davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Van Buren press., 1897-07-10
The Time to Have Fits.

Every time / go to town here of late
l hear people talkin about the big show
which is now goin on over in Tennessee.
Do you know / would love the best in
the world to see the sights of that show
if l was already there-if l didn't have
to take no long trips gwine and comm.
But the longer live the more want
to hang around and keep in sight of
the home base, and the more hate to
strike crowd and git myself into a
iam-particular in hot weather when
man needs all the fresh air he can find
and but precious few clothes.
Clean on down to my dyin day l will
recollect what come to pass oncst upon
a time when me and Andy Lucas took
up notion that we mought as well go
to Montgomery and take in the Fourth
of July Publication. 1t was a scorchin
hot day, and when we got on the rail-
road train it did look to me like every
body and all their lIinnery had took up
the same notion-that they mought as
well go to Montgomery that day and
join the jubilation. Every car was
packed and iammed and crowded to the
guards. Me and Andy wedged our way
to the inside and then stood there
packed in with the mob like so many
sardines.
Now in the main time Andy had went
ahead and tanlled up for the special oc
casion. And havin bit Off several large
plugs of 'white ink" he was hotter than
fox, to hear him tell it. He stood there
for so or 40 miles l reckon, steamin and
BLOWN and sweatin like free niger on
election day. But finally at last he
turned and said to me, says he, in low
whisper:
"Rufe, if there is anything in my
feelins blamed If we haven't took the
wrong train, and instid of goin to Mont
gomery we are on our way to that on
pleasant country where they tell me
all liars and fiddlers and horse traders
go, and where they don't wear over
coats nor shovel any snow to speak of.
I'll be eternally battersmashed and
gormed up if l can stand this any
longer, Somebody viii have TO make
room and give me seat to set down in.
You recollect what the Good Book says
about time for everything. 1t is my
time to have fit. Iruther hate to do it,
Rufe, but let me tell you jest simply
can't stand the jam. When take the fit
you must stay with me and make out
like it amt the first time. Scream for
more room and fresh air and put me
on q seat as soon as you can. Now watch
'em scatter"
Then Andy rolled his eyes way back
in his head and took on a dead set gaze
for all the world like a dying calf,
grooned and reeled and fell in fit.
He was always spittin cotton, anyhow
The Van Buren press., 1897-07-10
GREATEST OF TUNNELS.
1t Is to Connect Scotland with the
North of Ireland.

North of Ireland.
1t is said that the British government
is considering a plan for the greatest
submarine tunnel ever attempted. tits
to connect point in Scotland just north
of Point Patrick with point in Ire
land west of Carricllfergus. The esti-
mated cost is 35,000,000. The plan is
being submitted by syndicate. 1t is
argued that the traffic would more than
pay handsome rate of interest on the
investment. This would require net
profit of So, 100000 year. Other plans
to connect the divided parts of Great
Britain have been considered imprac-
ticable because of the nature of the
current at the points proposed. But
the present plan is considered by many
TO be feasible and the commercial eye
of the English nation is not likely to
allow the plan to fail If good financial
results can be hoped for. On basis OF
miles, the new route would be longer
than by sea voyage. But it would be
available in all kinds of weather, while
the Irish sea is at no time placid body
of water. Further, it is much easier TO
ship goods by rail than by water. There
is q great saving of time in loading and
unloading. Many of the railroad lines
OF England and Scotland run direct to
Point Patrick and others could easily
be extended. A great infusion of COM
mercial energy, which is now conspicu-
ously lacking, would be given to Ire
land. The methods of tunnel building
in use at the present day have made
such an enterprise possible and COM
rnratiVelV easy
The Van Buren press., 1897-07-10
THE MAID AND THE Dominic.
Thought He Was Doing a Favor and
She Didn't Undcceive Him.

