davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18

pale-tinted Leonids were seen streaking
the southern consultations. This is the
name given 10 the November star shower
that seems to radiate from the consteIla-
ton of Leo. When number of shooting
meteors streak the armament the area
from which they all retreat in common,
in divergent tracks, is named the radiant
point, and it shows the direction in space
from which they approach the earth's
orbit.
Scientific investigation carried on chiefly
within the last sixty-three years has shown
that myriads' of small. dark bodies are
circling through interplanetary spaces.
sometimes singly, often in groups, and
also in immense swarms; that in weight
they range from many tons to few grains
or less, and while too small to be seen
individually shining by reflected sunlight
and too far apart to glimmer conjointly,
occasional friction with the earth's atmo-
sphere gives them luminosity that re-
veals their existence. When small, cold.
hard body ranging the realms of space
with tremendous speed encounters even
the vapory envelope OF the swiftly moving
earth the twofold velocity heats it to a
DldZ6 anu 1CO0Cco II W dSu6S IN
a few seconds. Hence the falling star
that in golden script tells the route of the
unseen host that is speeding by. The
scientific observer marks the aspect, mo-
ton, distance or spectrum of the luminous
wanderer, and if it falls to the earth before
being consumed analyses its constituents.
Composed only of such well-known sub
stances as iron, stone and sodium it never
theless bears the brand of its non-ter-
restrial origin and also the traces of its
fiery fight. Tn Leonids belongs to the
largest OF known swarms. In long ell
liptc orbit, intersecIing that of the earth
at one POINT and extending beyond that
of the planet Uranus at the opposite curve,
they revolve round the sun in about
thirty-three and a quarter years, the
elongated stream taking some years 10
cross the path of our planet. But the
grand mystery of the meteoric host is
their unexplained relationship to the
wandering comet, so unlike in aspect and
ways and still so evidently entangled in
some common bond. Schiaparelli of
Milan, so famed for the discovery Of the
canals of Mars, was the first to detect
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18
A COSNIC SHOWER
Great SWARM Of Shooting Stars
Visible Next Month
Every Thirty Jhree Years the Phenomenon
Recurs--What Is Expected on
the Night Of the 18Th

Toward the close of the present century
probably in 1899. the world will again
witness the great meIeor shower that
occurs every thirty-three years. This is
the rarest of celestial phenomena visible
at night time. Hundreds of thousands
of shooting stars streaked the heavens
with radiance for hours in succession on
the last occasion in 1861 also in 1833-34,
and in 1873, when observed by Humboldt
in South America; and the historic record
OF the periodic display, which dates
back nearly thousand years, furnishes
similar accounts. AS the visibility OF the
swarm is not confined to every thirty
thiro year, but commences lew years
before, and fingers on few years after
that period, it is now expected that during
next month the foremost ranks OF the ad-
vancing host will make their appearance
IN unusual numbers.
Even as early as 1892 Professor Barnard
of the Yerkes Observatory saw some indi-
cations of this, though the intervening
years revealed only the few straggiers OF
the swarm usually seen on the 18th OF No
vember or about that date, for it requires
some days for the earth to pass the inter-
section of the meteoric path.
The clear skies of California and the
favorable weather often seen in November
make it vantage-ground for such an
observation. No doubt, as on previous
occasions, the Mount Hamilton astron-
omers will carry on cooperative watch
on several steep heights and thus deter
mine the orbit of the swarm with the de-
sired accuracy.
From the bay, with the City as a
background, one may easily obtain
an exceptionally good visual observation
of the expected phenomenon. Tamalpais,
now so easy Of access, will probably be
selected by many local observers for long
night vigil, as even visually it is worth
many a weary watch to witness the effect
from such magnificent standpoint.
Even an ascent to any of the City
heights, where clear view of the horizon
ali round is obtained, and with the local
scenery of bay, hills and ocean canopied
by such rare and wonderful night scene,
will fully repay the fatigue endured. Such
a celestial vigil would be an invigorating
change from the glare, heat and suffoca-
ton of the theater or ordinary night en-
tertainment, even if the great star shower
failed to appear.
During an eight hours watch on the
18th of last November thirty-seVen swift,
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18

