davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18
Habits and Hearts.

According to q local paper an Or
ganization has just been formed at
Chicago whose members propose to
substitute a phrenologist for Cupid.
The working plan Of this association,
which is said to have rapidly increas-
ing membership, is to hold what are
called matrimonial picnics every few
weeks, at which all the candidates Of
both sexes for the marriage state sub
NIT their heads to the examination of
the qualified officials for the recording
of characteristic bumps. After due
comparisons and consultations, list
of men and women whose traits are
found to supplement each others are
told off, and all possible encourage
ments offered to induce their speedy
marriage. At recent matrimonial
picnic sixty men and forty women had
their cranical bumps felt by the pro
fessors, and number of marriages OF
"afinities" are expected to take place
shortly. A great deal of scientific in
terest is taken, it is said, in the ex-
pertinent, and careful records will be
kept of each union. The society has
comprehensive programme, includ-
ing scheme for providing suitable
starts in life for such of its members
as need assistance. The development
of the children of these scientific mar
riages is expected to afford data which
will be of great benefit to humanity
The Ledger.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18
Mourning Colors of Various Nations.

Black il, the accepted color foi
mourning throughout Europe; it ex-
presses the total deprivation of Joy on
account of the loss sustained. In
Shakespeare's time the stage was
draped in black during the perform.
ance of q tragedy. White is the en-
blem of hope, the Chinese color for
mourning. The ladies of Rome and
Sparta also dressed in white during a
period of mourning. Mary Queen Of
Scots was called the "White Queen, ,"
because she mourned in white over
the death of her husband, Lord
Darnley. Black and white striped,
expressive'of of hope and sorrow, is the
mourning color Of the South Sea
islanders. The ancient Egyptians
mourned in yellow. Pale brown, the
color of withered leaves, is the Persian
mourning. In Syria and Armenia
skyblue is the mourning color, in.
dicating that the deceased has gone to
heaven.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18
Giant RedwOods.

In the several California groves
where the giant redwoods have been
found there are many trees from 275
to 335 feet high, and from 25 to 81
feet in diameter. The area of Mari
posa Grove is two miles square, and it
contains 427 of the IN onster trees. The
largest in the Calaveras Grove is '"The
Keystone State" and is 1876 feet high,
and its girth six feet from the ground
is As feet. There are some in the
Mariposa Grove which are not so high,
but which have a greater circumfer-
ence, "The Grizzly Giant" being 80
feet at the ground and over Ga feet II
feet above. Some dozen miles south
of the Mariposs Grove is the Fresno
Grove, which is said to contain about
600 trees, the largest 81 feet in cir
cumference; while about fifty miles
north of the Calaveras, in Placer
County, small grove has been dis
covered.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18
How n Fortune Was Lost.

A London electrician recently in
vented an apparatus calculated to
greatly simplify a certain process of
manufacture. This he perfected in
his own factory and Professionally
patented. Other interests then occu-
pied his attention, and, by some mis-
chance, he forfeited his right to com
plete the patent. Illness afterward
intervened, and in his absence the
apparatus went wrong, and q work
man was called in to put matters
right. He realized the value of the
invention, thoroughly mastered tho
intricacies of the apparatus and
straightway drew up specification
and obtained letters patent. Almost
at once he disposed of the right to use
the apparatus to a certain number of
firms, and found himself in moment
the richer by close upon $500, 900.
Meantime the actual inventor merely
enjoys the right to use the apparatus
in his own works,
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18
A NATURE PRAYER.

oh. oaks, that stand in forest ranks,
Tall, strong, erect and slightly,
lour branches arched In MODEST grace,
Your leaflets laughing lightly;
Teach us your firm and quiet strength,
Your secrets Of extraction
From Shiny darkness in the soil
Tho grace OF life and action;
For they are rich who understand
The secret Of comb bining
The good deep hidden in the earth
With that where suns are shining,
Oh, myriad forms OF earth and air,
or lake, and sea, and river,
Which makes our landscapes glad and fair
10 glorify the giver;
Teach us to learn the lessons hid
In each familiar feature,
The mystery which so perfects
Each low or lofty creature;
For God is good, and life is swee.
While suns are brightly shining
10 glad the glooms and thus rebuka
Our follies Of replning.
Each night is followed by its day,
vhiio !" w3iks UI nniIre slhg
Their psalms of Joy together.
Then learn, oh, heart, their songs OF hope
Cease, soul, thy thankless sorrow;
For though the clouds be dark to-day,
The sun shall shine tomorrow;
Learn well from bird and tree and rill,
The sins OF dark resentment:
And know the greatest gift OF God
Is faith and sweet cOntentment.
j. E. Jones.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18
Peters Pence Failing on.