Thought He Was Doing a Favor and
She Didn't Undcceive Him.
She was modest-appearing girl, and
as pretty as girl well could be. Her
great blue eyes looked out from under
her new Easter bonnet in way liable
to bewitch any man. She came into the
Union station the other afternoon and
slowly descended the steps, apparent
ly unconscious of the many admiring
chances cast in her direction. In her
arms were many bundles, all of them
small, but of such odd shapes that they
were difficult to carry.
AS the young woman took her foot
from the last step of the long stair
way look of perpleXity fitted across
her face. Then, as she started to cross
the waiting-room, those who were
watching her saw something on the
floor, where she had dropped it. A
dozen men started forward to pick it
up, saw what it was, and then maneu-
vered so that it would appear as if they
had not noticed it. The young lady,
aware of her loss, kept straight on, and
never lOOkeu DcIlllQ ucI.
But there was one man there who
had seen the article fall and he went
after it. He wore the straight collar
and peculiar garb of the clergy, while
glasses told of that most embarrassing
of Affections, near-sightedness. Run
ming quickly to the little object that
lay so harmlessly upon the floor, he
picked it up and fastened after her.
He touched her on the arm, and, lift
ing his hat, he said: Il beg your par
don, my dear young lady, but you
dropped your"
1t was then that he saw for the first
time what he had picked up. He was
holding the little band of black with
q red bow on it in full view of those
who were in the waiting-room, and he
did not know what to do with it. The
young woman's hands were occupied
with bundles, and he felt it would
scarcely be right to drop 1t or put it
in his pocket. For perhaps a moment
he stood there blushing. He tried to
speak, but the best he could do was
to stammer out some unintelligible
syllables. In the meantime the girl
stood speechless. First she flushed and
then grew pale. Then her face seemed
to indicate that she was amused at the
clergyman's embarrassment. Then,
with sweet smile, she dropped her
bundles on a seat, and, taking the cir
clet. she said; tits so good of you. My
brother Tom would never have for
given me If l lost one of the sleeve
holders his finance sent him."
And she gathered up her bundles and
left.-St. Louis Globe-Democrat.
The Van Buren press., 1897-07-10

and Il want no trouble for him to froth
and foam at the mouth like man in the
last agonies of death, whilst every mus.
Gle in his body quiyered and jerked like
his time had come.
And now, white people, you never
saw such another scatteration and con.
fusionment as we had right herewith
the screamin amongst the women and
the men stampedin with the general ex-
element. / screamed for more room
and fresh air, but by this time we had
room and fresh air plenty and to
spare.
Hits nothin but fit, ladies and
gentlemen says I-"nothin but lit.
which he takes one every time he gifts
too hot since he got bit by mad dog
last fall"
The mad dog part was new wrinlse
of my own, but Andy he caught OF
quick as lightnin and snapped and
snarled to beat six bits, whilst the wom-
en- broke out in fresh place and took
another spell of screamin.
Before you could say scat with your
mouth open there was three or four
empty seats around, and Is or 20 diff
ferent men run to the cooler to fetch
some water. But Andy was up to snuff
and at the sight of water he set In to
yelpin and barkin and had three more
hard spasms. When the last fit wore
off I got another man to holp me and
we picked up Andy and gently laid him
on a seat. Then l set down by him
and took his head in my lap. One good
lady sent me her bottle of "smellin
draps," and another lind-hearted old
soul, which had hid herself behind some
trunks in the baggage car, sent me her
turkey tail fan to fan the pore Teller"
with. So with plenty of room and fresh
air, Andy soon cooled off and settled
down and got as still and snug as
tabby cat in the meal barrel.
IF l didn't cook that crowd to a
cracklin then three aces wouldn't beat
two pair says Andy, as we left the
cars. And the band played "Dixie."
RUFUS SANDERS
The Van Buren press., 1897-07-10
"Thc Most rcl,test Man."

