davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
SOME LEAP YEAR LAWS.
A Woman Could Propose Six Hundred
Years Ago and the Man Had TO Accept.

A Woman Could Propose Six Hundred
Years Ago and the Man Had TO Accept.
In two countries, at least, and moro
than 600 years ago, laws woro passed
which gave women the right of propos-
ing marriage. These enactments went
even farther than this They also stip-
ulated that If the man whose hand they
had sought should refuse he should in
cur heavy fine.
A scarcher among the ancient records
Of Scotland has recently discovered an
act of tho Scottish parliament, which
was passedin the year 1888, which runs
as follows:
''It is statut and ordaint that during
the rein of his maist blissit Megoste, ilk
for the years lnowne as Lcpo Yeare, ilk
mayden ladye of baitho highe and lowe
estaot shall hae hborto 20 bespoke ye
man she likes albeit gif ho refuses to
talk hir to be his lawful wyfe, he shall
be mulotod in ye sum Of ano dundis or
less, as his cstait may be; except and
avis gif he can make it appeare that he
is bcrothit ano ither woman, he then
shall be free"
A year or two later law almost sim
liar to tho Scottish enactment was
passed in France and received the APP
proval Of the king. It is also said that
/ before Columbus sailed on his famous
voyage to the westward similar privi-
lege was granted to tho maidens Of Ge-
non and Florence
There is no record oxtant Of any fines
imposed under the conditions Of this
Scotch law, and no trace of statistics Ie-
garding the number Of spinsters who
took advantage of il or OF the similar
regulations in France, but tho custom
seems to have taken firm hold upon the
popular mind about that time. The
next mention of it is dated nearly 4OC
years later and il is curious little
treatise, called "Lovc, Courtship ant
Matrimony, which was published IN
London in 1906. IN this quaint worl
the privilege" is thus alluded to:
'Albeit it now becomes q part Of th'
common law in regard to social rela
tions of life, that, as often as every leal
yearo doth return, the ladyos have TN
cole privilege during the timo it contin
ueth of making love either by wordes O
! loolgos, no man will bo entitled TO bene
i, fit OF clergy who doth in any wise tree
. her proposal with slight or rcontumely.
4 Up co within q century ago it was on
, of the unwritten laws of leap year tina
/ if a man should decline o proposal n
should soften the disappointment whic
his answer would bring about by th
, presentation of silk dress to the un
successful suitOr for his hand
A curious leap year superstition j
still 10 bo met with in some parts Of No1
England, and that is that during lea
year Che "boans grow ON the wrong sid
Of the pod. philadelphia Examiner
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
RUNNING BIRDS.
It Ia n Mistake to Think They Cannot he
Tanned.

IC IA n miHtnke TO lnluA 4ntf LtnnuN 10 /
Tanned.
It is popularity supposed that hum
ming birds are too delicate to endure
captivity, but this is q mistake, as I
personally know, says writer in tho
New York Home journal, and can give
account of several that have been tanned.
Living specimens of these tiny members
of the feathered tribe were owned by a
friend of mine awhile since and exhib-
tied in the window of the late proprietor
of Taylor's saloon, Broadway, New
York. In fact, instances are numerous
In which they have been kept for
months, and even for year, incaged,
in England as well as in this country,
and believe that large collection has
for some time existed in the Geological
gardens, Regents park. London. A
young lady of New York has for some
time amused herself with these delicate
creatures as pets. They build their nests
in the lace curtains and have raised
little families in the parlor. There are
plants for them to fly about in, and ev-
cry day the florist sends basket OF
flowers for them to extract honey from.
They are like little rainbows flying
about the room, and they light ON the
head Of their dainty mistress with per-
feet freedom.
The humming birds shown in Broad
way were caught by a German, who
succeeded in tanning them very easily.
They subsist, when Gagged, upon honey
or sugar and water. He had them placed
in little crystal cages, with pretty spray
| perches and lunches of glass flowers, in
whose cups their food was placed. After
being Gagged two months they became so
tame that they readily learned to thrust
their long, slender, threadlike tongues
between the lips of their keeper for tho
sweets ON which they subsisted. In their
natural state they also feed upon the
minute insects which infest flowers, and
no doubt, if this sort Of food were sup
piled to them, together with honey, by
those who held them in confinement,
they might be kept alive for as long 0
time as some of the more hardy pets Of
the aviary.
The birds at Taylor's attracted {
crowd of people from morning till night
who seemed to never grow weary O
watching them. They were evidently al
that time a "new sensation" TO tn
habitues Of Broadway. Norris this Il
be wondered at. for, what with tn
flashing iridesconce Of their plumage
changing with every motion, from EN-
erald TO ruby and gold, their marvolou
delicacy Of form, their extreme rapidit
Of flight now lowering over the hone
laden calyx, now darting from spray
spray or perching upon a twig, coquei
tishly pluming themselves with thei
long, slender beaks, they are really oil
jects of grace and beauty, worthy th
admiration of every beholder.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
ON ~ r.o.rOnM.
Mr.. Bryan accepts Eemunerative OFFER
For a Series of Nonpartisan Lectures.

