davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-28
FIFTEEN-YEAR.oLD OFFICER.
Served on His Fathers STAN In the
Wnr.

"To the Editor: In your issue of Sun
day (1sth) last note an article entitled
Youngest in Command etc, and re-
lating to Lieut.. John McAdam Webster,
One Hundred and Ninety-seventh in
fantry, who was commissioned when
he was just 16 years of age. When
was in the army of the Potomac l
served in Abercromoie's brigade and
remember seeing young STRIPPING
dashing about who was delivering mes
sages, etc. / ascertained that he was
our generals son, who had been ap-
pointed a volunteer aid-de-camp on his
fathers staff. AT meeting of some
old soldiers not long since L met him
after SO years, and in the course of
conversation found that he lacked three
months of being Is years of age when
he was commissioned second lieutenant
in the One Hundred and Twenty-sey-
enth infantry. The family records
show that Lieut.. Abercrombie was born
March II, 1s4s, and appointed second
lieutenant One Hundred and Twenty
seventh New York infantry Janual II,
1868, after he had served for almost
year as volunteer aid-de-camp on his
fathers staff through the peninsular
and other campaigns.
II have seen his commissions, and
have been told by his old lieutenant
colonel, S. L. Woodford, now minister
to Spain, that he was one of the bravest
men he ever saw, and was invariably
mentioned in general orders after al
most every engagement in which his
brigade or regiment participated. He
lives in Chicago, and no doubt would
give you any data in coffoboration of
my statement. 1 have seen his pic
lures and believe that he was absolute.
IL the youngest officer who actually
served in the field in command of
troops.
"When last l met him he was at the
pension Office.
JOHN T. WILLIAMS"
Chicago Times-Herald.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-28
WAR "REMINISCENCES.
A FLAG PRESENTATION.

The Very Clever Trick of Union
Colonel.
During our war the colonel of a fine
union regiment came to his general, in
high state of excitement.
General" said he, 81 was waited on
by two lovely ladies, this morning who
wish to present n flag to my regiment
on the coming Fourth of july"
AS the brigade was at that time quar-
tered in very hostile southern city,
this produced considerable surprise on
the part of the general; but he finally
said:
well, it will be worth seeing. Turn
out your regiment and let the cere-
monies go on"
When the famous day arrived, every
| soldier was clad in his best, and the
colonel looked fairly resplendent in his
finest uniform. There was quite a large
number of spectators present The
young ladies appeared, escorted by
some of their male friends, and were
given post of honor.
One of them made q speech, in which
she mentioned liberty as among the
choicest blessings in the world, and ex
| tolled the conduct of our brave revolu-
| tionary forefathers. 1t was very elo-
quent address, and was heard by all
with approval and delight.
At its close, she uncovered and un-
rolled the flag, and with smile upon
her face, said, sweetly:
81 now have the pleasure of present
ing, sir, to you and your regiment, the
grandest and most characteristic SYM
Dol of the liberty for which our forefa-
theirs fought, that has ever seen the
| light of day"
She unrolled the flag, which, to the
unlimited surprise of most of those
present, proved to be a confederate one!
For a moment, there was an intense
silence. The southerners present did
not dare to cheer, however much they
felt like it; the soldiers were sternly re-
strained by their officers, as well as by
their natural chivalry toward the sex.
The colonel's eyes flashed fire; but
he was a man of the world, and had been
an accomplished politician before en-
tering the war; and, with gentle and
engaging smile, he advanced, and re-
ceived the flag from the hand of his fair
(and unfair) guest. Then, in clear,
resonant, Fourth-of-July tone, he re-
sponded:
Madam, you are my guest, and n
lady. am the colonel of this regiment
which is composed entirely of gentle
men as we'll as soldiers, and, I trust, !
am deserving of the same appellations
''We have listened with interest to
your views as to which is the symbol
most typical of freedom of any in the
world. We Cooking at the colors of the
regiment) hold adifferent opinion, orwe
should not be here. We are glad 20
know, too, that our views are gradually
F! gaining ground. We have already re,
ceived in surrender several flags similar
to the one you have just handed me
and shall keep this as token that al
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-28

