davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
TEE STUDY OF CHARACTER||

Il
Graham Vests "John Smith has
easily won first place among the nu-
merous romances from the tenements
that have appeared during the last
three or four years. The critics have
treated the book better than others Of
It's class, and its sales have far sur
passed the record of any rival. Why
mas it achieved its great success? I
am going to answer that question by
telling the story of the author.
a good many people told me, when
the book first appeared, that the title
of tile book would kill it. The title
couldn't be Worse,e I'll admit Others
said that the plot was trite. So it is,
and distressingly simple. A poor man
marries within his caste, and then
light his way up out of it, hampered at
every step by a wife, who will neither
go with him nor let him go alone. The
ordinary method in such cases is to
make the wife die of some picturesque
disorder, to the accompaniment Of
slow music; but Graham West simply
Wrenches the two apart and leaves the
reader to pity the woman If he can.
Of course, the book can't sell on the
strength of such story as that. It's
popularity rests, as all agree, upon the
study of the character Of John Smith.
The wife is drawn with equal distinct
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17

that which he had held, but the man.
whom he had offended was sufficiently
influential to prevent it. Meanwhile,
the rascal was undo ubtedly working up
the idea himself
Smith disclosed to me the nature Of.
his discovery. I had had considerable
technical training in electrical science,
and thought well Of the idea, thaugh
there was obviously a wide gap to
bridge over before a practical result
sition had brought him to q Standstill
in his work. He had, in fact, resolute-.
s " turned his mind away from it, being
driven by poverty to seek remunerative
employment. OF all things in the
world he had turned to the pen, the
most ungrateful tool that man has ever
made Yet he seemed to have extOrted
something from it, for he showed me
several clippings from newspapers and
minor ma ggazines of articles that he had
written. They were well enough done,
but showed no gift. advised him to
get back to electricity with the speed
OF the spark itself, if the opportunity
offered.
It was at this point that we en-
countered Mrs. Smith. Evidently, in
order to get into the employ of anoth-
er electric lighting company Smith
would have to leave the city. His cir
cumstances would not permit of his
taking his wife with him on a tour of
the country, and she refused to be left
behind. Naturally, it meant consid-
cradle sacrifice for her. She would be
obliged to support herself and her
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17

child for an interval, and she had not
done any work since her marriage, ex-
cept in the way Of household .,lIairs.
She wants me to take any fob that [
can GET said Smith, land settle down
to the life Of day laborer it looks
as If would have to do it I can't vet
make living by writing, or, at best, I
can't save penny. I can't leave her;
| can't take her away with me; and to
stay here is ruin. Who koWs how
many years may plod on before an
other inspiration comes to me? Be
sides, as I've told Mr. West, have a
few debts, contracted while I've been
out of work. won't run away and
leave them unpaid.
In the face of such situation was
poWerless to advise. [ never could
guess riddle nor solve single one Of
the problems of existence. One by
one, have given them all up, either
on my own account or another's How
ever, when we had parted from Smith.
In the small hours of the morning, /
ventured to ask why West did not
lend Smith money enough to keep him
going while he gave the invention a
trial
IF I did that he replled, Smith
will leave the city, and then cannot
study him any more. l tell you he's
great character, and must know
him through aud through before [ lose
sight of him. OF course I know him
we'll enough now to be sure that he is
q man of remarkable ability and of
the highest principle; but must wait.
to see how he will meet the great cues
ton which his unfortunate marriage
has thrust into his life. Will he make
martyr of himself or will he burst
the bond that holds him down to sla-.
veryg" !.
In view of the unusual circum-.
stances, said |, would it be too great
an intrusion if you would go to her
and offer some advice?''
Il have been to herr he answered,
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
The Value of Coal Ashes

