davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29
Touch In TeIeEranhx.

Roland Belfort. who has been inter ested in some of our articles on wire less telegraphy. writes:
 Having worked most of the Atlantic and eastern cables. can testify to the ease with which an operator recognizes his distant colleagues by their touch
 "Often 1 have heard the exclamation, There's that confounded X come onf immediately X transmitted his first signal
 ''Some operators signaling Is so weak and shadowy that the work of deciphering the signals is quite doubled.
 ''It is also easy to tell whether an operator has been in convivial society previous to taking duty. By the signal ing a cablist can tell whether his cor respondent is tired, angry. depressed. merry or moody London Mail
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

resisted it? I was off my feet in an instant, but clung to the bridle with the tenacity of despair, for 1 well knew that to relinquish my hold would add to my danger, as the carriage would certainly crush me beneath 1t.
 While I did not succeed in stopping the horse, somewhat lessened its im- petuosity, and was at length conscious of others coming to my assistance, and knew we were saved. 1 tainted from exhaustion. When 1 recovered 1 found myself at my cousins house, my nerves badly shattered by the excitement, and my body considerably bruised; but be- yond this no material injury had been received.
 During the evening my cousin in formed me that he had seen MT. Sin clair, and had arranged a meeting be- tween the captain and me the following morning at o'clock on the mountain, where we were to fight with pistols, at thirty paces apart, one shot only to be exchanged.
 Under the circumstances, though" |" said he, 'I am justified in having the matter postponed until you are better prepared, and will see Mr. Sinclair to- night for that purpose"
 Not at all," cried I; "that would be ascribed to cowardice. Anyhow, will be all right tomorrow"
 The morrow came, and. true to our appointment, MT. Farrel and proceed ed to the spot indicated on the noun tain. We were accompanied by doc tor, in case his services might be need ed, and Jemmy O'Neill, who drove the car.
 Though not yet 8 o'clock, we found the captain and MT. Sinclair awaiting us. I noticed that the captain was ex- ceedingly pale. and regarded me closely as I approached.
 The preliminaries were soon over, and each of us took our stand, and had the pistol given us. No effort at concil- iation was made.
 The signal for firing was to be the discharge of pistol by MT. Sinclair Mr. Farrel stood to my right, encour- aging me, MT. Sinclair about midway between us, to my left, while the cap tain and I, with arms elevated, and pistols presented at each other, awaited the signal.
 Bang went the pistol, and the next instant, though scarcely conscious of it myself, I scharged mine.
 AS the smoke cleared away I hphpld the captain standing just as he was before I fired, and still holding his pis- tOl presented at me.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

Recent events have brought into re lief the striking difference between Col. John Jacob Astor and William Waldorf Astor. The one Is a patriot who be- came a volunteer soldier in the war with Spain, and then becoming a staff officer; the other Is a voluntary exile from his native land; the one gave lib orally of his means to further the pros ecution of the war and, rather than show a tendency to evade payment of his taxes, has expressed a willingness to have them increased; the other was negotiating for the avoidance of taxes while the war was in progress and, judging from recent utterances of his In the Pail Mall Magazine, must have been Spanish sympathizer instead of an American.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29
Queer Origin of n Hotel.

They say that the best hotel in Texas is to be found at Belton. town on the Santa Fe road and is kept by ''seven sanctified sisters" as the proprietors are popularly called Several years ago a woman in the place and her husband quarreled over the best way of ex pounding the Scriptures to a Sunday school class and were so stubborn that they separated and were finally di- vorced.
 This family controversy was taken up by the town, which was soon dis tinctly divided between the adherents of the husband and the adherents of the wife. The result was large crop of di- vorces, and seven husbandless women, including the original cause of the com motion, joined together and rented the town hotel One of them did the cook ing, another was parlor maid. third made up the beds, and SO they divided the work among them and ran the es- tablishment on the cooperative plan.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

