davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-07-10

color ct neck and waist. would resultin
NJ Frenchy-looking a gown as one cDuld
wish and one. too. that would pass as
@fmported' even in the eyes Of our dear
est and most critical friend.
IF the coming summer should prove
~ warm and delightful as the weather
prophets predict. white muslin gowns
Of every description viii be much in evil
dence. Many OF these a~iry-fairy frocks
viii in their mode Of garniture recall
In q measure the quaint and pretty
fashions prevailing so years ago. Some
will have the trimmings arranged in a
multitude Of tiny ~rufles, one overlap
ping the other, and eacl little ruf1e
edged by a narrow frill of fine lace.
Gorsetimes the ruffies wiz cover the en-
tire skirt from waist to hem. or again
they will be grouped and put on in deep
f~cstoons. THIS hitter style is one p%artic-
ularlv liked by the French modiste, and
many OF the ~handsomest imported silk
costumes have the skirts treated in this
artistic manner. The bodice to many
K these muslin gowns " i'll be fashioned
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-07-10

softest and prettiest description imag-
Unable, while the materials r excep-
tionally attractive and becoming. and
the gowns themselves are designed in
such an exceeding great variety Of
styles that the particular requirements
Of each and every figure e to have
been given special attention and con
sideration so that it certainly will be
the sole fault of my lady if she does
not look her best and prettiest in her
hummer frockss
In the interesting matter of material
the transparent canvas cloths in every
variety of weave, both in silk and wool
mixed and in silk alone, seem likely to
be the most popular Of all for best wear.
When mounted over a foundation slip
Of some pretty, ~bright-hued silk they
certainly make q most strikingly chic
and smart looking gown. Then there
are the lovely grenadines in both plain
and figured grounds that come in all
the new and fashionable colorings, also
IN snowy white and somber black, not
60 mention the rich and effective silk
NETS that are woven in large square
meahes in regular checkerboard fash
ION. the daintily embroidered mulls, fine
sheer lawns and organizes. and cool
looking linens and dimities without
number. The grass cloths brought out
within the monthare distinctly fascinat-
ing. this being particularly true OF
those arranged with fine cream-tinted
lace insertions alternating with broad
woven stripes in bright shades Of silk
either deep red, bright green or pale
pink. A dress composed Of this mate
rial, made up over a silken lining CORE
spending in shade with the silk stripe
and given q lavish touch of the same
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-07-10

low that the leg is still somewhat bent
at the knee when the pedal isat it's low
est point, and so that the heel, when the
leg is Strengthened out, will just COM
fortably rest on the pedal. Wheelmen
are beginning to realize generally the
greater comfort and safety of u low sad
die. and this season the low bicycle
frames measuring between % and "a
inches in height are more in demand
than ever before.
The question of gear is not a hard one
to dispose of. The novice and the I'M
trained rider. who has not ridden
enough to develop his muscles, should
most assuredly ride a low gear; that is
in a level country where the roads are
fair, say GO to 6s for a woman, and IS to
~ for a man. A gear of 80 is none too
high Tor an experienced male rider of av-
erage strength, and a woman used to
doing considerable riding should bs
able to push a 70 Il "A without fatigue.
Everything depends on the nature of
the roads and the ability of the rider.
It Is obvious that discretion must be
used in this as in other matters, for
we cannot all use the same gear any
more than we can all take steps of
identical length without inconvenience.
"A lower gear Is required for country
road riding than for -buttertiying" on
the ~boulevards, and it is much easier
to climb hills. plow through mud and
sand. and to push against the wind with
o low than a high gear. The gear of a
machine is figured upon the relative
sizes Of the front and rear sprockets.
When a bicycle is said to be geared to
72 inches it means that it win travel
as far with one revolution Of the pedals
as a wheel six feet in diameter having
the cranks and pedals attached directly
to the axle. Therefore, a safety geared
to 90 travels as fast and pushes as hard,
theoretically, as a wheel of the old or
binary type eight feet in diameter. A
simple formula for determining the
gear of a machine Is to multiply the di-
ameter of the rear wheel in inches
Casually 2s) by the number of teeth in
the front sprocket and divide by the
number of teeth in the rear sprocket.
Dropped crank-hangers are being
much used upon the road this year. but
a seasons use will demonstrate that
excessive drops are dangerous. For or
binary road riding a drop of ~ n
2 inches is enough. With a three-incA
drop and a crank 6K inches long, tho
pedal is brought within foul or Az
inches Of the ground, which is INSULT.
cient on very rough CT stony roads.
E. W. PERRY.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-07-10