meteoric debris and for any differences
detected in the orbit by the theory OF
planetary interference. Indeed the pres
ent orbit of the Leonlds and their tend
ant comet may be due to the attraction OF
the planet Uranus, near which they must
have passed in the year A. D. l26, accord
ing to the French mathematician and
astronomer Leverrier, who was so instru-
mental in discovering this cometary con-
nection.
1t is to test the accuracy of all former
observations, from which SO many inter
esting deductions have been made, and
by means of the new appliances and
methods unknown on the last occasion to
either confirm or refute them, that the
astronomers are now preparing to in
vestigate the foremost wing of the flying
host. If a premature large shower should
escape scientific scrutiny and be merely
hearsay, important evidence would have
to be supplied by unsatisfactory con-
lecture. DR.. Eikin of Yale College has de-
vised an instrument for the special pur-
pose of photographing meteors, and his
plans have been effectively carried out by
Warner & Swasey of Cleveland, who con-
obiOSbOo luC Llue VI luc L9Ch JSlc-
scope. 1t is q sextuple Photographic tele-
scope, or ra,her combination of six tele-
scopes with cameras attached, mounted
on the one polar axis, guided by the same
motions and circles and controlled by one
operator. Jointly they can picture an
area OF the armament equal to that covered
by 2400 full moons.
In the meantime other single telescopes
will be placed few miles distant, and by
means of electrical connections co-operat-
i've motions will take place in all stimuli
taneous!y. The object is to accomplish as
much as possible in a limited time, and
this is exactly what is needed for meteoric
photo sraphy. The spectrum of shoot
ing star is a difficult observation to take,
but owing to the skill and zeal of those
engaged in that branch OF astronomy it
will probably be obtained very correctly
before the END of the century.
1t is not, however, only those equipped
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18

There has come into bearing this season,
on the ranch of the California Nursery
Company, near Niles, most remarkable
new variety of grapevine that promises to
be of the greatest Importance to the wine
growing industry of the State and also to
the producers of table grapes. The new
variety OF grape is the result of grating a
cutting of Royal Isabella on the root
of common Isabella As a consequence
it has qualities unknown before. How
it was brought about is purely matter of
speculation, but most likely through what
is known as s'bud variation" This is not
thoroughly understood, but many able
writer's say it is on account of the mixture
of the pollen of different plants either by
insects or the wind.
The new grape while possessing all the
qualities of the native American Isabella
has the flavor of the Asiatic and Spanish
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18

all nature is in motion. There is going on
a continual transmuta ton of elements and
existences. Nowhere is there found abso
lutte rest. 1t is nothing new to make such
announcement, and yet it is spoken of as
the keynote of the new science. 1t is be-
cause men, in their struggle. to attain
accomplishment of the desires of the
moment, have been interested only in the
results and not in the causes, that the true
conception of the universal power has not
been had. In the mad race for dollars
mankind has had no time for the analysis
of philosophy. The metaphysician Is an
unwelcome stranger in the halls of the
money changer, and his philosophy the
recipient of contempt Yet there have
always been few, rapidly increasing their
mum bers to-day, who hold that meta
physics is not mere empty bubble. but a
philosophy of life.
Itwas taught by the ancients that every
thing in the universe was of homogene
Gus nature and based upon one common
substance that they called "primary mat
ter" Aristotle declared that "all things
are convertible into all things"
The greatest difficulty in the way of
propagating scientific truth is the over
coming OF the belief in so-called scientific
teachings that are the veriest myths, the
respect for which is founded solely upon
personal regard for tn men who brought
them into the world. Tyndall has high
claim in the temple of science; yet he has
placed some very heavy loads upon the
car of science. In his fragments OF Sci
ence, Vol. II, +" ne says, "There is no Gre
ative energy whatever in the vegetable or
animal organism" Here Tyndall was
wrong. There is q creative energy which
works intelligentIy in the vegetable and
animal organism, as is proved by natures
power to repair injuries. An injury to an
organ is always repaired as far as possible
according to the original plan of that
organ, never according to some other
plan.
Just now it is dawning upon the minds
of studious men that in all of the phenom-
ena of material life there is q something
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18

