Regulator, and none of them gave more
than temporary relief, but the Regulator
mt OILY relieved bi7t cured.
G. -. ''-ZZs. Macon. Ga.
Iv,.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19

Christmas is almost in sight, and
stockings are much longer than they
were last year. Dallas News.
A praiseworthy Christmas decoration
lining the pockets of the poor with
gold and silver.-New York Journal
Christmas comes but once year, and
when it does it sneaks up on every one
'unawares. Chicago Record.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19
Modern Conyeniences,

Ole Sanity is a.comin, yoh kin wager all yoh We
got.
He has err gif' dats mighty fine fur yoh ez liks
ez not.
His reindeer ia a-prancin undahneaf de north
ern stars,
An eff de snow gifts melted he kin take de cable
kyars.
Washington Star.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19
Santa Claus Coming.

Santa Claus Coming.
Oh, happy are the little folks,
For Christmas is most here.
Then get your stockings ready,
For now the time draws near.
Old Santa Claus is on the way.
he left home yester noon.
His great sleigh packed with Christmas
gifts,
He'll be here very soon.
His reindeers six are flying fast.
He cracks his whip-away
They're speeding over hill and dale
Three cheers for Christmas dayl
Washington News
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19

and yet they really do you more good.
Their refined and concentrated vegetable
extracts act upon the liver in a natural
way that lasts They have a peculiar
strengthening effect on the intestines. Thev
not only relieve, but permanently cure.
In every liver, stomach, and bowel disor-
er-Constipation, Biliousness, Indigestion.
Windy Eructations, g Risings of Food,n Sick
or Bilious Headaches, Sour Stonach-they,re
money is returned
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19
Why Santa Claus Drives Reindeers.C

That Santa Claus comes with rein
deers simply means he's interested in
the wee little fellows still i'll lapland. =
Philadelphia Times.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19

TOS. A. GLASGOW.
81 ATTORNEY-ATLAW
Room No % s. Augusta Street. Skinner
Duildinp STAUNTON. VA.
aug loft
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19
RATES QE AQNER rlSlAN
THE SMALLER, THE BETTER

., 1Hh ohxxGA
If you can only
be sure that .
small pill will do
you as much
good. DR.. Pierce's
Pleasant Pellets
are smaller than
any others, sugar
coated, easier to
take and easier in
AL Al
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19

Special attention given to corporation and
real-eState law.
Having closed up all outside business, which
for year or two interrupted my regular law
practice 1 am now enabled to, and shall, from
fths time, give my undivided time and 9xclu-
Sive attention to the law; and to such persons
as my entrust me with their litigation, prom
ise my best efforts and such ability as l may
possess. IAN lo-UI
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19

VIM. A. PRATT, HUGH HOLMES hEhk.
PRATT s. KERR,
ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW,
No. II Court Place, Staunton, va.
NOTARY PUBLIC.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19

WT Fl. LANDES,
W. ATTORNEY-AT-LAW,
STAUNTON, VA.
No2, Court House Square.
aug 9-tf
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19

ALEX F. ROBERTSON,
N ATTORNEY
STAUNTON, VA.
Olnce No. 4 Lawyers Row. in rear of Court
house.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19

X S. w. BARNES,
" ATTORNEY-AT-LAW,
No.s4 West Main Street,
sept 27-tf STAUNTON, VA.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19

r NJ. QUARLES.
81. ATTORNEP-AT-LAW,
STAUNTON, VA.
feb II, 'S6-tf
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-12-19

"For several years I have recommended
your Castoria, and shall always continue to
do so as it has invariably produced beneficial.
results
EDWIN f. PARDEE NJ. D.,
125th Street and 18th Ave, New York City.
oMPANY, n MURRAY STREET, NEW York Cry
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1894-04-21
Quaint DweIiing-Houses.

