davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
The old virginia Fiddler.

What has become Of the old Virginia
fiddler who was known and greeted by
all the young people for miles around:
OF old there could be no Christmas in
the country without hin. He was as in
dispcnsable as the clildren's stockings,
the eggnog bowl, the roasted shoat, the
mince pie or the stuffed turkey. He was
the important functionary at every
dance and called out the figures in an
Interchangeable voice, which grew fiercer
and fiercer az he warmed up to his work.
Has our old friend disappeared? Is his
fiddle cracked and his low unstrung?
Has he been unable to withstand the in
vasion Of his tearitory hy the piano and
the piano agent? We fear so We hear
of him very se4dom now, whereas in the
times bygone at Christmas his name
was on every tongue, and his bow was
scepter welded over many willing
subjects. Happily for him that he found
suitable eulogists before his type was
extinct. DR.. George W. Bagby, that
great humorist and player upon the
heart strings of men, in numerous
sketches, and the founder of this paper
in his delightful, realistic "reminiscences,
have both described and immortalized
the old Virginia fiddler. And we'll they
did, for he is becoming as rare as the
buffalo upon the western pralries. But
well he served his day and generation
before he laid down de fiddle and de
bow "-Richmond Dispatch.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
Death of william s. Badger.

One of the most highly respected citi-
ms of Augusta, William :. Badger,
Esq, died Friday morning at 30, at his
home on Winthrop street, after brief
illness. Saturday, March 81, Mr..
Badger suffered shock of apoplexv.
frou hich paralysis of the rght side
resulted, with slight impairment Of
speech, from which he never fully re-
covered. He showed some signs of re
covering, in fact The day previous to his
death, the indications Nere quite favor
able Coming at this time OF life, how
ever, he being II year, of age, he was
unable to rally from the shock.
Mr. Badger was business manager Of
the NJ 4ine Farmer for b years, during
that time being 6ne-half owner with
Joseph Holman aud later with Hon. J. Ii.
Manley. He vas born in Brunswick,
Maine. February y, $50, the son of
Capt. Nathaniel Badger, an old and wide
" respected sea captain. His mother
was the daughter of Philip Owen Of
Revolutionary fame. In early life he
was clerk in commercial house in
Bangor When still young mar he
came II Augusta and engag IN the
grist milling business. the plant being
located near the kenHebee dam
He VAS II man whose financial opin-
ion WAS highly considered. This led to
his appointment in August. 1858, as one
Of the trustees of the Augusta Savings
Bank, 10 years after its Incorporation,
since then having been member OF
the board. In lss2 he was elected TO
the preside cv OF the bank, and served
in that responsible capacity until his
death "a ppriod of 1 wears
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
For Ifural. Schools.

An important law passed by the recent
Legislature was that providing for the
grouping of towns for the employment
Of school superintendents. In referring
to it State superintendent Stetson says ::
II congratulate the Legislature and tn"
Governor upon the passage of the most
important educational law placed on the
statute books of Maine in the last half
century"
1t is doubtful if the full significance Of
this new law, which its promoters ex-
pect to do so much for the uplifting of
Names rural schools, is generally under
stood. Maine is the second State to pass
such law, Massachusetts now possess
ing similar law after trying over 20
years to get it enacted.
This law, like a number of others pass
ed at this session, is The outcome of sug
gesti0ns in the recent report of state
superintendent Stetson. The education
al committee saw the great value of the
idea and reported the b II fav0rably, and
it passed both branches without debate
or opposition. OF the y measures re-
ported favorably by this committee, 20
passed both branches and received the
signature Of the Governor.
At present the rural schools of Maine
have no expert superintendence. The
superintendents are often able under ex-
isting conditions 10 give but very small
share of their time and thought to the
work. The object OF the new law is to
allow the school committees of two or
more towns to unite for the purpose of
employing as superintendent Of their
schools, a person thoroughly equipped
for the position, who shall give All his
time to the work The towns shall pay
the superintendent not less than $500 and
half AZ much more shall be paid him by
the State, provided that not more than
$50 be thus paid by the State to any
one union of towns. The law goes into
effect July !, 1897. 1t is not compulsory
but permits towns, by vote in town meet
ing, to authorize the school committees
to unite for the purpose stated. 1t is ex-
pected the towns of Maine will quickly
see that it is of great benefit to them to
thus unite in groups of three or four,
and the fact that the State pays the
superintendent elected to have charge of
their schools, half as much as they raise
for his salary will prompt them more
quickly to this action.
The persons employed as superintend-
ents must hold certificates under the act
of 1898, providing for the State eXamina-
tiOn of teachers, and must devote their
entire time TO the work. 1t is hoped
that in few years, at the longest, this
law will result in the employment of
about 1870 expert superintendent devot-
ing all their time and attention To the
welfare and advancement of the rural
schools OF Maine.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
CORRESPONDENCE.
East. Fairfield.

