davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1898-01-09
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 ONE DAY
 fN 4 LIFE.

The depot. is crowded with houseless wo- men and children, driven from their homes by the fire of hostile guns The roar of guns has gone up the river.
 Second Days Battle.
 Last night the enemy in large force crossed the river. This morning we changed positions farther to the left. The enemy opened the ball by another cannonade. We are now lying in line of battle behind an embankment made for fence. It makes a very good rifle pit. Thirty-six men vol unteered to go out as skirmishers to shoot at the Yankee videttes. The boys behaved we'll and the enemy retreated in good or der firing as they moved. Skirmishing IS going on continually. O, God, be on our side and give us the victory! If we fall, receive us to thee The pickets detailed from the regiment have all come in. We have just had brush shelling. One of our batteries opened on the Yankee cav airy; one of theirs replied; ours was soon silenced. Gems. Lee, Jackson and Stewart ride by examining the field.
 Might've are moving back to the right towards our old encampment, and the Yam kees are reported to be going down the Bowling Green road. We are now lying quietly in camp waiting for the morrow's sun to summon us to the carnival of death
 Third Day.
 Another day has come The plain is covered with smoke, and the sun cannot be seen. Skirmishing has begun. How the muskets crack! Now the cannon-how they boom, boom! And the shells are fall ing all through the woods, and the boys dodge and laugh.
 Half an hour-The cannon still fire far ther to the right. We are lying quietly in our ditch. The enemy is still moving to the right. If he would attack us in posi- tion, such another pelting as we would give him! Burnside is trying to get pos session of the railroad. O, God, bring con- fusion and darkness on our foes! Give us thy light, but cover them with shame! Oh, Lord, deliver us not into the power of the enemy! He believeth himself great in his own strength; be thou ours! Behold! he lifteth himself up in his pride. Cast him down and show him thou art God! O, God, our trust Is in thee!
 have seen Gems. Lee and Jackson again today The battle is raging very hotly on our right both musketry and cannon. We cannot tell how the day is going. but, as the whole force of te enemy is pressing us, I expect we will be compelled to fall back The roar of battle is terrible. Oh, God, be our helpi The musketry rolls near and more near.
 One hour later.--The sun is sinking. There was Hull in the storm, but the roll of small arms Is beginning again. Several wounded are many stragglers skulking about in the woods. We are supporting A. P. Hill There has been cessation in the cannon ading. do not know what disposition our generals have made, but 1t seems to me our right is the weakest point. Tomor-
The age-herald., 1898-01-09

the others. Another is often referred to as the second, and sometimes a third Is mentioned. These are all near relatives of the king, and, with the other wives of roy al blood, take precedence of those who may be regarded as commoners.
 NumberIess Wives.
 There is no limit to the number of women that the king may take to wife, and al- though they may be dismissed at will, to have been admitted as a member of the Khmang Mai, far from being in any way derogatory, is regarded as an honor. All their children are legitimate
 The kings sisters do not marry, for fear of creating possible rivalry for the throne; neither do his daughters, who remain all their lives in the harem; but perchance some future king may offer them a posi- tion similar to that held by their mothers So jealously are these ladies guarded from contact with the world, that in 1879 an eld- CT sister of the first queen was allowed to drown in the presence of a number of spec- tators, not one of whom was permitted to put a hand on her, even to save her from certain death.
 In common with most of the Siamese, the king is firm believer in omens, and noth- ing of importance Is done without refer ence to the Brahmin soothsayers and as- trologers who are attached to the palace. As an example, it may be mentioned that on June 20, 1894, his majesty returned from Kohsi-chang, his seaside residence; but as the day was considered unpropitious by the astrologers, the vessel anchored near the mouth of the Meinam until the next day. Country Home.
 The country palace of the King of Siam is called Bang-pa-in. About forty miles north of Bangkok on the Meinam, are two islands, separated by a narrow channel, not 150 feet wide. On the smaller of these is Buddhist temple and college and on the other is the country residence of the king of Siam, which consists of three build ings-the official the private and the Chi, nese palaces Each is separated from the other by canals, with which the island is intersected, and which, in places, are enlarged into small artificial lakes. Sluice gates are provided between the canal and river, which serve to maintain the level of the water in the former, and also fof flushing; for, although some seventy-two miles from the sea, the tide rises and falls between three and four feet. Through these gates pass the boats containing the ladies' of the household, who, to escape public notice are landed few feet from their apartments.
 The Ko-pra, or landing stage, is a wooden gangway, hinged at both ends, and rest ing on a pontoon anchored in water deep enough to allow large launches to moor alongside. At the top of the bank is d band stand, close against portico of c'ass- ical design which forms the entrance to the official palace, and looks down a nar- row strip of walks and lawn, shaded by mango and tamarind trees. On the occa- sion of a grand fete, this was the site of an enormous device that was used for an electric light illumination.
The age-herald., 1898-01-09
The Battlefield s.5 sE5s: S5: Ny Ik At FrederiCkSburQ
By w. c. WARD

