davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28
NEW PUBLICATIORs.

cupid AND THE FOoTLIGHTS." BY
James l.. Ford. New York: The Fred
erick A. Stokes Co. For sale by f. S. II.
Butler & Son,
Cupid and the Footlights'' is a
clever and charming example of society
literature, presented in form that is
] a radical departure from, the ordinary.
The story is told entirely by means of
| fac-simile letters, newspaper CLIPPINGS
and kilograms. Briefly it is this:
Jack Winchester leaves Utica to be.
come reporter IN New York City ard
corresponds with Violet Fanshawe, a
Utica society beauty. In his first
letter she asks him to look up Polly
Bradford, a girl of her set who has
gone on the New York stage. Jack
fails to find Polly Bradford, but
manages to become fascinated to a
considerable degree with Marie Badeau,
a charming soubrette, thus baccming
estranged from his patrician beauty,
who learns that Miss Badeau is no less
than Miss Bradford herself.
Jack, in the meantime, discovers that
Miss Badeau loves fellow actor and
generously gives his aid to advancing
the union; he also discovers that Violot
has entered heartily upon College Set
Element work in New York. Bygones
are allowed to be bygones and the story
ends in the same old way.
The letters show, perhaps more than
the other parts of the book, thel writer's
versatility and his skill in portraying
various shades of character. The society
girls letters are perfectly characteris-
tic of her type. both in style of compost
ton and handwriting, as are those of
the soubrette, the actor, the reporter,
who is also society man, and the old
patrician dame. This precise old lady,
in letter 10 a friend, after mentioning
that she had encountered mutual
friend tthe reporter) in restaurant
with the soubrette, remarks: when
you ard l were young, Mary, gentle
men didn't 60 founcing around with
actresses as they do nowadays.n An
equally characteristic sentence can be
quoted from letter, written by the
reporter to the girl of his choice: DO
you know, there is frigid tone to
your letters that has become quite
marked of late? | use them for fans in
hot weather and they create a cool,
refreshing breeze"
Nothing so thoroughly enjoyable and
entertaining as this story has heen pro-
duced lately. To appreciate 1t fully
one must read il. Then, of course, the
illustrations Thy Archie Gum, the
we'll known illustratorl make tho book
doubly attractive and enhance its
beauty and value as work Of art. The
Typography and binding ale uniquely
handsome.
Mr.. Ford, the author of Cupid and
the Footlights. and also of 1.-The
Literary Shop" is writer OF consider
able note; he has friends in this city.
as he spent the winter here several
years ago, while preparing material for
one of his books. His style is pleasing,
and his meritorious work has tine
reward of large circulation and generous
appreciation.
Received of the publishers.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28

The astrologers are taking some credit
to themselves, not without reason, for
their good shots concerning this troub-
led year, says the London News. Thus,
in the number of Modem Astrology,
dated January. 1899, Alan Leo, its
editor, was able to warn US Of year Of
war. France, he said, would 'attract
the eyes Of the world" and SO she GER
tainly did. If this is little too vague
for the Dreyfus affair. what follows is
only year out for Fashoda. 1--WE are,
likely to be involved by French action,
hut war may be averted; still. war
like spirit will be around us. the public
mind will be excited. and war will be
the topic of conversation throughout
the whole of Great Britain.o Well,
astrologers have often done worse. This,
too, for America presumably the
month short. MANY troubles are in
store fol this county, and her enemies
will cause much anxiety" II would
have been better still to say that those
enemies would not be free from anxiety
on their own account. But all this is
nothing to what follows: 1--WE have no
hesitation in now saying that the
climax of 1899 will be great war
Africa as ruled by this sign
(Mars) will be the cause of great blood
shed and a great disturbance of the
universal peace. +" A hit! hit very
palpable hit! So far SO good for Modern
Astrology But the old finn has done
better still. For the endof September,
1899, Old Moore predicted this:
"Great excitement will be caused
throughout the land by news contained
In telegram to the press CT splendid
victory gained by our troops abroad.
AS usual, alas! the number of officers
picked off seem to be far in advance OF
the average. Our rank and file will
the victory will be overshadowed. A
beloved life will be in danger, and the
result will be awaited with breathless,
interest" This is quite near enough
as to the date, considering how very
near it is to the facts of Gen. Symons
and the battle Of Dundee.
After this we can hardly refuse our
respectful attentions to Modern AS
trology's planetary calendar for each.
month as il passes. This has obvious
advantages, as it tends to fix our attep-
tion on q particular period, instead Of
dissipatinR it over a whole year. Thus,
it cannot but be of previous use to
Learn that itain specified days of
November are good for obtaining
favorable hearing from sureriors, and
certain others for literary undertakings,
correspondence and publishing. Nay,
there are even "good days to consult
dentists,'' and they not unnaturally
coincide with the days for deeds of
bravery and courage" A whole batch
of favorable omens are promised for
other dates. "Pleasure, courtship, mar
rage, &C., find an easier expression on
these days. Financial affairs
succeed and domestic arrangements go
smoothly. (Sweet day, so calm! SO
brightly Female servants engaged to
advantage" Other days, however, are
threatening, both as to engaging SER
wants, ard as to chills and colds. Why
60 wrong, when, for trihe, We may
have these sporting tips for the chances
Of the skies9
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28
MERRY cHRISTMAs.