from his mothers door. Young as he
was, he caught the editorial fever and
wanted to start newspaper of his own.
Three years later he became the editor
of a newsboy's paper. He wonders at
his nerve even now, He left the streets
to become office boy for George NJ. Pull
man. Hestudied stenography and when
he was II Mr.. Pullman made him his
personal stenographer.
He had thirst for learning, how
eN er, that nothing could quench. His
friends thought he was on the way to
high position under Mr.. Pullman, but
the youth preferred to study. He left
the palace car magnate when he was
IS, Notwithstanding the protests of his
friends, and entered Northwestern UNI
vcrsity academy. AS his only chance to
study had been at home, he had no
credits from another school to secure
advanced standing.
By continued outside application and
by special examinations he completed
the four years course in one year. AT
the same time he supported his mother
and himself by working as stenog-
rapher to Miss Frances L. Willard, for
mer President Joseph Cummings and
Z. C. Hoag, former business agent of
the university.
The precocious and diligent youth
entered college in 1888 and completed
the freshman and sophomore years. He
then became private secretary to DR..
Thaburn, bishop of India for the Meth
odist Episcopal church, when he was
writing his book on India, and accom-
panied the bishop on two-years' trip
around the world. On his way to In
dia he visited several of the leading
European universities. He spent year
and half in India, keeping up his col
lcge studies and making use of his op-
portunity to study Sanscrit.
He returned to the United States by
way Of China and Japan in January,
1892. He Immediately resumed his col
lege work at Northwestern, and by
special examination received credit for
the complete course by the end of the
winter term. While his classmates were
getting their final credits in the spring
term Raymond took trip with George
NJ. Pullman as his travelling private sec
retary, and returned in June to gradu-
ate with his class. He was later given
tie degree of Phi ID. by the University of
Chicago. sbt fa a.
When the Chicago Society of Univer-
sity Extension was formed in the sum-
mcr of 1892 he was made its secretary
and was the editor of it's official organ,
known ,as the University Extension
Magazine.
President Harper, of the University
of Chicago, was impressed with his
ability and excellent command of his
subject. and secured him as secretary
of the class study department and as
university extension lecturer at the
University of Chicago. In the conduct
Of this work he became well known to
educators throughout the west.
Prof. Raymond was married in Aug
ust, 1885. to Miss Nettie j. Hunt, who
had defeated him for the Kirk pr:zt
in oratory at Northwestern university
Prof. Raymond was the one choseI
out of II applicants for the presidency
OF the West Virginia institution.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-28
AFFECTS MANUFACTURERS.
New Tariff Rates on Coal Felt on the
Pacific Coast.

New Tariff Rates on Coal Felt on the
Pacific Coast.
A change of Importance to the manu-
featuring interests of the Pacific coast
has been made by the new tariff, if the
understanding now entertained is the
correct one. Its Importance is suggest
ed in note of instruction given by Col
lector Jackson to the deputy collectors
in the following communication:
In view of the standard fixed by the
new tariff of 92 per cent. of fixed car
bon as the lire of demarlkation between
anthracite and bituminous coal, you
will exact a deposit on all cargoes here
tofore passed as anthracite from Swan
sea-"
Under the old tariff coal that exceed
ed 6S per cent. of fixed carbon was rated
as anthracite coal and was admitted
free of duty.
Most of the coal imported here from
Swansea ranged from SO to 90 per cent,
and so came in free. Under the new tar
i'll it will nearly all be rated as bitumiIt-
Gus and will be charged duty of 67
cents n ton. The Instructions given
were for the purpose of securing de-
posit equal to the duty before releasing
such coal.
Immense quantities of Swansea coal
are annually imported at San Fran
cisco port for consumption ON the
Pacific coast, mostly for manu-
featuring purposes. The kind OF
coal with which it comes mostly
in competition is the Pennsylvania
anthracite. Whether the duty is suffi.
cient to cover the difference in the cost
of transportation from Pennsylvania or
not remains to be seen. If it does not,
the result, it is said, will be simply to
increase the cost of this kind of coal to
the manufacturers who use it.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-28
WHEN LYopY's COME.
\ wish that I could go again
rT>n that old eppIlinp srhOol