Leaves from the Journal of Private Sol-
 dier, Written During the Progress of the
 Battle of Fredericksburg, December, 1862.
 In December, 1862, Gen. Burnside with a large federal army stood facing the army of Northern Virginia, with the city of Fred ericksburg between them. Lees command, Longstreet's corps the left and Jack sons on the right, occupied the elevated land south of Fredericksburg, extending from a point on the Rappahannock above the city in semi-circle several miles in length to a point on the river below the city. Hoods division occupied the center of the line on Longstreet's right and touch- ing Hills division on Jackson's left. Burn- side, with the strong corps of Sumner and Franklin. made a desperate effort to over whelm Jacksons corps and capture the railroad line leading to Richmond. During this terrible struggle, as private soldier from Alabama, I occupied the waiting hours in writing what saw and how felt in diary I carried in my pocket. The little book is old. war worn; and time stained. I felt that I was in the presence of death, and I was. At the suggestion of friend, the leaves of that diary are given to the public, as curious relic of the great struggle.
 First Day December II.
 Well, dear Journal, this may be the last talk I shall ever have with thee. If so, farewell.
 This morning about o'clock two cannon were fired in quick succession; then fol- lowed the long roll. We all knew what it meant, and soon fell in line. Directly can- non began to fire rapidly, and ever since daylight the work has been going on. The army is now in line of battle waiting for the Yankees to cross the river. The enemy are trying to lay pontoon bridge, and our cannon are firing at the workmen. Before night fall many of us will sleep in bloody shirts. The long expected time has come at last! Home, loved ones, adeau! When I am asleep will you ever talk of the lost one? Fond hopes of my childhood, fare well. Every object of ambition, hence avauntl In this hour of danger let my thoughts be on thee, o, God! Be thou my shield and strength While the thunder of battle rolls over the plain, let my thoughts all be thine!
 My name has been sent to the secretary of war for commission. Would 1t had comel Howze has arrived; what will he think of this terrible uproar? How rapidly they fire Boom! Boom! listen how they gol God shield us! If any should pick up this little book send it to Oakleyville. Ala. The cannon have ceased; only now and then a shot is heard. Fredericksburg is on Ire. What demons the Yankees must be!
The age-herald., 1898-01-09
SHELL FISH FEAR THUNDER.
Crabs and Lobslers Drop Their Claws When
 Trey Hear It.

Crawfish, crabs and Holsters are peculiar ly sensitive to loud noises, and it is fact that a loud and sudden clap of thunder will cause them to amputate or drop their large claws and "pincers." The impulse which seizes them when suddenly alarmed is to throw off their heavy claws, so that they may the quicker scurry off to a place of safety. Crabs and Holsters can in ten days or fortnight grow claws as large as the old ones. For several weeks, however, the patient who is growing on new set of fighting weapons, does not appear among the armed members of his family, because, his claws being soft, he could not take his own part' and would be eaten by his canibal brethren.
The age-herald., 1898-01-09
The Costliest Bean on Earth.

