davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Portland daily press., 1897-12-14

There Is undoubtedly great oppor-
tunity for the exercise of care and pru-
dence, IN private pension legislation
an opportunity which has in the past not
been cultivated as it ought to have been.
Our pension laws are exceedingly liberal
and the presumption is that man who
cannot get pension under them does not
deserve one There are exceptions, doubt
less, principally when the technical re-
with, owing to lapse of time or loss of
some piece of evidence, though the case
be meritorious. Such cases are
HGoper SUBJECTS for Congress to deal
with by special bill. But it is to be
feared that great many people have got
pensions from Congress by special bills
who did not deserve them, simply because
| it was regarded as an ungracious thing
to oppose the granting of a small stipend
to person poor and perhaps deserving,
even though the evidence had not made
! it clear that they had any we'll founded
claim to it on the ground OF disability
brought on by service in the war. The
stream that has run out of the treasury
by. reason of this unjustifiable liberality
has been small but it has been pretty
constant and the aggregate drawn has
been considerable. There is no doubt, as
Senator Gallinger says, that Congress has
been inclined to be too easy in these mat
tiers, that it has gone too far and that it
ought to call halt even at this late day..
The Portland daily press., 1897-12-14

The Christ of Yesterday, Today and
Forever; and Other Sermons. BY Ezra
Hoyt Byington, D. D., author of The
Puritan in England and New England
(Boston Roberts Brothers) DR.. Bying
ton gives to the public nineteen sermons
under the above title, in which he
breaches ''the old Gospel under its new
aspects. By this we do not mean that
he asplres to say new and startling things.
but merely that the sermons are highly
suggestive and stimulating to the intel
lect. The new currents of thought char
acteristic of our day, are in evidence, and
religious truth is properly adjusted o
them. These sermons, therefore, will
both interest ard instruct. They are
equally adapt to families and to con-
gregations, without pastor. AS we have
many such in Maine, why would it not
be wise and expedient for them to have
sermons of such freshness vigor and
breadth read to the people on Sundays in
con injection with devotional services, thus
adding much to the sdification of all.
DR.. Byington was formerly pastor of
the College church in Brunswick, Me.
The Portland daily press., 1897-12-14
r. l.. RANKIN,

Director of virgil Glavisr School, Baxter
decn B4ocA, d3tF
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09

from the fact that its leaves are rolled
into the form of pitchers, in which
many poor fly is caught. The flies
are attracted to the plant by sweet
liquid which 1t gives off, and in their
greediness they go little too far and
are killed. Botanists do not know ex-
octly why the plant should wish n
dinner of flies, but there must be some
good reason for IL, else it's pitchers
would not be SO attractive. BY expert
mept they have found that the plant
will live just as well where the flies
cnnnot get at il at all. SO all the evil
dence would indicate that it is just n
rogue. killing flies because II really en-
joys the sport.--Chicago Record.
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09
SPARROW WHIPS BANTAM.
Regular War Dance INDUCED In by the
BollIcose Midget.

Regular War Dance INDUCED In by the
Bellicose Midget.
The sparrow, in whatever part of the
world he is found, seems to earn rep
ntation for a degree of persistency and
pugnacity altogether disproportioned
to his size. Even the climate of India
creatures and they make their way,
or take IL, with the same resolute inn
pudence that they exhibit in colder re-
gons In the Journal OF the Bombay
National History society Lieut.. Barnes
gives some interesting particulars
about the house sparrows OF western
India. At Deesa he found that n pair
had built their nest between a pair OF
nntlers on the veranda, and another
pair appropriated a soap box in the
bathroom, where, although their nest
was destroyed several times, they per-
sisted in building until, out Of compass
sion for their repeated labors, they were
left alone. A third pair built in an
empty cage hanging against a wall and
there reared their little ones, although
the cage was frequently taken down
10 exhibit the family to visitors. Once
their eggs were stolen and their in
dignant cfasnor was so disturbing that
the residents OF the house. for their
own salSes. were Obliged TO hunt up
and restore the missing treasures.
Lieut.. Barnes also states that these
sparrows will attack their own image
in .solSing glass and will fight with
IL all day. only leaving off when dark
ness sets in. to begin the battle over
again next morning. so that IL was
often found necessary to protect the
mirrors with coverings. They are, per-
hnps, not more brave than the fiery
little British American residents OF
this country, one OF which not long
ago disputed with n bantam cock the
possession OF n particularly detachable
tid-bit. The brnvado OF the sparrow
so astonished the bantam that he re-
treated in dismay, casting Chances OF
alright over his shoulder, SO 20 speak
nj the small warrior. who. having dis-
posed OF the delicacy, was indnlging in
q fantastic war dance --Worthington's
Magazine.
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09
FOUND HoMER's ToMe.
Presumed IL Was the Poets Skeleton, ~
an Inkstand Was There.


