davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
Ii Had His Doubts.

An amusing story of Lii Hung Chang Is told in official circles. Whether or not it is accurate in all particulars no one seems to know, but the tale is as follows: When John w. Foster and Mrs. Foster were first in China, they were handsomely entertained by the viceroy, and warm friendship sprang up between the former American secre- tary of state and the greatest man of the eastern world. Then, as now, Li Hung Chang was disposed to ask all manner of questions, and at the first op- portunity he asked Mrs. Foster if her husband was not very great man and n very rich man in his own country. Mrs Foster replied, with becoming modesty, that Mir. Foster had held many high official positions. He had been minister to Spain, minister to Mexico, minister to Russia, special envoy to Spain, and, finally, the greatest honor being reserved for the last, secretary of state, next in the cabinet to tho presi- dent himself. But Mir. Foster is not wealthy. m fact, he is comparatively poor man," Mrs. Foster frankly ex. plained. Ii shook his head. "You say Mir Foster has been minister to Mexico, to Spain, a special envoy to Spain and secretary of state?" Yes And he is still poor?'' "Yes, comparatively speaking" The old viceroy looked Mrs. Foster in the eye for . moment, and then, placing his two hands over his nose and one eye, he winked roguishly with the other optic aud Uttered. A siy old dog is Lii Hung Chang. w Washing. ton Letter in Chicago Times Herald.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
Is England,s Prosperity NIenncedY

The chief obstacles to the progress of education in England are party spirit and religious intolerance. Proposals for educational reform are discussed and decided, not in a philosophical spirit, but with all the acrimony of partisans Yet it is admitted that the case is 8 very urgent one; that England is en- gagged in Q struggle with her foreign competitors not only for the supremacy but even for the very existence of her industries: that her workers are worse instructed than their rivals and are on that account going to the wall, and that better education, both elementary and technical, is vital to the continuance of her prosperity. It is the fact that in both town and country elementary in- struction is so backward that, even if adequate technical schools were provid- ed, the mass of the people are unf1tted 10 take full advantage of them. Yet, not withstanding all this. English statesmen will postpone reform indefinitely if they can sec their way to secure a party ad- vantage thereby. The only hope is that public opinion may appreciate before it Is too late the position of education, both elementary and technical may be- come agreed as to the direction in which development ought to take place and may force parliament and the govern. ment to grapple with the difficulties which have to be overcome. Right Hon. Sir John E. Gorst in North Amer. lean Rsvisw.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
NORFOLK.

Communion service at the Congrega- tional church last Sunday and five young people united with the Church on confession of faith.
 Mrs Tracy. of Canaan, and son Sedg- wick were guests of Mrs W. W. Welch from Saturday until Sunday.
 Mir and Mrs Hiram A Lawrence spent Sunday with his sister, Miss Augusta Lawrence
 Frank Writings family have returned to their home here after spending the winter in Torrington. where Mir Whit ing has worked and where he will re- main until April 1st when he will re- turn.
 A son was born to Mir and Mrs Thomas Higgins on March 2. and vas baptized on Sunday at Catholic church.
 Prof. Gustave Stoeckle entertained the University Club which was organiz ed two years ago, and met at Mir anu Mrs Carl Stoeckle's, and this is their first gathering since Mir and Mrs Stoeckle left town. After the business meeting, refreshments were served and it was decided to hold meeting here nf all the college graduates in Litch- field county in June.
 Mir and Mrs Robert Geer, of New York, are at hIs mothers, as she and his sister are both quite sick with grip.
 A framed photograph of the Lenox Golf Cup. presented to Miss Bella FL dridge, has been placed in the Gymna- sium. The original cup is two feet high and weighs 153 oz The question Resolved, that the law prohibiting the paralleliug of steam and electric railways should be repealed was decided in the affirmative. Ell mund Brown and Walter Lsndon, afr native; J. D. Bassett and Joseph Hol- lister, negative. Atwood and Cole gave duet on banjo and guitar; Hollister and Beck. essay and recitation; Miss Alice Case, ,critique. Alfred Scoville has accepted a posi-. tion in Toronto, Canada, at the Hart ford Rubber Co.'S works at that place. Watson Beach. formerly of this place, but now of Norfolk, Kan, was in town last week.
 The Norfolk Club met at the Gymna- sium last Wednesday evening for danc- ing.
 Wallace Sparks is to move into Mrs Bellows house, corner of Main and Railroad streets, and MT James Thomp- son moves into the ho1se on Maple ave- nue vacated by Mir Sparks.
 Miss Bella Eldridge is spending the week in New fork with her sister, Miss Sarah Eldridge, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel.
 The Y. P s O. E. gave book soclal at the Gymnasium on Wednesday even. ing. Each person gave book for ad- mission, aud they were auctioned of1 later in the evening. Readings, instru. mental and vocal music were given and ice cream and fancy cakes served.
 Mir Joseph Eldridge returned with Mir Beach to Kansas to be absent for Q few weeks.
 Will Roberts, who assaulted his father and ran for the woods, was caught and trial was held Monday morning. He was put under S100 bonds which h. conld not furnish so was taken to Litch. field jail.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
w EST CORN W ALI.

