davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

A curious condition exists at Guam to which Capt. R. Leary has been sent as governor. The islands, of which Guam is the most important, have long been the scene of missionary labOrs managed generally by the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions. Some ten years ago the Rev, Alfred Smelling was sent to the Carol ines from Boston by this COngrega- tiOnal missionary board. For some probably good reason the work of Mr. Smelling was not satisfactory, and a few years since he was relieved and the Rev. Dr. Price was sent out to sup ply his place. MT. Smelling immediate ly revolted, and wherever Dr. Price established schools or opened churches MT. Smelling duplicated them. Each of the missionaries used his influence against the other, and in these contro- versies the natives took an active part. Dr. Price was recently superseded by the Rev. Mir. StimsOn, who is now car rying on the work in opposition to MT. Smelling: The latter is the more pop ular with the native population, 1t be- ing claimed that he maintains his hold upon them rather by a judicious distri- button of trinkets as presents than by the soundness of his doctrines or the energy of his religious work. The re- tives are all in favor of annexation to the United States, as is shown by an incident at POnape, the capital of the Caroline group, which Is held by the Spaniards with a small garrison and two gunboats. When the people of the island heard of the taking of Guam by the Americans they shut up the Spanish garrison in the fort and made ready to deliver them to the United States upon the first demand. A few of the Spaniards escaped to the gun boats, which they took up one of the rivers and concealed in a mangrove swamp. The natives show, in many ways, their kindly disposition toward the United States, and Capt. Leary will have an easy task in instituting a bet ter order of things than the people knew under Spanish rule.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

The sanitary value of trees is a mat ter which has ben too little regarded
 All forms of vegetation play a more or less important part in tempering the excess of climate, but the service Der formed by trees is by far the most ef- ficient. Their leaves present a vast area of surface to the air, while the tree itself occupies little ground space. With the destruction of forests have come marked changes in climate. The winters have grown colder, the sum- mers hotter. Streams which once flowed evenly are now transformed in few hours from trickling rills to raging torrents. The springs which fed them have gone dry. The earth not sheltered by trees Is more deeply frozen in winter and more parched in summer. With the extremes in climate, new and dangerous diseases have appeared in localities heretofore noted for their bealthfulness. The lost trees cannot, of course, be recalled; but by planting
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
His COnnarn

A commercial traveller on his trip called upon a well-known chemist. He was nervous as he put his hand in his pocket and handed out card,
 ''I represent that concern" said the young man.
 You are fortunate," replied the chemist.
 The commercial traveller was encour- aged, and said:
 ''I think so, sir, and the chemist who trades with us is even more so. My firm has the finest line of cosmetics in the country"
 ''I shouldn't have thought It," slow ly responded the man of medicines. "Her complexion looks natural"
 And he handed back the photograph which the young man had given him by mistake. He took it and left with. out waiting to make any farewell re-. marks,
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

Mrs. deety Greea has opened a cot tage at Newport, the first step neces- sary to secure desirable matrimonial alliance for her daughter. If the re turns are not favorable we presume that Europe will be the next point of attack. It seems important that some provision should be made for Miss Green, who is a very charming young woman, with more money than one would be justified In carrying about in Chicago after sundown. Now, Mrs. Green, with all her amiable traits, Is hardly the person to arrange the ten der prelimlnaries, and we might sug- gest that 1t would be advisable to se- cure the services of a shadchan of di- plOmacy and address, who would at tend to all the bothersome details for d trifiing consideration. We see m reason why Miss Green should not capture prince if her affairs are deli cately manipulated.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
The Largest Tree. In the World.

The largest tree in the world is to be seen at Mascali, near the foot of Mount Etna, and it is called ''the Chest nut Tree of a Hundred Horses" It's name rose from the report that Queen Jane of Aragon. with her principal no- bility, took refuge from violent storm under its branches The trunk is 204 feet in circumference. The largest tree in the United States, it is said, stands near Bear creek. on the north fork of the Tule river, in California. It meas ures 40 feet in circumference. The giant redwood tree in Nevada is 119 feet in circumference.-La Home Journal
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
A FAMOUS PLATE.
The First Engraving Was Printed
 on n Laundress' Bundle.

