davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1899-12-06
California Olive Culture.

IAN OF the Pacific States, has an eX-
tensive olive plantation near here. The
estate covers 700 acres and has a GU
riOus history. The first Spanish hidal-
go locating n California came by way
OF South America, and after exploring
the interior was attracted to Helix by
a famous spring of water. He called
it the spring Of ST. George and decid-
eel to make his permanent home in this
valley. Having no intention of return
ing to Europe he had his ship taken
apart on the coast, ten miles distant, !
and the lumber used in constructing
lis house.
Some years ago Mr.. Bancroft &C.
CURED thep rOperty and lives here part
of the year. lie occupies the house of
the early Spaniard. 1t is long, one
story affair and is furnished with an
Gent furniture. The most interesting
room is Mr.. Bancroft's library. He has
complete set Of his own books,
which must number at least 80. There
are many volumes relating to China
and Japan. Two of Captain f. A.
Mitchelfs famous war stories, "Chick-
amauga" and Chattanooga, were on
the shelves. The writings of Thomas
Hardy, Walter Besant and Miss Brad
don were well represented
The olive orchard presents a beauti, |
full sight. Tie trees are planted in
rows at regular Intervals No vege-
table of amy kind is allowed to
grow in the ground between the trees,
and as the leaves are renewed every
three years a very clearly appearance
is shown. Along the private rOadways
and surrounding the houses brilliant
flowers are growing. Then there are
stately palm trees, rubber plants %
and SO feet high, century plants reach
ing a similar elevation and many 9th
er forms Of semi-tropical growth.
Olive trees were first introduced in
California by the franciscan mission
aries in the latter part of the last cen
fury, and the idea was to furnish food
to the monks. Some of the trees
planted 10y these jealous men are still
standing and are bearing fruit One !
of the trees 1T the CapiStranO mission, |
80 miles south of Los Angeles. was
planted in 1863. 1t is 30 feet high. |
and the diameter of the trunk is five
feet
The average height of an olive tree
is about 20 feet. The leaves are OBJ |
long in shape and are green on top
and Whitish underneath. The tree from
Il distance appears silver gray in col
or. especially when cOntrasted with
the deep green of orange and lemon
trees. 1t takes seven years for an
olive tree to arrive at the fruitful pc
Rod but after that it will bear for
many years There is said to be one
tree over 1900 years old.
Formerly olive trees were prOpagat-
ed by seeds. This was a slow method
It seems that at the base Of the
trunks little slips or buds appear, and |
it occurred TO a certain close observer
to experiment with these shoots. In |
1883 a workman in a nursery at PO- |
mona discovered that olive trees could |
The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1899-12-06

for any case Of Deafness Caused by
catarrh) that cannot be cured by
Halls Catarrh Cure. Send for circu-
lars free.
F. J. CHENEY & co, Toledo, o.
Sold by Druggists, 75c.
Halls Family Pills are the best.
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07
CAREER OF JEAN RICHEPiN.
He Il tho Hero of Number of Strange
Escspades
Ito be Continued.)

He II tho Hero of Number of Strange
Escspadea
NJ. Jean Richepin. the author, II
probably the hero Of a greater number
OF strange escapades than any Of his
French contemporaries of equal emin-
ence. Innumerable stories are told OF
his early vagaries. For a breach of
the regulations he was sent down"
from his Lycee. He remained, how
ever. in the nelghborhood OF the col
lege. and. strolling idly about the
streets next day. his eye lit upon a
peripatetio vender of fried potatoes.
and In a moment OF inspiration he
purchased the whole OF the stock and
pAraphernali of the merchant. He
then took up a post just outside the
Lycee gates, affixed 10 his movable ap-
paratus a notice OF huge dimensions
describing his academic and other
qualifications, and shouted to oil his
late collegiate friends to patronixe
their old pupil and fellow-student
1.-TWO sous a packet, gentlemenI buy.
buyi" To say that ne authorities were
scandalized Is to put II very mildly.
indeed. The story OF how he came to
adopt a literary career is sufficiently
picturesque. For some time he had
picked up precarious livelihood by
doing "odd jobs" including such pro-
sale occupations as that OF bootblack
and casual porter on DUAL MArssilles.
One day he was engaged by q gentlo-
man to carry to the railway station a
heavy trunk. Arrived at the station
ton. They were old college chums.
what are you doing here?" asked his
friend. Carrying your trunk, l be-
lieve." said Jean. why do you do
thisY" because must" Where do
you live?" "Come and see," replied
Richepin. The future dramatist took
his friend to his dwelling, a miserable
room In an attic in the poorest quar-
ter OF the town. Upon the table lay
scattered heaps OF manuscripts
Jeans excursions into the realms OF
poetry when the more prosaic duties
OF the day were over. Looking through
them, his friend was astonishsd al
their quality. why do you carry
trunks and blacken boots when you can
do work like thlsT" he asked. RICHIE
pin had never given the matter q
thought; he had never dreamed these
products OF idle hours worthy OF pub
lication. Published they were, how
ever, in a very few weeks. and created
an immense sensation. From that
| moment lean Richepin has never look.
cd back.-Westmlnster Gazette.
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07
LrFE-sAvER ASKS $40. 900.