with fine tucks. bands Of lace insertion
and innumerable small frills. edged. of
course, with narrow v~alenciennes lace
to harmonize with the trimming on the
skirt, In many cases the sleeves will
be of the fine clear muslin made with
out lining Of any kind, but as a rule will
be very full gathered from shoulder to
wrist and finished with ~lace-edged frills
long enoughsto fall well over the back
of the hand.
As far as evening gowns are con-
ccrned rich brocades and soft ehine
silks still remain in the highest ia
vor. Chiffon and mousseline de sole
will be largely used also. but always
accordion plated. made ove fonnda-
tons of silk or satin. Lace applique in
cream tinted and pale straw color APP
pears as a favorite form of trimmingi in
many Of the handsomest evening
dresses, and it is quite frequently used
on both bodice and skirt. Foulard is
the material of the moment in gay
Paris, and those high in authority say
it will be quite as popular on this side
Of the water before the end of the sea.
son. It makes an ideal summer gown.
ing, being cool and dainty-looking, ana
not easily mussed or tumbled.
la the very popular bnrege we see q
pleasant revival Of the days Of y
crandmothers. In some shades Of
cream and soft gray it is extremely
fetching. It is thin enough in exture
to show the all-conquering silken lin
ing. and calls loudly for all the ex-
pensive accessories of the canvas cloth
or grenadine gown. 1t possesses n
great advantage. however, in the fact
that It wears wonderfully well, and is
also m~srvelously light in weight. While
entire costumes are made of it, it is par
ticularly well liked for the new ac-
| Gordon plated skirts, and the model in
the picture shows it used in this man
ner. The barege is in royal blue, ac-
Gordon plated over primrose taffeta
silk, and the perfect fitting. which is
quite a novelty in it's way, is trimmed
with jeweled applique lace.
There is no sign at the present mo-
ment of a decline in the popularity Of
the ever useful and comfortable coat
and skirt costume. Many of the i'm.
ported models are made with a small
REFER similar in style to those worn
last summer. but the newest and pref.
test have swell little Elton jackets
opening over a tight-fitting waist-coat,
Some very handsome costumes are
made of summer weight covert cloth,
with both the skirt and waist lavishly
trimmed in small braided patterns, but
the fancy of the moment is to have
! them made of linen, either white or
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-07-10

bare that even the veriest tyro would
no longer find anything Of interest in
them. Some that have been discussed
pro and con for several years and have
this spring been dragged into the press
again are: THE Hygiene of Bicycle
Riding,s' 'Tbe Evil Effect OF Cycling on
tho Morals . Sunday Bicycling Riding
md the Church." etc. Others. which
might be said to be new this year are:
'The Chainless Bicycle" What Gear
Shall I Ride?' .sHow t Care for a BIZ
cycle, ''etc.-only, it will be noticed, the
bicycle Is almost invariably called a
bike" and be who rides one a -bikerr
both of them atrocious words which
the writer of headlines in the newspa-
per ofaces uses with p~rodigality.
Space will scarcely permit OF the dis
position OF all these subjects here, al
though they merit very little attention
after all that has been published on
them. As to the effect of bicycling on
the health, the most eminent physicians
hold directly antagonistic. views-or
rather they don't hold them, but make
them public, unfortunately-and, when
doctors disagree, the wisest thing the
individual can do is to treat the riding
Of a bicycle as he does everything else
and rely upon his own Judgment. Used
ia moderation. the bicycle has probably
never materially hurt anyone, except in
care Of accident The greatest danger
lies in overexertion. particularly IA the
cases of those persons having weak
hearts, but If people in this way I'M
cabacitated for hearty exercise have
not the good sense to refrain from long
and rapid riding surely the ~inofensive
machine should not be blamed for their
lack OF wisdom.
Doctors r almost unanimous In de-
cIaring that bicycle saddles are iniuri-
Gus, and that the ideal type has yet
to be invented. Nevertheless, a close
Investigation of the subject by a physi-
clan, who is himself a bicycle rider of
several years experience and who un-
derstands thoroughly the Importance
Of perfect adjustments, would undoubt-
eddy show that in many cases the i'm
jury arises more from the improper tilt
ing and adjustment of the saddle and
~handle-bars than from the bad con-
~struction of the seat Inexperienced
riders, as a rule, have their saddles ale
together too high, and usually with the
pommel depressed, whereas the front
end should be slightly higher than the
camille. The saddle should be placed SO
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-07-10

