davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-12
RARE AUTOGRAPH FOUND.
That of Lynch, One of the Signers of
the Declaration of Independence.

That of Lynch. One of the Signers of
the Declaration of Independence.
From the New York Times
The rarest of all American autographs,
that of Thomas Lynch, jr., one of the sign
ers OF the Declaration of Independence who
Was lost at sea soon after affiXlng his name
to the famous document, has just been dis
covered in this city. Its authenticity h .
baen verified by DIR. Thomas Adds Emmett.
who possesses one of the finest autograph
collections in the world.
The discoverer of the Lynch autograph
is an old collector of autographs and book
plates, who, like every other American col
Iector, has long sought the missing link
among the signers of the Declaration OF
Independence He had received large
consignment of book plates from Paris, and
in looking over them few weeks ago, came
across two plates with the name Lynch
signed in different handwritings. He Al
once recognized in one of the signatures
that of the signer.
When collectors started the work of col.
lecting complete series of autographs of tht
signers of the Declaration. it was found
that specimens of the writing of Thoma:
Lynch, jr., were not to be had. letter
addressed by Lynch to Washington, valued
at hundreds of dollars. is the crownins
glory of DR.. Emmets collection. This let
ter was used in authenticating the sigma
tire on the book plate. No sooner was II
proved genuine than Mr.. w. E. Baillie, 8
wealthy citizen of Bridgeport. Conn, Sc
cured It, 1t is now in his collection in tina
CITY, along with that of the elder Lynch
who was a distinguished statesman and an
ardent patriot.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-12

not the slightest idea. My mother could
tell you, but don't know. How do I work?
Hard. That is all can say about 1t.
have been hard worker all my life. When
I was interested IN political economy. If
came across statement that did not
think was true, I would wade through
whole volumes of dry statistics to see
whether it could be disproved. My later
stories have dealt largely with labor ques-
tons, and 1 have tried to write them from
the point of view Of one who understands
the subject.
Her Nom de Plume.
"How did I come to take the nom de
plume Of Octave Thanet? Well, really that
was an accident. I was a little wary of
having my identity known in the first place
and made up mind to write under ficti-
tious name. Octave was the name of a
school friend Of mine. 1t is both French
and Scotch. I thought if I could find an
other name to go with it that was both
French and Scotch I would adopt that. /
was riding on a train one time when we
stopped at a way station, and on the sid
ing near where 1 sat was freight car
painted red. On the side was chalked the
word 'Thanet' What it meant or how it
got there have not the slightest idea, but
decided then and there to adopt it. Lots
of people still think that Octave Thanet is
a man, and 1 frequently get letters like
your works and am sure you are manly
man. They usually contain a request for a
small loan to be repaid in the near futuer.
The conversation then took in number
of other literary people and Miss French
| talked most entertainihgly about authors Of
| the day whom she knows. She is a gener-
! GUS and admiring critic. Something was
said Of Miss Sarah Orne Jewett and her
work in the field of the literature Of New
| EnSlard. Yes, and how beautifully she
| does tell her Stories" said Miss French
Gould anything be truer or more perfect
| than her pictures of life among the cold
hard, granite hills?" So she spoke of va,
| rious people whose names are we'll known
| in the world of letters and art. There wa:
| not one captious word, not the slightest
| suggestion of professional jealousy. She
| found something in the works of each to ad
| mire ardently.
Truth is what 1 seek above all things
| else" said Miss French, in conclusion. 80
| want to tell my story it really is, anG
| describe things and people as they really
are. do not try to write purpose stories:
| nor nave they often very pointed moral
l say what l have to say and let my read
ers draw their own conclusion. Yes, l have
| written much of western towns l think
| it is in the villages and in the country dis
| tricts that the best of our American citi
| Zenship can be found today not in the bis
| cities. l am a believer in all things Amer
| can, ard believe that many of the socia
| questions that veX us today may be solved
| without hard feeling or trouble if boil
| sides try to understand each other. Sym
pathy and understanding are needed"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-12
DIVORCES IN EUROPE.
They Are Excluded From Court fre-
sentatiOns in Some Countries.

