davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07
LITERARY Coincidence.

Plagiarism Is literary crime the
charge Of which should not be- made too
freely, especially where very eminent
person Is concerned. Retentive memo
ries seem to be resp~-s.Jle for much
that in an outburst Of indignant emo
tion we would lay to plagiarism. This,
however, can hardly explain the follow.
ing. which can merely be called q re-
markable coincidence. We have never
heard that the genial autocrat, Oliver
Wendell Holmes, was ever accused OF
stealing from Whittier, nor do We ever
remember that any one has said that the
Quaker poet borrowed from the ply
sician. Nor do the circumstances Of the
present case raise either issue.
We picked up the other day at sec
ond hand bookstore copy Of The At.
lantic Monthly of January. 1870. In it
we found that the two eminent poets
above mentioned while writing on total
ly different themes gave two lines that
are strikingly alike. Mr. Whittier's is
Never by lover my lips be kissed, "
and DR.. Holmes wrote, LIPS that lover
has never kissed" II is rather 4. cx-
traordinary coincidence, as we hav
How curiously and scientifically
mystically the doctor must have explain
ed it all il his attention were ever call.
ed to itl-New York Times.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07

have them put into the street, and
broadly hinted at the sdvisability OF
giving them into custody ~ blackmail
era That brought matters to bead in
somewhat dramatic faahion. The ex-
sorter took ont his pocketbook and pro-
duced from it half sheet Of note pa-
per. ON which was pasted short news.
paper cutting. He handed it to the mil
Iionaire and said:
"rhat's from The Cape Times. Mr..
Murutti. Do you think you could throw
any light ON the subjects ] have an idea
that You could. especially with our as
sistance. De Beers would give good
deal to know how that stone got away.
I believe they would even accept mo ~
queens evidence to yet the mystery
cleared up. What do you Think"
With slowly widening eyes and sink.
ing heart, the man Of many millions,
and more ambitions, read the cutting.
It ran thus:
"The king Of the Belgians has just
indulged In his well known taste for
gems by the addition TO his already
priceless collection Of u magnificent rose
colored diamond, weighing nearly 80
carats in its cut state. His majesty IL
runored to have paid the enormous
price Of FL, 900 carat to the Amster.
dam merchant OF whom he bought 10.
In color and water it is the exact conn
terpart Of the famous rose diamond ~
the De Beers collection, but IL is much
larger.
"Iis origin IL involved In some little
mystery. Tho merchants from whom
his majesty purchased il affirm that the
dealer from whom they bought IL de-
clared that 1t was an ancient eastern
gem recut in Amsterdam, but experts
who have seen 1t state with equal posi-
tiveness that 1t Is Kimberley stone.
"a rumor reaches US from Diamond
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07

We are not surprised that the holders
of copper stocks In Boston should petit
ton the legislature not to tax their
shares. That property has doubled ,
trebled and quadrupled on their hands
during the past few months, without any
effort on the part OF the holders, and
now to make them pay taxes on It's fair
valuation would be unjust! The fair
plan will be to have the real estate own
ed by our farmers, village people and
city folks bear the entire burden OF tax
alton, so as to entirely spare from tax
alton these unfortunate holders OF cop
per securities whose property has
advanced so rapidly in value that they
can't keep track Of II, much less pay
taxes on IL. We are surprised that the
state grange or that Mr.. Stockwell, sec
retary-elect Of the board Of agriculture,
should presume to expect these copper
people to bear any part OF the public
burden! OF course taxes are mainly for
farmers to pay, and they ought to De
glad of the privilege. But to speak
seriously, how can the Legislature listen
TO such tar dodging argument?-Homs-
stead.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07