The globe contained no flament, as does
the incandescent lamp, neither was it
connected by any wires to the electrical
machine. Yet it gave out light.
The phenomenon is explained by the
experimenter. Tesla, thusly: The ex-
haustion is not carried to an absolute
vacuum, and under the influence of cleo
trical excitement produced by an aura of
extremely high-tensioned electricity the
atomic particles of matter re naming in the
globe are driven from side to side of the
globe with inconceivable rapidity, and the
fierce bonn bardment Of these invisible
atoms impinging upon the walls OF the
globe produce the light. If Mr.. Tesla
had said that he had so exhausted
the globe as to produce within its walls
an approximation of the density of
interstellar space, and that he had
then, by the presence of a high potential
electrical field, excited the atoms within
the globe to rate of vibration agreeing
with that of light he would have told the
truth in palmer language
But while Tesla's light is as yet long
way from being a practical illuminator it
is of great value in showing the possibili-
ties of future illumination. 1t demon
strates far more and clearer than does any
other known experiment the electrical
character of light. / mean by this not the
production of light by or from electricity,
but the fact that as between electricity
and light there is only difference i'll the
rate of their res pective vibrations.
There is no good reason why human
genius should not be able to construct a
light operating solely by vibration and re-
ouiring no special electrical machine for
It's maintenance. That it will be produced
in the near future is the belief OF many
whose worldwide regulations as practical
scientists remove them from all fears of
being called visionary.
Such will be the perfect light. Cheap,
safe and not detrimental to health.
In the mind of the student.of science,
no matter in what special field his inves-
LEGATIONS have been conducted. there is
one dominant idea, the capitalization of
all the philosophy acquired as the result
of long and patient research, the axiom
born of his labors, thus expressed: All
nature is motion. The geologist, the
chemist, the astronomer, the biologist.
alike agree in sum ming up the result of
their various studies, experiments and in
vestigations, as establishing the fact that
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18

connection between comet and meteor
shower. the Perseids, the comparatively
small shower seen in August. In Decem-
Der. 1865, a small comet was seen from
Marseilles. which received the name OF It's
discoverer, Tempel.
1t arrived at its perihelion in January
and the following November appeared the
wonderful m eteoric display of 1866. When
the orbits were calculated some time
afterward by different observers they were
found to be identical, thus showing that
the swarm was following in the path OF
the comet. Foremost among American
observers in computations and theories
connected with meteoric astronomy was
the late Professor II. A. Newton OF Yale
University, who died but few weeks ago.
He inclined to the opinion that shooting
stars were caused by the gradual disin-
tegration of comets. Not long ago at a
meeting of the American Philosophical
Society, in speaking of this subject, he
explained that the sun was the cause OF
the different directions sometimes taken
by the disintegrated particles of comet.
1.-THE MATERIAL he stated, ''that goes off
from the comet after it leaves it, is sub
iect to force like that of attraction, but
differing from it in intensity. In the case
of the tail, it is q repulsive force"
In further explanation of this unsettled
problem, he added: at looks to me as
though there was disintegration all along
the line of the comets orbit, giving US
small particles with all sorts of loads of
electricity, and all sorts of differences OF
central attraction and differences of orbits,
and thus they get widely scattered, so as to
give US the showers long distance
from the comet ITSELF"
Other astronomers, however, consider
that the meteor condition is prior to the
cometary condition, while Professor East
man of Washington is of opinion that the
connection is unproven, though at least
four comets ere known to have GER
tainly moved IN the paths of meteor
| swarms.
This cautious view is entitled to much
consideration, as about a hundred mete-
oric orbits are known with which there
seems to be no cometary correction. On
the other hand, the vastness of space even
within the solar system discourages the
| belief that two distinct formations could
select one path with all its peculiar curves
unless forced to do so by some irresistible
bond. Some computers account for the
| difference of the periods of comet and its
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18
WONDERFUL GROWTH OF A NILES GRAPEVINE