It is not generally known that the vanilla bean is the costliest bean on earth It grows wild, and is gathered by the natives in Papantla and Misantla, Mexico. When brought from the forests these beans are sold at the rate of e2 5s. per LOGO, but when dried and cured they cost about G2 5s. per pound They are mainly used by druggists, and last year over 9O,oOO,OOO beans were im- ported into this country.
The age-herald., 1898-01-09
QUEER PRESS LAW IN FRANCE.
Persons Referred To in Articles Have the Priyi-
 lege of Replying.
From the New York Tribune.

From the New York Tribune.
 Owing to the existence of a peculiar law in France, which exacts that "any person named or referred to in any periodical pub lication shall have the right to reply in the next number in the same place and in the same type. providing the reply does not ex- tend to more than twice the length of the offending article," one of the forthcoming numbers of the Revue des Mondes, the most important and influential monthly re- views in France, will contain an article of unusual length and couched in extravagent language, which will appear in it's pages despite the opposition of the editor It will bear the signature, of dramatic author who, infuriated by the nature of the criti- cism passed by the Revue on one of his plays, has invoked his rights under article 13 of the press laws, rights which were in vain contested by the editor.
The age-herald., 1898-01-09
Cloak Reductions.

Reductions in price only, for the quality is superior as ever to the cheaply put to- gether offered too of ten here-abouts at similar prices.
 $5.9S for S1075 Fine English Kersey fly front Coats-Storm collars, coat backs, tailor finshed, lined with good quality black satin = colors black and navy only.
 $7.43 for s15 Short
The age-herald., 1898-01-09
Winter Underwear.

regular made under
 The "Oneita" furr wear is perfection in ribbed underwear, has the full bust. is full fashioned and perfect fitting.
 45c for 75c women's heavy merino vests and pants.
 75c for $1.25 women's heavy merino union suits.
 We are Birmingham headquarters for the celebrated "Oneita"
The age-herald., 1898-01-09

Towellng, 1Oc per yard: worth today 12kc. 300 yards 1S-inch Glass Toweling, 121sc; worth today 15c.
 Bale Russian Crashes, 10c, 121kc, 15c per yard; would cost more to import today. Case 64-inch Bleached Damask, 75c; cost to import today, SIC.
 IS dozen 24x24 inch Bleached Napkins, $2.50 per dozen; cost to import today, s325 1 Case 72-inch Cream Damask grand value, S9c per yard.
 DOMESTIC DEPARTMENT. 100 42x33 made Slips, 96c dozen. I 100 45x36 made Slips, LOS dozen. 200 S1x9O Hemstitched Sheets, 49c each.
The age-herald., 1898-01-09
LONG NAMED KING OF SAM He AScended the Throne at 15
 Years of Age. MANY WIVES IN HIS HAREM The Rulers Elaborate and Palatia Summer Home-Force of Females For
 Preserving Order.

c. D. H. Braine in the Lady's Realm. Prabat Somdetch Pra Paranindr Mana
 Chulalongkorn Patindr Tepa Mana Mong- kut Pra Chula Chom Blao Chow Yu Hua, king of Siam, was born on Sept, 21, 1853, and succeeded to the throne on Oct. 1, 1868; and, although only a youth of fifteen, he was already the father of two children. His majesty reads, writes and speaks Eng fish with ease, and all conversation be- ] tween him and the Tsarewitch-the present Tsar-who visited Siam in 1891, was carried on in that language. His earliest lessons were from an English governess, and these he continued later in life under an Ameri- can resident who acted as tutor. In ad-
 dition to other Asiatic languages, he pos sesses a knowledge of Pali, and his admir- | CTS claim that he is also a good Sanscrit | scholar. The kings private life is passed | in utter seclusion within the Khang Nal, | or Inside, as the harem is known among | the Siamese. This inner palace is forbid | den ground to any man, European or na- | tive, except under very special circum- stances, and then only when accompanied | by guard of trusted servants. It is safe | to assert that no man has ever been per- sonally acquainted, even in a remote de- | gree, with the life or history of the in- mates.
 | Female Police.
 l The king is the only representative of his | sex who lives in this community of wo- | men-one amidst thousands! There is a | force of female police for preserving order | and punishing any unruly members. Flog- | ging with rattan is resorted to for certain | offenses, and on y those wives who are or | royal birth enjoy immunity from such
 treatment. A few favored European ladies
 have been admitted to parts of this inner | palace, and on the authority of one of l them I can. state that the first queen" understands a little English. This is less surprising from the fact that the king had | for some years an English tutor for the princes-four of whom are now being pri- vately educated in England and one at | Harrow. | fss | It is doubtful if any European could full | ly explain the position of the ladies of the harem Even if the Siamese themselves know, they do not impart the information | in fact, among them it is contrary to eti- l quette to make any alluson to the subject.
 | One of the wives is known as the first
 queen,' and takes official precedence of all
The age-herald., 1898-01-09
California Blankets.