MT and Mrs Wm. Preston are rejoic- ing over the arrival of another son. Con- gratulations
 Miss Dell Cochrane is attending post office while Miss Kate Saleskie is attend ing measles.
 Measles do not skip anyone in town Geo Anson, the 1t. man has them and from that down to Henry Waters baby
 F w Yutzler met with a severe acci. dent last Sunday. He hurt his hand very badly. After two or three days he was able to be out by having it done up and carrying it in a sling. We hope It will soon improve as he cannot shave uith it
 M, W. Preston has resigned his posi- tion with the Berkshire Mfg Go to ac- cept one with J. Malinson Shear Go.
 John Potts is attending depot while his son. Arthur. Is sick
 Theo. Bartus, of New York, is visiting John Wood
 Mir Editor, is it sin to read the Snn- day newspaper? Some of us would like to knoT how you feel on the question
 We do not think it sin to read a Sunday newspaper simply because the paper Is circulated on Sunday All the work nf its composition and printing is done on Saturday or previously, where as tbe work on Mondays daily papers is done on Sunday. We do think 1t a sin to publish some of the so called Sunday newspapers. They are vile and disgusting productions. and not only the reading matter but the illustrations are enough to make person swear. It may be sinful to read such papers but it is doubtful if it is sin to swear al them or swear about their publishers EDITOR OF NEWS
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
HnrseIess Fire Engines.

It is proposed to add two horseless steam fire engines to the equipment of the Boston fire department. They were once tried in New York, but were aban- doned. Horses" says The Transcript, 'do not yet tske kindly to the steam roller, and if they should see it plung- ing madly along our congested streets at three minute gait, belohing smoke and flame, their fears would not be likely to be much allayed. The self pro- peller on its travels bears close resem- blance to the steam roller. The only city that uses this style of engine to any considerable extent in the east is Hart ford. Her Jumbo is we'll known to fire departments all over the country. It is nearly t-ace the weight and twice the price of an ordinary engine, though it's water throwing capacity bears no such ratio of increase.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
MILL RIV ERR.

Wm. H Rhoades, of Pittsfield, came home Thursday on town business, and will return on Tuesday.
 The schools closed Friday. Miss Lottie Geer. who taught in the Keves district, has gone to her home in Mid dletown, Conn. Miss Hattie Brewer, of the Wadsworth district, had an exhlbi- tion and refreshments served on Friday evening, which was we'll attended in spite of the storm.
 Miss Georgia Merrifeld went to Win sted Wednesday to visit her brother.
 Town meeting the 18th.
 Mrs Louis a. Prout was summoned to New York very suddenly Thursday morning because of the illness of her little granddaughter, Leona Belcher, who is very dangerously sick with scar let fever and pneumonia.
 Sunday, March 7th, was the 50th wedding anniversary of MT and Mrs Henry w. Sheldon.
 Miss Lucy Brewer, of Ashley Falls. spent several days last week at her grandfather's on Brewer Hill
 Mrs Perry Leffin2well. of Waterbury, is at Alpheus Leffingwell's on Brewer Hill Miss Emma Leffingwell, of Falls Village, was also home from Friday un. til Sunday.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
CORNWALL BRIDGE.