Mr.. BRYAN accepts Ecmunerative OGer
For "a Series of Nonpartisan Lectures.
LINCOLN. Nob.. Nov. 1S.-It has been
definitely airanrcd that William J. Bryan
is to take the lecture platform and his
first address will be delivered at Atlanta
early i'm December His route as far as it
has bcen arranged, will be, after leaving
Atlanta. Jaci. .sonville. Savannah, Charles
ton. Augusta, Birmingham and New Or
leans. After leaving the latter city Mr.
BRYAN will go through Texas, then on to
California and win not reach the cities OF
the east before the latter part of February,
1897
The man behind the enterprise is v l..
McBce Of Norfolk, the superintendent OF
the Seaboard Air line. On election night
Mr.. McBee, who had been hard worker
for the Bryan ticket, wired TO this cityi
Offering Mr. Bryan a very large amount
for q series of lectures in case the election
should turn against him. NO attehOoh
was paid TO the matter at that time Dy
Mr. Brvan. but after the defeat or uhe
Democratic ticket had been formally ac-
lxnowledged by the Democratic leaders
Mr.. McBee once moro renewed his oilers.
! NEGOTIATIONS were begun, and the result
/ has been that Mr. Bryan has signcu con
/ tracts for a series of lectures uiiuVr oA'
management of Alexander Comstock, who
is the representative and assoclAte OF MT
McBee in the enterprise. The terms OF
the agreement from financial STANDPOINT
have not boon made public, but it is relia
bly, understood that the remuneration
which Mr.. Bryan is to receive is to exceet
the salary he would have received as presi
dent Of the United States in the event o.
his election to that Office.
Arrangements are already under way t'
have the delivery of Mr.. Bryan's first lee
ture in Atlanta made the occasion of &
great demonstration, which viii ho in th'
nature of a mOrStcr reception. The lee
lures TO be deliv@ed by Mr. Bryan will b'
nonpartisan in their character and win fol
the most part bo upon governmental anC
social topics, as it is expressly stipulated
in the contract that the tour shall have NJ
political aspect or coloring
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Blaze at Beverly.

VERIFY, Mass, Nov. 1s.-A lively fire,
h totally destroyed the Norwood Shoe
ry building hero at midnight, gave
city quite a scare and occasioned a
raj alarm. Quite fortunately the fire
confined to the one structure. The
loss will be $3.50 the bulk of
h Will fall on the Seth Norwood heirs,
own the building, valued at $50, 600.
insurance is $4,000. The fire caught
g Nv lspRaEdf ssppFRgaadf t0oa the roof The building
'.our stories in height and about 100
.quare in AREA. 1t was occupied by
al small firms in the shOemaking
b. Considerable machinery was de-
ed, on which an estimate cannot be
b. About 100 hands were employed
q building.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Carnet nTuIs 10 Shut Down.