| often wish those who write so eu-
logis,ically Of a life on the farm were
obliged 10 spend few weeks In the
winter digging themselves out OF the
snow and peddling milk In mud and
slush. Ii Is sill very pleasant to spend
q few weeks on the farm In midsummer
on visit to ones farmer relatives, "a
a change; but he who lives, summer and
winter, on the farm, eventuslly comes to
think that the bright, pleasant days are
about Offset by the stormy ones, and
that the good things are about balanced
by the others. He Ia not likely TO think
that the fun Of living In the country is
eaual 10 cash balance on the fsrm ac-
count. The fact Il that anything we
are obliged TO do day after day aud week
after week, IL likely TO become mighty
near drudgery In time, no matter how
pleasant IL might seem at first. The
only way to prevent it becoming unen-
durable Is to devote the mind to other
things some Of the time. Especially Is
this important for young folks on the
farm II il Is desired TO foster love for
the country and farm life and prevent
them from rushing of to the village or
city as soon "a old enough.-F. A. Put
nam, in New England Farmer.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07
Hen. That Eat Their ow. Esss.

As q rule, when hens have suita bic
food they don't eat their own eggs.
To preserve eggs from being eaten un-
der exceptional conditions there are .
number Of devices There ID. for in
stance, a nest with q bottom Of woven
wire with Q mesh big enough to let an
egg through. The egg goes through the
thin layer Of hay with which the nest
Is lined and through the wide meshed
bottom to fall safely In bed OF hay un.
derneath.
Another device il automatic and set
in operation by the chicken itself when
il steps of the nest. Thus relieved OF
the chickens weight, the nest tilis mp
enough to roll the egg Of into place OF
safety made for its reception.
Chickens are commonly carried ON
deep water ships on long voyages to sup
ply eggs for the captains table and &C.
casionally fowl Chickens at sea are
more likely to eat their own eggs than
they are ashore. To prevent this among
the chickens carried on his vessel the
captain Of an American ship rigeed o
contriyance that answered the purpose
and was adapted to the situation. He
attached 10 the underside OF the nest q
shoote by which the egg when laid was
carried safely down TO box below.
New York Sun.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07
The .L~tter Gse.v

The leader Of psalmody. or precentor,
In the church Of Scotland used tn read
from his desk in front Of the pulpit the
successive lines for congregational sing
ing. He was the "letter gae"-i e., he
that let go or started the praise-and
his desk was called the "letteron" dec
trinum). Pitching his voice to the first
note Of each line, he proceeded to chant
the words in q slow, drawling mono
tone, prolonging the last syllable for q
little and then breaking at the head Of
the congregation into the music SET to
the words thus delivered. The effect Of
this would no doubt be frequently more
curious and entertaining than edifying
and solemn. and strange Developments
must occasionally have occurred. The
position tested not only the musical
qualifications, but also the literary at
tainments of the leader. and there are
passages in the metrical version of the
Psalms as used in Scotland which must
have put rural precentors on their met.
tie Mates and Oueriea
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07
LOOKING FORWARD.
WAYS IN WHICH A GRANGE NAY BE
MATERIALLY AIDED.

The strength OF grange rests not so
much Ia numbers, as In harmony and
willingness to work for the order. The
future Of this grange depends upon its
members. To have perfect success
every one must work, be united and
help each other.
We talk great deal about education
In the grange, but Is the grange really
as much OF n school As We represent.
Are our officers as well posted in grange
work as they should bef Can they give
us the information we need from time TO
time; We should pay more attention 10
parliamentary usage, we might profitably
spend fifteen minutes at each meeting,
in the practice Of parliamentary usage.
IL We understood II better We could do
business more correctly, and save
valuable time. We should open our
meetings promptly at the appointed
time and close st q seasonsble hour ;
some OF our members say they could at
tend more regularly II we would do so.
A good farmers library Is one OF the
improvements Sm anticipating know
of nothing that could do so much for our
grange.
We should do more 20 encourage the
young people 10 join the grange, and to
attend the meetings after they have
Joined. We may tell them of the good
times we have in the grange, but IL they
tiDd the meeting 70 be dry without fun
or socisl endowment they will seek enjoy
ment elewhere. Every meeting should
contain something OF interest 10 all. We
must try and do something TO bring out
more active members. We have few, ~
sny, members but what can do some
thing 10 entertain. When we lind out
what that something Is we must try and
make them useful, for many hands make
light work. and when all take part there
aill De no lack OF interest.
We should get more for our money
paid TO state an national grange. We
pay our dues 20 the higher branches Of
oar order, should we not demand that
we receive fair share OF advice and
good cheer from them; AZ patrons of
husbandry we have individually 10 do
with the future Of the grange. The
better lives we live, the more faithfully
we observe the principles OF the order,
the more kindly and lovingly we encour-
age others 10 do go, the better future We
are building for our grange.
Let Us sll start into the season OF l>ss
with 4 purpose TO improve our methods
and 10 DO better work than we have
ever done In the psst.-in New England
Farmer. Chas. W. Wells, West Minot,
Ne.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07
The holsTe,Ns THREATENED.