Winner Of National Championship In 1850
match race for $500 the California rac-
ing man, Floyd A. Mcfarland, nick
named Jimmy Mcfarland, because in
his riding and speed he so much resem-
bles the A. A. Zimmerman of 0
Michaers manager, Dave Shafer, says
he is ready to accept in behalf of the
midget n challenges that may be
made. ]. B. Starbuck has proclaimed
himself very anxious to meet Jimmy in
a match race, and Fred ]. Titus re-
Gently reinstated by the L. A. W.. is
going into training with a similar object
in view. Eddie McDuttie also says he
wants to race him. Walter Sanger, the
big Milwaukee favorite, has been
matched to meet o. B. Hackenberger. of
Denver, in a fve-mile unpaced ace to-
be run on the Denver Wheel clubs track
June 10. Hackenberger's most brill
liant performances last season were the
defeat of A. +. Sem and Monte Scott
in events of the same kind. The But
termilk Boy" as Hackenberger is called
from the fact that he used to drive a
milk wagon, feels the Importance Of
this match with Sanger and until it has
been run will not entertain any Of the
propositions made to him by w. w.
Hamilton, Arthur Gardner and others
for match races. Hamilton and A. b.
Hughes, of Denver, have arranged o
match of three one-mile heats, single
paced, for a purse of $500, to be run
June Is.
Greatest interest centers, very nat
urally, in the proposed meeting of Tom
Cooper nnd Eddie Bald, whose friends
have been trying TO bring them to-
gether ever since the wrangle last fall
over the seasons championship. Each
has apparently been jealous in his de-
sire TO meet the other, but when it came
to the point of arranging the details OF
the race and the division of the purse
and gate receipts one or the other has
promptly called the affair off. Money
has now been posted on both sides. how
ever, for q meeting to take place after
May 81, and they may come together
some time in June.
Although Bald's friends in this coun-
try know him to be, in the ~vernaculaI
of the path. "a dead game sport" not
afraid to meet any racing man for any
sum of money and an easy loser if de.
feated, he is very much ~discredited il
France and the rest of Europe, owing tc
circumstances enthusiastically Amer,
lean. 1t will be remembered that the
champion talked a good deal last win.
ter of going to Paris, and that he ISSUED
an open challenge to the world to ride
any man a match race for any sum from
$1,000 to $4,000. These reports. o.
course, reaching the other side. wer,
taken seriously, and Jap Eden cablec
an acceptance of the challenge. Bale
thereupon promptly replied that b,
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-07-10

would ride the Dutch champion in
America, as he would not go to Europe
until next fall. The Europeans, took
this as an excuse for backing out Of the
match, and called the Americans in
tentions into question, poking a good
deal of fun at our Eddie through the
cycling papers, whereas, as a matter of
fact, it was Bald's friends who had pre-
vailed upon him to relinquish his in
tended foreign trip in order to remain
in this country and dispute with Cooper
the championship honors for '97.
1t ought to be plainly evident that
in order to sustain his reputation it is
essential that a racing man should take
every means of proving his sincerity in
issuing or accepting a challenge, and
that, eve at the risk of losing a little
free advertising Of doubtful value, he
should be chary of expressing an inten-
ton that he may not fulfill.
An astonishing amount of nonsense
is printed in the newspapers and peri
odicals regarding the bicycle and cy-
cling matters. One would suppose that
some of the subjects most dwelt upon
would become so hackneyed and thread
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-07-10