NEW YORK, Nov. 1s.-It is announced
in the tapestry mills of the Alexander
Smiths Sons Carpet company Of Yonkers
that one-half Of the force employed in the
mills would be laid off on Friday and tho
remainder by Wednesday of next week and
that the concern would shut down. 1t was
also announced that probably the other
mills of this company would do likewise
within the next two weeks. If this occurs,
about 1000 hands viii be thrown out Of
work. The cause given is that there is no
market for carpet and that the company
has on hand manufac .ured stock far in ad-
vance Of any probable demand.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Mice and Rnts In Japnn.

There are small "doer" on the island
that arouse no poetry or gracious senh-
ments. Tho mice, those pests of Japa-
ncso toahousos, raced through the doll.
houses at win by dark, the ornamental
tracerios and designs pierced in the
pretty wood panels abovo the screens
giving them free range Of every room.
They ran over my face, scratched my
pillow, nibblod my fingers and kept me
awake night after night with their rus
tling and gnawing. On the third night
Of mouse carnival / called the servants
and had lights brought. The landlord
heard tho sounds and bustlod across the
court to sec what the matter was. u
think there is a mouse in this house,
said. ooh, certainly, certainly, honor
able lady" he said, bowling low and
proudly. Eyes, indeed, / have many,
plenty Of rats at the MONTH" And he
could not at all understand why we
should make such a trouble about so
natural a thing and object to these sure
evidences Of abundant prosperity, these
companions of Dailolu, the god Of
plenty. Eliza Rhuhamah ScidmOre in
Century.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
SUBLIME FOLLY.

sublimost foliy-from their camps uprise
Two mighty armies, eager Tor tho fray
Tho drum beat rolls, tho brazen trumpots
bray
And guns and bayonets fash against tho skies.
Now shall bo shown on which side victory lies.
Swords gleam the booming cannon hurl dis
may,
The quick, sharp rifle shots for death mako
way,
On high tho bird Of OWL omen cries.
Men fall as in tho field the fun fipo grain
Whore bending rcapors swing tho sicllo's
blade
In ranks they fall, never 60 riso ngain.
But wherefore the dread holocaust thus
mndcr
That past on doubt man may make this truth
plain,
on honor more than life his hoart IS staid.
.-Dshop Spalding.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
iHITE LEFT FOR india
Member of the British Parlia-
ment In Serious Trouble. Z
.E CASE BEING INVESTIGATED.

I'VE Charges Are Made Against Him.
ued For Breach of Promise by the
laughter Of a Clergyman-He Is n Mem
er OF a New York Importing Firm.
loNDON, Nov S.-Considerable mys-
v attaches to report concerning James
.rtin White, a Liberal, who represents
rfarshi ire in the house of commons. The
ndee Advertiser announced on Saturday
( that MIR. White had accepted the stew
ship of the Chiltorn hundred-in other
vls, had retired from parliament. I'M
|liately thereafter Mr.. White declared
h the announcement was wholly untrue.
added that he was going to India on
mess. but hoped TO return by the time
lliament resumed its ST things.
hat something is wrong is now shown
'the action Of the executive committee
the Dundee Liberal association, which
l a meeting and discussed the case of
( White The committee finally adopted
fsolution declaring that since it had
Ia informed that grave charges affecting
[ Whites personal character had become
subject Of litigation the committee
ild take no action in the case, hoping
\ Mr. White would be able TO clear the
rges up Mr.. White has started for In
he st. James Gazette publishes re
! of the action of the committee, which
5 with the statement that the state Of
irs causes great excitement in all po
al circles in Forfarshire.
he character of the charges against
White is as yet unknown.
he Daily Mail, in its issue this morn
seeks to minimize the gravity of th'
ges against Mr.. White 1t does no
3 definitely what the charges are, bu
article indicates that a suit for breacl
promise of marriage has been or is t.
brought against Mr. White by tn
4 rhter of a Scotch clergyman.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Brutany Assaulted by burglars.