Manly Holt did not go TO Brighton,
his week.
Walter Nelson Is home from Augusta,
where he has been through the legisa-
{ tive season as Telegraph operator.
Mrs Richard Wells is very sick with
pneumonia. Miss Ella arrived home
from Connecticut, Wednesday night,
where she has been employed at teach
ing for the past year.
Ferdy Spaulding WAS in the place,
visiting old friends tn Il st Of the week.
We learn that Frank Huutley and
wife, have secured The job as 0yerseers
at the poor farm in Augusta.
Mrs. Anna Boyden visited in Skowhe-
gan, last week.
Albert Smith and wife we're in the
place Saturday of last week. Mr.. Smith
has got a paying job "a cook in a hotel
at Portland, that he is going to soon.
Mrs. W. b. Blanchard was in the
place, Tuesday of last week.
Mrs. Ernest Joy is visiting in Water
vlle this week
School commences here, next Monday.
Rather bad travelling for scholars chat
have to come from distance.
Percy Rieker's two ST. GroiX colts
have wintered in fine shape.
The farmers are still loading apples at
This station. The last lot netted them
fifteen cents per barrel
Walter Hall is enlarging his sitting
room which will be Il great improve
ment.
Mrs. JONAS d. Burrll formerly of
Canaan, died at her nieee's, Mrs. Lydia
Moody OF East Athens, March l0h, at
the advanced age of ninety-five years.
Her maiden name was Osborn. She was
buried ia the Emery yard at Fairfield
village.
There is good crossing the river on
the ice at present writing.
Willie Tracy is visiting in field,
this week.
Samuel Davis, an old and valued resi-
dent passed from this life, March 18th,
after few days illness. His age was II
years. He leaves IA widow, two sisters
and one brother. and many friends TO
mourn his loss. Funeral services were
held at tha house, ReY. Mr.. Reed of
Benton. officiating. Interment at
Blacks Mills cemetery.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08

There has been over week of good
sap weather and good run.
Sleighing was good up to the end of
last week, the South Scion stage making
its first trip on wheels, Friday.
At the meeting of the stockholders of
the pulp mill last week, Mr. Clements
was chosen president, Mr.. Mills general
manager and Judge Boswell one of the
directors. Much concern is felt about
the starting of the mill by those who
are thrown out of work and by parties
who have sold pulp wood, but in the
opinion of Judge Boswell aud others who
are in situation to know, the mill
will soon be running on IA cash basis and
all of the pulp wood cut for it will be
wanted.
p. 5. Longley is superintendent of
schools this year.
Miss Minnie Benson is to teach in dis
trict No. , this summer.
Cecil Jewett and Carroll Head were
home from school last week
Mrs. VIM. Hopkins is staying with her
daughter, Mrs. Pierce for short time
on account of her health.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
CrYataI Sky Columns.

An explanation of a curious optical
phenomenon sometimes witnessed Oh
frosty nights which is called the "pseu
do aurora, is offered III Science by Mr..
Goode of the Chicago university. The
phenomenon takes the form of beautiful
columns Of silycry light standing over
electric arc lamps and other bright
lights and sometimes appearing almost
to reach the zenith. Mr. Goode says
that sometimes the evening star has a
bright shaft below as we'll as above.
while the rising moon stands in broad
column Of light These appearances art
due to floating frost crystals which keel
their rejecting faces horizontal. On ex.
animation he found that the crystals
concerned in the exhibition were thin
six sided plates of ice, never more than
one millimeter in diameter. When the
wind bloWs, these little plates are upset
and the columns of light, caused by re-
Election from their surfaces, disappear.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
South st. Adams.