wish that could 60 again
To that old spelling school,
Where we had fun on winter nights,
And helped to play the fool.
spelled believe just like deceive,
And dropped the b in thumb,
Watching the door with anxious fear
Lest Lyddy shouldn't come
When I.yddy. standing straight and trim,
Began her gum 30 chew,
My heart went raging up and down,
Worse than the wandring jew
I put n k in caraway,
A double m in hum,
And Fridays changed off for y,
All just cause Lyddy'd come.
Bill Rogers he was worse than I,
If such thing could be;
Ard l know once he spelled machine
with s and double e;
But let us get our letters set
Most anyway but plumb,
Our side was always sure to beat
on nights when Lyddy'd come.
What prickles ran all down our backs,
how still the room would grow,
while master tried some word to find
That Lyddy didn't know!
Phthisic and schism, gneiss and chrism,
Oh, whist we sat and mum,
For there was nothing else to do
On nights when Lyddy'd come!
When Lyddy'd come we didn't need
The light of stars or moon;
The winter nights seemed brighter then
Than days do now at noon,
FOR Lyddy's eyes made glad our skies.
And though she spelled us dumb
1ekosharhat, how proud we were
On nights when Byddy'd come!
"A. M l.. Hawes, in Detroit Free Press.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-28
Grants Tribute to MCPHERSON.

In the battle of the ED Gen. Nc
Pherson was killed. When this news
reached Gen. Grant he was eisibly
affected and dwelt upon it in his con-
versations for the next two or three
days. Mcpherson" he said, twas one
of my earliest staff officers, and seemed
almost like one of my own family. AT
Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg and Chat
tanooga he performed splendid service.
1 predicted from the start that he
would make one of the most brilliant
officers in the service. / was very re-
luctant to have him leave my staff, foa'
/ disliked to lose his services there, but
/ felt it was only fair to him to put him
in command of troops where he would
be in the line of more rapid promotion.
was very glad TO have him at the head
of my old Army of the Tennessee HS
death will be n terrible loss TO Sherman,
for know that he will feel it as keenly
as /. McPhersoh was beloved by every
body in the service, both by those above
him and by those below him,"-Gen.
Horace Porter, in Century.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-28
A Long pelnyed Renort.

Col. Dan" Macauley sent an aid
out before battle i'm the Shenandoah
valley to ascertain the force of the en-
emy. This was the last Col. Macauley
saw of the officer. One day when Mac.
auley was holding court in Indianapo.
lis as mayor, one-armed man came in
and said: Colonel, have to report that
/ found the enemy in force" He was
the captain who had been sent out to
reconnoiter several years before. He
had been wounded7captured, and had
a leg amputated and was sent to his
home in Massachusetts, when ex-
changed. Passing through Indianap-
oils it occurred to him that he nhould
report to his commanding officer Nc
Clure's Magazine.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-28
HOW 10 une court pInnter.

Court plaster should be used with
care. If the injury be very slight, the
method Of application is unimportant,
but if at all deep, never use the plaster
to cover the cut. Simply use long mar
row strips and apply them across the
cut to bring its edges together. Then
the secretions of the wound can cs-
cape. Never apply court plaster to a
bruised wound.
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-28
UGLY SISTERS.
An old Soldier Tells His Experiences
with a Homely Duo.

with n Homely Duo.
When you want to hear good stories
you must join group of veterans. The
best time is to find dozen or two OF
them gathered about bigheatipg stove
in postroom, when the weather is cold
and the wind whistles. These condi-
tions recall old days when comforts of
any kind were all but unknown. Then
cne of them will tha'w out and tell a
story,not necessarily of the hairbreadth
escape, for the veteran is rather modest
in this direction, but story filed with
humor and of novel kind.
AT the George Thomas post some
time since some of "the boys" grew
reminiscent. One of them had alluded
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-28
The WorId,n wheat King.