The tomb Of Homer was discovered
in the year 1870. or thereabouts, in the
island of Mo. The fortunate discoyerer
was certain Count de Grunn, Dutch
officer.
The island OF Mo was formerly called
Los, and, inthe life of Homer attributed
to Herodotus, the poet il said TO have
died and to have been buried on the is
land of los.
Count de Grunn, who was In tho Rus
fian service, knew this story. and on
landing on los proceeded to search for
tic long lost sepulcher.
He was SO fortunate as TO find a very
fine tomb. seven feet long. four broad
and IA high; there was an inscription
upon II, probably" says my authority,
"ihat mentioned BY Hcrodotus;" but hs
does not reproduce that inscription.
OF course he concluded without fur
ther pothcr that this must be the tomb
he wanted.
Within, the skeleton of the poct--ho
assumed that II must be the skeleton OF
The poet--was found in n sitting pos
tire. but the bones crumbled to dust
on exposure TO tho air; there was
knife OF flint found in the tomb; and,
which places the matter beyond all rea-
sonable doubt. a marble inkstand was
found beside the poets hand ready for
use.
Some writing paper and packet of
quill pens ought TO have been found as
well. just to make the thing complete.
However. what mo-e was wanted?
or course. no pocteould lie or sit COM
fortably IL he was buried without his
inlSstand; Of course, also. none but a
poet in those days wanted an inksta nd
aud this consideration clinches the BUSH
ness. The count searched. but In vain.
which Is pity, for the tomb of Homer's
mother.
What has become of Uomer's tomb7
Why do not antiquarians discover
this interesting monument. marble ink
stand and all?
This note illustrates the curiously un.
critical frame OF mind with which
things archaeological were approached
in the last century Queen.
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09
Dog Was Very Much surprlasd.

a large Newfoundland dog in Albany
had a surprise the other day. One OF
the span wires OF the trolley line fell
across n trolley wire and hung within
y foot OF the ground. The dog watched
IL swinging. and, his curiosity getting
the better of him, came closer and
shifted at IL. lie was fortunate dog
that there was only weak current on
but IL was strong enough TO make him
turn several somersault before he re-
gained his senses. When he did. ho
gave one mournful look at the wire. and
then started for home with the speed
of an express train.
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09

] cannot move my lips to pray.
Since baby went to sleep to-day.
Not In her downy cradle nest,
With rosy cheek TO pillow pressed.
while soft her tender breathincs Eft
The coverlet OF pinken drift.
BIT 20 . couch OF chilling gloom.
The sunlight banishcd from the room.
eaviour: ! cannot. cannot pray.
Since baby went 10 sleep to-day.
She VIII not waiken. though we weep:
Her slumoer is too still and deep.
And tears and kisses cannot warm
Our precious baby's sleeping form.
Christ: help me though cannot pray
Since baby went 20 sleep to-day.
Those hands that would not let me wea,
A blossom at my throat OF hair.
But pulled It's petals of 10 see
Why sweetness In flower should be.
Warm. restless hands: now waxen cold
Clasped round the lily buds they hold.
She will not stir them IN this sleep
To disarrange the trust they keep.
Christ: help my breaking heart to pray
Though baby went to sleep to-day.
Drawn on her white feet. side by side.
The yellow shoes with ribbons tied,
She never will unite again
TO find their hidden treasures ten.
Dear CHRISTI my heart can only pray
Let her awake with Thee to-day.
Cora A. Matson. In Good Housekeeping.
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09