Two groups of tourists were standing in the Pitti palace before the large plate of pure silver upon which Finiguerra, the great master of early engraving, had depicted his lovely Madonna and Child" in trellised arbor covered with roses. An Italian lady was telling her friends in an undertone the charming anecdOte of Finiguerra and the laun- dress.
 The artist. it seems, in mastering the new and difficult art of engraving upon metal, had acquired a singularly keen eye and delicate touch, and he also pos sessed a number of very fine and sharp instruments. which he used in his work.
 Being a kindly man he sometimes placed both his sure hand and his fine tools at the service of his friends and neighbors in performing for them some of the simpler operations of surgery. until he acquired quite a reputation for his skill in doctoring their hurts.
 One day poor laundress who had been washing clothes, in wringing out garment in which a needle had been carelessly left, ran it deeply into her hand. Worse yet. it broke off in the wound and part remained imbedded in the flesh. She was in much pain, and on her way back from the stream where she had been washing she stop ped at the house of the artist and was admitted.
 Entering his studio she hastily set down her wet and heavy bundle and held out the injured hand, begging his assistance. Finiguerra left his work to help her, and after long and delicate manipulation extracted the broken nee dle. The woman thanked him and turned to go, lifting her bundle from it's resting place.
 Then he saw that she had set it upon one of his engravings. Like all others at that time, it was plate of engraved metal, complete in itself, and regarded as single and sufficient picture. exact ly as if it had been painting.
 But as the damp bundle was raised the quick eye of Finiguerra saw that it had received an impression from the engraved picture beneath, and his quick mind seized at once the suggestion of the possibility of indefinite reproduc- tion from a single original So that from the kindness of a great artist to a poor washerwoman sprang the discov- cry which has placed the beautiful products of the engraver's art within the reach of all of us today Youth 8 Companion.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

The new destructive weapons of war do not seem to do much destroying after all. We are told of savagely fought battles in which Maxim and Gatling guns are used, of tremendous bombardments. of desperate storms of shot hurled against the enemy, and then read that the loss of life on the part of the foe aggregates from thirty 10 fifty men. And the old-fashioned cyclone goes on its way and mows down hundreds in its path in a few seconds, to say nothing of wiping two or three towns off the face of the earth at the same time.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
He Returned the Compliment.

A young man and young woman are leaning over the front gate. They are lovers. It is moonlight. He is loath to leave. as the parting is the last. He is about to go away. She is reluctant to see him depart They swing on the gate.
 "I'n never forget you" he says. "and if death should claim me, my last thought will be of you. ''
 ''I'll be true to you, she sobs. ''I'n never see anybody else or love them as long as I live.
 They parted. Six years later he re- turns. His sweetheart of former years has married. They meet at a party. She has changed greatly. Between the dances the recognition takes place
 ''Let me see, she muses, with her fan beating tattoo on her pretty hand. twas it you or your brother who was my old sweetheart?''
 Really I don't know" he says Probably my father Exchange.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Heroic.

Shelf I were a man I would never rest until 1 had become a hero. It seems to me every man who is a man ought to do something heroic at least once in his life.
 He-Well, don't know but that you're right. l think myself that every man ought to be hero once in a while.
 She-Then why don't you have the courage of your convictions?
 He-I have. Didn't I walk clear down the aisle to the front pew with you after the preacher had got nearly half through with his sermon last Sun day morning?
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Women of Ancient Egypt.