The "wheat king" of the. world be,
longs to Argentina. He is an emigrant
named Gauzone, and his broad acres are
situated in the south of the province
of Buenos Ayres. His crop occupies an
area of 62,270 acres. He numbers his
workmen by the thousand, and each one
receives certain share of the profits.
When his seasons crop is harvested he
fills over 5000 railway trucks with the
Grain
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-28
AsDuRRAHMAN KHAN.
He Is Making Trouble for the British
in India.

Abdurrahman Khan, the ameer of
Afghanistan, who, it is said, is conniv-
ing at the overthrow of British suprem-
acy in India, is one of the most power
full monarchs in all Asia. He was put
upon the throne of Afghanistan practi-
cally by the British government OF
India. Abdurrahman is 67 years old
and is nephew of the late Ameer Shere
Ali. In the civil war of 1864 he took
sides against his uncle on behalf of his
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-28
THE SURGEON FISH.
Handsome Enough to Look At, Hut
Dangerous to Handle.

Handsome Enough to Look At, But
Dangerous to Handle.
The surgeon fish owes its name to
two sharp, lancetlike spines which
are short, but very sharp. Sometimes
they are carried folded, closely against
the body, lying each partly imbebed in
a little trough of it's own in the side of
the tail; sometimes the points of the
spnes are thrown forward, and when
extended they are like barbs, one on
each, side of the fish. They make the
fish dangerous to handle, for they may
easily inflict serious wounds,
In shape, says the New York Sun,
the surgeon fish is thin andh deep it
is rather slow in it's movements, and of
Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1897-08-28
on for Europe.

Caller-Doesn't it worry you to think
of your daughter on the ocean?
Old Lady-Land sakes, mol She car
Swim.-Up-to-Dats.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-01-28
TRIBUNETS.

Tom Rowe is an enterprising young Texan,
&c years old, whose activities run to larceny
and bigamy. He recently received a sentence
of four years in the penitentiary for stealing
and lie strewdIy considered that he might as
we'll work out the rest of his penalties at the
same time, so he confessed to being the husband
of Is living wives. He wants to start life
anew when he gets out of the penitentiary.
Oklahoma people are very properly insisting
that things shall be put OH cash basis in their
young Territory. Particularly, everything re-
lating to the divorce business. Like some ether
new countries, Oklahoma counted on getting a
substantial revenue from an easy divorce sys-
tenn. This would bring money to the courts.
the lawyers. the hotel keepers, etc. She was
not disappointed, but she has been greatly
grieved at the number Of the divorced who try
to beat the courts out of their fees. Conse-
quentIy provision was quietly incorporated
into the laws that no divorce should be valid
until all the costs were satisfied. This will
carry dismay to the hearts of several hundred
people Of the East who have since REMARKED
and are consequently liable to prosecution for
bigamy. Divorce hunters must pay as they go.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-01-28

THE House and Senate Immigration
Committees are at disagreement over
the immigration Bill. Chairman Bar
tholdi, of the House, thinks the pro-
posed Senate bill is too rigid. For
example, he would apply the educational
test only to men, in order to avoid
breaking up families. Then be would
make the ability to read and write apply
to any other language than the English,
so as to not shut out the Germans who
come from Russia and Poland. Further,
instead Of being able to read five lines
of the Constitution of the United States,
he would make one line suffice, which
would be all that the Immigration Off
GERS would care to hear on busy days
Representative Corliss wants to exclude
Canadian and other immigrants who
come to this country and work part Of
the year, and live at home the remain.
der Of the time.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-01-28

Nation to pass. They are matters that
we must decide fof ourselves, and for
ourselves alone. IF England chooses
to admit our entire supremacy in these
matters, well and good. 1t not, we
will continue to assert it without regard
to her or any other Nation. In this re-
spect the Senate thoroughly represents
the American people, and it is entirely
right in insisting that the Treaty shall
be subjected to the fullest examination
and criticism. There is no urgency
about the ratification Of the Treaty.
No serious dispute now disturbs or
seems likely to disturb the relations OF
the two countries. Let us know all
about this matter before we tie ourselves
I'D in it.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-01-28
THE rsayas sBIBu& nkMras g JANUARY 70 1871