Among the oldest groups of dwelling
houses in the United States, still we'll
preserved and tolerably inhabtablc
are four quaint structures situated
near the old Providence Road. thirteen
miles from Philadelphia. and nearly
opposite the somewhat celebrated
Westinghouse wherein occurred the
great schiSm in the Society of Friends
\ milestone across the road. indicating
that it is five miles to Chester, bears
the date 1908. These houses it is said
We're erected in the latter part of 400
and the corner one is especially notable
from having Il horseshoe nailed on the
upper croSSpicce of the front door
The shape of the shoe, its degree of
oxidation and other evidences convinc
ing to antiquarian folk. show that it
WAS affixed. not as an affected piece
of bric-a-brac. but at time when ii
sincere belief in the existence of witch
rs widely prevailed, as did also the be-
lief in the efficacy of horSrShocS tn
scare them aWay
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1894-04-21

From "Reccnt Railroad Disasters"
by Lafayette &. I.oomiS, in the Popular
Science Monthly for January, we take
the following timely suggestions:
\ fast Atlantic steamer has ordiDar-
lily, for fair weather. three or more men
on watch. and two officers on the
bridge; and in thick weather often not
less than ten or twelve, whose sole
business it is to guard the ship against
outside contingencies.
We start out an express at four
times the speed in equally thick wealth.
or under the care and direction of n
single man--in few eases, perhaps,
with an assistant.
Let us note the ordinary duties of
this man with hundreds of lives in his
keeping. plunginS into the darkness.
storm, snow and fog at Il speed OF
sixty To ninety miles au hour
He is supposed to stand with his
hand upon the throttle looking to scan
every rod of his faSt-hying track. to
note every crossing, every approaching
vehicle. every straying animal, to oh
serve every signal and every switch,
while there are beside him in his cab
from fifty to Sevcnty-tivc levers. valves.
cocks gauges. handles and what not,
which he is expected to apply instant
ly rs the eXi gency may arise, us dan
ger may spring into view, or calamity
confront.
1t is said that Wellington, at Il crit
cal moment at Waterloo, when Il mes
sage was brought to him that certain
battalion was without ammunition.
failed to respond to the call. After
wards, referring to his failure and To
the disaster which resulted to the bat
TALON. he said: at is true; but no man
can think of everything"
In the heat and stress of battle II
man may be pardoncd IN inability To
rccollcct, even at the cost of human
life: but a system of business that.
every hour of the day and night, in
trusts the lives and safety of the pub
lie to the care and protection of Il
brain overwhelmed and distracted
like that of Il locomotive engineer. is
open to the gravest criticism.
Nor is it in the duties of the cmgi-
uc"r only that this peril abidcs. The
IonkcrS disaster and one of those ON
Long Island were from the rear: the
Wabash and the Germantown from the
siding. 1t thus appears that the de
mandS of the modern train are insult
ticirntly met by the intellectual guild
M force at all points front, rear and
ON thp sides
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1894-04-21

Dinner is the great event of The day.
for +" this meal all the people employed
in the biggest show on earth ii;
down at once. The mess trn1 is an
phlpng affair. There are six rows of
tables with Il broad aisle down the
centre: it will seat 800 people. The
HliSIorracy sits ON the right side and
The masses on the left. The ariStoc-
racy has Il little better service than
the others. but the food is about til
SAM. There is roast beef. vegetables
and desserts with soup and fish at the
cooks caprice. The cooking is done
in Il wagon fitted up with two ranges
The coffee making and boiling and
broilinE is done in the open air II
takes seventy gallons of milk to put in
the tea and coffee of the mess every
day. and more when the boys are
tired. After dinner there is an hour
of rest AT twilight. This is the only
time in the entire day that the per
formers have wholly to themselves 1t
is the social hour. Little family groups
gather in III" open air. lying ON the
grass. picnic fashion. about IL chariot
or near tree: the women cluster in
little groups and talk woman wise. ana
make Il fcint of doing fancy work,
sewing or reading.
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1894-04-21

