davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19

these generally behave as at nishtfall-
flowers close, fowls hasten to roost, cat
tie low, and the whole animal kingdom
is seized with sudden fright; CD the
shadow bands-these are mysterious
and hitherto unexplained bands of al
ternate light and darkness which ap-
pear before and after totally and travel
over the ground at the rate Of twelve
feet or fifteen feet per second; 60
"Bailey's BEADS" just before and after
totally the suns crescent seems broken
up into circle of bright beads-this
effect being produced by the suns rays
passing through the gaps between the
mountains situated on the edge of the
moon.
In beholding these marvels the pleas
ure seeking tourist is more fortunate
than the regular astronomer, who is
tied to his telescope, spectroscope, or
camera at the supreme moment Of to-
tality. Let it not, however, be sup
posed that the labors and the self-abne-
cation OF the astronomer are prompted
by mere idle curiosity to pry into the
Hidden things of nature, with no refer
ence to cur daily wants. The study Of
the physical construction of the sun is
but the study of the fountainhead Of all
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19

so protected were capsized and sunk
by a shell apiece.
The upper part of cruiser is sepa-
rated from downstairs" so to speak,
by a turtleback deck of steel plates.
This is called the protective deck, and
its edges are below the water-line. The
whole top story" Of the vessel, with
masts, bridge, smokestack, etc, might
be shot and burned away, and still she
would be expected to float, the "tur-
tleback" DETECTING the projectiles aim
ed at her. But the trouble is that shot
holes above the the protective deck
might let in water on one side. overbal-
ance her, and cause her TO turn sud
denly over keel upward It is in orGer
TO avoid this embarrassing contingent
ey that the water-line is backed inside
by a series Of steel water-tight COM
partments, called ''coffer-dams."
1t is obvious that If number Of
the Golfer dams were pierced by pro-
jec,iles in a sea fight and filled with
intruding water, the weight Of the
water would be apt TO upset the deli
cate balance OF the vessel, causing her
to list over to one side. Under such
circumstances some OF her cannon
would point up 10 The sky and others
down toward the ocean. so that she
would cease TO be serviceable as a gun
platform. In other words, she would
become useless as a fighting machine
and would be compelled to strike her
colors, even il she was so unlucky as
TO escape capsizing Accordingly, It
has been sought to fill the Golfer dams
with something as light as possible to
help keep the water out OF them and
to assist in maintaining the hotatiOn
of the ship.
Nothing satisfactory was found, how
ever, until a Yankee genius hi upon the
idea of using the pith Of cornstalks.
This proved the solution Of the prob
lem. and that is why all the newest
vessels Of the United States navy are
being provided with belt Of This ma
teriaI. To call it a belt to fairly accu-
ate. inasmuch az the compartments or
coffer-dams, filed with the stuff, run
along both sides OF the ship. The belt
Of stuffed coffer-dams is three feet thick
and extends four feet above the water
line and four feet below Il. The pith
is packed under pressure in the Golfer
dams in the shape of bricks. Navy men
say tlGt Win SCDA luFttS-D1th NsEk
back Of it TO defend the "visals'' of the
ship. one hundred tons Of cornstalk
pith are equivalent to 1000 tons Of Eteel
armor.
This cornssalk filling has not been
adopted by the Eevy department with
out elaborate experiments anf teats
Coffer-dama filed nth the stuff were
riddle BY big sheFs, but water could
net be made TO enter. even. when pro-
jecte6 al the holes in powerful stream
from a fire hose.
This new and most natural way OF
guarding agains. water-liae damage
wss TO put a belt OF armor all around
the vessel. extending for few feat
above and below the water-line. But
guns improved so rapidly in penetratin
power and facility cf Are that a heij
corad rot be carried the whole length
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19
CORNSTALK FILLING.
The Warships Kearsage and Kentucky Garry
Ready Plastcrs The .dea OF a Yarkse
Genius.

