davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1898-03-20
A FISH THAT WALKS.

T HE Geological Gardens in London
 have acquired no less than seven l walking fish or mud shippers.
 The mud skipper is a large fish, which walks on land Frequently. It also climbs trees and does other things equally curious. A well-grown speci- men weighs from forty to fifty pounds It has a head something like that of a mastiff, the resemblance being very striking about the lower jaw. The scientific name of the mud skipper is Periopthalmus.
 The mud skipper walks principally by means of its pectoral fins and it's tail. It gets along exceedingly well. It is fairly common along the shores of the Indo-Pacific Ocean-that is to say, in Southeastern Asia. In Siam plenty of mud shippers are to be found.
 The most remarkable accomplish ment of the mud skipper is to climb trees. With it's pectoral fins 1t catches hold of a tree trunk as firmly as If it had hands. It goes up into the tree in search of insects, sunshine and fresh air
 The mud skipper has loud, hoarse voice
The San Francisco call., 1898-03-20

~ OLTON, Cal, March 1S.-John
 E. Wilson, who lives on a beau
 tiful ranch near Cucamonga, in
 this county, has come from El
 Paso, Texas, with matrimonial
 prize certainly we'll worth the . fourteen long years that he has waited and courted.
 All the world loves a lover. The lover of the variety of this new bride groom is so extraordinary that the hearts of all who read these simple an nals of courtship must beat in joy with his. The lovers in poetry and romance are all phenomenal in a thousand and = one charming characteristics, but in the world of reality of to-day there surely can be none more persistent, loyalty devoted and zealously ambi tious than Ranchman John B. Wilson has been.
 In December, 1883. John Wilson. a clerk in a grocery-store, in San Diego, went upon a visit to his mothers s paternal home in Louisiana. On the way there, at his fathers request, he stopped to visit for a few days at the home of his fathers old friend and companion, Benjamin Deuchler, at Waco, Texas. The hero of this story, John Wilson, was then 21 years old. a handsome, eyed active and prom ising young man. He had lived with his parents in San Diego several years He was cordially received in the Deuchler home, and his visit was so pleasant
The San Francisco call., 1898-03-20


 what London pays for the same inestimably valuable modern convent ence of learning where fires are, and having them extinguished.
 In Greater New York, with its five boroughs, there was during the past fiscal year 6463 alarms, and the entire cost of maintaining the fire department was S3,510, ,000. The fire department of Boston spent during the same time $1, ,13S, 900, that of Philadelphia S913, ,190 g and that of San Francisco only S626,- 0OO While London, with an average of ten fires each twenty-four hours, allows her fire department only $750,OoO for twelve months expenses.
 In arriving at the cost, as stated, for each fire alarm, the New York method of procedure is simply to divide the en- tire expense of the department by the number of alarms sent in during the given time. This way of presenting the matter is, however, decidedly un- fair and is certain to give an additional terror to the sounds of the fire bells into the taxpayers ears.
 The abSurdity of such reckoning is self-evident, since the conclusion at which mathematical mind must ar rive is that the greater the number of fires the less is the expense which is entailed upon the city, whereas the reg ular expenses of an organized depart ment are the same whether fires be frequent or infrequent, and the alarms themselves cost just what extra out lay is required to answer them, fight
The San Francisco call., 1898-03-20
IS it a lad or a fancy or WI