Horace Morton, Esq.-Sir: Capt. Conan has selected me to arrange a meeting between you and him, that the affair of this morning may be honor ably settled. Have friend, for you, to communicate with me during the day. Yours respectfully,
 Robert Sinclair
 ''Sinclair, as livep' said my cousin, when I showed him the note. "Just as hot-headed as the captain himself. What are you going to do, HoraceT
 Do" said I. What can dol"
 "Why, fight or apologize"
 Flight by all means, then" said I. 'I'll never retract."
 "Who will act as your friend in this matter?'
 'You, I hope. l know no one else could ask"
 "Very we'll. I shall proceed direct to MT. Sinclair. Have you any instruc tions."
 'None whatever, except the request that you will arrange the affair to come off soon; tomorrow, if you possibly can."
 My cousin departed on his mission, while 1, to calm the turbulent feelings of my mind, took walk along the base of the mountain. My mind was filled with the most gloomy forebodings, nor could 1 banish the thought of my la mentable fate-coming to Ireland on visit of pleasure, to be shot down by an angry gentleman.
 1 was reused from these gloomy re factions by the sound of a rapidly ap- preaching carriage. 1 looked up and saw horse and carriage come tearing at breakneck speed down the mountain road.
 What reckless driving" thought I.
 The only occupant of the carriage was a young and beautiful girl clutch ing wildly the seat in front of her, not knowing the moment she might be dashed down one of the chasms of the mountain side. The anguish depicted on her sweet countenance went directly to my heart, and resolved to make an effort to save her.
 "Why should I hesitate," thought I, "when tomorrow may fall a prey to the captains bulletY'
 On came the frightened horse, and when within a few yards of me 1 in- stinctively felt a desire to get out of the way; but glance at the fair being in danger nerved me to the effort, ard threw myself with all my strength on the brid.e-rein. But what was my strength compared with the force that
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29
No Anxiety About Herself.

Among the guests at an old lady's re- cent birthday party was her son. As the old lady was celebrating her centen- nial and the son was eighty years old they made a remarkable couple. The mother, in spite of her years, was so strong and vigorous, both mentally and physically, that 1t seemed almost in- credible that she had rounded out full century of existence. and her son had been absent from her for several years. The meeting between them had been very affectiOnate, and they had remain ed close to each other during the sons stay. When the time came for him to go he embraced his mother, saying
 wistfully, "Well, mother, suppose this is the last time I shall ever see you" The mother looked up quickly and as- tonished. "Why, dear, what's the mat ter?" she asked. Don't you feel we'll"
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

The meeting of the peace conference at Paris recalls what an important pO- sition that city has held in the fOrma- ton of the great treaties which have been made between various powers under which no inconsiderable portion of the world has been governed, parti- toned and disposed of. In the history of the United States the treaties that have been agreed upon in the city of Paris have been of the most vital i'm portanee. The first of these was in 1775, when the United States proposed treatyto or with the French king. The members of the American committee at that time were Benjamin Harrison (great-grandfather of President Ben jamin Harrison), Benjamin Franklin, John Dickinson, Thomas Johnson and John Day. The question then debated was, whether, If the colonies should be forced to form themselves into an in- dependent state, France would enter into any treaty or alliance with them for commerce or defense, or both, and the outcome was a series of treaties between France and the United States which had such an important bearing upon the results of the revolutionary war. The last Paris treaty of interest to this country was that closing the Spanish war. Between these two events there has been a period of 123 years, during which time twenty-one treaties or international agreements were concluded at Paris by representa- tives of the United States. During the war for independence all the treaties entered into by this country were drawn in Paris. Not only have many of our most important treaties been concluded at Paris, but that city has been the point at which almost innu- merable conferences have been held by the representatives of our govern ment with those of other nations to which almost as much importance has been attached as to the compacts that have been drawn. As an instance of this the conferences held by the Vol colt bimetallic commission were. very many of them, In Paris. During the civil war most of the official business between our government and the na- tions of continental Europe was tran place in the world, beyond the boun- daries of the country Itself, which has had so important a bearing on the his tory of the nation as the metropolis of France.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

The political prophets, who have been predicting the outbreak of revOlu- ton in France, have had their troubles for their pains. The republic has not been overthrown. There have been no barricades in the streets. There have ben no scenes of mob violence in Paris. An important fact has been overlooked no longer armed with the same re sources for upsetting a government which were possessed by revolution ists in 17S9 and 1848. Not only in Par is, but in every other European capi- tai as well-with the single exception of London-there is a well-drilled army in readiness to suppress any sudden revolt agninst public authority. NO street mobs can stand against the or ganized forces of European militarism. The helplessneSs of revolutionary lead CTS was shown year ago during the riots in Milan There was a series of street battles in whcih the regulars had all the advantages of discipline, su- perior arms and overwhelming force. The insurgents were shot down like open enemies on a battlefield. What was done in Milan could be repeated in a sudden emergency in any large continental city. Militarism has the power of enforcing respect for existing authority. It is merciless and does not falter. Its armies are operated like machines. Soldiers obey orders and at tack a street mob as they would for eign foe. The garrisons of the capi- tals can therefore be depended upon to maintain order, even at the risk of slaughtering citizens by hundreds or even thousands
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

What is the use of arguing against foreign marriages for American girls? AS long as the American women who contract such engagements are featur- ed in the newspapers, that long such marriages will be attractive to them
 After all has been said, few women take to the idea of a quiet marriage, even if it is accompanied by the prom ise of the fabied perpetual bliss. The average woman likes to have her en- gagement published and her wedding talked of. Why shouldn't she? Even a woman has a right to think and to know that her doings are of some im- portance to the world. "The exqui- site laces, cobwebby linens and lawns" in which brides are said to delight are intended more or less for public notice. There Is vulgar newspaper gossip over such things, but there Is also kind of gossip that does not in the least offend the most refined taste. And foreign names, especially if they are names of distinction, are a great attraction to many. Against all these considera- tons the average everyday American
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