The new battlestips Kears1rge and
Kentucky are the first vessels of their
class ever constructed with armor tek.s
Of cornstalk pith, says the Washington
Post. 1t is a notion wholly novel, and
naval experts are watching the expert
ment with great interest. Such conf
Gence is felt il the wisdom Of il that
all other ships now in course of build
ing for Uncle Sans navy are ordered
to he furnished with similar equip
lent. Those who are best informed
On such subjects declare that a three
foot belt of cornstalk pith is equal, for
protective purposes. TO six inches Of
Hafveyized nickle-steel armor.
The idea Of it it is that cornstalk pith
possesses in a remarkable degree the
property OF absorbing water. swelling
with such rapidity as TO close a shot
hole before the briny water can enter
the ship. Thus a belt of It placed be-
tween the cutter and inner skins OF a
vessel, and covering the water-line. is
calculated to keep her afloat even
though thar delicate part CT her anato-
my scould be fairly Tiddled with pro-
iectiles. A similar stufhng Of cellulous.
obtained from cocoanut fibre, saved the
japanese cruiser Itsukushima, at the
battle Of the Yalu River, when she was
struck repeatedly near the Eater-line
by large pTojectiIes. In the same fight
the Chinese armored cruisers Tschi
Yuen ard King Yuen. neither Of them
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19
BoYHooD DAYS.

The days when / hunted the partridge and
rabbit
DER valley and hill. IN the wood and the
plain
Are gone with the sorrows and joys Of my
wrapped up in the past with its pleas
rFes and pain.
The days wien each morn with my whip
and a whistle,
The cows 70 The pasture three miles
would drive.
Returning them home In the dusk OF tho
with the stars all a-twinkle and tho
shadows alive.
The days that were spent in the shade OF
Protecting the banks from the food.
then as nov.
where we played seven-up with the sand
TIL the game woald break up with the
neer failing row.
FFenchsuanfs fsb-boaf.
And filed his new skin fun Of powders
Ana then. u appease his loud cianor for
At home were the victims Of many hard
knocks.
The days when tire sight o. the peach and
was more than boy could resist good
and strong.
As they hung from the limbs with their
checks rich and rosy.
Or lay on the vine where we Ramb,atf
along.
Yes. gone are the da.s Of my skyhcol
forever.
And sad II my heart al the tliouhht Of
their loss.
But long II the journey that stsli Id be-
fore ne
Ere the river Is reached and I'm ID led
Nv. q /,
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19

ished with a tiny ruche of spangled
white tulle. Over the shoulders fell
epaulettes Of the spangled tulle that
continued jabot fashion TO the bottom
Of the gown.
The fashion for black lace gowns is
being revived The effect is especially
pretty for evening gowns, when the
lace is spans,ed. Some very pretty and
inexpensive corsages are made Of span
gled lace.
At an informal little dinner of eight
covers given by a charming young
American matron, the guests were
treated to a pretty little surprise.
When dessert was served, the butler
entered with a fourishing rose bush
poisoning with fun pink roses. The
rose bush was passed to each guest, who
slipped one Of the delicate life-like,
Dresden rcses from the siak, and be-
holG.-it was filed with frozen cream.
A very lovely little gown for young
woman who will assist her mother is q
white China silk made over stiff lin
ing to give it body. The waist is a plain
round one, with rounded sleeve, yoke
and belt. The skirt is perfectly plain.
and would be severe upon any but q
charming young figure. .,..
There is a general tide back toward
the decollete for New Year gowns. It
is by no means very low, but still it is
not the stiff hisl neck Of past seasons.
NINA GOODWIN.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19

yes said Winter promptly; "they
tried to steal some things out Of the
church last night, and week ago they
broke into the office of the Gas Com
pany."
Are you familiar there?" asked.
YES said Winter.
One thing more, Colonel. before /
go" I said. VIII you tell me the name
OF the person who was On guard in your
house che last three nights?"
Il Was the person" said Winter.
"All right, Colonel l said. 81 an,
going to Chicago to-day to stay about
week, but l will be back Chris. mas
eve, and then l will look up your thief
for you. And, by the way, you might
get ready for your Christmas tree for
| expect to give you all your things
back in time for your Christmas ceie-
bration"
The Colonel looked sceptical and
Winter shook his head sadly.
Don't you think you had better stay
here if you are going to look fer him %
asked the Colonel.
NO" | said. at isn't necessary
Good day; you can look for me Christ
mas eve"
| said goodbye but L didn't leave
Ridgewood after all. I only went away
far enough to hide myself in certain
little hotel in the little town, and there
l waited and watched-did as slick de-
tective work as l ever did in my life.
even IN pig city On the biggest rob-
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19