Capt. Thomas J. Reilly, formerly
professional lfe-saver at Balmer's
bathing pavilion. Coney Island, has
now gone to court to demand $4,000
damages from young woman because
he did not find her body under the sad
sea waves last summer Capt. Reilly
was In charge OF the life guards at
Banners pavilion when Miss Louise
King and her maid engaged compart-
ments, and Miss King disappeared and
the maid wept and said she had been
drowned. He searched the beach for
two weeks In vain and in his COM
plant alleges he suffered great mental
strain and was discharged because he
could not find Miss Kings body.
As that healthy and much alive
young woman was In Philadelphia
after leaving the bathing pavilion and
corresponding with the man of her
choice, Reilly was not to blame. Meth
er was the young woman. Girls In love
have done stranger things than leave
their clothes In bathing compart-
ment, don others and go and get mar
ried to tho only man on earth. In
this case the only man was s. Lloyd
Chamberlain, and after brief stay
with friends in Philadelphia Miss King
became Mrs. Chamberlain and her
family forgave her for the scare she
had given them. But the professional
life-saver's feelings are too tender and
his pride too great to be trifed with by
a mere girl in love with somebody
else. 1t was worth $4,000 to his pride
to be searching for pretty young
woman In the flotsam and jetsam
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07

tor, and during her subsequent career
he was never heard OF, although she
evidently had some little regard for
him, as his painting in oil hung In the
parlor Of her house. Just how she en-
tered into the field of adventures Is
not known, and It was not until she
startled all Philadelphia by her lavish
expenditure OF money and wonderful
facility for borrowing that she came
under the public notice. Among the
goods which will be sold In Philadel-
phia at M. Thomas & Sons on Nov. 30
for settlement with the Atlas Storage
Company are some family portraits
and chest full OF papers. II IL the
latter that is exciting the attention OF
the public at present. as the box Is
supposed to contain the correspondence
OF her victims. There is likely to be
some lively bidding for the possession
OF the chest, as II is thought II will
divulge the names OF many prominent
persons who advanced her money In
support OF her claim whose connection
with the woman Is at present unknown.
Since her arrest in 1892 the countess
has dropped from public view. At the
time she stored her pictures she was In
great need of money and she borrowed
a small sum on the warehouse receipts.
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07
rs PENNII.ESS NOW.
THE USUAL FATE OF THE
DANGEROUS WOMAN.
The Countess of Bettencourt, Once the
Most Prominent Figure In Ph.iadei-
phis, Has Dissppeared--Hcr Trunk "in
Hoo for storage Charges