last, / have been about considerable
And | reckon what little haven't learnt
In regards to dogs and horses and men
and things in general was tore out of
the books many years ago. But dc
think the most poitest man have ever
saw since here | have been is old Col
Jeems NJ. Hunter-which the colonel
now lives on his fine plantation over on
Bear Creek, and on the interest which
his money draws. lie is one of these
old-time, before-the-war gentlemen
Col. Hunter is-and without any doubts
the most serenely and superbly polite
old rooster you would meet up with in
a whole years travel.
Now in his old days the mainest weak
pints with Col. Hunter is his long toddy
and his fine saddle horse. Along in the
past Christmas he lit out one day, and
the next news we got he had went over
TO "Old Kaintueky" and bought him
self rich with the finest saddle horse
that money could fetch-a big brown
geldin with black trimmins and blaze
face-"as graceful as deer and as gen
tie as a cat" Now every mornin by
the first crack of day the old colonel is
up and out takin his mornin ride and
braggin on Brown Tom to everybody
that will give him a chance.
One mornin last week he met up with
Bley Scroggins down at the old Beech
Ford, and nothin would do but Blew
must halt and git down and pass on all
the strong and winnin pints of that fine
saddle horse.
Have you got your weapon with you,
Blew" says the colonel.
Naturally of course Blew had his six
shooter strapped under his left arm.
"By gads, Blew, l don't raley believe
Brown Tom would git skeered of a cy-
clone spiked with cannons, but never
did try him to see how he would stand
fire. l visit you would please he SO
kind, condescendin and obligin as to
shoot off your weapon, so can see what
he will do"
At the word Blew went down after his
weapon with great glee. With pure
delight and from common cussedness
he pulled the trigger quick and steady,
and bang bangl bang! bang! bangl
bang! spoke the siXshooter fast and
furious and loud. And then eonse-
quentially when the echo from the last
shot died out down the swamp and the
smoke cleared away, the old colonel
was picl1in himself up out of the middle
of the road, whilst Brown Tom was
burnin the wind for home. There was
mud on the colonel's clothes, and mud
in his eyes, and mud in his long white
hair. lie want to say bad hurt, but the
whole thing was so student and sur
prism till it knocked his breath out
for few minutes and took several new
stitches in his back.
But even then and Hereunder the
circumference of such painful sur
roundins-Col. Jeems M. Hunter didn't
forget that he was a thoroughbred and
natural-born southern gentleman. He
pulled himself together as best he could
and stood there stiff and straight as a
gun stick, wiped the mud out of his
eyes with his coat sleeve, made a low
and gentle bow at Blew and said
81 am much obleeged to you, Mister
Scroggins-ve much obleeged to you,
SIR"
"You are more than welcome,
colonel" says Blew.
Then the old colonel give Blew the
partin salute and limped off down the
road towards home, with Brown Tom"
three miles ahead.
The Van Buren press., 1897-07-10

Fob Fitzsimmons wanted TO make
heavyweight fighter out of Mahoney'
the giant pitcher of the Bostons.
The Van Buren press., 1897-07-10

10 me now deep
and constant and
feryent the aver
age American boy
loves the red and
juicy fruits of the
watermelon vine. |
don't to say have
any serious objec-
tons to watermel.
ons now, and can
most in generally
llWaVs climb I'M
The Van Buren press., 1897-07-10

around my share if everything comes
plum handy and convenient. But
don't hunger and thirst and pant for
the fruit of the vine like | use to back
there In my boyhood days. Sometimes
do raley wish that l could git as
hungry and eat as much, and then feel
as snug and comfortable and happy
about it as l did when was nothin but
plain and healthy human boy.
The Van Buren press., 1897-07-10
nuhdhist Prayer Wheels.

To so great an extent have the Japan
csc adopted European methods and
models that an enterprising Buddhist
has adapted the bicycle to serve the
needs of the praying wheel as used by
the followers of his creed. Instead of
attaching the written prayer to the
customary wheel, which is generally
turned by a convenient stream OF run
ming water, the new vogue is to fix the
prayer to the hub of the bicycle wheel,
SO that the faster the rider can pedal
the better he can pray. Although there
appears to be a spice of sacrilege in the
practice, It Is apparently catching on,
for rumor has it that American firms
are already preparing machines with
Buddhist collects embossed on the
tires, so that The bicycle viii become
an instrument Of pleasure and prayer
book combined.
The Van Buren press., 1897-07-10

A pearl diver counts 1t good days
work if he collects anything over 200
pairs Of shells. Sometimes as many a.
1000 have been found.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1897-05-06
INFORMATION
ABOUT GREECE.
No Part of Greece IL
Forty Miles Prom the
Sea or Ten Miles From
the Hills.

II has a population of a,f51,.
sos.
IL is called -Ilelias- by its
people.
The mean temperature OF
Greece is 81 degrees Fahrenheit
No part of Greece is forty
miles from the sea or ten from
the hills.
About one-half Of the popula.
ton areagriculturists and shep
herds.
II has an area of24,977 square
miles.
Ii is the only country in the
world whose armies are provid.
ed with the Gras guns and paper.
covered cartridges.
The Greek flag is white cross
on blue ground-the Bavarian
colors and the Greek cross.
Greece is more thickly popu-
lated than any other country in
Europe, with the exception of
Sweden and Russia.
II has few rivers and many
hills. None of the former are
navigable and many Of the latter
are fortified.
Its present boundary limits
were determined by an ar
rangement among Great Britain.
France. Russia and Turkey. con.
cluded at Constantinople on
July Il, 1882.
Only about 10000 of the in.
habitstion speak any languages
other than Greek, and only
about 10000 profess any religion
other that the orthodox.
The chief characteristics Of
the average Greek are his in
quis:tiveness, fondness for ex-
element, love of discussion, de-
sire for knowledge and aptitude
for learning, and aggressive
patriotism.
The climate has two peculiari-
ties-the heat in summer and
the cold in winter and are far
more extensive than those of
any other country in the world
lying in the same latitude. Cell
once remarked that in travelling
through the MOrea in March he
found summer in Messenia,
spring in Lachnia, and winter i'm
Arcadia, without having moved
beyond a radius of tifty miles,
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1897-05-06
C0LoRED PEOPLE.
News Gathered Among
the COIOred People of
Lafayette.