varieties. This seems to be all that is de-
sired as wine grape, for it is phylloxera
proof and full of tine-favored Juice. The
new vine is only two years old and yet it
has more grapes on it than any other vine
on the ranch. Ordinarily grapes are not
supposed to be in bearing at all until they
are four years old, but the ancestry of the
new grape makes this quality of the vine
only natural consequence.
This new vine," said John Rock, when
exhibiting the vine, twill most likely
prove to be the most important addition
to the vitculture of California that has
been made in many years. From present
indications it will practically double the
bearing capacity of the vineyard in which
it grows. 1t is the most prolific bearer
that have ever seen. If the older vines
show the same, and | see no reason why
they should not, an 80-acre vineyard can
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18
the Wonderful AIoc Shower That Expected Be
Visible on Night Of the 18th of November

that all light is due to vibration. That
the red light of the spectrum is red be-
cause it is the optical expression of "some-
thing" vibrating at speed of over thirty
seven trillions per second of time. That
the violet light is Violet because it is the
optical expression of the same 'some-
thing" vibrating at speed OF eighty
seven trillicns per second, and that the
other color.lights are the optical express
sions of vibrations of the something at
speeds Intermediate between the rates of
the red and the violet. The something"
is the matter filling all interstellar space.
When the vibrations of all the color
lights are present the optical expression
of color is merged into whole, producing
what is termed white" light.
Some very curious and interesting ex-
perlments have recently been made in
the matter of light-vibration which are
extremely suggestive. A glass globe hav-
ing the air exhausted from it was brought
within the aura, or field, of an electric
EXETER, when it at once became luminous.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18

grow as much grapes of the dry-wlne va.
riety as 150-acre can with any of the
vines we have to-day.
''It is, of course, impossible to say ex-
actly what the new grape will produce
when it comes to growing it in different
localities, but there is little doubt but that
it will do all that it should do from the
calculations we can make now. 1t will be
several years before we have any amount
of cuttings to send out. This year there
will be about fifty cuttings from this vine
and the next year about ten from each of
the new vines. The third year we should
have about 10000 young vines and the
fourth year enough to distribute"
AS the vine appears in the accompany
ing drawing there are no leaves in front of
the grapes, but these were all cut off at the
time the photograph was made so as to
show them.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18
HIGH ART IN AUTUMN CHPES
Beautiful Fantastic Creations That Cost Mnts Of Cash
and Lots Of Artistic Imagination

One of the latest sealskn capes has large and
uprie hit collar the latter down in front in points
carriage evening of chest velours lined
with satin the latest models The collar is lined with
sable sable hounce under ribbon ruche
rounds square point behind Vatican
backs organ Two sable heads the cloak
the figure under the Wateau pleat in front.
scarf of soft silk forms bow behind the collar
casped diamond buckle the throat falling gracefully
feet 1t fringe of sable tails. design like far
is white silk closely covered with tiny
blue flower which collar of pale blue
with silver and damane three quings of blue
satin ribbon adon the hem and the shoulders fall
straps skunk Yet another beautiful model described
pale tinsel brocade long coat with pattern in
pink and shows distinct novelty in its trimming of three
OF fur headed with jet beads This has Watteau back double
abotke of pale trimmed with fur and elaborate
killings chiffon. lace falls lightly the
epaulees of paled chiffon shoulders
of bell shape while the lining is of pale pink short sack
coat of black velvet has conventional design of velvet
traced with gold and epauettes collar of caracule and
the coat falls show belt both back and front
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18

Few there who would not appreciate of
black velvet which fits tightly in the back and is
a fashion show deep belt of hya
mroir velvet which also
decked with applique of Brussels point, edged with fine
f of the while the shoulders rich collars of
chincha outstanding the collar
gold tissue with gterng hyacinth beads thick
guipure flowers The lining of hyacnth cooed silk
fr of Brussels point from the hem truly fascinating
almost equally worthy of admiration OF black
satin embroidered in squns and striped with broad bands
black velvet ribbon The lining Of black and white striped
silk with pale chine pattern it. Chnchia outlines the
shoulder the collar encrclng the neck tied with velvet
Very handsome of black veours covered with
applique of velvet traced with jet with and with
green gold The smallest black ostrich tips edge
CAPE larger feathers chiffon killed form the collar and
back pleat of the velvet tightly drawn in and held
with a buckle of fine rhnestones.
Very popular, oubess will also be creation recalling
styles of $780, The especial which alude is of
green velvet the green's which
to fully appreciated) with yoke gathered round the
shoulder line in boulonnes whence falls fi of heavily ed
lace beneath which appears rlll of green velvet.
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18
The Vibrations of Light