imagination, or IS there a Ioun- dation of truth in this idea? Are the people who celebrate their birthdays in the spring of the year more practical, capable of stronger reasoning power, while those of the corresponding fall months are more sensitive and rely more upon intuition?
 Look about among your own imme- diata circle of friends, and see if any of These deIineations fit them. Here are some of the signs" furnished by students of solar biology. Try them.
 Are the persons whose date of birth comes between March 21 and April 19, the sign of Aries in the Zodiac, partic- ularly fond of philosophy, reason and scientific thought, must do everything in their own way, get confused if . obliged to follow others plans, love or der, elegance and beauty, fond of mu- sic and dancing, more liable to brain diseases than others, excitement liable to bring on headache.
 From the 18th of April to the 2Oth Of May. in the sign of Taurus, are they "stiff-necked," unyielding, natural con- querors and determined to have their own way at all hazards, zealous and sanguine, but liable to extremes, good business ability, but liable to be inf1u- enced by the minds around them, and should make all important decisions when alone?
 From the 20th of May to the Fist of June. they belong to the sign of Gem1n1, and are always active, restless and anx- scus, never satisfied, cannot keep thelr
The San Francisco call., 1898-03-20

When Handel once undertook, In a crowded church, to play the dismissal on a fine organ, the congregation were so entranced that they did not stir, till at length the regular organist impa- tiently waved Handel out of his seat, saying:
 You cannot dismiss a congregation See how soon I can disperse them"
The San Francisco call., 1898-03-20

hunt up the speakers birthday and conclude, Why, she was born in No vember; she cant help making such biting remarks
 Is the day coming when our birth signs in the zodiac will save us from our judges?
The San Francisco call., 1898-03-20

"Billinger is going to lecture on the Klondike.'
 Fudge! he has never been there." Well neither have the people who will hear him lecture.'
The San Francisco call., 1898-03-20

OES the time of year that a per son is born make a difference in the characteristics, mental and physical, of that person?
 T ;+ o foJ Or Q fancy or. vivid
The San Francisco call., 1898-03-20

/OUSOUF ISMAIL, the Turkish W Graeco- Roman wrestler, has re- | gently arrived in New York in
 search of match. He has de- posted $500 and declares he is ready to meet all corners. He stands six feet two inches high and weighs 220 pounds.
 The new aspirant for championship
The San Francisco call., 1898-03-20

EW YORK claims that every
 alarm of fire, of which there is an average of eighteen daily, false and actual, costs $545. This
 sum is just s345 in excess of
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-05

that he has no doubt of what Congress will do.
 As the matter stands tonight, there is no danger of pren' ature outburst Tn either house of Congress, and should the Presidents message come up to present expectations there IS reason to believe that the administration and both houses of Congress will move forward with substantial unanimity. Efforts may be made in both houses to delay action by unlimited debate. but. should 1t ap pear that Spain was taking advantage of such delay to concentrate her naval forces at strategic points, pressure for immediate action would be so strong that 1t is not probable either house would long resist 1t.
 There has been much talk to-day about a possible peaceful solution of the Cuban problem before the Presidents message goes to Congress. This Is based largely upon rumors Of attempted medl- ation by the European powers, and by the Pope. It is now officially admitted that ire Pope has offered mediation and that Y was through his influence that Q manifesto was issued Tn Havana yes terday urging an armistice.
 In fact, l am told that this was the subject of a lengthy cablegram re- ceived last night from Minister Wood ford It was a message conveying in formation to the authorities here and offered mediation, suggesting an ar1nis- tice. and that Spain would withdraw her troops provided the United States would recall our warships from Cuban waters
 Minister Woodford's cable indicated that Spain was seeking to reopen dip lomatic negotiations for the purpose Of further delaying the Presidents message to Congress.
 I was assured by a member of the Cabinet late tonight that the Presi- dent considered diplomatic negotia- tions closed. If there is mediation by foreign power or by the Pope it must be between Spain and in- aurgents.
 Unless Spain makes some definite proposition, conceding the demands contained in the note which was unfa- vorably responded to the President will not change his determination to drop diplomacy and await the action Of Con- GTesS.
 It looks like war.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-05
MORE CASH FOR BIG GUNS AND
 AMMUNITION
Mckinley Attocbes His Signoture to Another $l,OOO,OOO
 Allotment.

