davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
EXTRAORDINARY FIGHT.
Three Hundred sparroySs Attack and
XII skunk.

XIII skunk.
Incidents Of animals being attacked
and destroyed by birds are familiar 10
all readers of natural history. Hens
have often been known to attack snakes
with great ferceness and kill them in
short order and the attacks of larger
birds. such as eagles and hawks, are
well known. Last spring fox which
had been robbing hen roosts, killing the
chickens and eating them and the eggs,
was caught by three game cocks and so
badly worsted that he was glad to beat
an ignominious retreat.
The pugnacity of the sparrow is pro-
verbal and residents of cities often see
evidences of it. One of the latest stories
is that told by f. Abel, of Freeport, l..
!. He says:
'While hunting in the northern part
Of Merrick, l.. l., | saw one Of the
most peculiar fights that / ever had the
luck to witness. / was after rabbits
and was walking along near a rail
fence, when my attention was suddenly
attracted by an immense swarm OF
sparrows which were flying from one
side of the fence TO the other, twittering
with all their might. They were some
what above me, so. running up nearer,
tried to find the cause of the trouble.
It showed itself in the shape Of large
skunk, which was darting from one side
os the fence to the other. the sparrows
following, pecking at him savagely
when they got the chance.
"They did not seem to mind my pres
ence at all. and this lodging and attack
ing was kept up for about five minutes,
when suddenly the skunk crossed to my
side of the fence and started across n
big lot with the evident intention Of
getting to thick wood that lay on the
other side. He had made perhaps half
way. when the entire flock of sparrows,
numbering at least 300, pounced on
him. The skunk fought well, but to no
purpose, for in less than n minute he
was torn to shreds. Chicago Chron-
icle
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
A Railway Drama.

, Scene I.-Tran stopping at big
junction. Ticket Collector (examin-
ING passengers tickeD-This won't do
sir. You'll have to get out and
Passenger shall not get out. re-
fuse to be bullied by you; here is my
card; you have your remedy (etc'' etc)
Ticket Collector only wanted to
say, sir
.Don't talk to me; you're only a
mental; fetch the station-master.'
"It's all right, SIR
Train proceeds, and passenger re-
,o,os toles of his various triumphs over
railway ofiicials)
Scene ia dark and lonely railway
platform. One melancholy figure
broodlng.
Passenger (thoughtfully)-l wonder
II that collector only meant to tell me
7 was in the wrong train.-Tit-Bits.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
por. win Cnnyn. shoes.

Dogs wearing canvas shoes startle
eastern mea who are hunting prairie
chicken and grouse on Nebraska plains.
While the dogs waddle somewhat like
ducks when wearing these shoes, they
manage to comfortably cover a lot of
ground in day after having been
broken to the use of the membranes
Shoeing the dogs saves their feet from
soreness, induced by running over the
stubble. Two days work in the field
without shoes will wear out any dog,
but, protected with the canvas slipper,
q dog will last whole season.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
CATCHES MORE FISH THAN a MAN.

CATCHES MORE FISH THAN a MAN.
he goes out on dead log projecting
into the water several feet. lie never
takes his eyes from the water rs it
rushes by. Suddenly he leans the fore
part of his bodyand one paw far over the
log and then, with tremendous force,
strikes into the water with his paw,
clinging TO the log with the other three
feet and the rest of his body, Seldom
does he fail to hit the big fish with the
stroke and. if the blow does not kill the
fifM outright, a crunch of his terrible
jNNss completes the work. The blow
usual Slands the stunned or killed fish
back over the log into Il quiet pool, from
which it cannot easily escape In the
course of 20 minutes he frequently
catches from Is to % salmon, ranging
from five to twenty pounds each. These
salmon are usually triflc weak and
slightly under the weather maybe
the hoOlt-bill but more than likely the
dog salmon. But this dog is not the
only four-footed fisher for these ont
there. either. 1t is a common thing TO
see within distance Of less than mile
along the coast half n dozen bears, n
family or two of wildcats, whole
colony of raccoons, not a few wolves,
besides a dozen or moro ra2or-back
hogs, to say nothing of a score or so of
eagles, all engaged in the sport Of fish
ing for dog acknowledging Chronicle.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
A Cosmopolitan Dinner,

