davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24

England life and character. Miss wilkins
had in this instance worked in collabora-
tion with Joseph Edgar Chamberlin
of the editorial staff of the Youths Com
panion. Mr.. Chamberlin is widey known
also as the Listener" Of the Boston Tran
script.
The author Of "The Twinkling of an
Eye was discovered to be Professor
Brander Matthews OF Columbia College
Miss Mary Il. wilkins, who has thus
boldly entered field hitherto entirely
foreign to her, and has taken first rank
in 1t at the first attempt, was born in
Randolph, Mass. She lived for some
time in Brattleboro, VT, but on the death
of her parents returned to Randolph,
which has since been her home. Miss
wilkins wrote verses almost as early as
she could talk. Her first serious liter
HrHy efforts were IN the direction OF child.
ren's stories. Afterward she became a
contributor to the Harpers' publications.
Probably her strongest work Is "Pem-
broke" Next that she herself ranks
"a New England Nun" and "Jane
Field" The Rev. DR.. Phillips Brooks
pronounces "a Humble Romance" the
derstanding OF New England life and
grasp OF New England character have
given her a worldwide repu tation.
Professor Brander Matthews, the win
ner OF the second prize, who is professor
Of English literature at Colum bia
College, was born in New Orleans in
1852. lie was graduated from Columbia
College in 1871, and from the law school
of that institution two years later. He has
written copiously for the magazines
under his own name and that OF arthur
Penn He Is the author OF "The
Theaters of Paris, French Dramatists. f"
"Nignettes of Manhattan" "ln Vesti-
bule Limited, "a Tale OF Treasure Trove
in the Streets OF New York, " "The ROYAL
Marine, "This Picture and That and
other volumes. Professor Matthews is
also the author OF several plays. "a Gold
Mine" was played by Mr.. Nat Goodwin
with success, and son Probation was
written specially for Mr. W. IL. Crane.
Mr.. John III. Boner who brought the so
manuscripts down to 13, Is a North Caro-
linian by birth. lie was formerly a mem
Der OF the STAFF OF the Century Dictionary
Afterward he became literary editor OF the
New York World, and is now editor of
The Literary Digest. lie is a constant
contributor OF verse to the magazines. and
has published volume OF poems, "Whis-
pering Pines. +"
Hamilton w. Mabie, IL D., who
made the final decision, was born at
Cold Spring, y. V, in 1915. lie gradu-
ated at Williams College and entered
Journalism. lie joined The staff OF The
Outlook Ohen Christian Union). in 1879.
and became its associate editor five wears
later Mr.. Mabie II without question
one Of the three or four leading critics
Of the country. Among his volumes OF
literary criticism are "My study Fire
"Essays in Literary Interpretation.
and "Short Studies In Literature" lie
Is frequent contributor Co the magazines
and reviews. and also n constant deliverer
Of literary addresses before the colleges
and other literary bodies. Ills permanent
home Is at Summit, n. j., where he lives
about half OF the year. Besides his criti.
cal and editorial work, he has written
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24

Mr.. Irving Bachelors private Office were
as thick as the leaves OF Nallom brosa
There were not fewer than 5000 stories
sent in. They came from all parts Of the
globe. England, Ireland, Scotland,
Greece, Australia, Canada, Germany.
France, the West Indies and Mexico were
among the foreign countries whence came
manuscripts from English-spelking
authors.
All the stories were read i'm the first in-
stance by Mr.. Bacheller and staff of
experienced coadjutors In accordance
with the terms OF the competition, every
manuscript had TO be typwritten and &C.
companied by a sealed envelope containing
the name of its author. This was not to
be opened until decision was reached.
For identification, the envelope bore some
mark, which was also TO appear in the story
submitted.
These rules were violated in a number
OF instances. Some OF the manuscripts were
in execrable handwriting, and I'm many
that were typewritten the authors did not
hesitate TO ayow their names. Their
stories, Of course could not be considered
In the contest. Those that were not type
written, but were in legible handwriting
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24