meath us in a wide eXpanse, and some
great river winding its way over tne
fields like a silver streak; then suddenly
a dark cloud swept past the sun, ana
the coming shadow cast on the
ground" rushed On ever field and river
ana mountain. So it is with a totaI
eclipse; but the shadow OF the moon
travels ever the earth with a faf more
impressive velocity, and the ensuing
darkness is far more intense.
What else is there to be seen? Just
before the moment Of totality-When
the corona is almost lowering ii sight
suddenly right around the moon.
shooting cut into the surrounding
darkness, appear huge tongues OF flre,
often ice Gee miles in length. Their
appearance varies in color at different
eclipses-sometimes bleed red, some
times rosy pink, and sometimes AL
the cOlors in the rainbow. Then
comes the supreme moment OF total
ity when the corona burts forth IN all
its glory. 1t can only be seen, never
described. Bright ethereal waves OF
white surround the sun just OUTSIDE
the lurid red and stretch into the say,
often for 100000 miles. Nor Is TINS
all. Around the cutter corona some
times appear white streamers CT light,
r2diating from different parts OF the
coruEa and reaching far into space Tor
many million miles. And yet there Is
more 10 be seen; for, at the moment
of totally. as if by the touch OF ma
gicians wand. the whole sky IS lit up
in cue instant by multitude OF Drlgnt
stars, dotting the heavens as 50 many
fairy lamps. Then, when the few pre-
clous moments Of totality are over ard
the sun appears with yet more sudIen
swiftuess than he disappeared, tire
stars are extinguished by the same ma
gician's touch, the corona yanishes re-
fore cur gaze, and the red flames of
the sun, after casting lingering hok
behind. as If loath to bid us goodbye,
shrink into the disc OF the fiery orlf
Besides these wonders. the observer
might note some minor though inter
esting features-i- e. ID the efTecE OF
the eclipse cn plants ard animals;
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19

total along a tract of land some eighty
miles in width, and passing right across
India in q northeast direction from
Bombay TO Darjeeling, Or to be more
exact, starting from the west coast a
little below Bombay and entering the
Himalayas q little west Of Darjeeling.
This zone of totality is crossed by the
Indian railway system at eight different
places.
In a total eclipse the weather is the
great factor to be considered. 1t 10
useless making the most extensive prep
arations with the utmost care and dill
gence. if at the las moment bad wealth
err is to intervene and totally eclipse the
total eclipse With regard, however,
to the eclipse CT next January. that
month is usually SO favorable in India
that we may be almost certain CT e1-
periencing a cloudless sky all along the
zone Of totaiity Except, perhaps, near
the Hinlalayasl. and this fact has been
definitely ascertained by series CT o.
servatiors made 2qong the zone by the
meteorological department Of the Indian
government But ii would be injudi-
cious for observers 10 take up their Po-
sitions quite close TO the sea. because,
however eloudless the sky nay be at
ordinary times at the actual moment
Of eclipse a haze is Likely to be formed
in the sky over places near the coast
owing to the sudden fall Of the temper
AZURE 1t is well to remember that the
sun Will be partially eclipsed for quite
an hour before the beginning of totality.
consequently that there will be a great
fall Of temperature lat first slow, then
very sudden. which will tend to gre
cipitate whatever moisture there may
be in the air.
To view this eclipse the Indian gov
eminent ard several astronomical 60
cieties have arranged to occupy al con-
venient spots along the whole line Of
tetality, wherever the railway system
intersects this line. They will witness
sight which few men have been priv
ileged to- I. A total eclipse Of the
sun ia OF the most stupendcus. most
sublime mcst awe-inspiring spec
tacles be eye OF man can behold,
ar il to impress upon US the
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19

stood a tree all bare and waiting for
gifts. just as l told the Colonel to ar
range il.
There was no ore in the room. and
after | had pried up the sash, we stole
in together. There waS only ..lst time
TO drop cur package on the floor at the
foot OF the tree and to rush away again
before the Colone's daughter came IN.
''Oh, papa." she cried. here are
some more presents for Us"
But / heard no more just then, for I
was busy helping poor Winter get
away. An hour later l rang the Col
onel's front door bell. He opened the
door himself
Come right in," said he. 81 guess
you are wizard tonight. Just after
We had got our Christmas tree set ND.
and while We were upstairs getting our
presents together to lang on the tree,
tie thief came back and left the Christ
mas peresents."
Everything thereY I asked
Everything" said he, down TO the
last teaspoon. We have counted them
all. Poor fellow. he must have had a
guilty conscience, and when it came
Christmas eve he squared it with him.
self by sending back ali he had
stolen"
"Strange," said I.
Very strange" said the Colonel.
I'D like, if knew who the thief was.
to send him something for a Christ
mas present, just as reward for his
conscience. AS it is, l ask you. detec-
tive not to look him up. He has evil
IDENTIFY turned over new leaf this
Christmas eve"
Evidently" said I.
Now. detective" said the Colonel.
I'm going to ask you to stay with us
over Christmas and enjoy a nice holt
day. And SO that we can all have an
extra fine day. I'm going to send one
Of the boys over to Winters house to-
night with these things so that he can
have merry Christmas as we'll as the
rest of us.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19