An American travelling in Palestine
describes an interesting dinner he ate
recently at a hotel in Jericho. 1--WE sat
on the porch of the hotel at Jericho"
he wrote, "after dinner, at which we
were served with butter from Norway,
cheese from Switzerland, MARINA
lade from London, wine from Jerusa-
lem, diluted with water from the well
of Elisha; raisins from Ramoth Gilead,
oranges from Jericho and almonds
from the east of Jordan, and then we
smoked Turkish tobacco and had cup
of coffee from Brazil, although they
called it Java" That was n cosmopol-
itan meal, sure enough.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
WASN'T SHE SWEET?

Once was mamma, and mamma me
Twas only dream, you know
And | was giving her cambria tea,
And teaching her how to sew!
And never once did she bite her thread:
When eight o'clock came. and
Said: Now, my dear. IL is time for bed"
She went. and she didn't cry!
At dinner time she'd quietly wait,
Said: Thank YOU" and IF you please
Shed never leave-well, a saucy plate,
And then for more pudding tease.
She walked 'thout kicking TO raise a dust
Stood still while combed her curls.
Now don't you think my mamma was just
The sweetest of little girls?
Elizabeth II. Burns, in Youths Compan.
ion,
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
y TWO CLEVER PUZZLES.
Although Decidedly Mystifying They
Arc EnSIIY Dnne.

A little science is involved in the puz-
zle shown at figure No. /. The problem
is to see how many coins can be dropped
into wine glass filled quite to the brim
with water without making the water
overflow. Were to tell you that the
glass will hold as many as twenty
quarters or shillings after it is quite
full of water you would all shout ''im-
possible!" However, trial willproye to
you the truth of this surprising state
ment. Wipe the glass dry so that not n
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
Yak Knot I'm n sycamore.

When Manchester (EnglandD timber
merchant was saving sycamore into
lengths he came across lark knot in the
wood an inch and half in diameter
When this was cut through 1t displayed
the clearly marked outline OF BIRD
which the merchant deemed curious
enough to have photographed.-Strand
Magazine.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
FIGURE NO. 3.

in each row. Now the problem is to
so place the discs-still preserving the
square outline-that there shall be five
in each row. 1t seems impossible.
doesn't it? Try it without looking at
Fig. No. 3, which illustrates how it is
done. 1t is really trick. Place one Of
the middle discs on each corner disc and
you have solved the problem, as you
then have five instead of four in each
row, though looking down upon them
there appear to be but three.-But-
tricks Delneator.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25

in the Jail yard of Mexican prison
the warden has caused phonograph
~ he placed which repeats to the con-
victs the charges made against them IN
,ho voices of their victims.
The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1897-12-25
ANIMALS that FISH.
Dogs, Bears and Hogs Catch salmon
In British Columbia.

Man is not the only animal which
INDUCES in fishing. Up at Vancouver
there is q man who will back his dog
to catch more fish in a day than any
man can. The animal is a Newfound-
land, six years old, and as fisherman
he is simply wonder. Every morning
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-28

ownership of the stock Of the reorganized
bank insures their complete control Of its
policy, and Can by negotiations among the
creditors alone cut off all outside spectators.
and thus secure all increase in value to them
selves
Several creditors could combine to purchase
g certain property at the valuation placed
upon it by the board Of directors represent
Ing the creditors only. and upon acceptance
OF proposal, turn over their certificates in ex-
change therefor.
In all points the claims of the creditors
seem to take precedence, and seem in every
respect so well provided for and protected.
that we cannot but conclude that the creditors
enc and all will pursue wise course by
joining in the reorganization plan proposed
and giving it every aid and encouragement.
1t must be noted as one Of the features OF
this plan, that it practically requires the
unanimous assent of all the creditors.
The ten per cent dividend having been paid
by the receivers under order OF the district
buy claims at any price, were any such pur
chase contemplated. Under the plan as pre-
scented it is intended that a just and equi-
table adjustment shall be made with all the
creditors and on equal and exactly the same
terms to all.
The reorganization committee have opened
an office on the bank floor Of the Bank of
Minnesota building, corner Sixth and Jackson
make any explanation desired and
to receive signatures to the plan.
In conclusion, 1T is urged upon every credi-
tor to make thorough examination Of the
plan. and notify the committee promptly
and without delay Of his position either for
or against reorganization, as proposed
John Hickey,
"A. H. Roake.
Charles Friend & Son,
ID. l.. Bell,
George X. Holmes, =
William H. Egan,
Creditors Of Bank Of Minnesota.
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-28
NORTHERN PACIFIC EARNINGS FOR
NOVEMBER AS COMPARED
WITH LAST YEAR.
THE EXPENSES KEPT DOWN
OMAHA ROADS NEW LIST OF OUT.
SIDE FREIGHT AND PASSEN-
GER MEN.
ZEN NEW LOCOMOTIVES.
SIXTEEN
Order for Them Has just Been
Placed With the Schenectady
Works.