FITCHBURG, Mass, Nov. 1S.-AIrs. Har-
riet Maynard, aged 76 years, a widow, liv-
ing alone, was the victim of masked as
sailant. who entered her house, bound her
hand and foot and gagged her. The iend
thoroughly ransacled the house, evidently
in an endeavor TO secure money, but fail
ing he brutally and probably fatally as
saulted the widow. Mrs Maynard groans
were heard by passersby, who Immediately
fnstfrute,f scarch. Mrs. Maynard can
give no clew which viii lead TO the identi-
ficatiOn of her assailant.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
A PumIcs Stone BARRIER.

A floating barrier Of pumice stone 10
miles long, over / 200 yards wide and
Is feet deep, closing seaport to all
vessels as effectually as a boom could
do, is not the sort of thing one is likely
to forget, and yet that was one Of the
results of the Krakatoa eruption, tho
port being Telok Retcung, in Sunda
straits Formed in few hours, it would
almost seem to be the supreme effort Of
nature in the pumice making line were
IL not that such immense quantities are
found at the bottom of the sea--a queer
place for pumice stone. But pumice
when produced, is really heavy. It is
only the air cavities in it that make il
light, and as it floats it becomes water
logged and down it goes. Most of the
pumice we use in Europe comes from
the Lipari islands, north of Sicily, the
homo Of Vulcan, whence Vulcano as
the name of one of them, and our 'vol-
cano" as descriptive of tho natural fea-
ture Of which it is the type Here are
the pumice quarrios-at Monte Chirica
and its cratcra Monte Pelata and Forgia
Vocchia-where over 900 men are at
work in the narrow tunnels and CALLER
les, lighted by clay lamps Of antique
form. The whole hillside is perforated
with groups Of these tunnels, which
number between 200 and 800 and are so
narrow that the men can hardly pass
each other in them. And just as coal is
found in beds alteTnated with sandstone
and shale, so the pumico is in layers be-
tween harder lavas and ashes. Leisure
Hour
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Lirhtning Reduood to Figures.

Modern scientific discovery is fast un-
raveling the greatest mysteries Of ma
ture, and it now appears that there are
but few things that are hidden from
the gaze of him who looks for them in
the proper way. Lightning was former
ly one Of the greatest enigmas among
natural phenomena. Today we know
that the average olectromotive force Of
bolt Of lightning is about $500, 600
volts; that the current is IA, 100000
amperes, and that the time of discharge
is about one twenty Of a
second. In such bolt there is energy
equal TO 2, 400, 600 volts, or 3,2S4, 1872
horsepower st. Louis Republic.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
nrember Of a New York FIrm.

Ew YORK, Nov. 1s-Mr White, who
)out 30 years old, is a member Of the
of J. +. White & Co., "a and SO Worth
t, New York, which is chiefly engaged
he importation of textile goods Tho
lbcrs of the firm resident in New York
are Bryce Gray, whose home is at 554
n avenue, and Henry ID. Cooper, who
es at 20 West Seventieth street. Mr..
.,er is out of the city. Mr.. Gray is re-
! I'd as saying that he knows nothing
e causes leading to Mr.. Whites resig-
)n and knows Of no reason why he
I'D have resigned. Mr.. White is a JUS
Of the peace, member of the council Of
,'ersity college, Dundee; chairman Of
Technical institute and president Of
dee Technical association.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
d to Eight Diamond Match Company

a TO q ElEh NJ DIAMOND matcn company.
ICAGO, Nov. 1s.-Edwin Gould has
lased the furniture factory of the
Sakeo Furniture company at Kanka-
his, for the Continental Match COM
f, and he proposes to enter actively
competition with the Diamond Match
any in the west. The announcement
e purchase of the Kankakee plant was
last night, and incidentally Mr.
l had some things to say regarding
hamond Match company and its Off
In dispatch to a Chicago paper
Us, But if the Diamond Match COM
continues to fight us much longer
ill begin fight that win stop profits
match business for a year or two. -
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Postmasters Annolnteh.