ROME, Italy, Dec. 16-There has been a
marked falling of In the receipts Of Peters
pence, which constitutes the main source Of
the papal revenues. 1t is therefore proposed
at the Vatican to cause to be placed in every
Catholic church throughout the world a
statue OF st. Peter togethe: i.ith an alms-box
and appropriate inscription for the collection
OF Peters pence. The United States was
formerly among the largest con-
tributors. but its offerings have fallen off
sadly in late years. 1t is believed that the
suggestion mentioned will be eollocated in
the encyclical which the holy father Is ex-
pected to issue on January next, when he
will celebrate the Goth anniversary of his
consecration as priest, and of the celebra.
ton Of his first mass.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18
"Mark Twain's' Brother Dies.

KEOKUK, Ia., Dec. l6-Orion Clemens, .
brother Of Mark Twain, has just died sud-
denly here, aged 70. Mr.. Clemens came to
Keokuk in 1855, and with his brother en-
gagged In the job printing business. He served
as secretary and treasurer Of Nevada terri
tory during Lincoln's first term. Mr.. Glenn
ems held the office until Nevada became a
city again In 1872, since which time it has
been his home. 1t was with Orion Clemens
that Mark Twain first went west in his
famous overland trip described in Trough
ing It." Mark Twain was his brothers
'private secretary having, as he himself
says, "nothing to do and no salary"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18
FAMOUS FIRM BURNED OUT.
Biggest Fire In Philadelphia's His
torv-Ent,re Department Out.


PHILADELPHIA, Pa. Dec. 16-Fire in
the six-story building Nos.SG9 and 81 Chest
nut street. occupied by the carpet manufac-
turing firm Of John and James Dooson as
their Wholesale and retail salesroom, has
gutted the building. A general alarm was
sent out, and every fire company In the city
responded. General Manager Berry ofthe car
net house stated that the stock In the build
ing would amount to about $500. 900. The
loss is total, the entire six floors having
been burned out completely. The building,
which was owned by the firm, was valued at
about S6O. 900. The loss Is fully covered by
insurance, which is carried by quite large
number OF companies. Sharpless Bros.
large dry goods establishment. adjoining enn,.
The Commonwealth Title Insurance com
nany suffered considerably, and the stock of
". II. Hoskins, stationer, was damaged 10
the extent Of 5000. both the latter Oeing
Continental hotel, both In close proximity
to the fire, sustained no damage.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18
r,ook. Like Broken China.

LONDON, Eng, Dec. l6-The news Is SAID
s,rasa mot TO oppose Germany's occupation
as Kiso Chou In return for Germany's prom
;se not to interfere in the Egyptian question.
TSa S,armnns are extending the area OF oc-
.nnation Mt Kia Chou and now control 400
Scnare miles. They have arranged Ger
man administration and are already collect
inc dnties. The Tsung-Li-Yemen, has ap-
nointed prince to negotiate settlement
Nth the Germans.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18

Oh, birds that sing such thankful psalms,
Rebuking human fretting.
Teach u3 your secret OF content,
Your science of forgetting.
For every life must have Its ills
You, too. have times OF sorrow-
Teach us, like you, to lay them by
And sing again tomorrow;
For gems OF blackest jet may rest
Within golden setting,
And he Is wise who understands
The science of forgetting.
Oh, palms, that bow before the gale
Until its peaceful ending,
Teach us yielding, linked will strength
Your graceful art OF bending;
For every tree must meet the storm,
Each heart must encounter sorrow;
Teach US, like you, to bow, that we
May stand erect tomorrow;
For there Is strength In humble grace
Its wise disciples shielding
And he Is strong who understands
The happy art of yielding.
oh, brook, which laughs all night, all day,
With voice Of sweet seduction,
Teach M your art of laughing mora
At every new obstruction;
For every life has eddies deep
And rapids flercely dashing,
Sometimes through gloomy caverns forced,
Sometimes In sunlight flashing;
Yet there Is wisdom In your way,
Your laughing waves and wimples;
Teach us your gospel built OF smiles;
The secret Of your dimples.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18
Plenty Of Plants.