Heap on more wood 1.-THE wind is chill;
But let it whistle as 1t will,
Well keep our Christmas merry SILL.
Each age has deemed the newborn year
The fttest time for festal cheer;
And we'll our Christian sires of old
Loved when the year its course had rolled
And brought blithe Christmas back again
With all its hospitable train.
Domestic and religious rite
Gave honor to the holy night;
On Christmas Eve the bells were rung,
| On Christmas Eve the mass was sung;
| That only night in all the year
Taw the stoled priest the shalice rear.
The damsel donned her kirtle sheen;
The hall was dressed with holly green;
Forth to the wood did merry men go
To gather in the mistletce.
They opened wide the baron's hall
To yassal. tenant, serf and all;
| Power laid his rod of rule aside
And Ceremony DOTTED his pride.
The heir, with roses in his shoes,
| That night might village partner choose
All hailed with uncontrolled delight
And general voice the happy night
That to the cottage as the crown
Brought tidings OF salvation down.
The fire, with well-dried logs supplied,
went roaring up the chimney wide;
Tho huge hall tables oaKen face,
Scrubbed till it shone, the day to grace,
Bore iem upon its massive board
No mark to part the squire and lord.
Then was brought in the lustry Drawn
By old blue-coated serving man:
Then the grim boar's head frowned on high
Crested with bays and rosemary.
Well can the green-barbed ranger tell
How, when and where the monster fell;
| What dogs before his death he tore,
And all the batting of the boar.
The wassail round, in good brown bowls,
Garnished with ribbons, blithely trowls,
Then the huge sirloin reeked; hard by
Plum porridge stood, and Christmas Die;
Nor failed old Scotland to produce
At such high tide her savory goose.
Then came the merry maskers in,
And carols roared with blithesome dim;
| If unmelodious was the song,
u was hearty note and strong
| England was merry England when
Old Christmas brought his sports again,
Twas Christmas preached the mighties
ale;
Twas Christmas told the merriest tale;
| A Christmas gamble oft could cheer
The poor mans heart through half tn
year.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28
rae 1ErrEn-oARR1Es,s BURDEN.


---
with apologies to the man who wrote
II took my girl to dance one nightly
NV mail gets bigger, day by dav,
Perhaps you do not know;
But have proved it Just the same
BY counting it. by Joe
undertook the job to do,
The day it was so hot;
made an invoice OF my pouch,
And this is what got:
A box of tacks, some flour in sacks,
A thimble and q screw.
A keg of nails, some hay in balls,
A feather duster, too,
A great big box, PAIR of sox,
A linen duster new:
found some lead and a box OF thread,
was not then half through.
had to be real husky, then,
To lug the mail about.
A ton or more / had to lift,
And serve upon my route;
The sweat rolled down in great big drops
From off my honest phiZ;
But then, I'll have to count the rest.
Just listen here. Gee whiz
Some small boys pants two dolls thai
dance,
A lantern and saw,
A handle bar, an earthen jar.
A rabbits leg and paw,
| A box of bugs, some home made rugs,
And then there was q drum,
A chunk of coal, new post hole
And yet there's more to come.
Oh, you bet / was not happy, then;
did not care to shout.
Now, I've got money in my clothes,
I'll quit the pesky route,
| thought I'd itemize it all.
So Mi the folks could spy
The things that helped to broke my back,
But look at this. Oh. my
A bunch of tops, some brewers hops
A section of train,
| A pair of shoes, some bummer's booze,
A hundred feet of chain.
| Some stockings rare, pound of hair,
A wedding cake that's stale,
| A chunk of fog, a good-szed log,
And wooden water.pail.
Perhaps you think have snap,
| And have no right to kick; .....
| But look at all the work do,
Enough to make me sick.
| One Thousand plunks year, we get,
And now you hear us roar
| It's worth one thousand plunks year
And Just two hundred more.
| A box of fruit a horn you foot,
| A sample of gas-pipe,
| A folding bed. a bird that's dead,
Some eggs that's over ripe,
| A limburg cheese, chest of bees,
A plank from off dock;
But now I'll have to quit in time
10 ring the Bundy clock.
Cleveland, o.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28