observation-disclosures OF the United StateS.l
work than any other man here. Hugh
Nesbit was alive and working then,
and he was a splendid clerk. We
were rivals. We both worked night and
day to make good records.
I'VE were not thanked for our eff
forts. Our ambition. energy, intelli-
gence and f~aithfulness only caused us
to be men marked for the slaughter.
Our fellow clerks were envious of US.
We outstripped them. Our superiors
were our bitter enemies, for we chal-
lenged their superiority. They hated
us because they feared us. The post
master-general was not permitted tosee
us or know us, and we dared not APP
proach him. We worked so hard that
we were in danger. Finally our aged
principal clerk died. We were reeeiy-
ing $1,000 per annum. and a promotion
was then available, for one of us, to
$1,S00. Which of us should get it?
Mark the result.
"A man ~ho was drunken, disrepu-
table, every way unworthy, received the
promotion. Since then he has been en-
vious of us, and domineering. He makes
life a burden. If l resign. as he wishes
me to do, l know no other business than
this and l shall be a pauper. If 1 re-
main where l am l am treated like a
puppy. l have no incentive to be eff
cient, diligent, faithfully ambitious to
do well. The fates are against me; l
must be a puppy"
His experience is not exceptional.
The true story has never beer told. The
intelligent reporters have seen but the
epidermis, and have never diagnosed the
case.
An old clerk in the appointment di-
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-07-10
Recomlnr Ynluelena.

The new woman was determined.
II shall not wear bloomers this sum
mer," she said. Il have determined to
GO back to skirts"
"Why?" they demanded in astonish-
ment.
'Bloomers are becoming 50 common"
she explained, that they cease to at
tract attention"
And straightway bloomers fell into
disfavor with all the new women who
heard her.-Chicago Post.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-07-10
A HeartIeaa s-trategem.

How did they stop the elopementP@
asked Maud.
by a detestable piece of trickery."
replied Mamie.
"They came very near getting away
in safety"
Eyes. But her father put his head
out of the window and shouted that her
hat was on crooked, and when she
grabbed for it she upset the tandem"
Washington Star.
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-07-10
BICYCLE MATCH RACES.
Many OF Them WIN occur Early
This Season
The Bald-oooper ARatr Causes A.
z CriticIsm-Threadbare Svb-
Jects Revaved-PrODeR GeaE
90 Ride.
Especial chicago Letter.l

From present indications the bicycl
racing season of 1897 promises TO be en-
hvened by the running of Of many
series of match races. James Miehael.
the little Welsh wonder who has, how
ever, taken out his first naturalization
papers in this country with the inten-
ton Of becoming a citizen Of the United
States, has just defeated In a ten-mile
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-07-10
KATE GARDENERS CHAT.
Midsummer Gowns WIN Be Charm
ing and Graceful
New Wenvea " SIX Of Rare sOftnesH
He1p Rhe 1lodiste 10 Produce CAR
menss Unrsynlca for Rich
EHernnce.
feDacIal Chlcago letter.

although midsummer is stin some lit
sic distance of, many of the new modes
Intended for warm weather wear have
put IN an appearance, and it needs but
8 single glance to convince d beyond
the shadow Of a doubt that never were
the Fashions more charming and grace
ful than those depicted in the latest
summer gowns. AS far as colors are
concerned the new shades are Of the
The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1897-07-10
ParentnI

Father, did not Mr.. Bithers ask you
for my hand last week."
HE did"
"And l have not heard from him
since. Did you insult him?"
Me? Great Scott, mol | shook his
hand and told him | was highly pleased
with your choice, as / was getting tired
of working for my own Iiving."-I1i
dianapolis Journal
The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1897-10-08
COUNT OKUMA'S ARTICLE.

We repubish Count Okuma's
article, published in the September
number of the Far East. He fol
lows the example of the Anglo
Saxon statesmen, who do not hest
tate to talk to the world, through
the Press and the magazines. Count
Okuma's views are those of a man
who deals with practical affairs,
There is no smell of sulphur or gun
powder about him. He, makes no
suggestions in favor of great
navy, or the enlargement of the
army. His thoughts flow entirely
on industrial lines. If he knew what
a few people around Fort street
thought of his aggressive wicked
ness, he would be surprised. He
gives a very sound reason for ad-
herring to the policy of not increas-
ing the territory of Japan, namely,
that country surrounded by the
sea, does not need expansion. Those
who have studied the situation in
Japan for the last twenty years.
have seen very clearly what he1
obvious policy should be. She has
many statesmen who have also
clearly seen it, though behind
them are a people who do not see it
The japanese statesmen are il
constant anxiety about the interna
affairs of the Empire. They see
as some foreigners see, that the
many divisions of the people, hav,
not really assimilated, and they
may, at any time, cause more than
friction. The process of consolida
ton is tedious, because it involve
social preiudices which are quit
as strong as racial prejudices.
The Kobe Chronicle comment
on the increasing moderation
The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1897-10-08