President Mellen had mailed a day
or two before Christmas. and there
will be published in the New York
financial papers this morning state
ment of the roads finances for the
month of November. and also for the
five months ending Nov. 80. The fig
ures for the month named and the last
mentioned period are compared in the
statement with the same periods year
ago, and are of a most gratifying ma
ture both to the officers, to whose ex-
cellent management the fine showing
made is due, and also to the men whose
money is invested in the big cross
country system.
In the first place, the November fig
ures are remarkable, and show that
the net earnings of the company for
the thirty days more than doubled the
earnings of November year ago. A
glance at the table below will show
that there has been a heavy increase
in the November business (nearly 81
per cent?, and that it has been per-
formed by increasing the operating eX-
pense only ID per cent. 1t will be noted
gross earnings is but a shade over So
per cent. a performance especially re-
| markable when the statements are con-
sidered of unbiased, reliable railroad
men who have recently Travelled over
the property and pronounced it in such
excellent physical shape.
A very gratifying gain over last year
is shown in the volume Of business in
both departments of the road during
the five months ending Nov. 30, while
the increase in operating expense has,
it will be seen, been kept down to a
very low point. These two facts taken
together show that there has been
gain during the period mentioned in
net earnings Of nearly so per cent.
This exposition Of the really wonderful
success which has followed the work
of the different Northern Pacific Off
Gals cannot fail to be the source of
great pleasure and satisfaction to
them, as it must also to the directors
and stockholders of the company.
That portion of the statement which
shows the gross earnings, operating ex-
penses and net earnings of the company
for November, 1897, as against the
same month in 1886. and also the same
items for the five months ending Nov.
80. this year. as against the same pc
Rod year ago, is as follows:
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-28
WISCONSIN CENTRAL DECREE.
Step Looking to the Reorganization
of the Road.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. Dec. IA step look
ing toward the reorganization of the Wis
consin Central lines was taken this after
noon when decree of foreclosure was en-
tered by Judge Jenkins of the United States
circuit court in favor of John A. Stewart and
Edwin H. Abbott as trustees against the
Wisconsin Central railroad for 81. 000, goo. the
amount of the first mortgage bonds, unpaid
interest coupons of 81, 100000 and interest on
the deferred interest payments since July l..
1894 all payments having been in default
since that date, the total amount being $14.-
800, 125.
The matter was referred to f. NJ. Hoyt
as special master, to ascertain and report
whether the railways franchise and property
of the company should be sold as an en-
tlrety or in two or more separate parcels, and
what liens, if any, are superior to the said
first mortgage. The master is authorized to
conduct hearings either In this judicial dis
trct or in Chicago, New York or Boston, as
may appear to him to be best suited for OBJ
tanning the required information.
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-28
Big Alaska Business.

CHICAGO, Dec. 27.-That most of the West
ern roads are not angry over the action of the
rate for export corn from the Mississippi river,
and from Chicago also, was shown today when
meeting Of the Illinois roads was held for
the purpose of making an effort to have the
rate put at 1712 cents from Chicago against
20 from the river. There was long dispute
and as the Peoria lines offered strong OBJ
jections. it was seen that no agreement could
be reached and the matter was dropped. There
is very small probability, however, that the
2O-cent rate will be observed from Chicago.
Several of the freight officials of the Eastern
lines have announced that they have no inten-
ton of allowing the trade to slip away from
Them and the chances are very strong that
they will make rate sufficiently low to hold
the business
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-28
USE OF Ignite FOR FUEL.
Engineer of jamestown Asylum
Solves the Problem.