Unless the feeders and breeders oi
Holstelu cattle interpose some salts.
factory objection, this meritorious breed
will soon be eliminated from the herds
of milk producers, wherever the New
York Condensed MIX Company has q
factory.
This company has declared Holsteins
to be deficient In butter fats, and IL de-
termined to weed them out OF their
herds. Any milk producer whose herd
Is composed largely OF these cows is
certain to be crossed from It's lis, In the
near future. THIS decision has not been
reached hastily. For several years there
has been the low rumble Of discomfort,
With an occasional note OF individual
warning. Within three months number
OF herds OF large milking Holsteins have
been thrown out fthe Brewster factory,
without preliminary notice, and their
owners have had to seek q market In
New York CITY. Ia the face Of number
less tests iuaugurated by the breeders,
showing large and satisfactory secre-
lions OF butter fats, the milk producers
are sggrieved at the arbitrary action
taken; and are also led to doubt the
sincerity Of the compsny's discrimins-
ton.
But after due consideration, the doubt
Ia bound 10 shift 10 the breeders and
testers, and they will need 70 bestir
themselves to prevent the substitution
of thousands from other breeds where
the Holsteins are now established. How
the breeders shall act Is for their de-
termination, although they are certain
to have the aid and sympathy OF the
milk producers. Let II be understood
that the State test and factory test are
not, or may not be, the same. The
company IL not bound by any statutory
test, having = test suited TO its own Idea
OF what the standard should be.
IL might be wise for the breeders TO
visit each factory and examine the tests
there made of Holsteiu herds. In that
way they will be able TO ascertain the
standard TO which they must bring their
breed, or yield to the inevitable In
having their dreams 10 black and
white" swept from 4 thousand fields in
this State alone.
The action Of the New-York Condens-
ed Milk Company Is likely to be followed
BY other milk companies, for this
company sets the pace, and the Holsteins
will be relegsted to the shambles, or to
the beef sections Of the West, where
they will be outclassed by breeds already
on the ground.--Brook Farm, In Country
Gentleman.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07
NUMBER 6.


"The strapgest thing in life 10 The
way we cling 20 it," said q physician
whose practice has given him abupdsut
opportunity to study the seamy side Of
things. Five minutes ago ! gave .
dime TO si old beggar man who has been
coming here regularly for years. He 10
broken by age and tortured by IN In.
curable cancerous malady that renders
him repulsive and keeps him In con-
tinual pain. I know his history.
HE is ignorant and he has been
poor. In his early life he was sailor
before the mast, and from what ] can
learn he suffered all the hardehips Of
that calling without seeing any Of its
pleasant and adventurous side. He
never married and never had any fam
lily or home. have questioned him
closely. and have been unable 20 dis
cover one scrap Of genial "reminiscences
In the sordid. squalid, miserable record
of bis career. He has absolutely nothing
that he can ponder over with the slight.
est degree Of pleasure, and his present
situation IL simply frightful.
"He sleeps IN shed back Of . negro
howell and depends on aims for his food
and clothes; yet, In spite Of IL ell. he 10
eager to keep on living and rebels at
once at the bare thougbt Of death. He
isn't afraid, but he wants to continue
to live. It's q mystery Of mysteries,
and the case IL not exceptional either.
There sre plenty Of others exactly like
Il. New Orleans Times. Democrat.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07
Hn.ine.. before Pleasure.