The United States and Great Brit ain should blaze the way for universal arbitration by negotiating a treaty which will bind them to submit their differences to a peaceful tribunal. When the world has realized the ad- yantages which the English-speakiag people enjoy from such an agreement tke-enligbtened sentiment of other na- hons will compel their governments to fall into line and accept arbitration as the only sensible and civilized method of adjusting international contrOver- eies.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29
AN OLD VIRGINIA DOCTOR.
He Was Far in Advance of His Tim
 in Medical Practice.

He Was Far in Advance of His Time
 in Medical Practice.
 pr. Charles Everett, Virginia physi- clan who died in 184S at the age of 81, must have been as lonely in the prac- tice of his profession as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" Doctors In those days had little faith in the healing power of nature; their pills were large, their doses nauseous and freely given. But Dr. Everett, whose practice extended over eight counties, anticipated the medical teaching of the present day; he held that the physi- clans aim should be to help rather than coerce nature, and that medicines ought to be administered by the hand of miser.
 Thomas Jefferson and pr. Everett were neighbors, but politics separated them in social life. A jocose remark, made by the ex-President in his last Ill., ness, pushed them still farther apart.
 Dr. Everett had been In consultation with two other doctors, and as they en- tered the sick mans room Jefferson looked up and said, "Whenever l see three doctors together generally look out for a turkey buzzard." Dr. Everett immediately withdrew, highly offend ed.
 The Doctor was keen observer of human nature, and often used the knowledge he had thus gained for the benefit of his patients. MT. B. c. Mead, in his Historic Homes of Virginia" tells how the wise physician once, by his acquaintance with the working of a mans nature, reused patient to con- sciOusness.
 A notorious old miser named Jones had fallen into a stupOr from which nothing had been able to rouse him. Dr. Everett was called in, and made several futile efforts to rouse the old man. Seeing the county sheriff passing by, and recalling his patients ruling passion, he went out and hastily sum- moned the officer to his help. It was arranged that the sheriff should enter the sick mans chamber and drop his SduO1C-OdSS OA IAC AOOL1 AuohAh5 rattle as though they contained quan- tity of specie.
 "Mr. Sheriff." said the Doctor, as soon as the jingle subsided, "how much money did you say you had collected for MT. Jones hereY
 Before the official could reply, the old miser stirred, and In his eager, weak voice cried, How much did he say%
 pr. Everett must have found many patients who appreciated his advanced medical opinions, for he left fortune amounting to more than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. He was also In advance of his neighbors as to slavery. His will directed that his many slaves should be freed, transport ed to Liberia and settled there in fur nished homes. One thousand dollars in money were also to be given to each family, in order to start them in their new life.
 His nephew, to whom the estate was left, becoming convinced that the slaves could find no suitable home in Africa, took advantage of a codicil to the will, and settled them In Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29
Obexing the Robins Warning.

In some parts of Warwickshire the tapping of bird around the house is looked upon by the superstitious as 8 warning. A doctor was recently sum- moned in hot haste to farmhouse not many miles from Birmingham. He found an old man in bed, but in perfect health, and asked why he had been sent for.
 "Wny, sir, " replied the daughter-in- law, "there coom little robin about the door; we knowed it was 'call, . and we thought it must be granfer. so we put un in bed and sent for you. '-
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29
A Cheap Luncheon.

A good story is told in connection with the last Ascot meeting. An Amer ican, who was used to going into racing booths in his own country. ordering luncheon and paying $1, found himself hungry at the royal meeting, so he walked into the first tent handy and told the attendant to give him some thing to eat The man put sumptuous luncheon before him, to which, as we'll as the champagne. the visitor did ample justice He then handed the attendant 5 shillings, received his thanks and was bowed out of the tent, inwardly con- graduating himself on the moderateness of the charge. An English friend whom he met outside said:
 ''I did not know you were acquainted with Lord H. |"
 "Neither am I. replied the Bosto- nian.
 "Oh. beg your pardon, said the interrogator ''I thought you were. s' Tcu came out of his tent. ."
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29
Getting Rid of A Splinter.

When splinter has been driven deeply into the hand it can be extract ed by steam. Nearly fill wide mouth ed bottle with very hot water, place the injured part over the mouth aDd press 1t slightly The suction thus produced will draw the flesh down, and in minute or two the steam will extract splinter and inflammation to-
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

suitor will have an increasing hard competition To many Americans a plain American marriage means set ting down to business, while the aver age foreign marriage means settling down to pleasure. This may be deplor- able, but we are not concerned with that now-we are simply setting down what appears to be a fact.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

A transport was ready to sail for Guam from New York the other day, when 1t was discovered that there were no extra collar buttons aboard, and the steamer was held till the de- 6ciency was made good. The United States navy is good stuff, but 1t Is doubtful if even its discipline could endure the strain of a collar riding" up in the back.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29
Telephones to Hospital Beis.