A decade ago Anita De Bettencourt-
McMurrow, better known as the Coun-
tess De Bettencourt, was one Of the
most prominent figures In Philadel-
phia. while her reputation extended
throughout the continent OF America,
both north and south. Many Phlladei-
phians plainly remember the meteoric
career OF this woman. and number
OF prominent business men there have
cause to regret ever forming an ac-
Quaintance with her. At that time sne
spent money with a lavish hand; today
she is penhiless and unable to pay
paltry storage debt for portraits OF
rare beauty and black chest, when
will be disposed Of at public auction
unless the charges are paid.
Anita DE Bettencourt has entirely
disappeared from public. Even her
then intimate friends profess to know
nothing about her present where
abouts. Ten years ago she was friend
OF President Cleveland, General Sheri-
dan and many notables in public life,
and counted her friends by the hun
dred. All this has disappeared with
the woman, and II 10 doubtful II she
has a single friend TO help her out OF
her difficulties. The honored guests
who were entertained under her roof
know her no more. The palatial resi-
dence which was the talk OF the city
has given place to tumble-down,
poorly furnished miserable looking
two-story house in the northeastern
part OF the Pennsylvania city.
Her fictitious claim against the gov
eminent OF Spain drew to her side
many OF the leading business men OF
Philadelphia and New York. who pour
ed into her Golfers millions OF dollars
upon the promise that they would be
richly rewarded when the countess
was restored to her rights. As bait
to catch the unwary she wove an at
tractive, fairylike story. claiming that
the Spanish government owed her $780,
100000 for the destruction OF her es-
tate In Cuba. She had victims by the
score, who contributed various sums
from 81 900 to 100000. The heaviest
loser In these transactions was Elmer
M. Billings, secretary of the Mercan-
tile Safe Deposit company Of New
York, who became enamored OF the
countess and lost 100000. Through
her stories w. @. Toplis. a druggist,
and Patrick F. Brennan were induced
to invest $4,000 and $4,000 In the
Spanish" claim.
There are stories OF butcher who
lost 100000, doctor who gave w
S12b.000. a real estate dealer who was
5000 poorer after his experience with
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07
HER DAUGHTER.

Mr.. Brennan what | have told him In
regard to Nine. Bettencourt's vast for
tune is entirely true?" The Spanish
minister answered in excellent En-
glish: "The countess Is worth untold
millions" 1t was only a few days after
this that Mr.. Barca discovered that he
had lent himself to an adventures He
took a train to New York and engaged
rooms at a hotel, where he committed
suicide. Brennan, upon the strength Of
the confirmation OF the existence Of
the immense wealth. loaned the count
ess" the several thousand dollars re-
quested.
When Emperor Dom Pedro Of Brazil
visited this country in 1876 he was for
time her guest. She was everywhere
known as the Spanish countess. Her
establishment was splendid and she
welded much influence among prom
inent men. The death OF one OF these
men was the beginning OF her downfall.
The social attention paid to her by
distinguished personages made It much
easier to secure money. She made
friends at Washington and induced the
Spanish minister to call upon her. All
her entertainments were run regardless
OF cost. During President Cleveland's
first administration she spent much
time in Washington and was a personal
friend OF the president.
Several of her dupes tried to bring
suit against several members Of the
Spanish legation for aiding the coun-
tess, but were dissuaded from the effort.
Six years ago the countess was ar
rested, charged with obtaining money
under false pretenses from w. @. Top
lis, a druggist. The charge was not
proven, and another OF conspiracy was
brought Since II could not be shown
that she had conspired with any one
this was never pushed successfully.
The most surprising part about this
fascinating adventures was Der adap-
liability In being able to hold a social
position so much In advance OF her
bringing up. Every movement OF hers
was marked by a degree OF dignity
usually seen in those only born to the
purple. Her entertainments OF EN-
peror Dom Pedro, the Spanish minister,
Generals Grant and Sherman and
others were characterized by lavish
ness that was truly royal. At these en-
tertainments the choicest wines. the
most expensive dishes. the costliest ser
vice and the sumptuous arrangements
were in evidence, while the table dec
orations consisted OF the rarest and
most expensive orchids and exotic
plants. All the walters and servants
were dressed in llveries and everything
betokened wealth and affiuence.
Such was the life OF Anita De Betten-
court, who today is penniless and starv-
ing after spending millions OF dollars
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07

luton Of 1865 and 1868, to which the
countess had convinced the then gov
eminent OF Cuba that she was entitled
to s32.000.000, which would soon be
restored to her.
She played her part to perfection,
and to convince her dupes OF the legIti-
macy OF her claim obtained an inter-
view with King Alfonso In Spain. and
SO fascinated that monarch that ne
promised to investigate her claim per-
sonally. Shortly after her return from
her visit to the Spanish monarch she
secured a victim named Patrick j.
Brennan, Philadelphia business man.
After advancing several thousand dol
lars Brennan was politely asked for
another advance. He demurred and
requested some evidence Of the truth
fulness OF her story. In company with
Mr.. Group, her man OF affairs. he visit
ed Washington and saw the Spanish
minister. Mr.. Barca, and his secretary
OF legation. Jose Fillipe Sagrario, at
the legation. A conversation took place
between Mr.. Group and the Spanish
officials lasting over one hour, which
was carried on in Spanish and not I'M
derstood by Mr.. Brennan. Finally the
countess legal adviser said to the
Spanish minister: will you assure
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07