The Newest and Prsttisst Ones Made oil
Chiffon.

The Newest and Prsttiest ones Made OF
Baltimore News
The very prettiest article to be found
in the length and breadth of this sea-
sons pretty wardrobe is the evening
from tip TO toe and trails its handsome
hreadths along the ground after her
in good sized train. Also, it has a
hood, dainty affair in which anyone
would look coguettish, if she so far
forget what was due to her party
couture as to put it on.
Anyone, too, even, verify believe,
the Witch of Endor, though | don t
remember that we are told anywhere
that she was homely, should look grace
full, and stately and beautiful in such
wrap.
They are made of all the handsome
materials, from fur to chiffon. Now,
only Princess of the blood or rich
American could afford to wear fur
one, but after all the chiffon ones are
prettiest.
OF course, they're not just made of
chiffon and nothing else !; they wouldn' t
offer much opposition to the tempestu.
Gus winds that blow if they were, but
they're first satin, then the contest of
wadding, then again satin and last
plat upon plat Of the filmiest, foam
lest chiffon CT moussellne, forming a
wrap fit for Titania.
This is chiffon season. anyhow,
curious as that may seem for winter,
for ever SO many gowns show an abund-
ance of this stuff in the most unex-
pected places, such as, for instance,
forming the skirt over which velvet
tunic falls. Such comminglings of the
substantial with the delicate are seen
at all the modistes' and they have, a
lack aday, but too great charm for
the impecunious maid who cannot
afford to drag such fragility at her
heels.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28
VIII Take Ria BRIDE to rransyaal.

The Rev. Robert Hope, rector Of
Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church,
Steeltou, and Miss Maude Abercrom bic,
daughter OF Wymap E. Abercrombie,
general superintendent OF the Steelton
btors Co., were married Thursday in
St. Stephens Episcopal Church,
Harrisburg, by the Rev. 4. B. Angel,
who retires from the reotorate of that
church to come to st. Andrews, this
city. The Rev. and Mrs. Hope will go
to Capemont, on the western coast of
Africa. Eight wears ago DIR. Hope left
Scotland for Africa as mechanical
engineer, and as such traversed the
Iransvaal and all the British pos
sessions in that country. Tuesday of
last week the Africa committee met in
New York and appointed him superin-
tendent of missions at Cspemont,
which posi- tion he has accepted.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28
NEW CANNON OF rnn norns.
Quick-Firiug Piece Hurts Shrapns1 shells
Five Miles.

EAfo lAiAnh~
Baltimore Sun.
The new quick firing type Of gun
which the Beers are using in their
battles was bought from the celebrated
French artillery firm trading as Schnei-,
der Creusot.
Mounted on carriage weighing
about one and half tons, and carrying
in its Timber 36 rounds, this gun, Of
2.96-inch caliber, says the London
Daily Graphic, throws projectile
weighing 1419 pounds at an initial
muzzle velocity of l, SAB feet second.
The recoil of the gun carriage is
checked by means of hydraulic brake,
q ping cylinder and an elastic spade
The breech mechanism is on the
modified Schneider system, which the
Creusot works have adopted for all
their quick-f firing field guns. 1t is of
a screw pattern, working with only one
movement. The rapidity of fire is from
to 10 shots minute
The shrapnel she'll especially designed
for the gun contains 254 bullets and a
bursting charge Of 80 grains. At the
maximum angle of 20 degrees the
range of the proiectile is FIVE miles.
The wheel gauge Of the gun carriage
duQ iimDoi 10 ohiJ u tcup " ihCbcS. Lite
gun, however, rests on the axletiee in
a manner that reduces the firing shock
and gives the carriage the stability
required in spite OF the narrow width
between the wheels. When linibered
up the gun is keptin the same horizon
tai plane as the trail, which is an in
teresting innovation, but one that
seems to Justify the designers idea
that the muzzie of the gun will thus be
carried well above ground. and that it
will not get choked up or knocked
about when the battery is man@uvrinl
over rough ground.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28