More than 5000 species Of plants are
cultivated, and most of these have
been broken up into varied forms by
the hand Of man.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18
WISE WORDS.
Culture never made q saint.

Ouuer tuo uiTectloH OI reason III
stinct is always in the right.
Character is q diamond that is pol
ished OH the stone of suffering.
A FOOLS heart is in his tongue; bu
wise mans tongue Is in his heart.
What furniture can give such finisl
to room as tender woman's face
Be something that will warm aching
hearts-something will cheer hopeless!
lives.
A man who comes to the front as {
man, is always little to the front a.
boy.
The men think OF pumpkin pie wher
there is frost, and the women think
of poetry.
A poor man with sunny spirit viii
get more out of life than wealthy
SrumDier.
The passionate are like men stand.
ing on their heads; they see all things
the wrong way.
Don't put too much confidence in a
dog because it wags its tail; that is not
the end it bites with.
The most serious mistake man can
make is to blunder and then try to ex-
cuse himself by explaining it.
What uniformity of opinion exists
among men that good husbands are
made by letting men have their own
way.
Something happens every day to
convince man that he let's people see
too much of him to add to his popu-
larity.
One of the most pitiful sights in the
world is that of woman moved to
tears when she has left her handker-
chief at home.
It is the man who knows how to
create opportunities who is never
known to fail because he didn't have a
chance to succeed.-The Southwest.
Alphabet of Proverbs.
A grain of prudence is worth pound
of craft.
Boosters are cousins to liars.
Compositors give work to proof
readers.
Denying fault doubles it.
Envy shoots at others and wounds
herself.
Foolish fear doubles dangers.
God teaches us good things by our
own hands.
He has hard work who has nothing
to do.
1t costs more to revenge wrongs
than to suffer them.
Knavery is the worst trade.
Learning makes man fit company
for himself.
Modesty is guard to virtue.
Not to hear conscience is the way to
silence it.
One hour to-day is worth two to-
morrow.
Proud looks mako fonl work in fair
faces.
Quiet conscience is quiet sleep.
Richest is he that wants least.
Small faults indulged are little
thieves that let in greater ones.
The boughs that bear most hang
lowest.
Upright walking is sure walking.
Virtue and happiness are mother
and daughter.
Wise men make more opportunities
than they find.
You never lose by doing good act.
Zeal without knowledge is fire with
out ight.-Philadelphia Record.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18

AM going to that auc-
tiOn."
"Barbara!"
ct never did visit a
'vendew,' and the grocer
urged me-"
"You never will, I
hope"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18

In India when native sees bicy-
Gle he reverently prostrates himself.
He does not wait to he run over.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18

Charles Dudley Warner allows his
fancy to play in the editors study of
Harper's Magazine around the ques-
ton of the appearance of Jesus in New
York as he appeared in Judea, and he
concludes that Jesus would find more
charity and brotherly kindness,
higher standard of life, than he en-
countered in the society in which he
began his mission, than existed in the
Rome that crucified st. Peter, or in
the middle ages that built the mag
nificent temples in his name. On the
whole, it appears that Mr. Warner is
in more cheerful and hopeful frame
of mind than Bro. Parkhurst.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18

The reason Augusta Mack is not to
be put on trial for murder in the first
degree is because of the doubt as to
whether a woman could be convicted
of q crime carrying with it the death
penalty. Probably there is more or
less reason for this doubt, but it ought
not to serve as an obstacle in the exc
cution of Justice. There is no shadow
of doubt as to her guilt of direct COM
plicity in a foul murder. If she is
permitted to escape the penalty Of
such a crime on sentimental consider
atoms, it would be just as we'll to
move to abolish capital punishment
for women altogether.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18
the horse. I saw such advertised.