fortunate enIdgh to meet with IL
children here. Good morning.
"Good morning" answers Shell stiff
~, and quite ignoring the two little
faces that are turned up to her fof
goodbye kiss.
Papa, is us naughty" asks Mes
as she trots over to the trap beside her
father,
"I hope not. whyr he demands
absently.
Cause Shell didn't kiss u.s." an
swers Meg in a wondering tone.
kiss you'll" repeats her father.
laughing. "She looked far more likely
to bite"
But, all the same, as he makes ths
assertion a memory OF Shell as he FIRST
came to her, with sparkling eyes and
smiling lips, and the two children
kneellng beside her. rises before his
mental vision.
We'll. have you got rid Of those
little torments7" asks Ruby languldly,
looking up from her book an Shell en-
tiers the room.
"Their father has just come for
them" answers Shell shortly.
Their father-oh, where Is her"
cries Ruby, starting from her chair.
II want to consult him about Bob's
writing; and I must speak about the
nurse; am afraid she Is not very
careful-Meg's hands we're quite dirty
this morning. Where is he-where did
you leave him?"
HE is down by the sea; I didn't
leave him-he left me-" answers She'll
drily.
"Why did no one tell me he was
here?" asks Ruby angrily.
"He didn't come to the house; I was
in the drive with the children. and
he picked them up there"
How very strange! But II II all
your fault, taking them out the fool
ish way you do. suppose you were
romping like a tom-boy when be
came"
IL was telling them Stories"
Anyway you were ridiculous OBJ
ject," says Ruby. with such an OBJ
viously scornful sneer that Shell in
stinctively glances across the room at
her reflection In the mirror then for
the first time becoming aware Of her
profuse decorations. With sudden
access OF wrath she tears the daisies
from her hair. whilst tears Of NORTH
cation rise to her eyes.
II wouldn't have had him see me 80
for hundred pounds" she says
angrily.
what nonsensel don't suppose
that he even noticed them" observes
Ruby with cutting scorn.
"Ah. perhaps not" murmurs Shell
with a sigh of relief; and yet. thinking
II over. she remembers clearly that
twice or three times during their shor,
interview she noticed an amused smile
flicker over his face.
Ito be Continued.)
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07

the countess, and list, In fact, that
would be startling II they could all
be called to mind. One peculiar fact
about the affair was that II was doubt
full II crime was ever committed,
for these people all put up their money
expecting to get two or three times the
amount OF the original back again.
Spanish gold had a wonderfully at
tractive influence upon the minds OF
the quaker city business men, who
readily produced. after hearing the
countess's story OF fabulous wealth
coming to her In Spain OF bonds val
ued at 36.000.000 pieces OF Spanish
gold that were hers, but which some
one else was holding away from her.
To further her plans she resorted to
extreme measures. and so worked upon
the credulity Of Mr.. Barca. the then
Spanish minister to this country, that
he allowed himself to lend his assist
ance TO the adventures. When he
discovered his error and realized the
position he had placed himself in he
committed suicide rather than give
an explanation OF his folly to the Span
fish government. Several prominent
Philadelphia lawyers lent not only
legal. but financial, assistance to the
countess, but none OF them will now
admit his connection and refuses to
be interested in any way with her
present doings.
Spanish gold appeared to be a more
potent charm than the countess per-
sonalIty. With the exception OF FL
mer Billings, New York dupe. none
OF the Philadelphia victims appeared
20 be smitten with her charms. She
appeared to experience no difficulty
whatever in securing all the money
she needed in furtherance OF her plans.
She conducted her household In a
manner BETTING her supposed rank.
Her domestios included ten female
servants, Ave men servants and two
priests. who lived at her house. Her
dainty feet never touched the side
walk, for a coach and pair awaited
her bidding II she desired to travel
one block. She lived in superb style,
servants galore. and a home furnished
with the most lavish magnifcence.
This was about 1875. Today she is
poor and needy. and her 80 years is
telling on her viyacious personality.
The sumptuousness OF her surround
ings gave abundant color to the fairy
like tales she told her victims.
Her story. as related by one II her
dupes. was that she was the heir TO
the Betteneourts. one OF the weaithiest
and oldest families in Spain. who had
emigrated to Cuba in the early part Of
the present century and owned vast
Estates. which were confiacated by the
toysfgmsnt Of Cuba during tbs psvo-
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07
MARRIED BY PHoNOoRAPH.
Scheme Hit Upon by Couple who Didn't
Want to Walt Years for clergy man.