Coal ashes are gradually gaining for
themselves a distinct place in hortI-
culture. They are, says Garden and
Forest, usually removed to the dump
ing heap, thrown upon the walks and
drives, or used for filling where it can
be well covered with a surface soil,
and yet it is doubtful if a better mate
rial than coal ashes can be found for
certain purposes about the greenhouse
The method of potting bulbs and bury
ing them deeply to exclude the light, 50
that roots may be formed before the
tops start into growth, has much to
commend it, and coal ashes is one of.
the best materials for covering them.
Their texture is such that good drain
age is obtained and more air admitted
than would probably enter most soils
moreover, the ashes, BEND direct from
the furnace, contains no form of life.
leither vegetable or an:mal, ind insects
do not thrive in it; hence, compare
tive freedom from subterranean para
sites is insured and bulbs are less liza
bic to decay than wien ordinary soil
is used a table or bench covered
with about two inches of coal ashes.
firmly compacted, makes a good place
for potted plants. and for a time snails
will not be troublesome; after few
months. however, the ashes become
covered with dirt that has WASHED.
from the pots, and snails will venture
into it. II
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17

sssand it was utterly useless. She has
that instructive violent distrust which
lcharacterizes the uneducated. Men
tally and morally she is a mere jelly
fish. But it is wonderful what a terri
bic burden such an inconsidera
creature can be to the man who mar
RES her
Smith had fascinated me scarcely
less than West; and took advantage
OF every opportunity of meeting him.
We three spent half a dozen evenings
in the little back room OF the saloon
during the next fortnight. On the last
of these occasions just as we were
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
/ KeeDfnx Turnfns.

a 11,of . A n S.o,,tl,oryrr.
8 !. - w "a y ~
I; arm m Gazette, 50 VS.: he large crop OF
tErnips harvested at the college last
-ff.l was fIivitlsd info three lois which.
w. pu' sl"as ioi sln,,s1'
II. as follows: First, IN cone-shaped
/ banks bank each bank holding from twenty
I'VE 70 thirty bushels Over and around
these hay end corn stalks We're placed
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
Wax Figures.

One of the odd industries that has
taken rapid strides to the front in the
past few years is the nnanufact Of,
wax show figures. FIVE years agn.
there were but two concerns in New
York devoted to this particular btsf
ness To-day there are score. The
growth of another industry Is due I'd
the demand for wax show figures. The
country has for several seasons past
been mad ON the subject of HYGIENE
underwear and firms have undertakeM
Its manufacture. All these concerns
and their branch salesrooms needed
wax figures to display the underwear
on Some Of the wax figures in the
windows of the big shops are beanti-
sful to look upon, for Solomon in all his
glory couldn't hold q cs adle to them
New York Lett
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17

it on my literary conscience that had
cheated the world Of such cllaracta 81
study as John Smith, 2 even IN that
early day, promised to be- !.
No further explana ton of the success
OF the book is needed. 1t is great
piece Of ism because it was writ
ten BY man gifted by Providence
with an entire inability to understand
any person or anything as it exists fn
nature. Had he possessed that unfor-
tunate power he would have been S, $
and NOBODY would have carea
to read his writings.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
a Losing Speculation.

Mr. Dukane--Do you know, Miss
Hflomewood, that Mr.. Frankstown is
specializing upon his chances Of mar
Tying you?
Miss Homewood- We'll, I'd advise
him not to risk much on a speculation
of that sort Cincinnati Commercial
Tribune 8Sss 5Ss
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
His Observation.

Did you know, = said the man who
was reading an article about the con
raction of metals, that a clock ticks
faster in winter than summer?''
NO, never noticed that about a
clock. But I know a gas meter does. y
Indianapolis Journal.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
Switched on.
, to marry your

suitor Sir, I desire to marry your
daughter
Stony -hearted Father-All right; go
study theology, and by the time you've
been ordained a minister. perhaps she
will have made her choice. Then YOU
can marry her.-Ph philadelphia North
American 5s.s
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
strong Evidence.

What makes you say that women
have more sense than men ~ $50
Well, you haven't seen any women
riding around town in wheelbarrows
since the election, have you % Chicago
Record.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
EhectiIve.

clergyman of Ludington, Mich,
told his congregation last Sunday that!
dancing is sinful and as an object les
son left the pulpit for a moment and
danced a few steps. After seeing him
the congregation rendered unanimous
verdict against dancing. York
Tribune.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
Had No Chance.
Had the Right OF Way.