rext night?"
..That,o easy" he said with wan
smile. The Colonel moved his s,eep-
ing room to the other side of the house
after the first robbery. ard was afraid
he might get up in the night and look
out Of his window
You watched the house all night for
him, did your"
Yes, except for about an hour, long
fuq."
well, what are you going to do
about it?'
God knows-I DON'T" he repeated
at will kill her if you tell her."
do you want me to arrest you to-
night, or will you wait until morning."
Christmas day." he exclaimed
breaking down and beginning to cry
XIX 3 baby.
You are about the simplest fellow |
ever saw | said, shaking him roughly
by the shoulder. Hanging is too good
for you, and electrocution wou,6n Z
rob good employer"
"Dont-don't say anything more
he cried. Il know l am wretch
why hiii LS-eO any tLiuS, out uOl
tell her.
1t might have been that the spirit OF
Christmas was in the air. Perhaps the
thought Of those six little children and
that sweet-faced wife had stronger
influence than they should have had
over a detectives heart But | said to
him: well, bundle up the things and
come along with me, and wegl see
what we can do about it,"
We locked like two Santa Clauses
ourselves as We slipped along the
paths to the Payne residence. There
it lay in the moonlight, and the snow
around it was white and untainted. not
black and besmirged like our souls.
We got into the triangular lawn by
rear Path and stole softly up 10 the
house. There was the dining room
brilliantly lighted, and in the middle
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19

berry 1 ever had 1t was hard work and
/ worked hard at it. The only yaca-
ton l took was long enough TO drop
a line TO Colonel Payne, telling him TO
get ready to celebrate Christmas and
TO allow room On his Christmas tree
for all the stolen articles.
Christmas eve found me-not in the
Co.onePs home-but out in the cold
frosty air, looking into the window of
little cottage. The cottage was the
end in a row Of wooden hous1s, each
with gras5 plot around it. 1t be-
longed to William Winter, private Sec
rotary to Colonel Payne; and in the
cottage lived Winter and his wife, and
Winters wife's mother; also six little
Winters, varying in age all the way
from four to twelve years.
u never saw anything so lovely in all
my life, papa," the e!eA=: Winter girl
was saying as | passed my nose against
the glass and peeTed in through the mar
row strip between the window cash and
the easement.
There inside Of the room stood a
little Christmas tree upon a big box,
and upon the tree and all around the
foot of it stood dozens of beautiful
christmas gi.tS. such a Christmas
tree you never saw! There were little
things in silver-spoons, forks, after
dinner coffees and knives, and there
was a rocking chair, also several little
foot stools and little articles of brio
abrac, all newly covered with cheap
chintz. And there were toys. Oh! so
many toys! and upon the table at the
side Of the tree stood the best of wines
and Christmas fruits.
How sweet Of you, Will" Winters
pretty wife said, as she threw her
arms around his neck and kissed him.
How did you ever guess that l
wanted all those silver things for the
table,"
And did any one ever see such a
son-in-law," cried the old lady. as her
eyes fell upon the table with the wine
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19

Ridgewood had a thief! When T.,
Detective Martinez, of the Chicago Sc
cret Service, was called out there, |
found the town in state of excite
|ment over the robberies. The princi-
pal ones had taken place in the man
ion of Colonel Payne, the richest man
Ridgewood.
The ColoneFs residence stood in the
ter Of the town. 1t was surround
by a lawn which was shaped like
Aiangle, with fountains and sta1u-
t the three corners. In the CEN
\se the house, colonial affair,
rather than ornate.
ne had been four burglaries at
Payne mansion. The first night
Err was taken-small pieces consist
of spoons, forks, after dinner cof-
Is and knives
The second might q small rocker dis
bpeared and several velvet covered
s1 stools, and nice little articles Of
c-a-brac, designed for Christmas
The third night all the chill
8 Christmas toys that had been
ly stored away in a Santa Claus
Ard by Colonel Payne and his
lady for Christmas Eve, disap-
And the fourth night the cell
illaged of its wine and fruits.
as If it was somebody inside
said the Colonel, after we
over the ground pretty we'll
actly," said /, cor why would
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19
and fruits.