Mise Grace l. Sturges gave 8 birth day party to her girl schoolmates on Saturday afternoon, it being her 18th birthday. The afternoon was pleasant ly spent with games, music and singing A nice supper was prepared for them which they all seemed to enjoy. Miss Grace was the recipient of several pretty and useful presents.
 Mrs l. A. Robinson. who has been quite ill since her return from New Haven. is some better.
 Mrs Edwin May, colored lady, who has been for many years resident of sharon and Cornwall. died at her home on the Sharon side Thursday morning after long illness. Mrs May vas a woman much respected by her neigh bors for her kindness and efficient help in sickness and household aff,irs at home and the homes of others, many who have preceded her to the undiscov- cred country; but many still remember her from infancy. She was "A years oi age and leaves an aged husband and four children beside several grandcbild- ren. Interment in Calhoun cemetery
 Dr Wm M Curtiss has moved hi- office into the ell part of Edward D Blerce's residence and will begin house keeping there soon. Mir and Mrs Bierce will move into their other dwelling house formerly occupied by the doctor just north of the ductor's residence.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
CHAPlNvILLE.

John Thompson is cur orgauist, talk ing the place of Bessie Judd.
 Our young people are arranging to have recitations and tableaux in oui chapel soon.
 L s. Judd and family have moved to Lakeville. he having built honse there tor himself
 Miss B.rtha Booth, of Booklyn, N. Y, is visiting at Joyce sisters.
 Four cottages are being built at Twin Lskes,-two on the island, for Bridge. port psrties,-on for Bridgeport party. on the east shore near Frank Miller's that will cost $5.000,-one for New Britain party, east of Judge Roraback's cottage. Bridgeport parties have the contract to build three of the cottages, and E R. Lorrain, of Canaan, has the contract to build the other one.
 Mrs David Funk does not improve She has a good appetite and strong voice. but no strength It's gradual wear out.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11

N~"~'
 Judge Randolph of the Kansas dis trict court was one of the frontier judi. cial officers who believed in upholding the dignity of the bench, and, as we'll, was tenacious of his own personal honor A divorce suit in which a gray haired veteran of the late war was plaintiff came up before him while he was on the circuit out in prairie county. The rude courtroom was filled with specta- tors, and the old man seemed unwilling to go on the stand in his own defense.
 1T am not going to grant divorces without good reasons," announced the court, and the plaintiff went to the chair that served as witness box.
 Now" said the attorney, "tell us just what your wife did to make you leave her."
 The witness looked appealingly at the judge.
 Answer the question:. was the or. ! der
 Well, she called me names"
 That is not ground enough for a di- vorce." said the court sternly.
 And she neglected me-" Is that all?" And she said that I was a coward and sneak because went to the war | and came back alive. She said that all the brave and worthy men died in bat tie, and only the traitors and towards came home, and''-
 ''That will do, sir. The decree prayed for in your petition is granted" broke in the judge. ''I want you to under stand, sir, that this court went to that war and spent four years there-and the court came back too. Chicago Rec. 1 ord
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
CANAAN VALLEY.

The public exercises in the Wads- worth district school house Friday eve- ming were fairly attended. and had the weather been pleasant no doubt the at- tendance would have been larger. The exercises consisted of readings, recita tions and music, and winding up with an old fashioned spelling match. A good many hard words were spelled correctly, but goodly number of "belles and beaux" tripped on the word "beaux," which was finally spelled cor rectly by Ralph Stanard of Mill River, he taking the first prize and Wm. Msnsir the consolation prize.
 There will be the usual number of movings this spring in this vicinity. George Stevens moves to his place in East Canaan and man from Hartsville moves to the farm Stevens vacates. Charles Daggett will occupy the Wads- worth farm the coming season, and Wm Mansir will move to Hadsell street.
 A number are sick with hard colds ol grippe. Mrs Merrick Mansir has been quite sick but is some better at present writing.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
eH EFFIELD.

Eugene Wickwire, who moved to Lakeville last spring, returns now to the Sage house.
 Michael Austin will move to the Plains" aud take possession of the Wilcox place.
 Mrs Leonard Rote. of Egremont, is visiting at Frank Dunham's
 Presiding. Elder Mickle preached good sermon ia the Methodist church last Sunday morning and st Ashley Falls in the afternoon.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
LEGISLATIVE NOTES.