From the Chicago Record
Divorces are increasing in number at such
n rate on this side of the Atlantic tnat IN
view of the custom of weli-to-do Americans
70 snend a portion of their lives in European
capitals. it ray be we'll to give few words
of warning as to which are the courts where
they will be excluded and those where they
win be welcome. l am perfectly aware that
SC me Of my fair readers may argue that dl-
yorces secured in this country do not con-
Germ European royalty. Nor do they as long
as the DIVORCE does not crave presentation
and admission to the royal and imperial
courts of the old world. But the moment
she asks to be presented and looks for per
mission to attend drawing rooms and other
ceremonious functions her antecedents be-
come a matter of relative Importance % the
authorities of the court which she proposes
to honor with her presence.
OF course, no one expects for an instant
that the chamberiains at the head of the
royal and imperial households can Keep
track of all the innumerable marriages
which are legally dissolved on this side of
the water and may occasionally permit
ladies with a past to penetrate the sacred
precincts of the sovereign's abode. But those
burdened with anJecedents of this character
always run the risk of the disgrace OF sub
sequently seeing an official publication in the
government gazette and in the local press to
the effect that their presentation was can
celed.
This has happened to two New York ladies
in London. They had been duly presented
when some busybody who happened to be
acquainted with the fact that they We're
Divorces communicated the information to
the lord chamberlain. with the result that
few DAYS later the official gazette contained
a brief paragraph dated from the lord cham
terlain's office, and ntimating that her ma
iesty had given orders that the presentation
of Mrs. y and Mrs u. of New York should
be Cancelled. This was equivalent to the
closing against them of every door in Europe
which they might wish to enter.
OF all courts those most strict In their eX-
clusion of Divorces are the English and the
| Austrian. There is but one exception made
| by Queen Victoria to this rule, namely, in
| favor of her goddaughter. the Marchioness
| of Blandford, first wife of the late Duke of
Marlborough; and there is likewise but one
| exception at the court of Vienna, Countess
Marie Festetics, the sister of the late Duke
| of Hamilton, and whose first husband was
| the now reigning Prince of Monaco.
At Berlin Divorces are Disseminated
| against, although exceptions are very nu-
| merous. Queen louise of Denmark Will not
| tolerate them at the court of Copenhagen.
| nor Queen Regent Christina at the court of
| Spain. But they are welcome at the court
| of King Humbert, where. although divorce
| is not legally recognized by the law of the
land, there is no royal prejudice against it.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-12

back and opened his mouth in silent laugn
of derision at the landlord the doctor saWthe
comical side Of the ignorant mans TRADE,
and smiled back When he went up the steps
the young ladies came from the dlnlng room
to meet him.
you can't think how nervous I am, doc
tor" said Louise. Tell us about it."
The doctor told them substantially what
he had told Mr. Philbrick, and reiterated MS
confidence that all the mysterious features
of the case would presently be cleared away
I'm moment of irresponsbility, ne SAID;
"Mr. Starkweather probably fell or Jumped
into the river. A body has been found a
mile or SO below, and we are going down to
see If we can identify it.
Must we stay here?" asked Louise.
Are you ill, Miss Willis?" exclaime'i the
doctor. suddenly stepping forward and mold
ing out his hands, for it seemed as II Amelia
were about to faint.
mo, no." she responded, with evident eff
fort, and the color rushed back to her face,
cit Is only that the whole thing seems SO
terrible. That Is ALL"
DIR. Williams looked apprehensive.
I'm half inclined to prescribe for you,
Miss Willis" he said. las did for the pro-
fessor.'
Don't" she returned, I'D rather not take
anything. I wonder II Uncle Nathan will
let us go with him."
Tell me about papa" said Louise.
II feared at first" responded the doctor
frankly, that he had suffered some kind
Of shock that led to hallucination. but
see no evidence Of 1t now. He Is apparently
| as sound as l am, mentally"
II am so relieved There he is now.
The professor drove around the corner IN
| a carryall from the stable, which was at the
| side of the house.
Papa" called Louise, may we go with
| you?"
Not to be thought off, he returned
| shortly.
Wait here a minute" said the doctor in a
| low voice to the young ladies' He wen'
down the steps and spoke to the professor.
| I'm sure you'll pardon a seeming interfer,
| ence but under the circumstances l fee
bound to advise you not to leave the ladies
| here alone. Their nerves are badly shaken
Recall your own agitation and then think OF
them
what were they talking to you about?:'
asked Professor Drummond.
About our conclusions with reference te
| Starkweather. They hadn't heard of the
body in the river, you know"
| Hadn't heard-oh you thought I mean
| the girls. / was referring to Hawkins ant
| the other fellow"
| The doctor was surprised and looked 1t
| There was some acidity characteristic of hi:
| outspoken disposition in his tone as he re
| sponded
Hawkins was for seeing an ugly myster.
| and Mr. Philbrick pooh-poohel his sus
| p.cions. That was all.
! Suspicious, Ell! suspicious of WHAT"
| Il don't know said DR.. Williams, shortly
| II didn't ask him. l venture to assure yol
| that the young ladies ought not to be lief
| alone at home"
Professor Drummond frowned.
"They can't find anything comforting i,
| morgue." he said.
No, but they could stay at my mother
| till your return.
VERY well. Get your hats, girls. ant
hurry" called the professor.
| The short journey to the village was GOV
cred in silence. Professor Drummond wa
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-12