Scheme Hit Upon by Couple who Didn't
Want to Walt Years for Clergy man.
Marriage by photograph was the new
scheme hit upon by a wouldbe benedict
In Barclay, northern Manitoba, place
visited by n clergyman only once in
every four years. The bride was will
ing, the groom was waiting, and every
thing was in readiness for the happy
event; but the clergyman had paid his
periodical visit only six months be-
fore, and three years and half must
elapse before he would visit the ham
let again. Then the clever bridegroom
raked his brains and decided on a
course OF action. He had heard Of the
wonders Of the photograph. and rode
to Winnipeg to secure one. Taking IL
to the nearest justice of the peace he
induced him to speak the marriage SER
vice into the monographs receiver,
and fastened home with his precious
burden. In a short time invitations
were out for the wedding OF John Bar
clay, Jr. (the town was named after
his father, with Miss Lillian Armitage,
the lady OF his choice. Before long in
vitations were out for the wedding of
a second couple, Miss Edna Claverton
and Harry Prlngle, who had decided
to be married at the same time. At
the appointed time the first couple
stood before the photograph, which
put the usual questions and received
the usual answers. Then Miss Claver-
ton and Mr.. Pringle stood up and went
through the same ordeal. At the con-
clusion of this first double wedding by
photograph the event was celebrated
with feasting worthy OF the event.
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07

One OF the national eccentricities In
the Ukraim Russia is that the maiden
is the one that does all the counting.
When she falls In love with a man
she goes TO his house and tells him
the state OF her feelings. II he re-
ciprocates all is well. and a formal
marriage is duly arranged. If,however,
he is unwilling, she remains there,
hoping 10 coax him into better mind.
The poor fellow cannot treat her with
the least discourtesy or turn her out,
for her friends would be sure to
avenge the insult. His best chance.
therefore, II he is really determined
that he will not marry her, is to leave
his home and stay away as long as
she is In II. This is certainly a pecul-
lar way OF turning a man out OF house
and homo.
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07
He Didn't Know.

There is at least one common soldier
among our volunteers who thipks he
knows more than his captain. He re-
Gently expressed his disgust by say
ing: I'VE had to get him for captain.
you know, because he's got the big
gest voice to boiler at the boys Well
today went up to him and s'luted,
and says |. Captain, my garter's bust
cd. VIII you give me a turlong while
/ 20 get II mended And he wouldn't
let me 20, cause he didn't believe a
furlong was in war and ! knew hs
didn't know what II meant"
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07
MI PInkIey.s pennltIon.

The Washington Star prints q new
definition OF an old word. "AiStun
Pinkley," said Miss Miami Brown.
what is dis here diplomacy" Well.
/ dunno whethuh kin tranSparify Dc
question SOS you'll see froo II. But Of
des lan'lord come 'roun' fob Do rent an
l says amt gwinter pay. why gits
put out But Of tells I'm ter come
'roun' mex week, an mex week tells
Inn to come round again. an 30 on.
OATS diplomacy
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07

Eleanor. when We are married, will.
you love me enough to cook for me?"
yes. dear Henry; but you will have
to hire somebody else to do my cook
ina "-DotToit Free Press
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07

tales.
Little is known OF the true history
OF this woman. Her birthplace is said
to have been Barcelona and her early
life Is yelled in mystery. Forty years
ago she arrived In Philadelphia penni-
less and ignorant OF the English Ian
guage. She had two children and was
known as Mrs. Folsom. To exc out
livelihood she worked as a dishwasher
in a clearinghouse on Race street. be-
low Second. There shs met John Mo
Murrow. an industrious sailmaker. who
boarded at the house. When her
daughter died. McMurrow paid the fu-
neral expenses. and over the little ones
grave they became engaged. Soon af-
tsrward she married her first bsnsfac-
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07

thrown up by Coney's seas when some
other fellow found and married her In
Philadelphia.
The Lehi banner. [volume] (Lehi, Utah) 1891-1917, 1899-01-07

This threat from his usually indulg-
ent father has such depressing effect
ON Bob's spirits that he makes up his
mind TO eschew temptation for the fu-
ture.
miss Widen won't love you II you
don't behave Ike a gentleman" con-
tinues the father severely, as an appro-
pirate ending 10 his reprlmand.
"UB don't love Miss Widen" here
interrupts Meg with great dignity
~she IL nasty cross old ting"
Nonsense. Megl" says her fsthor,