-Oh. thank YOU" said Miss UrSwsteF.
cordially. Che placed the manuscripts on
her knee. and with her pencil marked
out the word entirely" substituting
largely" The reading went on:
when IL Is remembered that the action
of the London syndicate will depend
largely on the report of these two gem
tiemen. the enterprise 90 the Argus in
getting this exclusive information.
which will be Immediately sabIed TO
London. may be imagined. CHAT Is
the preliminary, you see; and. as said.
II wouldn't be necessary TO cable IL II
women were ut the head of affairs over
there, which they are not-) Mr.. John
Kenyon, the mining expert. ha" visited
all the mineral ranges along the Ottawa
river, and his report is that the mines
IRE very much what Is claimed for them;
but he thinks they are not worked prop
erly. although. with judicious manage
mentandmore careful mining. the prop
critics can be made 10 pay good divi-
dends. Mr.. George Wentworth, who IN
one of the leading accountants of Lon
DON"
II wouldn't say that. either" groaned
George. "Just strike out the words,
one of the leading accountants of Lon
dom"
"Yes?" said Miss Brewster; 'and
what shall put in place of them?"
"Put in place of them, the stupidcst
ass in London"
Miss Brewster laughed Mt that. mo;
shall put in what FIRST wrote: Mr..
George Wentworth. one OF the leading
accountants Of London, has como
through the books of the different
mines. He has made some startling
discoveries. The accounts have been
kept in such way as to completely de-
Jude investors, and this fact will have n
powerful effect on the minds of the Lon
don syndicate. The books OF the diff
ferent mines show n profit OF about
100000, whereas, the actual facts OF
the ease are that there has been an an
rual loss of something like 500, 600"
Whats that--what's that?" cried
Wentworth, sharply.
Dollars, you know. You said C TO-
600. We put 1t in dollars, don't you
see?'
"oh," said Wentworth. relapsing
again.
$500, ooo'-where was I? Oh, yes.
1T is claimed that IN American expert
went over the books before Mr.. Went
worth, and that he asserted they wcrc
all right. An explanation from this
gentleman will now be in order
There" cried the young lady. shat
La the substance of the thing. OF
course, may amplify little more be-
fore we get TO Queenstown. SO as to
make them pay more money. People
don't value q thing that doesn't cost
them dearly. How do you like it? L.
IL correct?"
Perfectly correct" answered the
miserable young man.
Iro he CONTINUED
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09

are your You haven't any political Sc
crets that Dolly wants TO get Mt, have
you? Why, she Is the greatest girl there
is in the whole United States for find
ing out just what man doesn't want TO
have known. You know the secretary
of state"--and here Fleming went on
TO relate wonderfully brilliant feat
of "Dolly's," but the perron to whom he
was talking had neither eyes nor ears.
lie heard nothing and he saw nothing.
Dear me-" said Fleming, drawing
himself up and slapping the other on
the back. you look perfectly dun
founded. l suppose oughtn't to lave
given Dolly away like this; but she has
pretended all along that she didn't know
me. and 80 / got even with her. You
take my advice, and anything you
don't want TO see in print don't you tell
Miss Brewster, that's ALL Have cigar p
"No, thank YOU" replied the other,
mechanically.
"Better come In and have a drink"
"No, thank YOU"
"Wcll. so long. I'll see you later"
at can't be true. IL cant be true
Wentworth repeated TO himself. with
deep CONSERVATION. but still with some
misgiying, warning him that, after all.
il might be true. With his hands
clnspcd behind him he walked up and
down. trying to collect himsef-trying
To remember what he had told and what
lac had not. AS he walked along. heed
ing nobody, sweet voice from one of
the chairs thrilled him and he paused.
"Why. Mr.. Wentworth. what is the
matter with you this morning? You
look as IL you had seen a ghost"
Wentworth glanced az the young
woman seated in the chair. who waa
gazing up brightly Mt him.
"Well," he said. nt last, II arr not sure
but have seen ghost. May / sit
down beside vou?"
MAY you? Why of course you may.
I shall be delighted to have you. IL
there anything wrong7"
IL don't know. Yes. think there Ir.''
swell. tell IL 20 me; perhaps 4 cnn
help you. A woman's wit you know.
What 10 the trouhisr
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09
second Prise