.sHINGToN, Nov. 1s.-The following
a class postmastors have been ap-
3d
.v Jerscy-Waverly Park, NJ. Groves.
Observation-Disclosures, G.. l.. Levy; As
ID. d. Eveland; Buffalo Run. ]. J..
I'm; Maze, II. %. Van Ormer; Odes-
ID. Billott; Platt, William May;
PIX, J. Pickart.
" York-Blossvale, G. b. Loss; San
0. II. Morgan.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Address. columbia, South carolina.
REGISTER'S ORDER.
REGISTER $ OFFICE,


New Castle County. Del Oct. n. 1896.
Upon the application Of Charles A. Car
berry, administrator OF Annie Carberry,
late of Wilmington hundred, In said
county, deceased. Il Is ordered and di-
rectcd by the register that the admins
traitor aforesaid give notice Of granting
of letters of administration upon the es-
tate of the deceased. with the date OF
granting thereof. by causing advertise
mcnts 70 be posted within forty days from
the date of such letters I'm six Of the most
public places of the county Of New Castle,
requiring all persons having demands
against the estate to present the same. or
abide by an act of Assembly IN such case
made and provided; and also cause the
same TO be inserted within the same
period IN the Evening Journal, a news
paper published IN Wilmington, Del, and
to be continued therein three weeks
(e. o. d.
Given under the hand and seal
Of office of the register afore-
said, at Wilmington. in New Cas-
IT.. ST. tie county aforesaid. the day
and year above written
CALVIN w. CRoSSAN.
Register.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Getting BACK at tho Germans.

BERLIN, Nov. 1S.-According to the
Frankfurter Zeitung, negotiations con
tinue between the United States and Ger
many regarding German exports Of wine
and malt liquors, presumably in connec-
tion with the proposal of Mr.. Morton sec
retary OF agriculture, to exclude adulterated
articles which is "a retort to the German
exclusion of American cattle and meat
The whole question win probably be dis
cussed in the rcichstag.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Rool,efellers, New Industrv.

CLEVELAND, Nov. 1S.-The Cleveland
Steel company Of this city, owned by the
Rockefellers, is erecting a big crucible
steel plant and will manufacture that ar
ticle on a large scale. 1t win be the only
concern of the kind in this country, as all
crucible steel, which is used for the manu-
facturo of cutlery, fine tools, etc, ia now
imported from Sweden.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Rnrneh to Death.

TON, Nov. Everett McAleer, as
old, was burned to death in lodr-
ouse on Shawmut avenue, about 1
k this morning Every one escaped
ir nightclothes with the exception of
ser, who got as far as "a window I'm
ird story, whore he was roasted in
lew of the Mortified fircmen and
tors. The fire loss was 50, 500.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Heat ana silver.

To read the inscription on silver
coin which by much wear has become
wholly obliterated put a poker in the
hre When redhot, place the coin upon
1t, and tho inscription will plainly ap-
pear OF a greenish hue, but viii disap-
pear as the coin cools This method
was formerly practioed at the mint to
discover the genuine coin when silver
was called in.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
rorhidhen 10 of the Main.

WAsHr-GToN, Nov Postmaster Gen
eral Wilson has issued lottery orders
against Henry l.. Haupt Of New York city
and Butte, Mon. and the agents of that
concern, Z. Hill & Co. of Brooklyn. 1t is
said thata number of premiums have been
awarded and q oorrespondinglyl large mum.
Der Of alleged victims dupcd.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
MINIS Start Up at Youngstown.