Engineer of jamestown Asylum
Solves the Problem.
JAMESTOWN, N. D.. Dec. 27.-Great
improvements have been made at the
state asylum here in the use of North
Dakota Ignite as fuel, and the prob
lem Of it's successful consumption has
been solved-so far as the asylum is
concerned, at any rate.
When the question of directing pub
lie institutions to use native coal was
before the Legislature, Engineer Petit
grew. Of the asylum. made a report
against the proposed plan, stating that
in his belief the compulsory use Of
Ignite would cost the state more for
new appliances than would be saved
by using native coal, and that it would
not prove satisfactory. Now there is
no more enthusiastic advocate of lig-
mite as fuel in the state than Petit
grew. When he started it's use he
evaporated two pounds of water with
a pound of coal. Now he evaporates
four and half pounds. Appliances
have been perfected by him at the
asylum for burning the gas that es-
capes from the coal, by means of a
return pipe that carries the gas back
to the furnace, where it is totally con-
sumed until there is absolutely nothing
of a combustible nature to escape from
the coal. The water in the boilers is
heated by this gas. The fires in the
furnace do not rise directly under the
boilers, but against the arch Of fire
brick. and by this means the gas is
consumed. The steam plant at the asy-
lum is one Of the most complete and
perfect in the West. and the saving in
fuel this year. through the improved
means of burning coal, will reach one
thousand tons.
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-28
Railway Notes.


President Hi, OF the Great Northern, re-
turned on Sunday from quick trip to New
York.
Frank B. Ross, Northern passenger agent
of the st. Paul & Duluth, was visitor in
St. Paul yesterday from the head of the lakes.
H. F.. Carter. travelling passenger agent
Of the Union Pacific. at Sioux City, is here
Capt NJ. NJ. Wheeler, Of the Omaha, at
Helena, was among the out-of-town- rail-
readers in st. Paul yesterday.
Travelling Passenger Agent "Bert" Nash.
of the Omaha, went north yesterday after
noon.
Railroad Commissioner N. C. Kingsley is
expected up from Austin today.
Superintendent of Motive Power E. NJ.
Herr, of the Northern Pacific. will be nome
from New York tomorrow.
The Chicago Great Western transported Mrs.
Leslie Carter and the balance of the "Heartof
Maryland company. in a special train from
Minneapolis, after the Saturday night per-
Torrance, to Chicago in time for the Sunday
matinee,
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-28
BANK OF MINNESOTA.
A Definite Plan OF Reorganization
Now Being Presented to the Cred
itors and Stockholders.

A committee representing a large portion
in numbers and amount OF the creditors of
the Bank Of Minnesota has perfected a
plan for the reorganization of that insu-
tuition, which is now being presented to the
creditors for approval. This movement, In
the success of which every resident Of the
city has vital interest should meet with
a prompt response from every one directly
interested.
Every business interest in the city de-
mands that a reorganization under some
plan should speedily be effected, to the end
that the largo volume Of claims OF the cred
itors should be extinguished at the earliest
day and with the least possible loss to
them.
Such reorganization. it is safe to assert,
will be powerful factor in restoring con-
fidence in the community and tend largely
to the advent OF, prosperity to our city.
And If in the proposed plan the interest
of the creditors is properly protected there
should be no delay in the acceptance of
the plan by each and every one having a
claim against the bank.
The proposed plan provides for, an assess
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-28
MRS. BLAINE IN POLITICS.
Takes n Hand In the PostmastershiI
Contest at Augusta

CHICAGO Dec. IA special to the Chi
cago Record from Augusta, Me-. says: 1t
has developed that Mrs. James G. Blaine is
the influence behind the distribution of ad-
ministration favors in this city. There has
been a lively contest over the postmastership
for several weeks. and it was generally
thought that William H. Williams had the
inside track. His petition bore 1200 names,
including those Of the Republican leaders
and prominent merchants. His chief oppo-
nent Walter D. Stinson, nephew of
Mrs. Blaine.
Mr.. Williams yesterday announced his with
drawal from the contest, to the amazement
of friends, and when explanations were de-
manded it was said that President Mckinley
had written to Mr.. Williams saying that he
desired no opposition to the appointment of
Stinson. who had been earnestly recommend
ed by Mrs. Blaine. Mr.. Williams friends are
displeased, and they freely assert that he
was sacrificed. Stinson's nomination seems
assured as a favor to the widow of a man
who was near personal friend Of Mckinley.
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-28
Expected at Chicago.