The Ladies' of Honor gave an en-
tertainmeDt at the Masonic Hall
Thursday night. We can not find
words suitable to describe all that
was pleasing of this occurrence. So
we acquit ourselves by commencing
the very acceptable way in which
the committee responded to the
calls for the many eatables that
graced the tables.
Mrs P. ?. Matthews formerly Of
Holly Springs has been giving lee
lures among the people of Oxford
recently. Mrs. Matthews thinks in
this way the race can be greatly i'm
proved. The lecture she gave at
the c. vi. z. church tuesday night
was a treat to the people and a
credit to the woman.
Occasionally we hear q whisper
of movement to effect new or
ganization among the Baptist of
this part of the state. 1t is rumored
all along the way from Oxford to
Batesville.
Mr.. E. E. Pettibone of Grenada,
a distinguished lecturer who is well
known through the state, wa
among friends in Oxford Saturday.
We were expecting you brother
Pit, although we had no previous
notice of your visit. You must call
again next saturday.
Alta meeting of the Rep. Ex Com.
of this county a resolution indorsing
the Hi faction OF the party was
voted down. The Lynch faction has
the support of three-fourths of
county COMMITTEES of the State.
j. w. A.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1897-05-06
FAVOR THEPRESENT SITE.

The Clarion Ledger says the
House got down TO real hard
business this week and made
rapid progress towards the set.
Element of the capitol question.
The capitol committee ,re-
ported and recommended the
adoption of a resolution favor.
ing the present site for the new
capitol. This brought about
quite a lengthy discussion,
some of the members holding.
that the site should not be
first selected and the plans
made to conform thereto. A
vote showed that four fifths Of
the members present favored
the present site, the vote stand
l9l for to II against.
The House is to be eongratu-
lated for its work today. 1t
has settled, so far as that body
- concerned Two very impor-
amt quest;ons-the location and
plan, not to cost over $685. 600.
The Senate, which has been
waiting on the action Of the
House, should and will then
take up the bill and dispose OF
1t in short order, either accept.
ng it as it comes from the
House or amending it to suit
that honorable body.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1897-05-06

None did 20 and Beanlsud himself
could never cover his flrst Jump, q,
though he lost what might have
proved to be equally as good a one,
by touching his bands to the grospd
and thus losing some OF the d.
tance. Rogers was able 70 win
second place in this.
POLE VAULT.
Won by Beanland who cleared 8
feet 10 inches. Jones came second.
TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY YARD
DASH.
This was the best performance of
the whole afternoon. Bishop, q. 4.
Jones and Mclean were the entries.
All got a beautiful start and for
about 20 yards they ran evenly, but
at that point Bishop pulled away
from the rest and won easily with
10 yds. to spare His record was
the remarkably fast time OF . sec
onds. He far out distanced all pre-
vious performances here In this
race and set a record which will re-
main unbroken for many years.
QUARTER NILE RUN.
Jones, Fulton and McFa-land en-
tered this. The race was slow, tie
time being los minutes. McFar-
land won by a good distance. Full
ton was second and Jones dropped
out.
PUTTING rs PoMND SHOT.
Won by Carothers with a put OF
81 feet : inches. G. d. Mclean was
second, . foot or so behind Caroth-
ers.
12) YARDS HURDLE RACE.
In this Beanlaud had a fall soon
after starting which materially in
lnred his chances for winning but
he kept on and finished second.
Carothers had the misfortune to
become entangled in the hurdles.
Porter won the race cleaning every
hurdle. Record % 2-5.
ONE MILE RUN. 4
This event was looked forward to
with much interest because none Of
the competitors had "cinchr on
winning and because 1t was felt TO
be certainty that a new record
would be made. One of the men in
training for the mile race was 81 K
in bed ID. Miller and @. L. Me-
Lean started, Miller leading nj a
good gait. On the second lap Nc
Lean fell out and Miller continued
running. He was passed by some
Of the contestants and he brought
the record from $751; to $50. The
sports closed with the presentation
by Mrs. Kretchmar OF medals to
winners OF first places in mile run
ming and hammer throwing.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1897-05-06
COTTON WILL SELL
At THREE CENTS.
IT a General War Breaks
Out in Europe the Next
Cotton Crop Will be a
DRAG.