They were performers in the amateur
theatricals During the progress OF the
play at one time, while their presence
was not needed ON the stage, they sat
together behind tine scenes. She looked
beautiful indeed in old fashioned gown
and powdered hair, and be, in court
costume Of more than q century ago,
was the beau ideal Of cavalier.
For some time he had been very at
tentive to her. aud, although people had
frequently remarked upon his devotion,
he had not come to the point Of propos-
ing, but rs they sat behind the scenes
he felt that an opportune moment had
arrived.
Marie" be said, "you may not have
perceived my liking. but I cannot de-
lay. IL want to ask you to-to be-
Just then the prompter called the
girls name, but she never stirred.
That's your cue" faltered the in.
terrupted lover.
"Yes," she answered calmly enough.
laying her head on his arm, "but never
mind the cue. You seemed very earnest
just now, and | want you to go on.
What We're you going to say?-Pear'
sons Weekly.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07
OXEN COMING BACK.

Rural New Yorker mskes good
point when IL comments on the position
assumed by speaker before the Con-
necticut State Board that oxen are
coming back. This IL especially true iu
Maine, aud eAch year IL witnessing q
marked increase. They do a work which
horses cannot well do, and thrive upon q
ration less expensive than would be fed
a work horse. Let the oxen come osck,
for IL will mean better days for our sg-
riculture and plumper pocke'books Tor
our farmers.
Not MANY years ago at one OF our
State Fairs when u magnificent town
team was psrsded 10 front OF the Presi-
dents headquarters, the owner OF a
valuable and speedy mare came into the
crowd with his whip under his arm, and
after commenting on the besuty OF the
white faces, said in loud voice, We'll,
boys, 90 on breeding the steers II you
want 10, but there's little msre over
there which will outssll this whole town
team. Your slow going cattle will soon
xea- you out. and then. come and RIDE
NIth me-" Long ago the horse ouboie
Cor fictitious values broke and to-day the
msu oxning the white faces are stiii
sailing that they clang 10 the steers.
~ ~hlrligig Of time Is bringing the OK
% the front, for service aud for dollars
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07
The KANSAS HEN.

We have heard % Maud ON n summer day,
W ho rakri, bare fcotesi. the new -mown has.
We have read ot the maid In the early morn.
Who milket the cov with the crumpled horn,
And we've read the lays that the poets sing
Of the rustltng corn and the flowers OF spring.
Hut OF all the lsys OF tongue or pen,
THERE'S pailghs HE the iay of the Kansas hen
Long, long before Maud rakes her hay,
The Kansas ben has begun 10 lay,
nd ere the milkma,d stirs peg.
The hen is up ant has dropped her egg.
IL they hold their 9wn With the earnyard ring
II N aud n neesiipg a hat and gown
She doesn't hustle her hay 10 town,
Rut goes o. the store and Obtains her suit
With = bz.ketful of her fresh hen fruit.
" the milkmAid's bcsa makes = sunday call
She doesn't feed him on milk nc all,
But works up eggs In a custari pie
And stues him FUN OF chichen FRY.
And when the obi man waBts q horn.
Does he tzhe the druggist a load Of cornf
Not muchi Ne simply robs = nest.
And ~ town he yoe--you know the rest.
lie hangs aro1nd with crQues And rings.
And talks OF politics and things.
w htle his ppor wife STAYS NJ home and scoWl~.
But II saved from want by those self same. fowls
For. while her husband fingers there,
She watches the csckAng hens with care,
And gathers eggs. and the eggs she'i hide
I'm she save enough 10 stem the tide.
Then hail. al hail. 10 the kansas hen.
The greatest blessing OF ali ~ meni
Throw up your hsts and emit howl
For the per-evertng harnyart fowli
Corn may bc king. but rs plainly seen,
The Kansas ben 4 the Kansas queen.
From the Kansas Board OF Agricultur'
Report.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07
One Wofnaa's Way.