and fruits
Il have got the coolest papa in the
world!' yelled the six year old. while
the others chimed in .Yeth" as they
made dive for the toys.
Il could sit in this rocking chair
for a week." murmured Winters wife,
rocking herself back and forth with
her feet on the gaily covered foot stool,
If it wasn't that / felt that / wanted
to get up and kiss you again." she
as she looked around.
Now, go to bed, all of you," cried
Winter; land something extra for the
one who starts first. Don't let me
hear a word from you again until to-
morrow morning at breakfast, and
then well have Christmas all day
He hustled them out of the room,
and when | tapped on the door, there
was no one left down stairs to open
it but he.
We'll, what are you going to dc
about it?' | asked, stepping into the
room and pointing to all the Christ
mas things.
Il don't know" said he, dropping
down by the table and hiding his face
in his hands. Il don't know, l am sure
1t VIII kill her if you tell her.
What made you take them?"
asked.
Because he's get so much he dent
know what to do with it." said Winter
so I took them all easy like, and
thought it would all blow over in few
days. You see we have had SO many
babies in our family" he added, 'that
there wasn't much left this year fol-
Christmas; and the children have been
talking about it every day, for the last
three months. 1t broke my heart tic
think I'd have to disappoint 'em, so
did the best l could for EN-
1T was poor best" l said, "but tell
me why you took the things out OF
the Colone1's dining room window one
night, and out of the hall window tbs
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19
A MATTER CT HEARSAY

A Gainesville, Tex, couple applied
for marriage license in that town the
other day.
How old are you, miss?" asked the
clerk Of the expectant bride.
Eighteen, sir she replied bashfully.
"Raise your right hand and swear
that you are eighteen he said, repeat
ing the usual formula. What. You
WON'T"
Indeed, / will not swear to what is 4
matter of hearsay," answered the dam
sell proudly; and although the groom
to-be begged and the magistrate
stormed she would not take the oath,
and the license was refusel.-Rehoboth
Sunday Herald.
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19
The SUBLIME SPECTACLE OF JAN. 22. 80.
Scientific Expeditions From Every Quarter Of the Globe Are
Leaving for India to View the Coming I'M
portant Total Eclipse OF the Sum-

San Francisco, December 10.-Tndia
will be the hub Of the scientific wheel
On January %, 1898. On the almanacs
for the coming year the date should be
marked with red, red sign, for DIR
ing the space Of 100 seconds the suns
light will be extinsuished at high noon,
and possibly many scientific secrets re-
vealed to the army OF wise men whose
telescopes will be turned sunward to
witness the wonderful eclipse.
Provided an unlocked for veil is not
drawn over the scene on January %,
the scientists gathered in India will
have ample time to view the eclipse.
It's duration will be two minutes, and
the exact time OF the occurrence 1 p. m.
Moreover, there will be wide range of
country from which to select ones post
OF observation. The eclipse will be
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19

grandeur Of her beauty, lifts the veil
from before the borderland and permits
US glimpse Of the unknown realms Of
creation but too seldom and for too
trane,tOry moments. A total eclipse &C.
ours in any given spot of the earth
but once in many centuries, and even
then thousand and one casualties Of
ten rob the spectators Of the longed-
for spectacle. AS the dark shadow of
the moon steals over the face of the
sun the distant landscape grows DINNER
on the horizon with an Hshy pslenegs,
and a weird dim religious light" sur
rounds US, till at last, like the rushing
Of many waters, the moon sweeps over
the entire sun and enshrouda the earth
in pail OF darkness. Some of Us have,
perhaps, stood on Il lofty hill and seen
far away the green fads stretching be-
Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1897-12-19

forms Of energy that exist on this earth
of ours, and who will dare prophesy
that the knowledge gained in some
brief moment OF totality may not lead
us to solve some OF the grand prob
lens of life?