davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-03-13

that of the sea otter are the only skins
that can be dyed SUCCESSFULLY and re-
tain their gloss and original color.
Furs are worn by semi-civilized and
savage and all civilized people in very
cold climates. The Chinese and Jap
anese have worn furs as articles of dis
play for more than 5000 years. And the
demand for fine and beautiful furs for
ornament and luxury is increasing in
this and in all other countries. Befole
the purchase of Alaska, mountain
trappers mainly supplied the country.
Furs of the seal were not in such gen
eral use, being far more high-priced
than they are now.
The great industry of trapping in the
southern states aud in the Rocky
mountains has decreased immeasur-
ably since the purchase of the seal
islands. Yet there are not more beauti-
full skins than those found in Florida,
the Mississippi and Louisiana swamps
nnd in the Rocky mountains.
The first great fur establishment in
America vas founded at st. Louis more
than a century ago by Laclede, Maxon
< Co., and the business continued until
the beginning of the late war between
the states. Auguste and Pierre Cha
teau were employees of the company
for many years. subsequently, they
formed an independent company, the
business of which was interrupted by
the war of 1912. The business, however,
was resumed by their descendants, and
continued for many years.
About the beginning of this century
John Jacob Astor formed the American
Fur company and established stations
from Astoria, Oregon, to st. Louis, trap
ping throughout the west and north.
west. British raids on the northwest
interfered with the business and
headquarters were removed to st. Louis,
and his field was confined to the Rocky
mountains. j. M. SCANLAND.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-03-13
Two smart Geese.

A gentleman living in eastern
Georgia owned a pair of geese and some
half-grown pigs, all of which resorted
to a small plum thicket ON the hillside
to pick up the fallen fruit. A branch
of one of the trees hung near the
ground, and the geese had discovered
that by catching this branch in their
bills and thus shaking the tree, they
could bring down the plums. The pigs,
however, got the best of the downfall.
devouring the plums greedily, some
times swallowing every one before the
geese were ready to eat. Greatly ex-
asperated at this selfish conduct, the
geese finally seized a pig, each taking
an ear, and marched him to the top oil
the hill, meanwhile beating him with
their wings. After serving several pigs
in This way, it was noticed that they
left an ample supply of plums on the
ground for the rightful owners
Golden Days.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-03-13

had been carrying on the business for
about a century before the United
States bought the islands.
The price paid was 1920, 900, which,
at the time, was thought to be an ex-
orbitant price for huge icshergs, islands
Of rock and the fisheries. Perhaps it
ISL A company was granted the monop-
ely of seal hunting, paying therefor a
stipulated sum, and a royalty On each
seal shipped, amounting to about $780,
600 a year. 1t was stipulated that not
more than 100000 seals should be
killed yearly. How mary seals wera
really taken will never be known, out
eide of the corporation. The members
became immensely wealthy, as did some
of the government officials and con
gressmen. A few years ago, another
company. with headquarters also in San
francisco, become the successful bid
ders. Within the past % years nearly g.
100000 seals have been taken from these
islands-according to official figures.
l is estimated that only about 500, 900
remain, including old and young of the
two sexes. 1t is expressly stipulated
that only males between the ages of
one and five years may be killed. The
females and the older males are reserved
in order thai the supply may not be-
come exhausted. Besides, the skin of
the old male is too tough for use.
Whether these regulations are OBJ
served by the contractors is not known;
but it is known that the number of
seals has been gradually diminishing
for years, for when these islands were
purchased there were about 100000
seals in the Alaskan waters. This de-
crease is doubtless largely owing to
British and Russian p%oachers, and fire.
quently American frsebooters are over
hauled by government evenu cutters.
At this rate Of decrease the supply will
become exhausted in a few years. The
seals found elsewhere in America are
not Of the ~fur-bear;ng species; hence
the necessity of the restrictions. The
f~ur-bearing seal is found off the coast of
California. and sometimes comes as
near as San Diego, but they are merely
on an excursion from their Alaskan
"rookeries." They prefer those "rook-
cries"
These Islands are rugged and steep
nnd almost inaccessible to the s~ealers,
many Of whom fall from the rocky
shores in their hunt for the seal and
are killed by others in the waters below.
Sealhunting is a dangerous occupa-
ton, especially on these barren rocks,
enid dense fogs and almost perpetual
SHOWS. On these islands the seals mako
their homes in the rocky cliffs, called
"~rookeries," where they are found in
droves numbering hundreds. These
positions they fight for, biting each
other with great ferocity. This depre-
ciates the commercial value of tho
skin. Those that cannot maintain a
position on the rookery stay on the
beach below.
The seal a run, walk and climb as
well as swim; and it sleeps while foat-
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-03-13