Telephones are to be placed in the wards of one of the Paris hospitals within reach of the bed-ridden pa tients, so as to enable them to con- municate with their friends outside There will also be an arrangement whereby the telephones may be switch ed on to a wire connected with a con cert hall, so that the performance may be enjoyed by the invalids.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29
Truant Laws Enforced.

The absence of child from school in Switzerland, unless in case of illness, is punishable by fine, the amount of which is daily increased. If 1t is sus- pected that the child's illness Is sham med doctor is sent by the school au- thorities, and, when he Is convinced that the suspicion is correct, the bar ents have to pay his fee.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

Originality in reasons for divorce are rare, but a Western woman came for ward with a good one the other day. She proved that her husband had been guilty of conduct unbecoming a brute" and the decree was granted in- gtantlV
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29
Plant that Eats Meat.

The Sundew is one of the most curi- ous plants in natures great collection of queer things. If an unlucky fly lights on one of it's leaves that leaf closes right up, wrapping tightly around MT. Fly and staying closed for days until he is all eaten up. A bit of meat or some of the white of an egg dropped on the leaves will make them do the same thing. But the queerest thing of all is that these leaves will pay no attention to pebble or a chip of wood that may be dropped on them. and will not close up at all. If a mo- ment later a little worm should drop on one of these same leaves it would curl shut at once. Now, how does this plant know what Is good to eat and what is not?
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

Russell Sage is a church man and probably doesn't play cards. At any rate, he showed no disposition to fol low suit when he learned of MT. Car negie's future
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

A Baltimore firm has organized with a capital of $1O0OOO to build air ships. Presently we shall hear that this con- ern has gone up.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

''Yes, we lost the doctors trade in very unfortunate way" How was that?" "Why, we have a mechanical duck in our stock of Easter novelties that runs by clock-work. The doctor came in the store just as one of our young women wound the thing up, and at the very moment the doctor came opposite it the duck gravely bowed to him and said: 'Quack, quack.' The doctor is so foolishly sensitive."- Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29
PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY

Whatever the poet may say, summer is really the melon collie season.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

Wireless telegraphy is said to be available at sea. It may come in handy when airships are an accomplished act.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

When man Is noted as bore, other men try to get by him without being seen.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29
The ExUert Met Ht. Match.


 At North Side boarding house one of the newly arrived boarders, named Burton. is an expert accountant The first evening after his arrival he began boring the other boarders by talking "shop' and relating the great feats of mathematics that he had accomplished in his time. Smith, one of the star boarders. made up his mind to rid the parlor of shop talk. at least for that night.
 ''I have a little piece of addition work that I think you would have a hard time in doing. If you can add it without the aid of pencil and paper. you are a good one"
 "Name each item. and will add Iaid Burton.
 "Five barrels of cider at $4. 56 bar rel Have you got that downT'
 'Yes.
 "Four bushels of bran at 90 cents . busheL Have you got that downf'' "Yes.
 "Fifteen kegs of horseshoe nails d e2. 35 and two strings of garlic at 30 cents a string. Have you got that down?"
 "Yes; go on.
 'Six gallons of castor oil at $42k Have you got that downF"
 "Yes.
 "Sure you we got it all downf'
 "Sure, I have, said Burton.
 "H-ml How does it all taster
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29
"Corpse COins."

"Corpse coins are treasured in the north of England. They are the coins that have lain over the eyes of their dead. By this means infection has been spread, but superstition causes the GUS tom to continue. A poor collier or peasant would never think of doing any thing important unless he had on his person coins that have been upon the eyes of his dead relatives.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-29

A square rod is 272A square feet
The daily sentinel., 1899-10-13

The fight George j. Kindel
of Denver has always made
against unjust railway tariffs has
been a heroic and oftimes a little
appreciated one. 1t does our
eyes good to read of the manner
in which he has stirred up that
fossilized body at Washington,
known as the Interstate commerce
commission. Its nice old body
OF gentlemen, who little like to be
disturbed. One of it's members
has the assurance to say that the
Denver case submitted to them
nearly five years ago has been al
most forgotten, because the mem-
Der having it in charge died. A
stick of dynamite to blow up the
whole body, is doubtless the only
way it will get the stirring it
needs. No enc has ever heard
of q decision made by them
against the robber tariff Of any
railway company, or never will
The railways, whom they are or
ganized and appointed to restrain,
tote them about the country and
laugh up their sleeve at them.
The commission is glorious
farce and none know it better than
its members.