We may have few insignificant
faults, but to be ashamed of our
own music is not one of them. The
English papers, of late have severe.
ly criticised the importation into
England of many musicians, and
the public distrust in home talent.
On close investigation, it appears
that their home talent is appearing
in foreign skins and feathers. As
Smith of Whitechapel, is not APP
preciated by the British public,
when he blows brass instrument,
he calls himself Smitoffsky, is en-
cored at the fool lights, and the
critics approve. AT country ball
in Lancashire, the ''Pink Magyar
Band" was engaged, there was a
dispute about the beer allowance
for the band. 1t quit playing and
one of the members remarked,
that che was bowed if he'd play
any more 'bally' music, if he didn't
get more Tbally' beer" Our local
civilization, thanks to Professor
Berger and others, furnishes no
such incongruities. On the other
hand, we have an original native
article, that Beethoven, even in his
best moments, could not supply,
nor could our native music, in its
best moments, supply that which
Beethoven furnished.
The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1897-10-08
PLANK FIJI TEEN.

This plank of the American
Union party, recommending the
conversion into a public place of
the shore residences for some
distance south of the causeway
at Waikiki, is rather a funny"
affair. 1t has the appearance
of a stray plank snatched out
of the drift wood, and nailed
upon the platform, and it also
has look, that provokes the ques-
ton, why is it there! For it would
be Just as proper to add another
plank, to the effect that "all milk
used in the city should be steri-
lied"
We all appreciate the need Of
more public places, and if it is
necessary for the public good, ev-
cry foot of shore residence at Wal
XXI or elsewhere must be taken
The absurdity of the plank is, IL
making it a solemn political policy
to take any special piece of ground
1t shows "hunger" in some direc
The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1897-10-08
MINISTER wOODFORD.

Gov. Stewart L. Woodford, the
Minister of the United States at
the Spanish Court, has practised
law in New York City since 1858.
He has no superior as a rhetorical
speaker. He is not convincing.
He makes little impression on
juries. He is cold, and his eye is
not sympathetic. He studies his
political speeches with great care.
His voice is well modulated and he
uses it with great effect. No poll
teal orator in the State of New
York, during the last thirty years,
with the exception of Mr.. Depew,
has been in more demand by the
Republican committees. But there
never was humor, or real pathos in
his words, and the political leaders
generally got the impression that
he was speaking a piece" They
never gave him any official com
pensation, beyond that of the
empty office of Lieutenant Gov
ernor. He lacked the elements,
which make a man popular, and
at the same time never had those
which commanded the highest re-
spect. And, he ''never worked fol-
nothing" He believed in compen-
sation and got it. His law partner
Rich, was one of the executors OF
the celebrated "Fayerweatherwill,' y
in which the old leather merchant
left millions to the colleges, and
in order to prevent miscarriage OF
his plans, left much of the money
to his executors absolutely, with
secret instructions as to its DISPOSE
ton. The Courts broke this ar.
rangement up, as the Law is a sus
picious creature, and has no great
confidence in the honesty of men
who get money absolutely by will
with secret promise to do good
with it, after the maker of the vii
is dead. They generally begin tc
do good to themselves first, anc
then extend their charities. Gov
Woodford will do nothing rash
in his capacity as Minister to Spain
The President may have selected
him for the post, because of hiI
very cold nature, and freedom
from sudden inspirations.
The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1897-10-08
"CONCORDE."

The infexible stubbornness, with
which our esteemed contemporaries
insist on misunderstanding or mis-
representing US, reminds us of an
anecdote connected with riot in
London, many years ago. During
the celebration Of the Duke of
Wellington's birthday, the French
Minister, in honor of the occasion,
lighted up his residence at night,
and placed the words "Concorde"
The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1897-10-08

of the japanese Press, towards
foreigners. At the same time,
there are many reports winch
show that the common people are
disposed to be somewhat aggres-
sive towards the aliens. This Is
natural enough. 1t is the same
feeling which prompts the patrio-
tic American to twist the tail of
the British lion. Many years will
pass before 'the man and brother
exuberance of sentiment will pre-
vail over the world.
The Kobe Chronicle says that
this spirit of moderation was shown
during the discussion of the pro
posal to annex Hawaii to the Unit
ed States. The leading Journals
were commercially moderate, "a
moderation" it says, (which might
even have been initiated with adj
,antage in America"