The Mother Willie, am sorry to
learn that you ran your little wagon
over one of the boys next door and
hurt him.
The Urchin 1t wasn't my fault.
told him to get out of the way. NV
wagons got United States Mali
painted on both sides Of it, and it does
not have to stop for nobod y.-C Chicago.
Tribune.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
Once BIT, Twice shy.

I've Civ up the idee Of maxim
trip Ter New York this fall
.sHeoW's that
Why, the papers say MeKinley's
election hez restored confidence, and
4 was took in by them fellers the last
time I went there, b'gosh. Texas
Siftings.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
A Useful Animal.

City Boy CHS first sight of a cow
An'athat thing, with horns is what you
get your milk out OF
Country Boy O course, stupid; an
butter, an cheese, too &
City Boy hew! If you could only
would be regular Walkin grocery
store! :s ID
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17

Count Makaronni, the Italian noble
man, on account Of the way he uses
his novels.
Socartoots Yes, he does scatter them
around promiscuously but he discrim-
mates.
Spats Why, what do you mean?
Socartoo OTIS He seems to favor I. o.
Up ttsburg News.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
aGrand Onern

Il am afraid that seventeen-year-ol
girl of Thompson's is a little lacking in
musical education. =
Why 81
asked her what she thought OF
comic opera. and she said it was just
grand. Indianapolis Journal.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
An ImpecunIous shade

His breath came in short, quick
gasps, and in his terror he fedt his hair
raising until it fairly ugged at the.
roots.
And what did the ghostsdo then?''
Fled away in alarm couldn't
stand the raise. 20 Cincinnati ENQUIRER.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17

Statesman No. 1----'sHow may 1 obtain
evidence Of my popularity %
Statesman No. BY dying think
there will be large attendance at
your funeral, lie Mode Comipue.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17

Professors Wife What You want
ito go to the tavern? Not much-you
can't go tonight
Professor with a sigh -. yet it
is said that knowledge is power. - -
sFliegende Blaetter.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
Next Thing to IL

Did you get that rabbits left hind
foot in graveyard %
No, but found it on a trolley car
track. = Chicago Record.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
Usually the Rea son.

They tell me the DeCourcys have
a skeleton in their closet. q
ssY es.''
!" az. And that they have been dropped.
by society. 9 go
II
Because of the skeleton IN the clos
ct, suppose
Not at ALL It was because they
didn't keep it there . Chicago Post.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
A Horse ON Hin,

The Marquis del Carpio, viceroy Of
Naples. was once going into a church
at Madrid and saw a lady entering at
the same moment who wore an ex-
Stremely beautiful diamond on very
ugly hand.
y Il should prefer the ring to the
hand, said he, with no expectation of
being heard; but she Immediately
touched the collar of his order, which
he was wearing, and said: 81 should
prefer the halter to the donkey San
Francisco Argonaut
A Queer Character.
RutledgeI can't quite. understand
Mrs. Dawson.
b Dangerield-How is that?
Rutledge-She and my wife GOT to
talking about their doctors yesterday,
and She didn't seem disposed to argue
that hers was the only one who could
be depended upon to do our children
the. most good at all times. Cleveland
Leader.
s Had No Chance.
Mrs. MOulton-Oh, how did you like
the play last week?
Mrs. Flinders Really, % don't know.
7 didn't have chance to Judge what
it was like.
Mrs. Why, / supposed, of
course, that you had been there.
Mrs. FlindersI was, but, you see,
| was member of box party. Cleve-
land Lea dal. rs.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
The IndomftabIe Mn.h er

i Her Chaser ernit me to offer to-
you my umbrella, miss,
Fraulein Alone Thank you, sir.
but you see that I have one. 9
Herr Chaser Oh. that all right
Just close yours. - liegende Blaetter.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
Experience.

Customer ou say my size is So?
Give me larger size-to allow for
shrinking E7Ss
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17

Hotel Guest Ito waiter -eWho is
making that terrific noise in the
kitchen q AZ
Waiter he proprietor, his wife
and the cook are composing the bill
of fare. Firegende Blaetter.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17

Customer-Then give me two sizes
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
Business Is Busines..