"They know not how much half ex.
ceeds the WHOLE" wrote Hcsiod. Per.
haps the following anecdotc sets forth
the meaning OF the poets saying; Al
an agricultural show two prizes were
awarded TO the churns--a first and q
second. Three years after, the evNib
iior who had received the second IL W
meeting the judge Of awards, said TO
him; Just see the difference between
us; the winner went home, and on the
strength of his success kept drunk for
fortnight and his business Is near
ly ruined. Invent home determined ia
succeed, and be at the top OF the tree.
I now have over zoo men az work. and
MY churn and other dairy appliances
go all over the world. youths Com
panion.
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09
A PIN TRICK.

not as you hold IL in your hand, bus
through the perforation on the otheg
side of the card. IL will be found nec
cssary, unless you have exceptionally
fine nerves, 10 rest the hand holding tho
pin against the cheekbone. for the diff.
ficulty is to get the pinhead directly be-
tween your eye and the perforation in
the card and TO hold IL there without
wavering. l must confess inability tn
satisfactorily explain this illusion, nor
have / met with any explanation that
seemed to meet the case fully and at
every point. II a small peforation be-
made in thimble such as. indeed. often
occurs from long and constant use OF
that indispensable household article.
everything seen through it, the letters
on this column, for example, II tho
thimble is slowly moved over IL, will APP
pear greatly mngnified.
A very curious optical illusion may be
made 10 occur with the help OF the ac-
companying Illustration. Let white
cGrd about the size of an ordinary busi-
ness card. or smaller, according TO tho
focus OF the persons eyes who tries tho
line between the bird and the cnge, or
its edge likewise. 1t must be turned to
this light so that the card throws no
shadow. Let the middle OF the end OF
the nose be placed on the upper edge OF
the card. and after few moments
steady looking the bird will be seen To
enter the cage.
Place pea between the first and Sec
ond fingers OF the right hand in their
natural position and you will feel tho
pea as one. Cross two fingers, bring
ing the second over the first, and place
the pea in the fork between them so as
TO feel the left side OF the pea with tho
right side OF the second finger and tho
right with the left of the first. The
impression will then be that you have
two peas touching the fingers, especial
i ~ IL the eyes are shut and the fingers
placed in position by another person.
The illusion will be equally strong
IL the two forefingers of both hands are
crossed, and the pea placed between
them. IL a chicken in sitting position
on table be gently pressed with one
hand upon the supporting surface, the
head and bill pressed down with the
other hand, the fowl will remain per-
fectly powerless in the position given
1t for some time after all restraint has
been removed; or IL thread be sus-
pended over the comb of chicken SO
that the ends hang down over its eyes
the fowl will remain in cataleptic con-
dition, and finally pass into somnoleDce
so deep that it will permit all possible
movements without giving any signs OF
life; or il a pigeon be pressed gently
upon "a table so that IL cannot use its
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
A CONTRARY PAIR.


Bonny Bobby. round and. wee.
Tried TO skate the best he could.
But his feet would not agree.
As two little playmates should.
Right foot started. but nlack!
Left foot would not venture forth.
Then each took different tack.
One TO south ard one TO north.
Tor the only trouble lay
In this very thing. you Enow.
Neither foot would move the way
That the other wished TO 80.
30 this naughty little pair
Went a-straying all about.
Here and there and everywhere.
Till at last they quite fell out.
Bobby. rubbing ruefully
All his bruises one By one.
Says when playmatcs won't agree
There's an end 10 all the fun.
Youths Companion.
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09