April "A Washington special to the Herald says
  applied his signature to-day direction This will be probably another
  purchase in Europe
 
 in rapidfe available in the hands
  of United
  the first lot Of which is ted to arrive York Tuesday
 
  which is O e closed expected Tuesday, and will obtained Brazil arf shipped various seacoast apdre be mounted engineer off,
  direction until the arrive It is
 
 
 
  {" to b autho orized by he army
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-05
TO HOLD SPAIN FOR THE LOSS
 OF THE MAINE
Continued from First Page.

taking up the general Cuban situation. While the committee has arrived at def mite conclusions as to the basis of its report and the resolutions 1t will recom- mend to the Senate, there are still many details to be considered
 Senator Davis has prepared a report to accompany the resolutions. and 1t is understood the other members of the committee went over 1t with him to-day. suggesting such notifications as the in dividual members thought proper to be made This report will deal with the situation in vigorous language, and it is understood that much will be made in 1t of the Maine disaster.
 The committee has accepted the finding of the Court of Inquiry, so far as it goes, but they have exer- cised their prerogative of extending the inquiry and of drawing conclu- sions in advance of those drawn by the Maine court.
 This report will be in the nature of an duuI CSS tO tiiC SOuiltly, III JuStiuSdtiOu VI the resolutions to be reported by the committee, and as 1t will be ~ut in the terse and yet fervid style of Senator Da- wis, it is expected by Cuban sympathiz- CTS in the Senate that 1t will have a strong effect
 The committee now expects to be able to report on the same day the Presi- dents message is received, and mem bers of the committee still look for a message that will be in perfect accord with their resolution and declaration favorable to intervention If this should prove to be the case they will be pre- pared to report forthwith.
 The President has been informed oi the probable character of the commit tee report, but what, if any, comment he has made has not been public. Senator Davis, chairman of the committee, ex- pressed the opinion that the message of the President would be received to- morrow, but he said he had no author itative information on this point and it might be delayed until "Wednesday.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-05
THE MEXICAN REPUBLIC.

Fl. T. Scott of the Union Iron Works of San Francisco, his wife and small party of friends are guests of the Shoreham. They have been on an extended pleasure tour in the republic of Mexico, and re- turn home with nothing but compliment tary expressions regarding the Hand of God and liberty
 Mexico said MT. Scott. lis in a very fiourishing condition. There is no coun- try in the world that has Government better suited to the people, and under which the citizens are making more rela- tive progress. New industries are being established in every part of the republic, and the agricultural and mineral re- sources of the country are being de veloped rapidly. The utmost hospitality is displayed toward Americans, and every representative, Mexican speaks, in the kindliest way of the sister republic across the Rio Grande President Dia1 is the idol of his people. They realize that he has done more than all other agencies put together for their welfare, and that as long as he stays at the helm there is absolute surety of a stable and prosperous Government" - Washington Post.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-05
GOING TOW ARD FRESNO FLATS Began and His Compan- ion Seen at a Small
 Village. Call at Miners Cabin and Partake of Bacon and
 Beans. Pursuers w aiting for Hunger to
Pursuers w Waiting for Hunger to Force the Bandits to Expose
 Themselves.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

MERGED, April 4.-Deputy Sheriff Sam Dickinson at La Grande was noti- fled this morning that the Cross Creek train robbers were seen late on Satur- day night near Ben Hur, small vil- lage near Pea Ridge Postoffice in Ma dera County. They called at miners cabin and begged food. Only one of the men entered the house. The other remained out in the darkness while the miner prepared some bacon and beans for the famished pair. They ate the meal outside and disappeared as soon as they had finished. The miner saw only the one person who applied for the food, the other man remaining out side all the time.
 The point where the bandits were seen is on a direct line from Indian Gulch to the Fresno Flats, where Re gan has many friends and relatives.
 As soon as Dickinson received the news he sent word to his bandit-hunt- ing companion, George Youkum, to join him, and late this afternoon they started for the place, where the rob- berS were seen, to take up the chase. The robbers are travelling at a rate of about ten miles day, and it is thought that they cover most of the distance at night. They are going In almost a direct line south and keeping well up in the foothills. Most of the officers who were in pursuit have returned, and when the news came from Ben Hur yesterday there were. no officers In that vicinity.
 The Sheriffs of the valley counties are holding themselves in readiness to take to the mountains in pursuit at a moments notice, expecting almost every day to receive word that the robbers have been corraled and that assistance Is needed to force them to surrender.
 The hunt has become a waiting one. All the friends of Began in Fresno Flats have been warned not to harbor him, and inducements are being held out to them to notify the officers the moment the fugitives have settled in any place In the vicinity where they might think themselves free from pur- suit.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-05
PARTIES IN SPAIN.