CHICAGO, Dec. 27.-Railroad officials in
Chicago say they have been for some time
expecting the appointment of Horace G. Burt,
third vice president of the Chicago &c North
western railroad. as president of the Union
Pacific Mr.. Burt has been with the North
western for many years. Previous to 1883 he
was chief engineer of the road In that year
he was appointed general manager Of the Ere
mont, E,khorn &c Missouri Valley railroad,
part of the Northwestern system and served
in that capacity until year ago, when he was
elected third vice president of the Chicago &
Northwestern.
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-28
ORDERS NEW ENGINES.
Northern Pacific VIII Add Sixteen to
It's Stock.

The Northern Pacific company has placed an
order with the Schenectady locomotive works
for sixteen new engines, twelve OF which Will
be for the passenger and four for the freight
business of the road. These new machines,
which will cost in the ne.ghborhood of $12,-
600 each, will be ready for delivery in three
months, and will be what are known as COM
pound engines, two of which-one passenger
and one freight-have been tested on the line
since last June and found quite satisfactory.
They are so constructed as TO yield the great
est power with the least expense in the mat
ter OF fuel etc, and will be decided acqu.si-
tions to the continent OF the road &C. =
NJ mag K II lex an Ipel in.e1f en- # MOI
tive Power Herr conferred with the Scl---.
tady people while in New York a week or two
since, and the order resulted.
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-28
Gruin Rate Row.

CHICAGO, Dec. 27.-The Western passenger
agents are now making their arrangements to
handle the Alaska trade. The longer they
look at this traffic from distance the larger
1t seems to appear to them, and now there Is
hardly Western Passenger man that does
not expect the traffic to amount to fully 2OO,-
600 people. The chances are that a figure
about one-haf as large as that viii cover the
number who will go from points where the
roads OF the Western Passenger association
viii be given a show at the business.
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-28
Local Raiiroaiers Give Him
Hearty Send-0H.

There were sixteen covers IA;d fos the fare
well dinner given Sunday aiterEepn by the
local railroaders to Joseph r. Tsggart, re-
Gently promoted to the positibn of,SSc-ty ticket
phia and although there flay gave been
more expensive or more formal d1Ttlers given
in st. Paul. it is probable that few have
been more thoroughly jolly and Interesting.
They were nearly ali railrosd men, one or
two men not within the CHARMED circle, how
ever, having been hidden. -
The guest of honor was tod flumber OF
clever facts about himself. and was mace t.
annrec:ate the fact that his Gatess here were
sorry he was going to leaye,1 although
they shared his pleasure at the promotion
Mr. Taggart made a speech and recalled many
who included nearly all the Travelling passen-
ger men and some of the city ticket men Of
both ST. Paul and Minneapolis.
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-28
OMAHA PLEASED.
Selection of Mr.. Burt Well Received
at headquarters.

OMAHA, Dec. 27.-When the Asso-
ciated Press gave the Union Pacific
headquarters force the news of the
appointment of Horace G. Burt to be
president of the new company, there
was~a general expression Of satisfac-
ton and at told you SO" from all. Gen.
Manager Dickinson says: 81 consider
It a most excellent appointment, and
have all along looked for it. Mr.. Burt
is an accomplished railroad man."
} Other heads of departments ex-
pressed similar sentiments. At the
Office CT other lines there were none
but good words for the new president.
At the Elkhorn office, where Mr.. Burt
was once general manager, there was
great citation. The Northwestern peo-
pie are also we'll pleasd. In Union Pa
cific circles there is much uneasiness
concerning the changes the new presi
dent will make IL the operating force.