wrapped in his thoughts and the young
ladies' were too subsidized to say anything
The doctor could not help inferring that
they were habitually held in rather severe
subsection by the professor. He noticed
how much more affected. apparently, by the
tragedy of the morning Miss Willis was than
Louise. Amelia had hardly said a word
since the time they had met Betsey. Her
face was very pale and her eyes were swol-
len with a burden of tears that she held
back by a supreme effort of the will.
Having left Louise and Amelia al DR.. Will
liams' home the professor drove on to the
village. There was no need to inquire where
the body of the drowned man was, for he
was recognized by villagers, who called to
him and told him where to go.
Everybody thinks he knows all about it,
muttered Professor Drummond, land l sup
pose the widest tales are current"
The body had been taken to the local I'M
dertaker's place of business, about which
there was a crowd of morbid curiosity k
ers, men and women. They gave way
promptly when the doctor jumped down
from the carryall and pushed towards the
door. Professor Drummond followed more
leiSurely, stopping first to hitch his horse,
accomplishing this act with great delibera-
ton. When at length he entered the under
takers back room he found DIR. Williams, the
undertaken and Mr.. Philbrck there. All
others had been barred out.
1t proved that the rumors about the body
being found without clothing We're eXag-
gerated. The victims clothing was torn,
most of the upper garments having diSap-
peared. and the body was mutilated to a re-
MA rka BILE degree. AT first it had been i'm
possible to recognize the features. but when
word got abroad that Henry StarkweatheI
had died suddenly al Fairview. people could
see resemblances to the pleaSant-voiced
young man who had been living there for
several weeks.
Professor Drummond looked long and
earnestly al the dead man.
ut is he he said, with sigh. at last, and
he a
The undertaken followed him to the office in
front to see whether he had any instructions
to give. DR.. Williams and Mr.. Philbrick
were left with the body.
The doctor had not looked up when the
professor was present. He. too, had recog-
nzed Starkweather. and his personal curl
osity had disappeared for the moment in the
professional interest that the gruesome
spectacle aroused. He was but waiting an
opportunity to make y more thorough eX-
animation than he cared to make in tie
presence of others. AS he heard the door
close on the professor and the undertaken he
bent more closely over the body and re.
moved the cloth from the throat and chest
| y moment later he started and a Shuddei
| BASED over him.
''Eiectricity!'' he Eluttered under his
| breath.
\ low sound. somewhat like chucklc, be
hind him. calSed him to turn suddenly.
Mr.. Philbrick was leaning Negligent,
| against an upright casket his face lit with q
mocking smile.
Il rather thought you'd disa gnosticate the
case, Doctor Williams he said
Go he continued tomorrow
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-12
IN FRANZ JOSEF LAND.
Details by Jackson of the Discoveries
Last Summer,