much concerning Nature and outdoor life.
Among the well-known writers who
submitted stories for the competition for
the prizes were Anna Katherine Green,
author of "The Leavenworth Case";
Florence Marryat, Dufiield Osborne, Rob
ert w. Chambers, author of "The King
in Yellow; and others.
Stories worthy of honorable mention
were written by John Seymour Wood of
the University Club, New York city; III.
Lynde of Richmond, Ind; Edgar Il.
Thormet Roy of New York city, and Da-
vid Slxeets Foster OF Utica, n. Y.
Too much cannot be said in praise of
the average merit of the stories sub
mitted. A mass of good material was
piled in upon the syndicate, and the task
of selection was no easy one.
The competition disclosed many in
terestng features, especially the trend OF
thought of the writers on the subjects
assumed to be the basis OF detective
story.
The great fault with numbers OF the
stories was the announcement in the first
paragraph that a crime had been COM
mitted, and the immediate introduction
of the astute detective who proceeded to
unravel the mystery. Such bald treat
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24

was very Boou
short story indeed. Two thousand dollars
is the largest sum ever won in short story
competition, and the kind of tale that
could secure such prize Is matter OF
the utmost literary importance as guide
To the producer of salable fiction. Ii was
a detective story.
Probably the great popularity of the
"Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" and
similar tales, first revealed the possibilities
of detective fiction. At any rate, such
stories and their immense successes
prompted the Bacheller Newspaper Syndi-
cate through the Providence NEWS and
other leading newspapers to make its un-
precedented offer. As no coupon scheme or
other claptrap contrivance marred the
contest, the competition rapidly assumed
an international character, and some OF
the greatest authors living entered the
lists.
Perhaps the details of the competition,
the surprises of the result and the high av-
erage of the tales entered for the prize form
story fully as thrilling as the best piece OF
work submitted. That story Is here told.
Even the disappointed may not remain
unconsoled when it is mentioned that one
excellent tale---''A Diplomatic Mys-
tery,n which was written by A. Il. Evans
of Cheltenham, Enlgand, failed OF serious
consideration by the judges because it
could not be divided advantageously.
The circulars sent TO competitors ran as
follows: ''It is imperative that all stories
be received at this Office on or before May
/, 1896; it is desirable that they be re-
ceived as early as possible. AS to length,
each story submitted must come within
the lines prescribed in the offer, otherwise
it cannot enter the competition. All good
stories will be purchased at fair price.
"As TO the character OF stories desired,
we can only say that we are seeking clean
stories which will interest the average
newspaper reader, and which can be pub
lished to advantage in instalments OF
about 2000 words each. We hold that
very high quality of art is consistent with
these requirements. The novelty and in
genuity of the plot, and the literary and
constructive art developed in its treatment,
are considerations which will probably
most influence the minds OF the judges
in reaching a decision. The judges will
be gentlemen of unquestionable fairness
and competency.
esTo facilitate our work and insure legi-
bility, all stories submitted must be type
written, and addressed Prize Editor
Bachelor, johnson q Bachelor, 115 Tri-
bune Building, New York"
Advertisements of the competition were
inserted in The Century, Harper 'sMonthly,
The Critic, in the London Strand Maga-
zine, and In many newspapers. About
the beginning of April the manuscripts in
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24
The $4,000 Prize in the Detective Story
Competition Goes to Her.
PROF. BRANDER MATTHEWS SECOND
How the Largest Sum Of Money Ever Offered
for a IL, ,OOO-Word Story Was Com
peted for and Awarded.

and otherwise complied with the condi-
tions of the competition, were not thrown
out. The authors who persist in rolling
thoir manuscripts were numerous. Their
stories were read, however, but il the
writer's only knew the anIoyan,e their
particular packages caused the examiners,
they would never again send rolled
story TO an editor whom they wished to
propitiate.
Fifty OF the best stories were selected.
Each reader made note OF the stories
read by him giving short account of 1t
and expressing an opinion on its merits.
The fifty stories We're then handed to
Mr.. John H. Boner, associate editor OF
The Literary Digest.
Mr.. BOner selected the best thirteen
from these fifty and handed them TO Mr..
Hamilton W. Mabie, editor of The Outlook.
Mr.. Mabie selected the winning stories,
and checks for the fortunate competitors
are at their disposal. Mr.. Mabie received
the manuscripts only, without the envel-
opes, still sealed, containing the names of
the writer's so that his decision was en-
tirly unbiased, and he was not aware to
whom he was awarding the prizes.
Both Mr.. Mabie and Mr.. Boner recon-
mended several other stories for pur-
chase in addition to the prize stories.
Mr.. Mabie's letter, giving the titles OF
the prize-winning stories, is, in full, as
follows:
June s, 1896.
Gentlemen:
have read the stories submitted to me
in typewriter manuscript with special
regard to dramatic interest, inventive
ness, novelty, and simplicity and direct
ness OF style. In my judgment, the story
which combines these qualities in the
highest degree is that entitled "The Long
Arm" Next in order OF excellence !
should place that entitled "The Twinkl-
ing OF an Eye" Yours very truly,
HAMILTON w. MABIE.
Messrs. Bacheller, Johnson a. Bachelor.
When the sealed envelopes were opened
IL was found that the author OF 1.-The
Long Arm" was Miss Mary Il. wilkins,
the well-known writer of stories OF New
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24
SUNDAY BASEBALL.
The Grays Again Defeated Rochester
Yesterday.