would probably have said hh Offensive
familiarity Fleming se<sued 20 thial'
himself genial good fellow. and he was
immensely popular with a certain class
In the smoking-room. He was Iavishly
free with his invitations TO drink, and
he always had a case of good cigars
In his pocket. which he bestowed with
great liberality. He had the habit OF
slapping man boisterously on the back
and saying: well. old fellow. how are
you? How's things?" He usually con-
fided TO his listeners that he was a self
made man. had landed ut New York
without cent in his pocket. and look
at him now.
Wentworth was icy toward this man,
but frigidity had no effect whatever on
the exuberant spirits OF the New York
politician.
well. old man." cried Fleming to
Wentworth. az he came up to the latter
and linked arms affectionately. "What
lovely weather we are having for winter
time"
1T IL good" said Wentworth.
"Good. It's gloriousl Who would
have thought, when leaving New York
In n snowstorm as we did. that we would
run right into the heart of spring? l
hope you are enjoying your yoyageY"
II am"
"You ought to. by the way, why are
you SO awful stand-ofiish? Is it ma,
tural. OF merely put on for this occa-
sion only.'?"
II do not know what you mean by
'stand-ofiish.'
"You know very well what / mean
Why do you pretend TO be so stif and
formal with fellow"
II am never stiff and formal with any.
one unless do not desire his acquaint'
ance-"
Fleming laughed loudly. II suppose
that's a personal hint Well, IL seems Ia
me, II this exclusiveness is genuine,
that you would be more afraid OF news
paper notoriety than of anything else
"Why do you say thnt?"
because / can't, for the life OF me
see why you spend SO much time with
Dolly Dimple.' Tam sure don't know
why she is here. but / do know this,
that you will be- served up to the ex'
tent of two or three columns in the
Sunday Argus as sure as you live"
81 don't understand you"
you don't? Why, it's plain enough
You spend all your time with her."
II do not even know of whom you are
speaking"
"Oh. come. now, that's too rich. Is
IL possible that you don't know that
Miss Jennie Brewster is the one who
writes those Sunday articles over the
signature of Dolly Dimple""
A strange fear came over Wentworth
as his companion mentioned the Argus
He remembered IL as j. X. Rivers paper
but when Fleming said Miss Brewster
was n correspondent of the Argus hC
was aghast.
I'll don't think l quite catch
your meaning" he stammered.
well, my meanings easy enough e
see. Hasn't she ever told you? Their
IL shows she wants 10 do you up or
toast. You're not an English politician
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09
Tho wondcrrui marching Ant.

Paul Du Chaillu tells of the doings Of
n queer specimen OF ant, which
which the natives call the bashikonay,
which marches through the forests In
regular line. This line usually ever
ages about two inches In breadth aud Is
often several miles long and with not a
break In the column. "All along the
line" says the great traveller. "large and
fierce looking ants act as officers. keep
ing tie singular army In order"
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09

wings, and n finger he placed before itx
eyes and moved back and forth, fol-
lowing the motion OF the head, so that
the eyes must continually notice IL, the
bird will soon become quiet and will
not fly away when the hand Is removed,
II frogs forclegs are tied together and
the sides OF the animal carefully strokcd
with the finger, IL will. when laid upon
it's back. remain perfectly quiet, aud
only regain its activity when the cord.
il removed, while a frog that Is free.
cannot be made 10 lie upon It's back
Chicago Inter Ocean.
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09

some Curious Illusions Of the senses n
Men apd Animals
Among the many curious optical IL
lusions produced by contrasting lines
md forms some of very astonishing
character occur for which no satisfac-
tory explanation has been furnished
IL q card perforated by pinhole DO
placed close to the face resting against
the nose. as shown In the illustration.
and pin be held by its point in such
way that its head comes between tho
eye and the pinhole in the card, the pin
being held quite close To the eye. ths
pin. strange TO say, will appear on the
other side OF the pinhole, reversed AMI
nlagnifed. You see the pin. In fact,
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09
CHAPTER Nv.

There was one man on board the
-Coloric to whom Wentworth had taken
an extreme dislike. His name was
Fleming. and he claimed to he a New
York politician As none OF his friends
or enemies asserted anything worse
about him. II may be assumed that tiem-
eng had designated his occupation cor
rcctiy. II Wentworth we're asked what
De most disliked about the man he
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09

Jacks Mamma There were three
slices OF cake In the pantry, Jack. and
now there Is only one. How does that
happen2
Jack--It was 30 dark In theret
mamma. that didn't see the third onel
Chicago Record.
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09

Mrs. Lovey-Its no use talking.
have not thing TO wear. and that In ths
truth.
Mr.. Lovey-It must b the uairsS
truth.--Brookiyp LifA
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09
THE PITCHER PLANT.
~ IL the Worst Rogue ret Discovered In
tho Vegetable Kingdom.

tho Vegetable Kingdom
Here's the picture OF n rogue OF n
plant that lies in wait like n highway
robber for unwary flies and other in
sects, and when they appear IL swal-
lows them up and their friends never
hear of them again. II has been given
the botanical name of sarracenia, but
Il II commonly called the pitcher plant.
The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-01-09

Bishop Ellicott. Of Bristol and Glou.
eesfer, who 10 IS years Of age, has takrn
MI the bicycle.