One of the most promising fields for in
ventors, one in which may Se reaped
great fortune, is that of illumination. The
perfect light is yet thing of the future
True, very great progress has been made
in the matter of lighting our homes and
workshops, our churches, theaters and
streets, but there is very much m ore to be
accomplished before it can be said, that
in all respects, our artificial light is per-
feet.
The science of natural physics teaches
The San Francisco call., 1896-10-18

morning this will change as Leo rises in
the east and approaches the zenith. While
it may be premature to expect too much
this year, still if preparation were not
made and the shooting stars appeared in
greater numbers the omission could not
be remedied until far into the next CEN
tury. In astronomical work forecast is
often of high value. ROSE o. O'HALLoRAN.
The morning times., 1896-06-27

The great bicycle parade suggested oy
The Times is moving merriiy on.
Two or the Most important comInittees
me. last night al the Capital Bicycle tiiio
and disposed OF IL large amount of Dun.
ness The committees Will have a great
deal 10 report at the delegate meeting
Monday night. =,
was arranged to give as much space us
possible and to give the good People OF tue
city an opportunity to see 1t. IL VIII move
in sIIch "A manner that there need be NO
trouble in securing Il good view OF H.
ROUTE OF THE PARADE.
The parade will form on New Hampshire
avenue and T street. IL VIII move down
New Hampshire avenue TO Washington
Circle; thence down the south side or the
avenue 10 Fifteen-and- a-h;ln street, paek
OF the Treasury to PENNSYLVANIA avenue;
IL will then move down the south side ot
the Avenue to the Peace Monument, up the
north side OF The Avenue toFifteenIh street.
up the east side OF Fifteenth street 20
Vermont avenue.
avenue to Massachusetts avenue. thence
east on Massachusetts avenue TO Ninth
street, along north SIDE or Mount ' efhoh
Place TO Seventh street. south on Seventn
street To Massachusetts avenue. east TO
New Jersey avenue aud disband-
Dr. j. b. Hills, DR.. W. W. Hodges and
Lieut.. q. Z. Trailes were tie meinpers OF
the committee on route present. They
taIsed over various plans suggested anu
a. last agreed on this as the best.
The committee on 1UrfnatOn also tldiiS
acted some important business. Or tnis
committee the following gentlemen we're
present: w. T. Robertson. Dr. J: 3. Hills,
Dr. W. ". Hodges, Lieut.. 9. E, Trailes,
Capt. F. >. HodGsOn. capt. 5. IL. Nlgrihs,
c. E. IDgling. J. l. PeyseT, J Hart Britain
and W. II. Hcnshaw. The gentlemen
d scussed at tergth the various subjects
brought before them.
HOW THEY WILL MOVE.
1t was decided that the National Guard
Contingent should act as the escort 70 the
parade. Over 100 Guardsmen have eN-
.ssed their Intention OF turning out. ana
this will be one or the features or the
will come tie regularly organized bicycle
clubs OF the city. arranged according 80
seniority. In this connection II would be
well for secretaries OF the different clubs
to send in tile date OF the orga nizat on
of their clubs to either the secretary OF
the general committee or William /.
Robertson.
Following the regularly organized clubs
VIII come other organizations. Then come
the Christian Endeavorers, acting as the
escort for the four unattached uIvls ions.
II was also decided that women riders
were invited TO parade with the clubs of
which their escorts were memhers. In all
these cases. however. the women riders
must form the left II the club.
A committee Of four was appointed to
select a marshal for each section Of the
city. The committee is To find a man
can rally. The committee was composed
as follows: Capt. Hodgson, chairman for
the southeast: DR.. ". W. Hodges. for the
northeast; Capt. s. H Virgins, for the
northwest, and W. II. Henshaw. for the
southwest. These gentlemen are to re-
day night and are to bring their appointees
along with them.