The baseball game yesterday resulted
in the third consecutive victory for the
Grays, they defeating Rochester by 10
to q.
A lot of free hitting enlivened the con-
test and the fact that it was done largely
by the home team, and that the visitors
were playing out Of their regular posit-
ions combined to make the game rather
one-sided after the first three innings,
when Duryea's support went to pieces
and the Providence batters brought in
seven runs in a single inning.
Three thousand persons saw the game.
The score:
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24

tion in the mines of South Africa and
Goconda.
But some ingenuity was displayed
even in the treatment OF this stock sub
ject. Sometimes, when the diamonds
were found, they turned out to be paste
In other instances they had not been
stolen at all, but mislaid; and, again, in
few cases, the person TO whom the
diamonds belonged had hidden them in
order to throw suspicion upon an inno-
cent person.
AS matter of course, hundreds of
stories dealt with murders, some under
circumstances of most revolving brutality,
and Others on the most refined, scientific
and u up-to-date methods. Hanging, shoot
ing, poisoning and drowning were much
in favor. In one story man was muir
dered by telephone; in another a detec-
tive subject 10 fits OF sOmnambu1fsm ar
rived at the conclusion that he himself
must have committed the murder, the
perpetrator of which he was seeking to
discover.
Crime by hypnotic suggestion figured
very largely in the contest, but no spec
tally ingenious treatment of the subject
was apparent in any of the stories.
Then there were ostensible suicides
which were murders, and ostensible
murders which were suicides. There were
also deaths by extraordinary or unusual
accident that in some instances looked
like murder, and in other cases like
suicide.
Naturally the bulk OF the stories were
written by Americans There were many
however, in which the scene was laid in
foreign countries, one, two and 800 years
ago.
There were several civil war and re-
volutionary detective stories relating TO
spies and stolen or intercepted dispatches.
Most OF these were weak.
The superiority of the professional
writer over the amateur hand was immed-
lately apparent TO the readers. Even the
poor stories by those accustomed to write
were more easily read than those of the
non-professional. who took up so many
pages In coming TO the point and getting
their thoughts under way.
The humorous and curious features were
numerous. One writer went TO the trouble
and expense of having his story set up I'm
type. The scene was laid i'm France, but
In his endcavor TO give IL a French atmos-
phere he had only succeeded in investing
II with a Brooklyn tone, and his mistakes,
even i'm the simplest French phrases and
expressions, were ludicrous
Still another was comic in its absurditv.
II must have been written by one'of Lord
Byron's "bread and butter misses at
boarding school I'm Boston, for the scene
was laid I'm that city. The humor OF IL
lay IN the extraordinary ideas OF the
writer as To the manner i'm which the
business OF a large firm is carried on, and
her curious ideas OF legal procedure
u. h. VALENTINE.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24

ment was not calculated to afford an op-
portunity for bright writing, interesting
dialogue or picturesque description.
Many of the writer's failed utterly in
comprehending the logical sequence and
development indispensable to an effective
detective story.
The influence OF Poe, Gaboriau, Wilkie
Collins and Conan Doyle was apparent in
innumerable instances Some OF the
competitors were conscious, or uncon-
scious, plagiarists, and had paraphrased
whole pages from these authors with
sorry success. Others told their stories
"a If they were mere newspaper reports,
destitute alike OF color and character
drawing.
The favorite subject OF the writers was
the theft of diamonds. Then came muir
der, abduction, kidnapping, hypnotism,
and mysterious disappearances. Diam
onds, however, were the basis OF the
plot in a very large percentage OF the
stories. Judging by the competition,
enough diamonds have been stolen by
decent people unable TO resist temptation
TO stock all the jewelers. shops in Christ
endom, and to anticipate years of produc-
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24
Clark its new first bascman. This is his