If we had to recorder these blankets un- der existing tariff and manufacturing con- ditions we could not sell them below the values quoted. The economical import ance of imemdiate buying cannot be made plainer.
 $2.50 for $50 white and gray California blankets
 $S.65 for s5 California blankets, all pure wool.
 s445 for s7 California blankets, every fiber wool 11-4 size.
 4s5 for sS California blankets. white and gray, full 11-4 size. s565 for 80 California blankets, white and gray, 11-4 and 1924 size.
The age-herald., 1898-01-09

Union Suits," altogether the best Union Suits made for the money.
 Our very best are wool $4.50 "Oneita" Suit for $1.9S in the sale.
 $2.5O Union Suits for SIPS in this sale.
The age-herald., 1898-01-09

TO CURE A COLD IN ONE DAY Take Laxative Bromo Quinine Table ts. All druggists refund the money If IL fails to cure. s25c. 9-23-91t.
The age-herald., 1898-01-09
Lin6nS and DOD06StiCS.

It means about B cents on the dollar saved for you to buy now. The next will cost you and us just that much more.
 55 dozen Hemmed Huck Towels, 19c each, or $2.25 per dozen; worth today 8.
 10 dozen Bath Tow els, 27c each; worth today 75c.
 Case 17-inch Huck
The age-herald., 1898-01-09

Box fy-front Reefer Goats, in both rough and smooth cloths, storm coat collars, some lined throughout in black, others with fancy Roman stripe silks-black and colors.
The age-herald., 1898-01-09
Miscellaneous Bargains!
 FOR MONDAY ONLY.

Yard wide soft finish Bleach, 4c. A Sea Island Cotton, 3s4c.
 Unbleached Canton Flannel, 41ac. Glove fitting, long waist Corset, in drab, 39c.
 Mems heavy Cotton Socks, mixed col ors, 7c.
 71kc Prints, best made, 41Rc.
 Extra large Honey Comb Towel, Sc. 10c Flannenettets, 612c.
 54x54 Fringed Chenille Covers, 49c. 10-4 White Blankets, pair, 49c. 1Oc Silkalines, in new colorings, 61sc 15c French Penang, in new Roman Plaids, 10c. 25c Mattings, fine line patterns, 15c. Pretty White Embroidered Flannels, 49c. Chldren's Eiderdown Cloaks, Angora Fur trimmed, 69c. e
 4-button real French Kid Ladies' Gloves, all sizes, in black and colors, per pair 69c. And many other Bargains in every nook and corner of our store.
The age-herald., 1898-01-09
Sixth and Last Day