and frequently run over the natlyeas
knocking them almost senseless.
At the killing grounds the seals are
driven into line. as men condemned to
be shot. The executioner has a sharp
edged club which be Yields with re-
markable dexterity and force. He
strikes the seal a well-dirented blow
on the back of the head, killing it in
stantly. When the blow is not OF suf-
fcient force the roar Of the dying seal
is both loud and pitiful to hear. Fire
arms are not used, for the skins must
be free from holes.
The skins ere then taken off. They
are Immediately sailed, folded and
niled in bundles, to be sent to the cur
ing establishment for further treat
nIent. The meat of the seal is eaten by
the natives, and also shipped to the
United States and other countries. The
Elubber is the main diet 81 the natives.
Most of it is exported to Russia.
When received from the hunter the
skins are preserved by being sailed
away. When prepared for market, the
salt is washed from them, the flesh
scraped off, and the grease removed.
The hairs are pulled out carefully, so as
to preserve an ave and smooth sur
face. The pelts are then manipulated
by hand SO as to make them soft and
pliabIe. II my small holes are found
they are mended so as not to "show."
The pelts are then dyed TO any shade
required-from coal black to light
brown. Then the skins are washed
clean, shaved down to the required
commercial thinness, being manipu-
lated continually during the process.
Quite a number of skins are dam
aged, and some ruined, during this
process.
The skins are afterwards stretched
for the drying process, a solution OF
alum being applied to the flesh side to
prevent them from spelling. If not TO
be Immediately shipped they are
sprinkled with camphor and slowed
away in a dry place. Once a week they
are unfolded on the ground and men
beat them with long poles. This knocks
out the dirt and softens them. Then
they are shipped to market.
The manufacturer puts the skins in
tubs partly filed with rancid butter.
A man steps into each tub and executes
a song and dance, trampling with his
bare feet until the felt is soft and pill
able. The skins are then scraped on
the flesh side with a strip of iron until
the extra tissue is removed. Then they
are replaced in the tub, and a fine saw
dust of mahogany or other hard wood
is put in, and the b~arefooted man re-
news his exercise. This removes the
grease.
The skins are then taken out and
beaten as before, and the fur is comhec
out. They are now ready to be cut into
sacks, jackets, etc. The seal skin anc
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-03-13

were short, as demanded by the sea-
sons long sleeves. White slippers
were worn and a look of beautitude. A
bride is not supposed to look pretty,
but this bride was an exception. Per-
haps the difference in her favor was the
look of beautitude.
Fashion puts no limit to the number
Of bridesmaids. In this s there were
six, two little tots and four young girls,
educated in the same convent with the
bride. The little tots. who were seven
years old. possibly, wore very short
frocks Of white liberty silk, with drawn
Jokes and sleeves Of white chiffon and
chiffon ruches about the hens. They
had pale blue sashes edged with chit
fon frills, and big hats Of blue velvet
with white plumes.
The grown up bridesmaids wore
gowns of ivory satin with plain skirts,
The bodices had sashes of pale blue vel
vet swathed round the figure and fas-
tened with graduated paste buttons,
They had very pretty fichus also, that
you should look at in the picture, of fine
white mousseline de sole, edged with
lace and held in place by brooches OF
pearls and turquoise. They had cavalier
hats of white velvet with long blue
feathers and paradise plumes. French
bridesmaids do not always dress alike
By failing to do SO they spoil the pic,
ture, but there was no such drawback
on this occasion.
I am not going to talk t%rousseau, be
cause trousseau garments are all fol
one woman and one figure. It is more
profitable to1pick out a few Of the pref.
test frocks / saw at the ceremony.
The mother of the bride wore a very
handsome princess costume in lilac
MORE. The bodice was finished with a
guipure plastron and a bolero of anne
thyst velvet, from which two square
tabs hung below the waist line. AMed-
lei collar of fine old lace and some ar
tistic buttons were the garnitures. Her
capote was a pale blue satin with
bouquets of violets. She carried a mufl
trimmed with violets and an air of con.
tent and satisfaction.
A conspicuous figure at the reception
after mass and ceremony, was a grace.
full young woman all in green. He1
trim bodice was of very rich velvet anc
apparently seamless, opening invisibIy
upon the shoulder and under the arm
The very high corselet was rounded ir
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-03-13
A TOUCH OF NATURE.
Brass Buttons and q Uniform VIII Usual
" Turn Amy GIrTa Head.