The attempt to repeal the law impos' ing penalty of 1925 for killing an eagle resulted m an amendment Of the law to the eff-ct that eagles may be killed with impunity while in the act of destroying property.
 An act has been passed providing that the unmarked graves of soldiers, sailors and marines, ho served in the late war and whose services were credit. ed to this state or who were at the time of decease residents of this state, shall be marked at the expense of the state.
 Governor Cooke on Tuesday reap pointed the following as commissioners of fish and game, each for two years from May lst: Hubert Williams oi Salisbury, Abbott O Collins of Hart ford and James A. Bill of Lyme.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
OLA YTON.

Miss Bowers closed her school on Friday and went to her home in Rich- mopd on Saturday.
 Frank Rood and little daughter. of Manchester. Conn.,, visited his old home here over Sunday.
 Rev Mir Utterwick, of East Canaan. conducted the services in the chapel last Sunday and gave us an excellent discourse. As Rev Mir Benedict will be in Bridgeport next Sunday MT Utter Wick, has very kindly consented to come again on that day.
 Mrs Luther Lindsey is suffering from bronchial trouble. and spent a few days with her brother in Hudson, N Y, to be treated by him. She has re- turned somewhat improved although far from being we'll yet.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
THE RESULT OF A JOKE.
A Trsmp's Discovery of One of Dakota's
 Richest Gold Mines.

Richest Gold Mines.
 Avery D. Hills, Black Hills oper- ator, tells how Ragged Top, the new yoldfield, was located, as follows:
 "This history of the Ragged Top find reads like a romance. The story they lell is that wandering hobo strolled up Into the Spearfish region, northwest of Deadwood, just aimlessly tramping about the country, with no more knowl- sdge of mining than you have. He final y dropped in with some fellows and tsked them where they supposed he night be able to find some rich diggings. There was considerable snow on the ground, and one of the fellows pointed haphazard over to stretch of the white landscape and winked at his companions, while he said to the hobo, Wouldn't wonder if you'll find something rich right there
 "'Guess I'll take it, then, said he.
 1.-The snow made it impossible for him to know anything about what he had selected, but to carry out the aw- fully good joke on him the fellows in the camp explained how he must proceed to secure a legal location. And so they had him working in the snow to stake put his claim, and while he was about 1t he staked out dozen. Whatever in- spired him to SO much industry under such circumstances nobody knows "Well, after awhile the snow melted off, and he found himself in possession of great windrow of powders, about as unlikely a prospect for gold mine as was ever seen. But in blind sort of way he went to whaaking at the rocks and took some of the chunks to the assay office, and the stuff was declared to be worth $600 ton. People couldn't be- ieve it, but other assays demonstrated that it was true, and tho aimless hobo was in fair way to become a million aire. News of his strike spread, and there was a stampede for Ragged Top, and now there are men scattered all over the region trying to secure loca- tions of mines, and there is a town site boom, and the railroads are extending spurs into the country, all the result of that joke on the hobo.
 "The find contradicts theories of ceol- ogists and mineralogists, but so much the worse for the theories This windrow of gold bearing powders lies right on top of a deposit of limestone, and it is declared to be the only known instance of such juxtaposition. The rock is some- what refractory, but is of such high grade that it will pay to transport it anywhere for chlorination or smelting, or any of the processes for treating such ore. ''-Sioux City Journal.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
Revolutionary Records.

The Connecticut Society of Sons of the American Revolution have entered upon the work of identifying the graves of soldiers and other revolutionary pa triots. for the purpose of having them appropriately designated.
 A design for a bronze marker to be placed at these graves has been prepar- cd. At the last meeting of the board of managers 200 of the markers were order. ed.
 A record is to be made of each grave where marker is used, the record tc be in charge of the secretary of the society, Col. Louis R. Cheney, oi Hartford.
 The stones at many of the graves are becoming broken and defaced, and i, is hoped in this manner to prevent them from falling into obscurity. News
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
K ENT.

Watts Roberts and family have nov ed into the house near Kent Furnace, recently purchased by Lewis Ives.
 Mrs Walter Barker has purchased of J. F Gibbs the house on Sonth Main St now occupied by H I Wlldman and will move there from VanD-nsenville, Mass, April 1st. Mir and Mrs Wild man expect to leave town.
 Mrs Sylvia Edwards is visiting Mrs Clifford Sprague at Birmingham.
 Miss J. Woodend, of New Haven, was the guest of Mir and Mrs Wildman Sun- day
 Mrs 0. Perkins, of Ansonis, is visit- ing her daughter, Mrs Wildman.
 M. O. Gibbs has been ill with grip cold but is better.
 Mrs S. E. St. John and Miss Edith, of Cornwall Bridge, were at M. O.. Gibbs Saturday last.
 A special meeting of the Ecclesiasti. cal society was held at the conference room Cong1. church on Monday, March Sth to decide upon supplying the pull pit, the term of Rev H. Mudie's pastor. ate having terminated Sunday last. It was voted at that meeting that Rev Mudie continue to supply the pulpit for the coming six months. Therefore he will remain here,
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
The Courts will Decide.