Mr. J. l.. Palmer and wife were the
guests of Gersh Wilder, and wife Of
Cambridge, last week.
Selden Lowell returned home from
Moosehead lake where he has been at
work in the woods for the past five
months.
Lowell Hanson's family are very sick
with grip.
Henry Lowell returned home from
Guilford last week.
The buildings owned by Anisy Varney
and occupied by Mr.. Huff and family
were burned to the ground. Mr.. HUFF
lost his only horse, and part of his
household goods.
John Lowell, Steve Seekins and Chas.
Bailey have recently had their wood
piles sawed.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08

Here is a really true story: Lately an
English family had the misfortune to
lose an aged aunt, who died in st. Pc
tersburg Arrangements were most care
fully made and directions sent that the
body should be forwarded to England to
be inferred in the family vault. In due
time magnificent coffin arrived, and
before il was lowered to its last resting
place it was opened for inspection.
Much to the dismay Of the family, in
stead of finding the features aud frail
form of their beloved aunt, the corpse
of Russian officer, clothed in military
garments and decorated with ribbons
and medals was disclosed to view. A
frantic telegram was dispatched to the
Russian capital, to which the following
answer was received: Lady buried
yesterday with military honors. Please
keep the general. - London Core
spOndcncc
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
Harmony.

The roads are horrible; neither sleigh
ing nor wheeling.
John Forbus who lives in the edge of
Wellington, has over 400 bushels of
choice apples, which he is feeding out to
his cattle at the rate of about two
bushels a day.
DR.. VIM. Mclaughlin was chosen by
the school board, superintendent of
schools.
The schools in this town will begin the
last Monday in this month and continue
ten weeks.
The free high school will close next
week.
The Good Femplars Lodge held an en-
tertainment last Saturday evening, with
a bountiful supper of baked beans and
pastry. The order here is in a very
furnishing condition.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
SkOWhegan Grange.

The meeting Wednesday, March 81,
was largely attended. Seven candidates
were instructed in the first and second
degrees. The grange is moving steadily
towards the three hundredth mark in
membership, the secretary's report for
the first quarter showing a membership
of 26S.
The exercises of the lecturers hour
consisted of select reading by Mrs. c.
b. White, subject 1.-THE school days of
Daniel Webster; Mrs. Ella H. Crowell
gave a recitation, subject, 1.-THE wedding
fee"; Ansel Holway reviewed some of
the principal events that have occurred
during the first quarter of 1897 The
choir furnished music and refreshments
were served.
SECRETARY.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
The QuilleDaSset Inn !

For the good people of Somerset Co.
to take an outing, for recreation, will
surely be new feature and easy of access
as the proposed extention of the electrics
to the end of the bridge, will be almost
equal to running into the Hotel Catering.
for society banquets and social meetings at
lowest cost will be a grand feature of this
interesting Institution, as every effort
will be made to surround the guests of
this house, with all the social cheerfulness
possible, where the most refined, may
expect responsibility entirely void of
intemperance. DR.. CONANT.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08

He treats Inc something ridiculous, F"
was the complaint of ole much abused
wife against her husband. The man be-
ing brought up to answer the charge and
perhaps explain it, answered; This is
a dead piece of jealousy, your honor,
Don't mind her "
An old Irish woman came before me
at the Harlem court and wanted her
hoy" arrested for misbeEaving himself
in her house. 1t came out that her boy
was 38 years old, and when SAID to her
that he was pretty old boy she remark
ed, "Surc, he's not IA gurl, and l count
boy man only when he's married. "
A German with very much battered
head complained that the defendant had
made "dingeh in it and described the
assault as follows, "IIe do me crack
on de kopf, like dis, and | do holdings
by him. "-Scribner s.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
The Discovery saved His Life.

Mr.. c. Caillouette, druggist, Beavers
Vile, ILL.,, says: "To DR.. Kings New
Discovery | owe my life. Was taken
with la grippe and tried all the physic-
ians for miles about, but of no avail and
was given up and told could not live.
Having DR.. Kings New Discovery in my
store | sent for bottle and began its
use and from the first dose began to get
better, and after using three bottles was
up and about again. 1t is worth its
weight in gold. We won't keep store
or house without it, Get free trial
At Il. T. Patterns Drug Store,
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
Palmyra.