Clark, its new first bascman. This Is his
first season us professional.
Philadelphia has made most hits. Then
comes Chicago, : 'ouis Baltimore. Gin
cinnati. WaShin Pittsburg, Clcye.
land and Boston.
Two games for one price Of admission.
and on "A holiday afternoon at that, with
$50 spectators present, does not indicate
an intense interest in baseball. -rSalem
News.
Unless tho public is willing 10 sacrifice
bit and lend tho support of It's presence
it will be hard Shedding to pay bills before
the season is over. None Of the New Eng
land teams arc making money Lewiston
journal.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24
PARKeR'S PLAN.
The Chief Detective Allows His Pris-
oncrs to Walk Ahead of Him.

Detective Parker has tho reputation of
arresting man easier, with more grace
and less trouble, than any other officer
known. lie does not have any set way of
arresting a man, but acts as tho case re-
quires. IL man wanted does not care to 90
arm and arm with Mr.. Parker he will be
-ttia to- walk ahead - for Mr-Purkur witt
say, "almost everybody in Providence
knows me, and IL they see you with me
they will know that you are a prisoner"
He will then tell the man how foolish he
would be IL he made an attempt to dodge
or TO start TO run, for IL Is n we'll known
fact that Mr.. Parker IL sonnet hing of a
sprinter. This Is his favorite method of
arrosting man, and that Is tho reason
why he u not seen with a prisoner more
thsn he is.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24

Earned ruus, Providence /; Rochester g. Two
base hits, Knight Rogers, DAILY Hamburg, Breek-
Cnridge. Three-base hit, knight. Sacrifice hits,
knight, DAILY. Stolen bases, Lyons l. Bassett 3,
knight, Cooney. McAuley. Double plays, bas-
sett, Diaon and Rogers 2 Sweeney, Hamburg and
Breckenridge; Hamburg and Breckenridge. First
base on balls, Bassett, CooneY DAY. Warner,
DuryeA First base errors. Providence b.;
Rochester 2. struck out, Rogers, Dixon. o'Brien.
Duryea, Warner. Wild pitch, Lovett Time, III
som. Umpires, Gafney and Doescher.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24
EASTERN LEAGUE STANDING.
SPIDERS OLrDONE.
Over Fourteen Thousand People Saw the
Colts Break the sabbath.

CHICAGO, June 23-The Colts played
much the better game and easily defeated
the Spiders. The Chicagos were all ar
rested mt the end of the third inning, but
Immediately gave bonds to appear for trial
July ., on the charge of breaking the
Sabbath" Attendance, 200.
Chicago. 8 D l2 2 lis
cleveland. ...5..- e-e- e-e-2-6-9-4
Earned runs-Chicago, 8; Cleveland, 4. Base
hits-Chicago. ls; Cleveland, o. Errors
Chicago, 3; Cleveland, 2. Batteres-Gritiith
and Kittredge; Knell and Donovan.
81. Louis s............3 0 o o g
Cincinnsti.........0 0 0 0 o.
Earned runs st. Louis, 8: Cincinnati, 2
Base hits-St Louis Il Cincinnati, q. Errors
st. Louis, 5; Cincinnati 2. Batteries-Staley
and Peitz; Foreman, Dwyer and Murphy.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24

HE fact that a
short story prov
ed n marketable
comm o ity at
$1,000 ought TO be
the best possible
evidence that 1t
was a very good
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24

Nine babies, less than year old, all
good naiured, pretty, well dressed, and to
all appearances perfectly healthy, were
seen on the Westminster steps OF the
Arcade at one time this forenoon.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-06-24

You can'tquarry with wooden tools. Nomore
can yourLaundrcss 10 good laundrywork With
out Elastic starch. Flat iron on eac "a package.
The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1895-05-14
A NEW DISCOVERY BY TIE
SHAKERS,