AaS DAghOA1 "a - OAAAOEH NNAA OBuhk7
Iy Turn Amy Girls Head.
Ordinarily she was a calm, sedate
maiden who was shocked at rude speech
and w~orshiped what people are pleased
to call propriety. The mere suggestion
Of appearing unaccompanied by a chap
eron in company with a young man
would have brought bushes to her
cheeks aud pain to her pure, tender
heart. She was, indeed, a very model
of virtue.
But here she was, dancing about in a
very frenzy of excitement. There was
a wild, careless look in her eyes, and she
seemed to have forgotten all her old re
serve and maidenly dignity. Itseemed
as if she had suddenly undergone a
mental transformation.
Come On. girls. she cried, cor we
Shall be too late. Bother the chaperonl
We don't need ono. We can take care
of ourselves, and no n need know any
thing about it."
There was a. vexatious delay of two
minutes, and she became almost angry.
ST know we shall be too late" she ex.
claimed. "What makes you so Slow
Oh, 1 e felt so giddy in all my lifeI
Isn't it glorious! Won't we have a
jolly time? Come ON, or 1 shan't wait
Dear me! My nerves are all in a tiut-
ter. Do I look all right? Is my hair
becoming, done up this way? John!
Oh, who cares for John or what he will
say. If he doesn't like it let him do the
other thing. Say, girls, I'm not going
to wait another minute. I'm going
alone if you don't come right now
But they were ready at last, and
away they went, chattering, laughing.
shriekfng, and unmindful Of what the
world would think.
They had some young men III
brass buttons and gold braid, and
well, enough has been said.-Cleve
land Leader.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-03-13
FILLING a 8 TEETH.
DimcuIt Operation That q scrantoa pa
Dentist Performed.

AAAl4 AAANG % ~ -
Dentist Performed
a powerful and ~ferocious bulldog,
owned by DR.. Ward, of Scranton, Pa,
enjoys the distinction Of having a big
gold filing in one of his incisors, and a
good many citizens who have caught a
CLEAN of the gold in his mouth wonder
how the filling was done. Some think
it was done through hypnotic influence.
by the doctor over the dog, while others
insist that it was through the dogs
implicit obedience to his masters conn
mand.
The bulldogs name is Gem He is as
ugly in appearance as a prize winnerln
a dog show. His nose is a mass of wrin-
kles, and his eyes have a wicked CLEAN
for anyone but his master and Mrs.
Ward. His affection for them, however,
knows no bounds. When Gem was dis
covered one day clasping his muzzle
between his paws, rolling over and over
on the floor, and moaning, his mouth
was examined, and it was found that
there was a big cavity in n Of the
iacisors. 1t was decided that a dentist
should be consulted. The dentist found
that it would be necessary to use a rub
Der dam, and he promised to fill the
cavity provided Gem was etherized.
This was done, and the operation was
considered q successful one, although
Gem evidently thought otherwise. Some
time afterward the filling came out, and
Gems last state was worse than his
first, for he refused to submit to an
other operation with ether. At the first
sriff of the anesthetic he not only added
a score Of wrinkles to those already in
his nose, but showed his teeth in so dam
gerous a way that the dentist refused
to proceed. DIR. Ward insisted that he
could make Gem stand on the table and
have the tooth filed without wincing.
The dentist was dubious about trust
ing his hand between the brute's jaws,
but finally consented to try.
Gem was put on the table and his
master stood in front of him, kept his
eyes fixed on Gems, and told him to
open his mouth. Gem did SO and rub
Der dam was soon adjusted in place.
The dentist set to work with the instru-
ment of torture called a burr, and one of
Gems ears went down in a threatening
way, while the other remained cooked.
The doctor held n finger raised and
kept his eyes fixed on Gems that never
wandered from his masters gaze. The
attitude of Gems ears proved a barom-
eter of his sufferings when the burr
touched a spot close to the r When
both ears went down the dentist knew
he had gone as far as the dogs nature
would let him go. Gems eyes never
wandered from the doctors in the hour
and a half the dentist was at Gem
stood the final polishing, and when his
master gave the word for him to get
down from the table Gem danced with
demonstrations of joy at his release,
Since that day e has no trouble in mas
ticating the biggest beef bone.-N. Y,
Sun.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-03-13