Il have called, n said the. young man
to the busy contractor buried among
his papers, to propose for the hand Of
your daughter Z
8 The answer was in stereotyped form
and given without any idea Of what
the young man had said: Send in "a
sealed proposal, sir. The lowest bid
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17
I Natural Inauiry.

w picked up a aptain's chest at
sea last trip. Z said the mate.
ere his lungs in It? asked Wapc.
The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-12-17

He Discri1nin mn ted.
SQate is deIigh tful to listen to
Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1896-02-15
ouFER lAMAIcA NAYS.
How one Woman Falied In Rome 10 10
IS the Romans DO.

- the Romans DO.
when il Rome do rs the Romans
do, says ie old distich. bat ia these
days of universal travel il ia somewhat
necessary 20 know beforehand the man
ners and customs Of the native inhabit-
ants of the couna1es that are visited.
Il have eaten with chopsticks with
mandarin wife and daughter in China
and sat cross legged with the Persian
ladies IN Teheran and smoked mar
giles, said an American woman who
was nothing If not cosmopolitan. "but
never failed to adapt myself success
fully to the customs of the country. I'M
til reached Jamaica. in the West IN
dies, ] had letters TO one OF the mag
mates there, and upon delivering them
/ received a prompt invitation 10 break
fast and to spend the day. The hour was
not mentioned. but as the people were
French ] supposed Of course it was IL
o'clock, Ia tourchette. at Which time
/ presented myself. only 10 find that
had been expected at $ However. my
entertainers We're most hoSpitahle, and
their usual frugal luncheon Of cake
wine and fruit was evidently supple
mented by more substantial viandS for
my benefit. After luncheon was asked
if would like 10 take "A nap. AS | had
Just arrived | assured my hosts that /
never slept in the daytime and proceed
ed to make myself as agreeable rs posi-
BILE. My entertainers endeavored to be
cheerful, but there was something in
the atmosphere that made me aware
that / had committed a solecism. and
that / bad guessed rightly was very APP
parent in the relieved looks of the fam
lily when / said. that thought / did feel
tired and would be glad 10 repose my
self little was Immediately con-
Quoted TO an apartment which had evil
IDENTIFY been arranged with the expecta-
ton that would 60 regularly to bed,
and wishing me "a good rest the lady
and gentleman of the house left me for
the whole afternoon.
about one of the daughters came
to fetch me in fresh toilet, looking
very nice and making me feel very
tumbled and untidy in consequence. So
after / had been shown the gardens,
which were really lovely, began to
make mes adienx. But you must stop to
dinner, they urged; we quite expect
ed you. But / thought they had had
enough of me and persisted in my refus
al. / thought they parted from me rath-
or stiffiy, and in driving over the long
avenue which led up to the house met
a number of smartly dressed people,
who, / afterward learned, had been in
vited especially to meet me. So ! miss
ed it all around and gave no end of
trouble and offense, all because | did not
Just know Jamaica habits New York
Tribune.
Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1896-02-15
CARLYLE Corrected.

At Royal academy dinner in London
some years ago several artists We're ex-
pressing their enthusiasm about Titan.
Carlyle and Thackeray. 1t appears. were
among the guests. Mrs Annie c. Will
son tells the story of what followed
His glorious coloring is a fact about
Titan, said one man, striking the ia
BILE to give emphasis to the remark.
And his glorious drawing is another
fact about Titan r. cried another artist.
And SO they went on until Carlyle,
who had been listening in silence to
their rhapsodies, interrupted them by
saying, with u slow elaboration which
had its own impressive emphasis:
And here l sit, man made IN the
image of God, who knows nothing about
Titan and cares nothing about Titan
and that's another fact about Titan. p"
Thackeray was slipping claret at the
moment. He paused and bowed courte-
ously to Carlyle. Pardon me, he
said THAT appears to me to be not a
fact about Titan, but fact. and lam
entable one. about Carlyle .
Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1896-02-15
The saIta In the ocean.