Speaking Of women with saving dis.
positions, said Dixmytb. my wife's in
q Glars all BY herself" T"
"How so?" queried his friend Hojax.
Last week ! bought an upright pi-
ano," replied Dixmyth. land my wife
made beautiful green plush cover for
it, NO the polish wouldn't get scratched.
Yesterday she made another cover Of
linen to 60 over the plush to prevent
that from getting soiled- Next week i
suppose she'll make q calico cover to
protect the linen. oh, tell you, wom-
en- have great big fertile minds. Chi
cag0 News
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07

Dean Pigou says that many clergy
men cannot trust themselves to repeat
the most familiar prayers Of the liturgy
from memory, and be tells how Arch
deacon Sinclair was much put out be-
cause he (Dean Pigou) sat directly be-
hind him at a public meeting. The dean
was puzzled. bus understood all when
the archdeaoon removed his hat and
kneIt to pray. In the crown Of his hat
was printed In large type, Prevent NJ,
o Lord, "etc.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07

There trdS not another OF ttS size ana cotOT
In the trorld.
versation was in those days known In
samp as Mickey Muratti. The wider
world knows him now az Michael Mu-
ratti, Esq, NJ. l.. A., director OF many
important financial undertakings, but
In those days he was just an extremely
clever man, Jew Of reputed Florentine
ancestry, but more recent and authentic
east end extraction. who bad made his
debut in Kimberley a. dealer IN cheap
jewelry and slop made outfits-after
having wandered about picking mp q
living BY the display Of his jugl ling
abilities-and who was now looked upon
as one Of the smartest and most success
full operators" on the diamond fieldG
Inspector Lipinski and some OF his
more trusted subordinates cherished
certain suspicious o. to the scope of his
operations, but 20 far his dealings had
been blameless. at least 30 far as tangi-
BILE evidence was concerned. added to
which he had recently married very
pretty and exceedingly clever wife.
which meant much on the fields In
those days.
Mr.. Muratti did not seem In the least
annoyed by the apparent reference to
his former comparatively humble means
Of livelihood. On the contrary, he look.
ed up with = quick glance at Ridley
and said with pmile Of pleasant an
ticipation: .
"well, haven't done anything IN
the old clo' line for some time now,
hut, you know, I'm always on for Z
trade. What's the fsuref"
"Ten thousand. -
"I'll aee you-I mean I'd like to 81
the goods FIRST before ! ny anything t.
that. lisa big pFios fm Z pair Of eec'
ondhand boots. you know Ar. Ridley.
Still. I'm glad to see that YOU'RE begin
ming to rise to psoper ser1e Of youl
eppoetpnitisA When e. ! - tn
beolgf'
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07
wa.hi.ston's Farewell to His on

On Dec. the officers Of the army
met in Fraunce's tavern to bid their
chief farewell Washington, as he rose
and faced them, could not control his
voice. He lifted glass Of wine and
said. with a heart full Of love and
gratitude, now take my leave Of you,
most devoutly wishing that your latter
days may be rs prosperous and happy
as your former ones have been glorious
and honorable. " They drank in silence,
and Washington said, 81 cannot come
to each of you and take my leave, but
shall be obliged IL you will come and
take me by the hand" Up they came,
one by one, and one by one Washing.
ton, his eyes filled with tears, embraced
them and said farewell. From the tav-
ern they followed him 10 the ferry.
where he entered his barge. As the boat
moved away he rose and lifted his hat.
His officers returned the salute in 81
lence, and all was over.-SeDator Hen
~ Cabot Lodge in Scribner's.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-02-07

The First Celebratie. Of Christnss.
Christmas was first celebrated in tho
year 9S. but IL was 40 years later before
II was officially adopted as . Christian
festival. Nor was IL until about the
fifth century that the day of its celsbra-
tion became permanently fixed on the
s5th Of December. Up to that time 1t
had been irregulsrly observed at various
times Of the year-in December, in
April and in May, but most frequently
in January Ladies Home Journal.