Last Summer.
From the London Standard
The Windward reached Franz Josef Land
in safety, and now that she has returned
we may gather the scattered threads of the
story told in Mr.. Jackson's letters to Mr.
Alfred Harmsworth, at whose expense the
expedition was sent out.
In this first march, but especially during
the second journey northwarl. E:r. Jack.
son proved that our Knowledge Of the south
ern part of Franz Josef Land is on the
WHOLE very inaccurate. The careful MAP
which he has been able to make not only
reveals lands in Austria sound unnoticeG
by Payer, but also gives a very different
character to the coast lines as laid down
In the maps of the Austrian expedition. AS
a matter of fact. it seems that Mr.. Jack son
has followed route of his own, only CON-
ing at intervals into connection with that
Which Payer pursued twenty years ago, and
he writes: I'VE have entirely altered the
nap and character of a great portion OF
Franz Josef Land. and have found a
and islands where mainland was supposed
to exist. We have also carefully mapped
Markham sound, and, of course, laid down
our route to the furthest point We reached
81 degrees 20 minutes north. Markham
sound and the country further north are
totally different from what Payers map
of the small portion of Itchy Land, which
borders on Markham sound, is absolutely
unlike the description published in the mar
rative of the Austro-Hungarian expedition
Moreover. the mount ainS in that work can
n 1T be observed even on the clearest day.
In this journey north Mr.. Jackson was
abe to take with him not only sufficient
quantity of stores to form three well
equipped depots, but he actually succeeded
in depositng as far north as 81 degrees p
minutes two boats for use at the latter end
of the summer.
Many observations for latitude and longi-
esting geological specimens were collected
| from those rocks which were not covered
| with ice. The formation proved almost en-
| rely basaltic.
In the last letter written previous to the
departure of the ship for England, Mr.
Jackson speaks most enthuSia stically OF the
| prospects of the journey which he was
| about to make north in the Mary Harms
! worth. number of the most interesting
| photographs have been sent back by the
Windward, together with such trophies of
| the winter sojourn in the arctic as polar
bear skins. walrus tusks and the like. A
sketch map of the route taken by the eX-
| petition has also arrived safely, together
| with many geographical details of the
| in paper before the Royal Geographical
| Society. The scientific observations have
been kept regularly through the winter and
! summer and promise to contribute re.
m rka BILE chapter to the natural history Of
| the arctic regions.
The Wind ward will return to Franz josef
| land next June taking with her supplies
carefully picked band of men to assist those
now left behind in a region which promises
| so much in the way of discovery and ad-
| venture.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-12

the story of the young mans death and
disappearance with all the clearness and
circumstantiality with which he had dis
cussed the matter with the doctor. Haw
kins and Mr.. Philbrick listened attentively.
"Of course" concluded the professor,
there only way out of it. L must
have been mistaken in suppos:ng the man
dead, and he recovered sufficiently to get
away after 1 came down stairs"
You think he fell into the river, them
asked Hawkins.
Professor Drummond shrugged his Shout
ders
Il cannot say" he answered, and DR.
Williams noticed how much more self
possessed he was Row than formerly. All
evidence of the shock to which he mad been
subjected had LETT him.
What became of my servant asked the
professor after q moment. during which
Hawkins had been examining his whip
handle. Mr.. Phibrick was gazing at the
mountains miles away beyond the Miniski.
Give it UP. She was powerfully ex-
cited
What did she say"
Nothing that you could fasten to.
Dropped dead and Professor Drummond'
and young man were about all the words
She said and she didn't get them in any
sort of order. You heard her, Mr.. Phil
brick turning to his guest.
~? returned Mr.. Philbrick shifting his
eyes from the mountains to the landlord.
'Oh yes, but / didn't pay much attention
] believe l heard the words dropped dead
or something of that kind
Seems TO be very MYSTERIOUS unused
Hawkins.
Yes" assented the professor, Il can't
understand it."
Il should think" suggested the landlord,
that you'd want to go down to Waldo S
and see for yourself If the body found is
starkweathcr. l haven't doubt, myself"
The professor turned with a look of an
Aiety to DR.. Williams.
do you think I'd BETTER" he asked
The young physician flushed
don't see how you can ask me-" ne
answered. What other respectable course
is open to us?"
Professor Drummond bit his lip
III so down in an hour or So" he said
viii tie body he kept at Waldos MILF"
dare say 1t Will, tut if it isn't you car
md 1t in the village. l presume you'll wan
to SO, won't You, lOcGpr?"
81 suppose physician would he expecte5
to take an interest in the matter" replied
DR.. Williams. Yes, I'll be down before
long"
You might get in with us, if you like
Perhlps / cndd take You both If you didn'
nliud crowlins."
Never mind; thanls. Mr.. Hawkins" in
terposed the profess -. I'm hitch up ant
take the doctor down with ME. 1 suppose 6
little delay won't matter as long as the
mn is dead"
No. guess mo-. Shall I say you're
both coming. them
Yes il you've d mind to. I'll get 1ead,
81 once, DOCTOR AMI the professor entered
the house
Hawkins did not start back at once. H,
looked up significantly 1T the ,octor VIII,
went down the steos and stood by the whee
of the buggy.
What do you think Of It. doctor" askeC
Hawkins.
Why" responded DIR. Williams. slowly
",he case has some apparently strange fea
lures. but l presume the stranseness vii
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-12