There is Il horSeShoc-Shaprd noun
tain up in Manitoba which literally
Swarms with snakes twice every wear
In the early fall these slippery cuSto-
mcrS gather here from all directions
mostly from the prairie country to the
south. In one side of the mountain
there is Il circular hole. about fifteen
feet deep, and as smooth as if it had
been fashioned with Il well augrr
where tens of thousands of reptiles
gather to spend the cold winter
months. Persons who have tried to
explore this immense snake den dur
ing the summer, when the regular ten.
ants We're absent. say that dozens of
subtcrranean passages lead out under
the mountains in all directions from
the bottom of the well. Capt. SilvcrS.
Royal Engineers, estimates that he has
seen as many as 100000 snakes of all
sizes knottcl together and piled up in
Il s"mi-torpid state in this well of ser
penis" as it is called in the North
west
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1894-04-21

The gold fish, which is distributed
over nearly all parts of the world. is
one of the most interesting members
of the tinny tribe. 1t apparently is
susceptible to atmospheric changes
and any one who takes the trouble to
note its actions in an aquarium will he
aStoniShed 10 find that the beautiful
little fish is a true prophet in matters
relating to changes i'll the weather.
When IN area of lower temperature
with rain or snow is approaching the
gold fish remains near the surface of
the water, while if clear SunShiny
weather is expected they will almost
always be found near the centre of thu
reservoir
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1894-04-21

Many women who ought to know bet
ter make the grave mistake of signing
business or official communications ,r'
reports with their married nam"
Mrs. John Smith," for instance. is no
accepted as legal signature, hecauS.
Mrs. John is IA title, and not an az
Lual name.
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1894-04-21
Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific
RAILWAY.
ONLY ONE NIGHT OUT.

Chicago to Denver, Colorado Springs or
Pueblo. 1t is known as the Rocky Mount
ain Limited, and leaves Chicago daily at
1915 a. m, arriving at Denver in the after
noon of the next day, earlier than any Of its
councillors Ii is
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1894-04-21
DINING CAR SERVICE

is another guarantee that this train will Sc.
cure patronage, and all passengers en- route
have this luxury through to destination over
the "Great Rock kland." No money is spared
to make its service what our patrons always
say-"the best
The travelling public are advised that our
big 81 will continue to run as usual, leaving
Chicago at 10 p. M. daily, and arrive at Den
yer, Colorado Springs and Pueblo the second
morning, being but one day out and our
No. IL will leave at 6 p. IN. daily, and ria
Kansas City will reach Denver at same hour
as the "Big s."
Tourists shonld remember that this is the
direct line to Manitou and other important
summer resorts, and by taking the
GREAT ROCK ISLAND"
time is saved and through sleeping cars Sc
cured.
The Colorado service of the "Rock IIand'
IS now made perfect by this new Limited
Train and the Big 5, land gives to travellers
two flyers daily each way.
JOHN SEBASTIAN,
General Ticket and Passenger Agent,
H. ST. JOHN, Chicago, Iii.
General Manager,
Chicago, ILL., April SLOT
The Bossier banner., 1894-01-18
800

Bad teeth and old roots extracted
in past six mouths without pain or
injury. Ifyour teeth,can't be saved,
demand the use of odontunder for
extraction; used by me. My prices
for work have not been changed or
reduced any. Always have and al
ways will be about as follows: False
teeth, sets: 30, 81 80, $40, $15 to
800. Gold filings, according to size,
81, 81 so, So, IS, etc. Platina,
amalgam and cement filings, 81, 81
90, 81, etc. Gold crowns, So, 81 so
and $40. Cheap work is not good
work. This is as cheap as any honest
man can work.
DIR. CHAS. G. MCCLoUD,
Shreveport, La.
Originator Painless Dentistry at
Living Prices.
The Bossier banner., 1894-01-18

Mr.. Ben Holman, one of the lead
ing and wide-awake retail merchants
in Shreveport, Is offering special in
ducements to every one seeking bar
gains in dry goods, dress goods, nov
elites, boots, shoes, hats, etc. When
ia New York recently his selections
were made with care and with the
view of meeting competition from
every quarter, both as to quality and
prices. He is now ready to supply
the wants of his friends and custo-
mers, and invites every one to call
and see his goods.
The Bossier banner., 1894-01-18
Personal Paragraphs.