Mrs. Greedy Ladd is very sick with
consumption.
Mr.. and Mrs. Melvin Rowe, who
moved from Harmony two weeks ago,
have hired out with Geo. Bachelor for
one year.
VIM d. Mitchell has been very sick,
attended by DR.. Morton.
Mrs. V. d. Sweetland who has been
sick for the past three weeks is improv
ing slowly.
Work is being pushed on the new
grange hall to completion.
II. A. Bennett of Danforth, has beer
calling on friends in town.
March 26, Mr.. and Mrs. G. NJ. Jewett
were called to Dixmont Center to attend
the funeral of Mrs. Jewett's father
James II. Ollie. He was in his ninety
third year.
Mrs. A. l.. Chase of Bangor, has been
spending few days with her parents,
Mr.. and Mrs. c. NJ. Jewett.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
She Got Left.

Some time ago the queen Of Italy
asked little girl to knit her "A pair of
silk mittns tor her birthday, giving
her the money for the material A PAIR
of beautifully worked mittens arrived
on the queen birthday. The little girl
received in return another pair One
mitten contained lire, the other bon
bons. Queen Marguerite inclosed lit
tie note saying, Tell me, my dear
child, which you like best" The reply
ran as follows:
DEAREST QUEEN-Your lovely presents have
made me shed many tears, Papa took the
mitten with the money. My brother had the
bonbons. -
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
Shoes.

Shoes are in eve-y part machine made.
1t is said by scientific authority that
there is no department of human indus
try in which machinery and the subdi-
vision of labor have been brought to
greater perfection than in the manufac-
ture of shoes. In the great shoe facto-
ries there are women employed whose
business the year round is to sew one
seam and ore only. Even the metal eye
lets are placed i'll position and clamped
by a mechanical device
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
SOMERSET PICK-UPS.

II. b. Whipple of Bingham, has a herd
of 80 Jerseys, pure bred and high grades;
and he has dehorned the whole of them.
r. NJ. Fairbanks of Pittsfield, keeps a
lot of big porkers He has five which
the Maine Farmer says will weigh $50
pounds each, and three about 400
pounds.
In Pittsiield, Maine, Mrs. Eliza A.
Parks, widow of the late W. c. Parks,
departed this life, March 21st, aged so
years, II months, . days. She was born
in Bloomfield, Maine, April 18th, 1916.
Chapman Brothers ON Chapman Ridge,
Athens, are progressive farmere. They
keep lot of nice Hereford oxen and
steers. They say they can make good
oxen grow an inch month on good hay
without grain.
Mrs. Joanna Archer of Fairfield
Center, died suddenly, Wednesday fore
noon. She has been in poor health for
long time. She leaves one daughter,
Miss Clara Archer, and two sons, II. A.
Archer of Skowhegan, and Nj. f. Archer.
Her age was eighty-fye.
The buildings owned by \. S. Varney
and occupied by Elbridge HUFF of st.
Adams, were bsrned, Thursday morn
ing. The fire started in the stable at
about o'clock, but how is a mystery.
A horse was burned, and but little was
saved from the house. No insurance.
1t was only by careful watching that the
Grange hall and other buildings were
kept from catching fire, as the cinders
fell in showers on them.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08

''Was her dinner formal?n Formal?
Why, even the salads weren't half
dressed w-Detroit Journal.
Fortunes ladder has no top. No man
ever stopped climbing for want of an
other rung.-Puck.
"You say your doctor prescribed cycling,
but where is your wheelY"
"Well, you see, l feel lazy this morning, so
Pm taking Just half my medicine by wearing
this costume" New York journal.
He: My dear am very hard up. You will
simply have to lower you, dressmakers's bills.
She: Ny love, you must speak to her. don't
make out the bills.-New York World.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08

1 have not willingly planted thorn in
any mans bosom.-A. Lincoln.
r. c. Joiner, Allen +. o., Hillsdale CO., Mich
says: Nothing gave my rheumatism such quick
relief as DR.. Thomas Electric OIL"
The Hostess; suppose there is no use OF
asking you to stay to dinner. Caller: Not in
that way.-Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Pleasant to take, positive and instant in its
results, in fact the best cough medicine in the
world, DIR. Woods Norway Pine Syrup.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
From Boston, Portland, Lewiston, Augusta,
Waterville Skowhegan and Bangor

ss-'Flag stations; at which trains will stop
on signal or notice to Conductor
mixed between Bingham and No. Arson.
STAGE CONNECTIONS.
At Horridgewock, for Mercer, land Electric
Cars to and from Skowhegan) At Arson. for
Sawyer's Mills (Starks);
No Arson, for North and West New Portland
Dead River, Flagstaff and Eustis At Bingham
tor Forks, Moose River. Msyfeld, Kingsoury
and Abbott.
W M AVER SUPT
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08