the horse. I saw such advertised.
I'll buy that outfit"
She did. The next day she har-
messed Flora and invited Mrs. Belts
to ride. Flora earned her title of
"goat" by capering around in frantic
manner, which ended in the severing
of straps and the overturning of the
vehicle. This elimination of her
playfulness was reached at a most
favorable point-in front of the har-
ness shop.
The master came out and rescued
the ladies'.
eff were allowed to offer sugges-
ton, I should say first learn to har.
ness The reasons why this broke
are that it is on wrong, and it is worn
out"
Barbara Belts was sensible. She
always followed good advice. She
bought new harness on the spot and
ordered a new phaeton for the morrow,
ss%tir, "1S narFts fFtedAndAAna outfit
night she wrote in her dairy:
Item-One horse. .Cost-One winter coat.
+" Blankets g Two pairs shoes.
&" Harness 49,. Two bonnets.
Z" Phnton, etc Anew Cyclopedia.
Provender ..... Travel, confect.,
sundries.
Payment received: Something belonging
exclusively (2) to myself; some labor:
little fun. Equation proves.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18

Payment received: Something belonging
exclusively ca to myself; some labor; a
little fun. Equation proves.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1897-12-18

Oh birds psalms
erec ctandsipht
o laughin
The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-01-05

The drug clerk had a unique customer
the other day-a man from the county, as
his appearance indicated. He ecame In with
prescription of the "gunshot" variety
that is to say, 1t called for about ten differ
ent ingredients. The clerk proceeded to
flll the prescription, and was watched
closely by tho customer. Finally the clerk
noticed that the man was becoming agitat-
ed, and concluded that he was In a hurry.
"Tn be through In q few minutes, said
the clerk to pacify the man.
II amt In a hurry. But say, young
fellow, don't like gettin old medicine.
"What do you meanp"
why, them bottles you got there are
only half full. You're givin me your old
stock
1t required good deal of explanation
on the clerks part to convince his custom
or that the medicine was fresh Gin
cinnati Enquirer.
The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-01-05
Both Of One Mind.

A story going the rounds of society In
Budapest will illustrate the simple good
nature which makes the Emperor Francis
Joseph so popular among all classes of his
often unruly subjects Herr Sikel, Hun
garian deputy after growing gray In the ex-
erciseof his parliamentary duties Thought
tho time had come when he might fairly
ask for post under government as the re-
ward of his services. Accordingly he called
on the premier and delicately broached the
subject my dear fellow" exclaimed
Baron Banffy, ~ should be delighted to
find you a billet, but nobody over 40 can
be appointed to the civil service without
the express permission of the sovereign"
So Herr Sikel, donning the national
costume, hurried up to Vienna, went to
Hofburg, and after due preliminaries got
IN audience OF his king (Hungarians recog-
nize no emperorl. Ushered into the royal
presence, he slid his petition on to side
table, and then stood overawed and dunn
founded for awhile, until Francis Joseph
inquired, "And what can do for you, my
friendp" Poor Sikel could only manage
to blurt out, "Yohr majesty, should like
to be 40 years of age" "Ah," replied the
kaiser, land so should t. But glance
at the furtive document had revealed the
man errand, and he was sent off rejoicing
with the royal signature. ST James Ga
Zetto.
The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-01-05
The Man and His House.

The ordinary polite inquiry, "How do
you doP" calls for nothing but conven-
tionally polite response But II man Is
past 1.-THE allotted age, land philosopher
besides, It may elicit a reply full Of mean
ing and worthy of record.
When John Quincy Adams was 80 years
old, he met In the streets of Boston an old
friend, who shook his trembling hand and
said. -
"Good morning And how Is John
QuiNsy Adams today"
'eThank you," was the ex-president's e
answer. "John Quincy Adams himself Is
well, sir; quite we'll, thank you. But tho
house In which he lives at present Is be-
coming dilapidated. II is tottering upon
It's foundation. Time and the seasons have
nearly destroyed 1t. It's roof is pretty well
worn out. It's walls are much shattered,
and 1t trembles with every wind. The old
tenement is becoming almost uninhabit-
able, and think John Quincy Adams will
have to move out Of Il soon But he him
self Is quite well, sir; quito WELL"
With that the venerable sixth presidents
Of the United States moveA on with the
aid of his staff.
It was not long afterward that he had
his second and fatal stroke of paralysis In
the capitol at Washington. "This Is the
last of earth, +" he said. II am content -
Youths Companion.
The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-01-05
FREE CURE F0R mEN.
Claims. to BE . Benefsctor Ito Weakened
Mankind.