Mrs. Ada G. Butts is visiting
friends in Shreveport.
Mrs. W. NJ. Abney, OF Collinsburg,
visited relatives tn Benton last week.
Col. J. A. Snider, of Bellevue, is
in Benton this week on legal bust
ness.
Mrs. w. n. Doles and Miss Ella
Doles, of Cottage Grove, visited
Mrs. w. j. Dawson Friday.
Miss Sallie Cade, who has been
spending a pleasant vacation at
home, returned to school at Shreve-
port Tuesday.
Miss Emma Norris, of Kingston,
DeSoto parish, was the pleasant
guest of Mrs. j. NJ. Belcher q few
days this week.
Mr.. aud Mrs. S. FL. Dowell, who
have been on a visit to Mr.. Dowelrs
parents in Oklahoma, returned
home Sunday morning.
Mr.. A. r. Thompson left Saturday
Tor Baton Rouge on business and to
attend the Sheriff's Convention held
in New Orleans last Monday.
Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Moore and
Mr.. I. j. Moore and family, moved
last week from Bellevue to Bodcau
Station. We wish them every sue
cess 10 their new home.
Mr.. CO. Gayle, a former mer
chant and citizen Of this place, but
who for the past several months has
been resident of Hot Springs
Ark, was in Benton this week shak.
Ing hands with his many friends.
captain A. P. Butler and family
nave moved into the Fleming dwell
ing, aud Mr.. J. A. Larkin aud fam
ny will occupy the house vacated b,
captain Butler, Mr.. Larkin havin.
purchased the place from Mr.. J.H
Shepherd.
The Bossier banner., 1894-01-18
To the Trade.

Having resolved to sell goods
for cash, we beg to state to our
friends and customers that we soilt
duplicate Shreveport prices, soitk the
freight added, on all goods il our line,
for cash, not thirty days. Thirty
days don't mean cash; it meant sixty
and ninty days; and such accounts
are usually carried on the sweat book
of time 365 days.
Trusting that our cash system will
meet the hearty approval Of all, we
remain, Yours very respectfully,
VAUGHAN & CREswELL.
The Bossier banner., 1894-01-18

We do not know to whom the fol
lowing vagrant bit of advice should
be credited, but it is good sound
sence: "When a man playfully
points pistol OF gun at you, knock
him down; don't stop to inquire
whether it is loaded or not; knock him
down. Don't be particular what you
knock him down with, only see that he
is thoroughly Knocked down. If a cor
oner's inquest must be held, let it be
on the other fellow-he wont be
missed. d.-EGckange.
The Bossier banner., 1894-01-18

There have been a good many
improvements iu the town of Ben
ton during the past year. The
large and cemmodious school house
aud Masonic hall and the pretty
residence of Mr.. Joannes Smith have
been erected, and the handsome
dwellings of Mayor W. B. Simpson
and DR.. W. NJ. Abney are about
completed.
The Bossier banner., 1894-01-18

The census of India, just publish
ed, gives the population as 257,000,?
900, about one-ffth of the entire
population of the earth. Nearly
three fourths of the inhabitants are
engaged in agriculture. The birth
rate is higher than that of any Euro.
pean country, except Russia, reach
ing forth-eight in a thousand, and
the death rate forty-one per thous-
and. About 26 per cent of the
children born die during the first
year.
The Bossier banner., 1894-01-18
The many friends of Mrs. Octavi;

The many friends of Mrs. Octavia
G. Hunter in this parish will be
deeply panied at the news of her
death, which occurred at her home
in Shreveport on the 18th instant.
She was good woman aud was
very popular and highly esteemed
10 South Bessier, where she was
saised. Mrs. Hunter was a daughter
of Gen. j. L. Hodges, pioneer citi-
zen of Bossier, and relict of DR..
Joseph Hunter, and was about 80
years old. Her remains were buried
10 the old family burial ground four
miles south of Haughton Sunday.