the back, but came up in two points in
front, almost to the shoulders. This
corselet was of green silk embroidered
in silver, and was encircled by three
narrow belts of green velvet, one above
another, closing with tiny silver buckles
and bows of green ribbon. Ribbon bows
disposed in three rows made ~epaulets
on the shoulders, while more ribbon
formed a ruche of loops above the stand
ing collar of mink fur. The sleeves
were of velvet with mink bands at the
wrist. The skirt was of dark green silk
laid in folds all around and opening
in front upon a panel of velvet simulat-
ing an underskirt. This panel was edged
with mink at the hem. The silver en-
broidery on the corselet came down
upon the side panels of the skirt, in
arabesques and scrolls. In spite of it's
heavy materials the costume was jaunty
and dainty-looking, setting off well
slightly flushed cheeks and dark curly
hair. Her large hat of black velvet was
trimmed with green ribbons and long
black feathers.
Another convent friend wore a very
smart dress in gray and gold, Of tailor
cut, as the French modify t~ailorcutting.
The little bolero Of fine, beautiful gray
cloth had a great round collar, which
lay over upon the shoulders and was
richly embroidered in gold. It opened
upon a close-fitting. pointed bodice Of
blue cloth, gold embroidered. The
sleeves were of a new cut, sloping grad
ually from shoulder to hand. The gray
skirt was rather full for these days,
nearly five yards round and was made
with godets and heavily-embxoidered at
the bottom. A Medici collar at the
throat and a gray hat with gold ribbon
and black feathers are the other items
that have stayed in my mind.
The bridegroom's mother was an in4
posing figure in a black velvet redin-
cote, ground length and lined with
white satin. Over the redingote she
wore what is called a 'dalmatique," or
shoulder cape with square ends com.
ing to the waist or below. This was Of
white lampas broche with scroll work in
velvet and finished with a Medici collar
and an edging of sable fur.
And the bridegroom? He dnesn't mat
ter. Men are OF no account at a we'd
ding.
ELLEN OSBORN.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-03-13
ELLEN oSB0RN's LETTER.
Pretty Frook8 That Were Worn In
Honor Of q French Bride.
HAD Two Wedding Gowns-The Clvtl
and Religions Ceremonies and the
Toilets which They Respeo-
tirqly Require.
Tcopyrlght. iS97.l.

A young French girl with whom /
became acquainted when she passed
through New York on her way to the
worlds fair in Chicago was married
yesterday. and some account Of the
wedding hneries may prove interest
ing. Not that marriages in France diff
fer notably from marriages in other
parts Of the civilized world, but because
in one essential the likeness is so strong
the occasion calls for a great dis
play of pretty clothes.
French women have two chances at
wedding dresses, for they are twice
married. The civil ceremony requires
discretion in the choice of a gown. The
importance of the function must be rec
ognized by a toilet fresh and charm
ing. but there are many modifying con-
~siderations. The prospective bride is
stil a "jeune flle,'' and so by French
custom nus put on nothing of any
great state or richness. On the other
hand, she is about to be transformed
into a 'sjeune femme" and must look
forward to her coming privileges. A
quiet dress Of some dignity, yet youth
unlocking and modest, is the ideal
aimed at for the ceremony at the
marie. AS the gown is apt to be used
afterward for visiting, it may be meas
urably like an English brides "going
away dress, which is more decorative
than a simple travelling gown. At times
it approaches afternoon or quiet re-
ception dress more closely. Everything
depends, of course, on the means and
position of the bride.
The guests at the civil ceremony keer
their finest clothes for the religious
ceremony and her dress as beautifully
IS they can.
The young girl of whose frocks 1 am
going to tell you wore at the marie a
very charming gown. She has the clear,
pale skin and delicate features that
one learns to look for in Paris, with
very pretty and abundant dark hair,
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-03-13
THE CELESTIAL SERVANT.