should not be lower than the historic
one Of So month. If q Per Diem bill
is to be pressed through, we think it
should begin with IS month for 80
days service, and increase from that
point.
2. We have thought it unwise to agl-
tate the Per Diem feature at this time,
because it will introduce an element OF
uncertainty as to cost, which our enemies
and weakened friends will make the
most Of
However, we shall make no factlous
opposition to it, but wait until we see
what chance it has Of passage. 1t has
now been before the House since last
May, and is apparently no further along
than it was then. AS we have repeat
edly said, the main thing is to get bill
through which will give something at
once to all those who as yet have re.
ceived nothing. We will support any
measure that gives fair promise of this
and trust to further amendment to make
it what it should be.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-01-28
PERSONAL.

Past Conmander-in-Ch Chief John 8. Kountz,
Mckinley last week, presumably in the inter-
est of Mai Charles Townsend for Commissioner
of Pensions.
C. r.. Craig Co. F, 2d No., New Bridge, Ore.
is q candidate for Receiver of the Land Office
at La Grande. Ore. and is strongly Endorsed by
veterans and political friends.
The President has awarded medal of honor
10 DR.. George w. Brush, of Brooklyn, N. Y,
for distinguished galIantry in action on the
Ashepoo River. 8. c., May, 1854. This officer,
then Captain, Saith U. s. C. r., voluntarily
commanded q boat crew which went to the
rescue of large number of Union soldiers ON
board the stranded steamer Boston, and, with
great gallantry, succeeded in conveying them
to the shore. being exposed the while to a
heavy FIRE from a rebel battery. Medals have
also been awarded to the soldiers who partici-
pated in the rescue.
A medal of honor has been awarded to John
Shisl, Sergeant Co. E. Goth Pa, for most dis
tinguished galIantry in action at the battle of
Fredericksburg. in December. 1862, in carrying
a. dangerously wounded comrade into the Union
lines, thereby preventing his capture by the
enemy.
A medal of honor has been awarded to
Michael Dougherty, private, Co. NJ, 18th Pa
Cav, for gallantry in action ut Jefferson, Va,
Oct. IL, 1868. This soldier, At the head of his
company. dashed across an open field. exposed
to deadly fire from the enemy, and succeeded
in dislodsiug them from vacant house, which
he and his comrades defended for several hours
against repeated attacks. thus preventing the
enemy from flanking the position of the Union
forces.
N. Patterson. NJ. D.. who is the organizer and
President of the Ohio Veteran Association o.
Illinois, is strong candidate for Postmaster
at Mansfield, ILL.,, and has claims and backing
that will probably secure him the place. lie
served through the war in Co. d, 32d Ohio. and
made good record. He has been Lifelong
| Republican, aud worked hard for the party
and this is the first time that he has ever asked
anything Of it.
| Tho new editor-in-chief Of the st. Loui
| Globe. Democrat is an old soldier. He is Capt
| Heprv King, who was born at Salem. o. il
| 1eA1. and removed to Illinois, where he learned
| tho printers trade. He enlisted in the soil
Ill. and rose to the rank of First Lieutenant
aud was attached to the stats of Gen. Dodg
and Mcpherson. He has been connected will
the Globe Democrat siuce the close Of the war
Ian. 81 Past Commander-in-Chief A. g
Weissert delivered lecture at Milwaukee oil
" "reminiscences Of the War" He had larg
audience, and his lecture was pronounced
| distinct success.
Col. Robert g. Ingsrsoll has definitely retire'
/ from his law practice. aud will devote himssl
to the lecture field.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-01-28

No matter what may be the fate Of
the Arbitration Treaty, the attitude OF
the Senators has placed beyond doubt
the fact that when the Nicaragua Canal
is built it will be strictly American
enterprise; that its control must be kept
in our own hands, and though in time
of peace we shall allow all the world &c
use it on the same terms as our own
citizens, yet in case of war we shall
hold it the same as our own coast-llne
and ports-for the benefit of ourselve;
and our friends. If the Arbitration
Treaty threatens to interfere in any way
with this, it will be and ought to be re
iected.