The mass of the country people. the vast majority of the inhabitants of Spain, would never vote at all of their own free will. In the towns there are those who take, as far as writing and speaking go, aalively interest in politics, but with them 1t evaporates in words. Time was when there were two great governing forces at work in Spain--those two great medi- eval powers which a barbarous people can realize-the IA.ng and the church. To- day they are not destroyed but divided against themselves or against one an- other.
 The old royalist sentiment is split be- tween the ruling dynasty and the Carl ists. The church sympathizes in its heart with the lost cause. Therefore 1t is kept at arms length b the victor
 There Is no governing class in Spain. The aristocracy destroyed it's own power centuries ago, when it reused to pay taxes because 1t rendered military service. and allowed itself to oe extruded from the Cortes which met to vote the taxes. A strong ruling line might have supplied the country with vigorous des- potism. But the air of Spain has been fatal to it's dynasties. The Hapsburgs ended with an idiot. The Bourbons have sunk to retinism.-Blackwood' Maga- zine.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-05
SEEKS ID END
 WOES OF LIFE Attempted Suicide of R. c. Thayer, an Oak
 land Youth. Enters a Seattle Saloon and Fires a Bullet Through
 His Body.
Has Been Frequently Seized by Un- governabIe Impulses to Kill
 Himself.
Special Dispatch to The Call

SEATTLE, April 1.-The life of R. c. Thayer, a young man who recently came to Seattle from Oakland, Cal, js hanging by a thread. Late this after noon he entered a saloon and walking to the Iavatory drew a revolver and shot himself. The bullet penetrated the left lung and he bled profusely. He was taken to police headquarters and the attending physicians scarce expect him to live through the night
 Thayer gives as a reason fer his act that his life has been one of continuous trouble and that at times he has had an almost ungovernable impulse to end his career Feeling particularly blue to- day he decided to give up lifes battle. He first wrote note to Coroner Ran dall avowing his intention to kill him. self and requesting that his father, E. F. Thayer of Oakland, be notified of his death.
 When he attempted suicide Thayer was perfectly sober.
 OAKLAND, April AR. c. Thayer, who attempted suicide in Seattle to- day, is the son of Ed Thayer, a Ninth street saloon-keeper. A few days ago he went to Seattle after recovering from a wound he inflicted on himself at San Jose two months ago in a vain endeavor to end his life. Young Thayer has been a cause of anxiety to his father for years on account of his CT ratic actions. He has more than once attempted to commit suicide, and is subject to spells of despondency. The manager of his fathers saloon had not heard of the lads latest attempt to die, but said that there was no doubt young Thayer was not responsible at times, imagining he was suffering from all kinds of sickness. He is about 2 years old.
 Some weeks ago young Thayer was buying revolver, and it was accident ally discharged by shop girl. who did not know it was loaded. He was at the hospital, but the bullet was not re- moved and is still in his hip. Thayer has a wife and child living in San Jose.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-05
THE REVOLUTION OF 1888.