Master at a Disadvantage When Dealing
with oriental subtlety.
At night your boy" returns to China
town, where he sleeps, letting himself
in the next morning with a latchkey.
which, on hiring, you trustfully CON
fde to him. This may seem strange
and impudent to eastern housekeepers,
thus leaving your house at the mercy of
an unknown, characterless man-for, of
course, they never have testimonials;
but it is a trust rarely if " abused. a
fact which speaks favorably for the
ce~lestials. Generally they demand and
receive large wages. We had, however,
one at the modest sum Of ten dollars per
month, who was an excellent cook,
excelIing in bread and cakemaking, but
with a truly execrable temper. He was
always muttering and growing to him-
self as he went about his work. Besides
cooking, he had to set and wait upon
the table, sweep the lower rooms 1--WE
attended to the ~bedrooms), and occa-
~sionally wash the windows. At times
he would break out into what we sup
posed was intended for singing, but
anything more harsh and unmusicaI
1 have never heard. Query, can the
Chinese sing?
What reused his anger more than
anything was u being late for meals.
or people dropping in for lunch. IL
at such times we rang for more bread
OF cake, after a sufficiently lengthy IN
teTyal, to impress upon us the fact of
his displeasure and to ponder on
greediness, he would fiounce in, scowl
at us as he snatched up the plate, mutt
ter very audibly to his mistress: NO
makee cakee, too cheap, two dollars and
a harf"-which was somewhat embar-
RAISING for both hostess and guest. Our
patience eventually gave out and VIC
dismissed the amiable creature, who
departed, for once all smiles, with his
wages and apron, leaving behind his
latchkey, and in all probability a de-
scription of the place, written where
it would attract the notice of the nevv-
conner, though invisible or at any ratio
unintelligible to us. This is ~favorit8
practice of theirs, and serves either to-
encourage or to warn away applicants
if the latter, your path will be a.thorny
one for some time TO come, and "boys'-
will prove many and 1eeting, much "a
your wonder and perplexity. You wiII
find yourself at very unusual odds when
dealing with oriental subtlety and spite.
-Lippincott's.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-03-13

She could not have chosen a color that
suited her better than the old ros
silk Of quite a new shade, of which her
plain long skirt was made. Her full
bodice of white chiffon was Just the
right thing for her slim figure, and over
it she wore a bolero Of old rose silk
like her skirt, daintily but not SLOWLY
embroidered with gold. Her sleeves
were Of drawn chiffon, fitting the arm
closely, with dropping puffs of silk at
the top. Some fine lace at the throat
and a folded belt of silk gave the fin
ishing touches. She dressed her hair
in its natural everyday fashion and COW
cred it with a large hat of dark green
velvet with old rose and white plumes.
She wore trim high shoes. The detail
is OF no consequence, except that in
Paris it is held to be bad taste to wear
slippers at ones civil wedding. High
shoes are prescribed as giving some
touch of ~businesslike seriousness.
Having already said that the wit
nesses save newest and choicest for
Part second of the wedding, 1 shall omit
oil other toilets except that Of the
brides pretty cousin, who was present
with her own sweetheart in a dress of
sapphire blue silk with Louis XVI. coat
and white brocaded waistcoat with
gold buttons. A little toque of lemon
cclored velvet, yelled with point de
Venise and trimmed with ostrich
plumes, was more jaunty than anything
the bride was allowed to wear.
Part III. was q different affair.
Twenty-four hours after the first cere-
mony, the bridal white went on. The
bridal white was of very rich ivory
satin, which is even more generally
used this winter than in past seasons
and indeed almost shuts. out other ma
t~erials. The dress wal at once youthful
in look, and stately. The bodice was
still that of the young girl; the SWEEP
Of the skirt and the train be6tted the
married woman. The skirt was cut
rather scant in front, all the fulness be.
ing thrown back into the round train
It was edged all the way about with
garlands of orange blossoms. and this
same flowers ran up the side seams
The bodice was cut with a blouse from
of white mousseline de sole gathered
under a broad corselet Of the satin ant
partly covered by a bolero Of point
dsAlencon lace. The high. wired Medic
collar was Of the same lace, as was ths
wrist garniture finishing the sleeves
Knots of orange blossoms were fastened
upon the corsage and caught the vel
to the hair. Not a jewel of any kind
was to be seen. The tulle veil wa.
worn quite Off the face. hanging dowr
upon the train behind. To cover th,
face, Of partly cover it, is the fad thiI
winter, but to throw the veil back il
regula- enough also. The white gloves