There q always more or less supicion at
tached to anything that is offered free, but
sometimes q man 80 overaows with gem
erosity that be cannot rest until his dis
covery 10 known to the world, In order
that his fellow men may profit by what
pal that resident of Kalamazoo, Mich,
desires to send free TO mankind prescrip-
tion which will cure them OF any form OF
nervous debility; relieves them Of all the
doubt and uncertainty which such men
are peculiarly liable to and restores the
organs to natural size and vigor. Ag It
costs nothing to try the experiment it
would seem that any man, suffering with
the nervous troubles that usually attack
might be the final result, ought to be
deeply interested In remedy which will
restore them to health, strength and vigor,
without which they continue to live an
existence Of untold misery. AS the remedy
In question was the result OF many y0ors'
research az to what combination would be
peculiarly effective In restoring to men
the strength they need, 1t would seem that
all men suffering with any form OF nerv-
ous weakness ought to write for such a
remedy at once. A request to II. Q. Olds,
Box 1,625, Kalamazoo, Mich, stating that
you are not sending for the prescription
out of Idle curiosity, but that you wish to
make use OF the medicine by giving 1t
trial, will be answered promptly and with
out evidence as to where evidence came
from.
The prescription Is sent free and al
though some may wonder how Mr.. Olds
can afford to give away his q covery,
there Is no doubt about the of being
genuine.oCut this out and sem 20 Mr..
Olds 80 that he may know how SSu came
to write to him.
The evening tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 189?-190?, 1897-01-05
DANCING TURTLES.
Curious Training Through Which They
Are Put In the Far East.

Curious Training Through Which They
Are Put In the Far East.
The spectacle of an DID, bearded man,
with long, tangled locks, dressed In fan.
tastic costume, attracted the attention OF
passorsby one day In one Of the large sea-
ports of Japan Some said he was an
Aino, pointing to his long hair and beard,
and that he was bear worshiper from
Nagasaki.
The old man stood on the deck Of
houseboat quite as disreputable as no
himself appeared, and gave an exhibition
that was in every respect remarkable. Ho
held an old brass drum, upon which ho
beat with several sticks, keeping time with
his foot, and in obedience to this strange
summons number of common high
backed river tortoses of various sizes
crawled out of box and forming them
selves in line began TO march one after the
other to tho slow, discordant music
Around they went In circle, the big
ones ahead, tl-e smaller ones following on
behind, ard Is tho word of command tho
larger ones took their places between two
boxes and formed living tortoise bridge,
over which the small ones passed from box
to box, the others then following suit,
whercupon ell the tortoises arranged them
selves In groups, like plates about a table.
The japanese have another tortoise,
which they train to perform simple tricks
IN the water. 1t Is a little creature about
or 4 inches long, that from life of in
activity has become covered with long
growth OF green pond weed, which streams
behind like hair as 1t swims along.
These people are also famous for their
strange fishes of the carp family. Some
are short and chubby, with eyes that pro-
trude so far from the head that they look
like telescopes or the stalked eyes OF somo
crabs, with which the little creature can
see i'm every direction. Others have broad,
lacelike tail that hangs gracefully like IA
mass of lace and appears TO be divided into
three parts Others have perfect black
cross marked upon the back, which against
the deep red which is the prevailing color,
presents magnificent appearance. Others
are called the fish of the white cross, the
latter being white against red.
These fanciful creatures are trained to
perform a variety of tricks. They rise at
the sound of bell, ring bell themselves,
follow one another in a row at the signal,
and tfien in many ways show their re-
markable intelligence.
The Japanese also import the famous
fighting fishes from India, which they
keep in an aquarium and match In con
tests which are, IL must be said, decided
without bloodshed, though the little crea-
lures show no little ferocity.
The tortoise and crane are both sacred
animals in Japan, and the former is often
seen with the stork walking about villages,
paying no attention to the people and as
safe rs Is the sacred OK in lndia,-St. Louis
Republic