can be learned, thought of placing any
credence in the story; at any rate,
there is no record of any one attempts
ing TO find it again, until 1925, when
n Dutchman named Heiderstrom con-
cludod that the natives had come basis
in fact for their legend, and set out on
never returned. The DutchmeD CT the
Orange Free State tell of number of
others who have from time to time set
out to find this pot of diamonds at the
foot of the natives rainbow, but none
of them, with the exception of a
Scotchman named Mcdonald, ever re-
turned from their journey. They either
persisted miserably at the hands of I'M
friendly natives or OF privation and
thirst. Mcdonald turned back while
in the desert; because his water supply
was giving out, and he was unable to
find certain pools indicated on map
he had.
The natives who know of these ex-
petitions shake their heads solemnly
when their fate is discussed, and assert
that no doubt the explorers found the
valley, but that curse hangs over it,
and no one can enter it aud come back
alive.
/ have given the Kallir legend of this
valley because this nation goes into
more detail in the description of the
wanderings of their people and the in
cidents which led up to and followed
the discovery of the tabled mine.
Among the other tribes it is nearly the
same, differing only in the description OF
the manner in which it was discovered
and making their own people the dis
coverers. None of the others admit,
however, that pressure Of their enemies
led up to the accidental discovery.
They all agree as tic its location and
entrance, save the Bechuanas, who
place it at the top OF a steep. almost
inaccessible mountain, where rarty
Of their hunters were blown by ter
rible wind storm in the desert, in
which they had become lost while in
the pursuit OF game. All the party
wero killed in attempting the descent
save one, who got back to his people
With some of the stones. but died soon
after. The KatIirs assert that the
largest diamond ever. found in South
Africa, the Dudley diamond, which
was in the possession of a witch doctor.
was one of the stones brought from this
valley of diamonds.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28
Tho whipping Post.


A prominent Chestertown Republican
is strongly in favor Of whipping post
for Kent county. A whipping post
would result in u 10 per cent cut Of
taxes in the county. The class of petty
criminals who seek winter quarters at
the expense Of county taxpayers would
DO greatly reduced by a sound fpgging
administered for each offence. Under
present conditions the police courts
and a prospect of free board and ALSO
lutte idleness form the most Potent in
centives to crime and tbs greatest drain
upon county finances. Try the whip
ping post, and should it prove a
failure, then the boarding feature of
the jail may be reinstated in all its
glory. The old sentiment that 1t is
brutalizing to soundly fog man sufll-
GENTLY vicious and degraded to become
yiolator of the law is worn-out
fallacy.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28

At meeting Of the Middle States
Furniture Manufacturers Association.
held Thursday in Philadelphia, an in
crease of 10 per cent in the prices Of
furniture was unanimously agreed
upon. The classes of furniture affected
by the increase are bed room suites,
sideboards and chiffoniers. The new
schedule goes into effect January LIST.
This is the second increase made by
the manufacturers in the past six
months, and the step is stated by one
of the prominent members of the asso-
citation to be necessary by reason of
the recent large advances in the cost Of
raw materials.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28

A pretty wedding took place at noon
Thursday, at No. 500 Madison street,
the contracting parties being MISS
Delma S. Dockety of this city and
Albert q. Brown of Philadelphia.
Eugene Dookety was best man and
Miss Stella Dookety was bridesmaid.
After receiving the congratulations of
their friends, MIR. and Mrs. Brown left
for Philadelphia, where they will re-
side. The Rev. F. b. Short performed
fha cpremony
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28

Mrs. Hannah E, Williams, daughter
of the late Capt. James and Mary A..
Parker of Milton, v; Pei, and l. wife Of
the Eighth National hsr s BANK. OF m Rh" SEss
Girard avenue, that city, Friday morn
ing. Mrs. Williams was an aunt of
Mrs. P. W. Tomlinson of this city.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28
BE NOT AFRAID.
MuIock.