The salts Of the sea have fed, through
out all time, countless living things
which have thronged its water and
whose remains now form the rocks OF
continents OF lie spread in beds OF
unknown thickness over Sc, 600, 600
square miles Of the l4S, 600, 600 square
miles of the ocean, floor. They have
lent the substance to build the fringin2
reefs Of the land and all the coral is
lands Of the sea, and there are at pres
ent, on the basis of an average salinity
of - per cent in the 200, 700, 900 cubic
miles If water which make up the
oceans. 80, 900, 600, 600, 600, 600 tons,
or 10, l73. 900 cubic miles, Of salt This
is sufficient to cover the areas Of all the
lands of the earth with uniform layer
Of salt to a depth Of 1000 feet. --Popu-
lar Science Monthly.
Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1896-02-15
A HAaRowINe EXPERIENCE.
Story of an Execution by Electricity Re
lated ON an Elevated Train.

lated ON an Elevated Train.
They got on a crowded Sixth avenue
elevated train at Fourteenth street. and
every one looked al them because they
were both young and both pretty. They
talked together in audible tones. with
all the enthusiasm of youth, and the
other passengers listened TO it all with
great interest.
Suddenly one Of them. the smaller
one, turned TO her companion and with
look Of horror on her face asked:
"Oh. Win, did you ever see any one
killed by electricity"
"Gracious. no. exclaimed the other.
Il should hope not
Il did. lacunically rejoined the
other.
why, Florence, what do you mean?"
demanded her companion.
"Oh. it was terrible" replied Flor
ence in all seriousness. Il never want
10 see anything like il again.
FLOW utterly ridiculous - remarked
her friend Whom did you ever see
killed by electricity:
Why" replied Florence, an ag-
grieved expression coming over her face,
''it was the other afternoon up in Har
lem. / saw "a cat run over by an electric
car.
The other passengers tried not to
smile. but it was too funny, considering
that the girl meant every word she said.
Neither girl noticed the amusement of
the other passengers, however, and Flor
ence doesn't know yet of the amusement
the passengers got ont of her narrowing
experience. New York Sun.
Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1896-02-15
THE CODE OF HONOR.
DuelinR as 1t Was In France In the Time
of Rlchelieu.

Dueling a. 1t Was In France In the Time
of RIchelieu.
The passion for dueling, which had
cost France, it was said, between 1000
and 5000 lives during the 20 years OF
Henry Tvs reign, was at its height
when his son came TO the throne. The
council of Trent in 1916 had solemnly
condemned the practice of single COM
bat, impartially including principals,
seconds and spectators in its penalty of
accommodation. IN 1902 an edict of
Henry pronounced the "damnable Gus
tom of dueling introduced by the cor
ruption of the century" to be the cause
of so many piteous accidents, TO the ex-
IRENE regret and displeasure of the king
and to the irreparable damage of the
state, THAT we should count ourselves
unworthy TO hold the scepter if we de
layed to repress the enormity Of this
crime.
A whole series Of edicts followed to
the same effect, but il was easier to
make edicts than to enforce them. Deg
radiation, Imprisonment, confiscation of
property, loss of civil rights and death
were the penalties attached to the in
fringement of the laws against dueling,
and still the practice prevailed. In 1926
Richelieu published milder form OF
prohibition. The first offense was nc
longer capital, third only of the Of
tenders property was to be confiscated'
and the judges were permitted to recog-
nize extenuating circumstances.
A few months later the Comte dc
Bouteville thought fit to test the minis
ter's patience in this direction. The
Place Royale had long been favorite
dueling ground, and De Bouteville
travelled from Brussels to fight his TWEEN,
ty-second duel here, in the heart Of
Paris, in deliberate defiance of the king
authority. The result was not encourag
ing. Montmorency though he was, the
count went with his second to the scat
fold, and the marked decrease from that
time in the number of duels may be at
tributed either to the moderation used
in framing the law or to the inexorabl'
resolution with which it was enforced
Macmillan Magazine
Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1896-02-15
E,rhteen hundred Years After Death.

When the pick used by the excavator
at Pompeii gives forth hollow sound
when striking the great bed of lava,
care is Immediately taken to open the
cavity that is known to be near. Into
this cavity liquid plaster of paris is
poured. The cavity serves as mold, and
the plaster soon hardens. When the lava
has been removed. the statue obtained
usually proves to be that of woman
or man in the agonizing commissions of
death. the limbs contorted and the fea-
lures drawn out of shape just as they
were when the person was overtaken by
the food of redhot lava 800 years ago.
st. Louis Republic.