The Macon GA Telegraph oI
a late date contains the fol
lowing very pertinent editorial
paragraph which il would be
well for all farmers to contem.
plate: The farmers Of the South
should not shut their eyes to the
Eastern situation. War has at
last been declared, and the
booming of cannon il echoing
today over the hills and plains
OF Thessily and the regions
round about. Every nation in
Europe is Strengthening her
armament, for all fear a general
war-e clash Of arms which will
appall mankind. At last the
torch has been applied which
may kindle the greatest flame
known in the annals of time.
No one knows where it will end.
II the half of the fears are
realized a tenth part of it
befails Europe-cotton will sell
next fall at 3 cents a pound, and
brcadstuifs will be very high.
In the face of these threatening
conditions is not the part of
wisd I'm for each farmer in the
South to cut down his cotton
acreage, even at this late date,
and increase his food crops. If
a general war breaks out in Eu-
rope The next cotton crop will
be a drug IN the market at any
price,
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1897-05-06

Washington Times: President
Mckinley-My dear madam.
what can | do for you, The
Lady in Black-Mr. President.
i have been left a widow, with
ten children, none OF them able
10 work. The only thing can
DO is to sing, and. if you will let
me sing for you at the white
house sometimes President Ne
kinley-But, madam, Ter hardly
see. The Lady-One moment,
Mr.. President. | can sing Home
Sweet Home" so that every one
within hearing will be homesick.
And the day after there was an
exodus of Office-seekers.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1897-05-06
UNIVERSITY
FIELD OAy.
The Sport Witnessed by
u Large Crowd last
Saturday. - Several Re-
cords Broken.

Taken all in all, the University
Field sports last Saturday were a
success. There was a good attend
arce. Several records were smash
ed. The sports had to be postponed
from Friday on account OF rain, but
Saturday was beautiful day, nei-
Their too cold or too hot.
In the morning the tennis match
for the championship OF the Uni
versity in doubles was played, Lyell
and Wills being pitted against
Stands and Brown. Stands and
Brown won after several close and
interesting sets.
In the afternoon came the Field
ports. The first event was the 100
yard dash in which four men took
part. Bishop held the lead nearly
all the way from start to finish, but
just as he was ready to cross the
tape he stumbled and fell. Although
he failed to break the thread at the
finish the judges gave him first
place. with q. p. Jones As a second
man.
THROWING HAMMER.
ohtF OuC man was prtrtttt Wneu
this event was called and but for
the fact that he was expected to do
something great with the hammer,
but his record was only "a feet.
This falling on in his work was no
doubt due to lack OF practice before
the day on account of the hammer
handle bein- broker.
RUNNING HIGH urNp
Was won easily by Bishop who
cleared feet f-2 inches. q. p
Jones and Beanland tied for second
place. This made a new record.
the former record having been s
feet.
HALF MILE RUN.
This had only two entries, Hinton
and Fulton. Hinton set the pace.
but on the home stretch was passed
by Fulton, who won in the time >
minutes - seconds, thus lowering
the former University record IS
seconds.
RUNNING BROAD JUMP.
In this BeaDland started at 10
feet for his opponents to cover.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1897-05-06

The Westfeld Gnd.) News
prints the following in regard
to an old resident of that place:
Frank McAvoy, for many years
IN the employ of the L., n. a. &.
I. Ky. here, says: Il have used
Chamberiain's Collie, Cholera
and Diarrhoea Remedy for ten
years or lOnger-am never with
out it in my family. l consider
1t the best remedy of the kind
manufactured. l take pleasure
IN recommending it, 1t is a
specific for all bowel disorders.
For sale by r. X. Chiffon 4 Co.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1897-05-06

Gen. X. +. Patterson of Mem
phis. has been appointed consul
general at Calcutta. one of the
most important positions in the
service, with a salary OF $4,000
n year.
Oxford eagle. (Oxford, Lafayette Co., Miss.) 1876-current, 1897-05-06

Last Saturday at l2.26 p. m,
Hon. j. Il. Hebron. sheriff Oi
Waeh'n1ton rauntv sXeeufsi
She Judgment of tine law upon
John Gibson by hanging him
until dead. The condemned man
was sentenced to the death pen
atty for the murder of Mr..
Robert Stinson some years ago.