God rest We, little children; let nothing you
alright,
For Jesus Christ, your Saviour, was born
this happy night;
Along the hills Of Galilee the white focks
sleeping lay, .-....
Vixen Christ, the Child of Nazareth, was
born on Christmas Day.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28

The monthly meeting of the directors
OF the Wilmington City Railway Co..
was held here Thursday. President,
~ r. A: kigg, of keauing, Pa. !; vice.
resident, II. j. Moore, of Trenton,
n, j.; Preston Lea and w. W. Pussy
q this city were present. Routine
matters were discussed.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28

IT, w. Glider

What babe rev born is this that in a
manger cries?
Near on a lowly bed His happy mother lies.
Oh, see the air is shaken with white and
heavenly wings!
This is the Lord of all the earth, this is the
King of Kings.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28

Boats in New York harbor were
damaged to the extent OF s25, 900 by
fire Thursday, Howard Gould's yacht
Niagara, built by the Harlan q Hol-
lingsworth Co., was nearby, but was
not damaged. s'
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28
IN ms NlME.


For little children everywhere
A joyous season still we make;
We bring our precious gifts to them,
Even for the dear child jesus sake.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28
uIf.be Dan ans. Wear IL. -

II you are suffering from the consequences Of
impure blood, have pois, ptmples or scrofula
sores: II your food does not digest or You suffer
from oatarrh or rheumatism, you are ths one
who should take Hoods Sarsaparilla. 1t will
At your case exactly. make your blood pure and
cure salt rheum, scrofula, rhoumati,m, dyspep-
sia, catarrh, and give vru eertect health.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28
PREPARE THE WELCOME.


Be merry all, be merry all,
With holly dress the festive hall;
Prepare the song, the feast, the ball,
To welcome merry Christmas.
Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-12-28

Years afterward the captain Of q
Portuguese trading vessel heard this
legend End incorporated it in book
be wrote about his travels in Africa,
giving the alleged location of the
valley on map of South Africa.
This tale was looked upon by his
countrymen simply as II sailors yarn
and passed without notice. Soon after
this, however, another Portuguese
sailor named Pedro Roderiguiz heard
the legend and, believing that the
valley really existed, set out for the in
terror with small party from his ship
and number of natives. He was never
heard of again.
From that time until the early part
of tho present century no one, 80 for rs
The Coalville times. [volume] (Coalville, Utah) 1894-1923, 1899-02-24
TERRIBLE FILlPlNos.

The sect Is thoroughly organized.
They have their priests, known as pan
ditas. and they are regularly drilled
and trained to murder when the OPP
portunlty comes. In order that they
may be active murderers. able to over
come the opposition Of any one who re-
aists their attack. they are made to
exercise. to fight with blunted weap-
ons. to run. jump. climb. swim. dive,
and. In fact, go through all the sym
nastic training that will NJ them fot
the work of staying swiftly and. II
possible. escaping before a hue and
cry Is raised
After course OF training. n mem
Der OF the sect graduates as NJ for
the work OF murder. lie Is then In
formed by the priests that the way to
Paradise lies for him through the blood
OF the white men. His imagination is
worked upon until he is In state Dor
derlng on frenzy. and then he is told
The Coalville times. [volume] (Coalville, Utah) 1894-1923, 1899-02-24
IN cANADA'S FREE HOMESTEAD
LANDS.

wotaskwin. Alta, April 9TH. 1898.
w. +. McCreary, Govt. immigration
Commissioner, Winnipeg. Dear SIR
like the country very much so far:
have seen great number OF farmers
from the states and every one seen
so far says they have done well and
like II here far better than whore they
came from. and all claim II TO be tho
best country for poor man that they
wero ever in, and with good crops this
season | predict n great rush. There
are some nice claims to he had yet. but
will not last the summer through. l
do not ind II any colder than In Iowa
and am feeling much better than when
l left there March LIST. | think this a
great country for those who are suf-
ferlng with throat and lung troubles.
have seen men that had as high as
Sly bushels wheat per acre and near
100 bushels oats, but they weigh from
45 20 81 pounds per bushel. but the
general run is % TO 30 wheat. 30 to
rs oats, and stock looking fine; some
cattle running out were nearly In mar
ket flesh. l expect TO return TO the
states late this fall for stock. etc: will
write you when want to go, Thank
ing you all for past fayors, l remain.
most respectfully yours.
(signed) DR.. ID. u. Strevell.