This is the only country in the world
where the men elect all their rulers, ex-
cept their wives, by ballot.-Tammany
Times.
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
For Sale,

Cottage House Of seven
rooms at East Madison, to-
gether with stable and car
riage house and two acres OF
land. Would exchange Tor
property in Skowhegan viii
lage. Also desirable farm
with good buildings. This
place is situated in good
neighborhood with good
schools and has nice water in
house and barn. Apply to
MCCLELLAN & SAVAGE.
Milburn Block,
Skowhegan, Maine
The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1897-04-08
THERE is A CLASS OF PEOPLE

Who are injured by the of coffee. Recent
ly there has been placed in all the grocery
made Of pure grains, that takes the place OF
coffee. The most delicate stomach receives 1t
without distress, and but few can tell 1t from
coffee. II does not cost over d as much.
Children may drink it with great benefit 10
cts. and Is cts. per package. Try it. Ask Tor
GRAIN-O.
The herald., 1897-03-19
MARKETS OF THE WORLD
Local, Eastern and Foreign
Commercial Dealings
WALL STREET SPECULATION
The Market Irregular but the Undertone
Very Strong
The Heaviest Dealings for Months and the
Business ID wsp observation-disclosures
Sale Of Sugar

NEW YORK, March 1S.-The course OF
anne of the stocks In today's market was
extremely irregular, but an undertone OF
strength was manifested in the railway list
particularly. The net result OF the days
transactions was q gain OF fracuon ~
most cases. The dealings were character
lied at times by great activity. The d.
minution of business upon any tendency
toward q decline In prices was noticeaps
and It has been for some time past The
volume of dealings was large, the aggre-
gate of the stock sold reaching N6,0oo
shares. This has not been equaled In the
exchange since last fall. with one excep-
tion. The dealings were fairly well dis
tributed Notwithstanding the strong un-
certone of the market. the bears found
some vulnerable spots for attack and the
advance was attended by profit taking. The
buying movement became general and the
market developed marked strength
throughout. pool buying being evident at
various points and the shorts showing
obvious anxiety to cover, some of the usu-
ally inactive stocks were included In range
of activity. Pacific Mail enjoyed a gain OF
iM on the arrival at San Francisco Of the
overdue steamer Peru. Sugar was heavily
bought by traders. though some sold OF
those identified with the inside interest.
XHle StoCk rose lt8 " l.iOr2 hiu LcaOtcU W
1.14A on the news of a general reduction in
refined sugar. An effective raid was made
on the market after o'clock. some indus
Arials and anthracite coalers being selected
for attack. The closing OF the market was
consequently weak. The bond market dis
played an improved tons generally al
though marked recessions were scored in
q few cases. notably Atchison, Colorado
and Pacific flrsts, which yielded 2&. The
sales were S1l,240.0 900. Governments were
neglected but easier in tone. The sales
were $1,000.
The herald., 1897-03-19

stove or oven; the metallic preparations
used in glass staining and painting are
also available, but required firing In
the muffle, or a china painters stove.
But for the process of embosslng the
plan is to paint the portions Of glass left
uncovered by the spaces in the stencil
plate with Brunswick black, then dip
or cover with hydrofiuoric acid, wash In
water, and remove the black ground;
every part that was covered will present
a polished, even surface. the remainder
having been eaten into by the acid. II
the raised parts are to have frosted ap-
pearance, they are rubbed with nat
piece of marble moietened with fine en-
cry and water. To put patterns or lines
on glass with a wheel, two methods are
resorted to, one of which Is to rough In
the pattern with an iron mill suppliec
with a trickling stream OF water, then
smooth out the rough marks on York
or Warrington stone, polish on a wood
en- wheel Of willow or alder powdered
with pumice, finishing on cork wheel
with putty and rottenstone. By an
other plan the engraver cuts In and
roughs the pattern with copper wheels
aided by emery and olive or sperm OIL
and pollshes the portions intended with
leaden disks and very fne pumice pow
der and water