For more than a hundred years the
Mount Lebanon Shakers have studied the
cultivation of medicinal plants aud
sought to extract from them their heal.
ing essences. Their labor has not been
spent in vain. They have made dis
covery that will prove a blessing to man
kind. II consists of cordial that causes
immediate relief in cases of indigestion.
The Importance of this discovery will be
apparent when we realize that nearly
nine-tenths of all our sufferngs are
caused by dyspepsia or indigestion.
Nearly every person you meet has this
digestive trouble in some of its varied
forms-sick headache, distress after eat
ing, pain and fullness in the chest after
but symptoms of indiRestil lu. To re-
lieve these sufferings has been the study
Of the Shakers, and they have succeeded.
The reason the Shaker Digestive Cordial
has such an immediate and salutary
effect is that it causes the food eaten to
be digested, for it is undigested food that
causes the. distress. The cordial causes
the food to be digested before there is
time for it to ferment and sour on the
stomach. When the food is so digested it
gives strength and vigor to the feeble
body, makes one feel bright and cheerful,
and makes one gain in flesh.
The Digestive Cordial is so prompt in
its action that the very first dose will
have perceptibly favorable result. II
gives immediate relief
In order to prove this statement, small
trial bottles placed in the druggists
hands can be obtained for ten cents each
This trial bottle will have a decided bene
fetal effect and will satisfy any one thar
the Cordial is adapted to his case. After
a trial give praise TO the Shakers o.
| Mount Lebanon, n. Y.
The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1895-05-14

COvINGToN, KY, May HI. II. Estes, a
farmer Of considerable wealth, was killed
by VIII Green, 20 years old, near New
born Green was running away with a
daughter of Mr.. Estes and had reached
Rev. Mr.. Harwells residence, intending
TO get the latter to perform the marriage.
just as he stepped out of the buggy he
saw Estes and his son coming on the road.
Green stopped. and as Estes and his son
came up Green shot Estes just above the
heart, killing him, and also fired twice at
the son, but without result. Green then
proceeded to Broughtonville, where he and
Miss Estes We're married. Green has not
yet been captured.
The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1895-05-14

Eminent Military Chieftains of the North
and South win Fraternize at the Dedi-
cation of the Monument to Confederate
Dead in the Western Metropolis.
CHICAGO, May IA notable reunion
of the blue and gray will take place when
the Confederate monument at Oakwood
is dedicated on Memorial Day.
Officers who were prominent in the ar
mics, both of the north and south, will he
present, and will do their utmost to make
the occasion memorable. Several car
loads of flowers will be sent from the
southern states to decorate the graves Of
the 5000 Confederate soldiers who are
buried at Oal1wuod. The expenses OF en-
tertaining the visitors will be borne by
subscription raised among some of Chi.
cago's leading Gtizcns Every effort will
be made to have this the greatest meeting
Of officers of the north and south that has
ever occurred
Lieutenant General Schoheld, command
ing the army of the United States, with
his staff and family; Major General NJ. L.
Hawkins and Brigadier General Boynton
are expected to be present. Lieutenant
General Wade Hampton will be the orator
VI bue ocCdSlOn. GOSUlldbUcT Creltral w Ill
lam L. Wilson, Solicitor General Holmes
Conrad, Brigadier General d. w. Flagler,
chief Of ordnance, United States army,
| and a great many army officers will also
attend
The south will be represented by Gen
eral John B. Gordon, commanding the
Federation of United Confederate Vet
Grams; Lieutenant General B. James
LonCstreet, Lieutenant General Alex
ander Stewart, Major General Fitzhugh
Lee, Major General E. G, Walthall Brig
| adler General Basil W. Duke, BrigadieI
General Clement A. Evans, Brlgadiei
| General Fsyette Hewitt, Colone, J. H
| Oastleman, Colonel Charles II. Dorsett
DR.. Amos Foster, Judge Calhoun, of At
| lanta, and others
Arrangements have been made to attacl
| refrigerator cars filed with flowers to pas
| senger trains at Savannah, Charleston
and Pensacola. and to send them direc
to Chicago. Mayor Swift will occupy tn
| chair at the exercises and offer the freedom
| Of the city to the visitors.
The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1895-05-14
Victories for the Amalgamated.

PITTsBURG, May 14-More success at
tended the battle of the Amalgamuted
Association for higher wages and the rec
ognition Of that organization yesterday.
At the Vesuvius Iron works Moorhead
Brothers granted the worlImen in all de-
partments the Amalgamated scale. The
increase ranged from lG TO 10 per cent. AS
a result of the visit of President Garland,
of the Amalgamated Association, to
Youngstown the men in the valley We're
all given union rate, and they returned
TO work