whatever will guesses from any source I've re-
ceived considered after o'clock pm.
given below. Persons who miss the first
instalments can obtain back numbers a the
office of The Star.
Rules of the Competition.
1. But one solution can be entered by a
reader
2. All guesses must be sent by mail and in
no other way. plainly addressed to Prize
Story Editor" The Evening Star.
3. In order to put out-of-town readers Of
The Star on a time equality with city read
ers, they will be permitted to secure from
their local postmaster an Endorsement on
the back of the envelope in which their
guesses are forwarded, indicating the day
and hour of delivery of the letter to him,
and such guesses will be accepted. provided
the time be prior to T. pm, December IL.
For obvious reasons no guesses will be con-
s'dered that are mailed later than the time
given. The Endorsement, plainly written
in ink. must be personally signed by the
postmaster or acting postmaster.
4. Inquiries not considered fully answered
here will receive proper attention if address,
ed to Prize Story Editor" The Evening
Star.
5. The $3.50 will be awarded under the fore
going general conditions, according to the
best Judgment of the judges appointed by
The Star, and they will have complete con-
troll and final decision in all matters relating
to the contest.
C. "A complete and correct solution" can
be made in the readers own language and in
the number of words necessary for an abso-
lutte statement of the readers guess 1t
must disclose the mystery and such material
facts of the plot revealed in the development
of the story as may be deemed necessary by
the judges to clear and full explanation of
the mystery.
The names and addresses Of the winners
of the cash prizes will be published in The
Star at the earliest date possible after the
publication of the final chapter
No condition of subscription to The Even
ing Star is imposed. Guessers must be wo-
| men and girls and necessarily they must be
| readers of The Star, but they may read the
story in The Star taken by any member of
the family and need not be regular subscrib-
ers themselves in order to enter the COMPETE
ton. While only women and girls may
guess and win the prizes, they can receive
help as to their guess from any member of
their family or from all the family.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-12
ArmstrOns's Fatal Snake Dream.

From the st. Louis GlOhe- DGnlOcr!t
John Armstrong a wealthy fruit grower
of Ocala, met his death in remarkab BILE
manner recently. Mr.. Armstrong and a
number Of friends We're hunting, and Arm
strong had desperate battle with a rattle
snake, but escaped being bitten. The fight
with the reptile made deep impression on
Armstrong, and one night around the camp
fire he talked of nothing else. After the
hunters lay down around the fire Arm
strong still talked of the snake.
About L. o'clock the sleepers We're reused
by screams of agony. The screams came
from Armstrong, who had dreamed that the
snake was after him, and he had rolled into
the fire. When his companions awoke
Armstrong was enveloped in flames and
he was shouting, Take the snake away!
Don't let it bite meH'
The unfortunate man was pulled out of
the fire, but too late to save his life. He
had been burned badly that he died in
short while, He did no seem to realize
that he had been burned. but continued to
scream that the snake was after him.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-11-12

thinking Starkweather dead If the body
found in the river is that OF Starweather, it
will probably be easy on examination of it to
establish something better than a specula-
tive theory with regard to his end"
II hope so. certainly" said Mr.. Philbrick.
"Of course have only passing interest in
the matter, but mystery, you know. is so
aggravating."
II hate mysteries responded DR.. Will
liams.
II don't profess to understand two words
of the doctors fol-de-rol,' remarked Haw-
kins with peevish irony, but can say that
if there's any mystery about mans death
it belongs to the community to clear 1t up.
That's what l say. Get up, Nancy! And If l
was a medical, he bawled,a as the buggy turn
ed around, I'D see that my wits and educa-
ton did the community some good in the
matter
DR.. Williams was nettled, for he was too
young not to be sensitive. but when Mr..
Philbrick waved his hand behind Hawkins