February F is the memorable annf- versary of the perfecting of the revo- lution of 168S James II having with his family withdrawn in terror to France, a convention called by the Prince of Orange met on January P, 16SS-S9, and proceeded under his protec- ton to deliberate on the settlement of the Kingdom. To find that James had abdicated was an easy matter; how to dispose of the vacant throne was not so easy. There was large party for a regency; others were disposed to ac- cept the Princess of Orange. the eldest daughter of the ex-king as their sov- ereign. It was not till after much de- batting and a threat of the Prince to go back to Holland and leave them to settle their own affairs that the con- vention at length on February 12 adopted the resolutions: That William and Mary, Prince and Princess of Or ange. be declared King and Queen of England, France and Ireland, and the dominions thereunto belonging" The crown was next day offered to them in the banqueting room at Whitehall and accepted, and the revolution was com plete. Mary had arrived in London so recently as the 11th, by which time 1t was tolerably certain that she and her husband were to be nominated to a joint sovereignty.
 However glad she might be at her husbands successful expedition, how ever excited by the prospect of being a Regent Queen of England, the crisis was one calculated to awaken softer feelings. She was displacing a father; her husband was extruding an uncle. Tt was believed" says Evelyn, that both, especially the Princess, would have showed some seeming reluctance of assuming her fathers crown, and made some apology. testifying by her regret that he should by his misman- agement necessitate the nation to so extraordinary a proceeding; which would have shown very handsomely to the world. Nothing of all this ap- peared. She came into Whitehall, laughing and jolly, as to wedding, so as to seem quite transported She rose early the next morning, and in her undresS, as was reported before her women were up, went about from room to room to see the conven- fence of Whitehall; lay in the same bed where the late Queen lay; and, within night or two, sat down to play at basset, as the Queen, her predecessor, used to do. She smiled upon and talk ed to everybody. This carriage was censured by many" It now appears hat Mary acted under orders from her husband, who wished to give a check to those who desired to see his wife made sole monarch and deemed her i'll used because he was associated with her. Lord Macaulay even makes 1t out to be fine case of self devotion on the part of the Queen.-Spare Mo- ments.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-05
THE "FLowERY LAND" MUTINY.

On February IA, 1864, seven men were tried at the Central Criminal Court in London, before Baron Bramwell, for murder committed on September 10, 1868, in the English ship Flowery Land, which had left London on July 2S previ- ous for Singapore, in the Straits of Ma lacca, with a cargo of wine and other commodities, and twenty persons on board, including a crew of nineteen and one passenger. The mutineers, as usu- al in such cases seem to have been all foreigners, and chiefly of Southern Eu- rope-four Spaniards, one Greek, one Turk and another, who, although his name was John Lyons, could speak English but fairly. Earlier symptoms of insubordinatiCn had been tempora- rily suppressed by punishment; but on this day, when the captain was below, they struck down the mate with hand spikes, obliterated with their weapons every feature of his head and face, and then threw him, shrieking, into the sea. The captain apparently alarmed by the disturbance, and coming up from his cabin, was dispatched with daggers. His brother, trying to escape by the companion ladder was attacked and beaten about the head till he died, and his body, it is presumed, was thrown into the sea. The ruffians would have treated the captains body in the same way, but Tiffin, the second mate, persuaded them to allow him to sew 1t up in canvas, and to commit it to the deep with some religious rites.
 The mutineers next collected and di- vide0 the plunder on board. Tiffin alone knew anything of navigation, and Lyons made him understand that they wished to run the vessel to the coast of Brazil. After many murderous on- slaughts between those on board the was scuttled by the mutineers, or, in other words. was sunk by cutting holes in it's bottom and sides, and then, with the exception of the cook and steward. who were beaten to death with cham pagne bottles while struggling in the water, the survivors took to the small boats with what provisions they could stow in them. When land was reached Tiffin managed to separate himself from his companions, and gave infor- nation which led to the arrest of the prisoners The facts above mentioned were established at the trial on his evidence and that of others of the crew who had seen the outrages committed. The seven mutineers were found guilty of murder, and were sentenced to be executed; and on February p. 1864. five of them were hanged in front of New gate in presence of an immense gath ering of people, the sentences upon the other two being commuted to penal servitude for life.-English Magazine.