The question of the liability of Litch. field county to pay one-third of the ex- pense of road improvements, made in this county under the .Good Roads, law is to be determined by friendly suit to be brought by the town of New Milford against the county. The ex- penses of the suit will be borne by the county. A formal decision will be ren- dered by the lower court and then the case will be passed on by the Supreme court. whose decision will be final and will determine the cases of all the towns making clam against the county.
 It is stated that F. M. Williams will bring the suit in behalf of New Milford and that Senator D. T. Warner will be associate counsel.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
FALLS VILLAGE.

Henry Williams moved his effects to Lee, Mass, this week where he bas been at work for several weeks.
 Five pee pie joined the Congl Church Sunday on profession of faith.
 D. E. Edwards will leave town next week. returning to his home in Hunt ington. His genial good natured coun- tenance will be missed by many friends who regret that he is to take his final leave from among us but wish him de- served success in future fields of labor
 John H Belden has had the splint re- moved from his ankle and walks out to the store on crutches.
 Lucius Wilcox fell on the icey side walk on Prospect street Friday breaking his wrist. Orville Hosford hearing him call assisted him into the house and went for Dr Skiff who reduced the frac. ture.
 Landlord E l.. Vanderburgh moves his goods to the Lake House" near Danbury and will run that hotel another season. It is on the shore of Lake Kenosia. He has Set good table since he has been here and his friends regret that circumstances have arisen which required bis removal.
 Mrs F P. Barnum and sister were guests at Wallace Van Tassells few days recently.
 George W. Merrell. of New Boston, Mass commenced clerkship ut The G W. Hall Co.'S store.
 Mir and Mrs Marcus Finkle were at Myron Finkle's over Sunday.
 George H. Brown has closed up his restaurant.
 John A. Owen returned Monday night with car load of 20 horses from northern New York and Vermont. A young swain took drive Sunday night to see his best girl. On return. ing he ran suddenly up against spotted midnight prowler But to make the story short, his clothes were strongly impregrated with perfume having nc resemblance to white rose. Fortunate ly it was on his homeward journey.
 Belden the clothier Is well rested ur after being confined to his house sever. al weeks with broken ankle. He has store full of new goods, and he is full of ambition to do more business than ever this year.
 Pierre Mundry, of New Haven, has been somewhat out of health recently and abont three weeks ago came tc daughters, Mrs Henry R. Whitford's The rest and change of air were bene6 cial and last Saturday Mr Mundry said he expected to return to New Haven the fore part of this week.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
The Martini Rifles.

M. Martini, the celebrated gunmaker, who died recently in Switzerland, be- gan to make rifles 40 years ago. It was not until 1869, however, when co1nbi- nation of the Martini breech action with 8 Henri barrel was selected from large number of rife inventions and submit ted to the British government, that he achieved fame and fortune. The whole of the British army is now provided with these weapons. The manufacture of the Martini Henri rife is now car ried on by the British government at a factory at Enfield, ten miles northeast of London. About 1,500 operatives are employed at the government factory, and it is estimated that each Martini Henri rife costs England about 4S shil- lings.
Connecticut western news., 1897-03-11
THE GRANDEsT REMEDY.

Mir R. B. Greeve, merchant, of Chil- howie, Va., certifies that he had con- sumption, was given up to die, sought all medical treatment that money could procure. tried all cough remedies he could hear of, but got no relief; spent many nights sitting up in a char; was induced to try Dr Kings New Discov- cry. and was cured by use of two bot ties. For past three years has been at- tending to business. and says Dr Kings New Discovery is the grandest remedy ever made, as it has done so much for him and also for others in his commun- ity. Or Kings New Discovery is guar anteed for coughs, colds and consump. tion. It don't fail Trial bottles free at W. H. Camps drug store.