YOUNGSTOWN, o., Nov 1s.-A number
Of the mills have started, and the city re-
semhies its old time activity Nos. 1 and
pudding mills, Williams bar mill, the
three bar mill, ~ inch, the hoop, guide
and shees mills are all operating at the
Brown Bennel Iron company and expect
to keep going for some time.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
RnnIsTrR,s onnrR
ORDER.
REGTgTERfg OFFICE.

kEGISIEitS S OFFICE,
New Castle County, Del. Nov. q 1896.
Upon the application of Susan john
son. cXccutrix of Amy Dubois. late OF
Columbia. South Carolina. deceased,
it is ordered and directed by tho
register that the executrix aforesaid give
notice OF granting OF letters tcstamentary
upon the estate OF the deceased. with the
date Of granting thereof, by causing ad-
vcrtiaemcuts to be posted within forty
days from the date Of such letters IN six
Of the most public places Of the county Of
New Castle. requiring an persons having
demands against the estate TO present the
same. or abide by an act OF Assembly I'm
such case made and provided; and also
cause the same TO be Inserted within the
same period IN the Evening Journal, a
newspaper published I'm Wilmington, Del
and TO be continued therein three weeks
(e. o. ID
Given under the hand and seal
OF office of the Register afore-
said. at Wilmington, IN New
H. 81 Castle county aforesaid. the
day and year above written.
CALVIN w. CROSSAN,
Register.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18

Gloucester county. N. ]. About three
weeks ago he fell from store step in
that town and sustained a fracture OF
the thigh. Although about 70 years
old. it is believed that he will recover
from the injury
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Wanamakor In the TleId.

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. lS.-Ex-Postfnas
ter General John Wanamakor. i'm a letter
to the Philadelphia branch of the National
League Of Business Men, has signiGed his
willingness to be q candidate Cor limited
States senator from Pennsylvnnia I'm sr,c-
coed J. Donald Cameron, whose term ex-
pires March 3, 1897.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Panic at a spanish Entertainment.

LONDON, Nov. 18.-A dispatch from
Paris to The Post says that during a bun
and bear fight at Figueras. in Spain, near
the French frontier, the bear broke his
chain and scrambled among the audience.
Many persons were injured in the stam-
pede before the bear was killed by shots.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
.mmittod suIelde In q church.

1KroN, Mass, Nov. 1S.-George r.
conmitted suicide in the South
igational church, the parish com
'ot which he had been chairman Of
years. He shot himself and died
instantly. The cause Of the act Is
ed in mystery.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Won Queen wnheimina's Affections.

LONDON, Nov. 1S-A Paris dispatch to
The Daily Mail says that according to The
Echo DE Paris, the regent and the queen
of Holland will spend the winter in Italy,
where Queen Wilholmina viii be betrothed
TO an Italian captain of royal blood who
has won the queen affections.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
neIwona Fo1hounds sod.

MOUNT MORRIS, n. ", Nov. 1s.-Ths
famous Belwood pack of foxhounds, col
lected from the best packs in England and
Ireland by $. $. Howland's special agent,
has been sold to Herbert A. Rich, a Cali
fornian, and viii be shipped to California
at once
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Chne,s New Cabinet.

VALPARAISO Nov. 1S-Tho following
is the new Chilean cabinet: Senor Antu-
nez, minister of interior; Senior Nicuna,
minister of foreign affairs; Senior Sotoma-
yor, minister of finance; Senor Liyera,
minister of war.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
A Yonthfn1 FIre Tnter.

zi Pa, Nov. 1S.-Little Clint Geary,
!, saw the fire eater at the museum
led to initiate him at home. Hefllled
luth with gasoline and touched a
TO 1t. His physician says the boy
I'VE unless he inhaled some of the
Evening journal., 1896-11-18

Men spend their lives in anticipations
in determining to be vastly happy at
some period or other when they have
time. But tho present time has one ad.
vantage over every other. 1t is our own.
-COltOn.
Evening journal., 1896-11-18
Thn Lenr nf a plohoIan.

Laura-Miss Backdate is awfully
proud Of being eligible to membership
in the Daughters Of the Revolution.
Flora-She has a right to be proud
just think how narrowly she escapes
being old enough to be a sister instead
Of a daughter. r.-Cincinnat Enquirer.