This morning we were awakened by rain falling in our faces We are now a few hundred yards in the rear of our works in a pine thicket What was our surprise this morning to hear from the front that the Yankees had recrossed the river. The boys gave expression to their feelings by loud cheers. The enemy may have made all this merely as a ruse. Our cannon are now firing on the enemy. I do not be- leve that they have replied. Col. Scruggs came in this morning. o, God we thank Thee for the present aspect of affairsl We thank Thee for the preservation of our lives thus far, and we trust that Thy mercy will be continued to US. Rube Nix has just come in with three prisoners, three horses and two dogs"
The age-herald., 1898-01-09

works. We had to bring logs from marsh, and we had only three spades. To com- panies worked one hour and then gave the tools to the others. This morning we are all Jaded. O, God forgive us and protect us from the shells of the enemy! This evening, while a fatigue squad was throw ing up an embankment to protect a bat tery, the enemy shelled us quite briskly.
The age-herald., 1898-01-09

the others. Another is often referred to as the second, and sometimes a third Is mentioned. These are all near relatives of the king, and. with the other wives of roy al blood, take precedence of those who may be regarded as commoners.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-21

interrupted him to say that flags were being displayed throughout the country, troops were being mobilized and the navy was preparing for action. Through all this the sundry civil and naval appropri- ation bills, both carrying money for the support of the Government, were being delayed.
 Why" he inquired, ''could not the thirty-five Senators who voted against the conference report admit that they had made mistake and let us now proceed dent and the country?"
 Allen replied that a suggestion, involv- ing reference to the American flag was not proper. He had carried that flag, he said, amid shot and shell, and knew what It meant to stand by it.
 Carter remarked that nobody was dis posed to question the patriotism of the Nebraska Senator or of the thirty five report.
 II believe" he continued, "that in the present circumstances it is better to make preparations for the coming war than to make eXculpatory remarks or in- terminating questions"
 At the conclusion of Aliens remarks Thurston said that at 11:24 o'clock to-day, when the President signed the Cuban time for party discussion had ended. All but three Senators had at one time or an other voted for the resolutions which were now law, and he thought it the and the country with equal unanimity. ''The time will come in the hustings for discussion of political phases of this question. Now until Cuba is made free, until her starving women and children are fed and clothed; until Spain has been driven from the Western Hemisphere for ever: for Gods sake let us cease this political pickering"
 Allison then presented an amendment to the, sundry civil bill, appropriating and making immediately available S473,l51 with which to pay Great Britain the award for Bering Sea claims made by the joint convention of Feuruary 29. 1896. He had been urged to place the amend ment on this bill by the Foreign Rela- tions Committee, instead of waitin~ for the general deficiency bill. The amend m ant was agree to.
 On motion of Allison the Senate at 5:35 o'clock went into executive session and soon afterward adjourned.
The San Francisco call., 1898-04-21
LAB0R'S VOICE
 IS PATRIOTIC The Los Angeles County Council Quick to
 Take Action.
Begins the Organization of a Company of Skilled
 Mechanics.
Will at Once Offer Their Services in Defense of the Nations
 Honor.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

LOS ANGELES, April 20.-Los An geles County Council of Labor, repre- senting all organized labor in this county, at it's meeting this evening passed resolutions to the effect that in- asmuch as organized labor had always been the bulwark of free institutions in this country, and that as it had never been backward in coming to the de- fense of the nation, the patriotism of members of various trade organizations would never be questioned in the event that their services were needed in the impending war. The resolutions went on to state that the county council ap- proved of the organization of com pany of it's members, made up of skilled mechanics, who would offer their services to the regularly consti- tuted authorities.
 Delegate Richard J. Colver, repre- senting the typographical union, re- cited the fact that in the war which now seemed imminent the services of skilled mechanics would be in great de- mand by the United States, and, in his opinion, patriotic, liberty loving trades unionists should not wait to be called upon, but should offer their services before any call was made for troops He said that while labor had it's griev- ances they could not be settled at time when the country's flag and the country's honor had been outraged by foreign foe, and when insult to and murder of American citizens by Spain were unavenged.
 Delegates Fiske and Harlow spoke in favor of the resolutions. Delegate liar riman, socialist member, alone op- posed them. They were adopted with but two opposing votes.
 The muster roll was immediately opened and signatures secured. The company will be formed at once In all probability Frank Gill, president of the Council of Labor, will be chosen captain. The design that will be fol- lowed Is to recruit the company from those trades that will most likely be called upon to do effective work, like electrical workers. This will be the first company of volunteers organized among the labor unions of the United States for service in the Spanish American war