Women always stood on level with men in ancient Egypt, unlike the GUS tom of other Eastern countries. They were allowed to rule as queens as early as the second dynasty. Their palaces were of brick, adorned with gorgeous ly painted walls, rich carpets, rugs of fur, ivory and ebony chairs and couch es. Till the end of the eighteenth dynasty, there was little change in fem mine attire, which consisted of fine and often transparent linen garment extending from shoulder to ankle, sup ported by straps over the shoulders. Colored robes were not frequently worn-gay plumage was left to the men. Women cOntented themselves with blackening their eyebrows, let ting their hair down and decking them selves with innumerable rings, chains and bracelets.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Time He Was Married.

A recent wedding in a western town was so much interrupted that the friends of the welded pair found special reason to congratulate them when the ceremony was at last over All went merrily until the bridegroom was called upon to produce the wedding ring In vain he felt in his trousers pocket for the indispensable article. Nothing could be found except a hole through which the ring had evidently fallen into the high boot which the young man wore What was to be donef
 "Take your boot off, said the parson.
 The suspense and silence were pain ful.
 The organist, at the priests bidding, struck up voluntary.
 The young man removed his boot; the ring was found; also a hole in his stocking. and the worthy minister re- marked. evidently with mere than the delay of the ceremony in mind:
 Young man. it is time you were married "
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
knOtty'' History.

Tying knots in a handkerchief to jog ones memory had its origin in China thousands of years ago Before writing was invented in that country. which did not happen until 5000 B. C.. memo rable and important events were record ed by long knotted cords. The most an- cient history of China is still preserved as told by these knots.
 When Emperor Tschang Xii invented writing, the entire system of "knot- tipg'' was abandoned And today the memory knots made by us in handker- chiefs are the only surviving descend ants of that ancient custom
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

The habit of using the heads, wings and breasts of birds for millinery pur- poses has always been the most dis couraging condition with which the lovers of birds have had to contend. In the hope that an object-lessOn might do something to discourage this practice, the Massachusetts Audubon Society re- gently gave a That show" at which prizes were awarded for the most at tractiVe hats and bonnets trimmed without the use of other feathers than those of the ostrich and domestic fowl. Many of the best-known society women of Boston gave the exhibition the sane tion of their presence and their patron age, and all the prominent milliners of the city sent the most attractive crea- tiOns their designers could produce within the stipulated conditions. The hats were divided into classes, and prizes were bestowed on those in which artistic results had been achieved at small expense, as well as upon those in which nothing but the most attractive effect had been considered. No thought full person who saw the beautiful color combinations, the artistic arrangement of ribbon and flowers and lace, could help feeling that here was enough to satisfy any real love of the beautiful, or any reasonable devotion to fashion; and that the mental attitude which found these results unsatisfactory and demanded the lives of the birds to grail fly its vanity, was derogatOry to true womanhood. There is a story of Sunday-school teacher who remOnstrat- ed with one of the boys in her class whom she had discovered in the act of taking the eggs from a birds nest. Think how the poor mother-bird will feelp' she said. "Huh!' replied the boy. You've got the mother-bird on your hat! l guess she won't feel very bad" The moral of the story need not be pointed out.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
A Wonderful New Violet.

Signor Emilio Borgiotti, an enthusi- astic lover of flowers near PistOja, Italy, has succeeded in producing a new species of violet six centimeters in diameter and having from seventy to 100 petals. He has presented some of his precious violets to Queen Mar gherita and to the Duchess of Aosta, as we'll as to many women of the aris- tocracy, but in spite of the entreaties of many florists he still refuses to place them on the market or to reveal the cross by which he has obtained this marvelously beautiful flower.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

Traveler-Why Is your clock always two hours late?
 Station Agent-So that the trains will leave at the times set down on the time table!-Fliegende Blaetter.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
l conomy Is Wealth.

Mrs. Nubbins (tO her husband, who has just returned from fighting a fire in his wood loD-For the lands sake, Silas, you've burned yer hands jest aw ful. Why didn't ye wear yer buckskin gloves"
 Farmer Nubbins-I reckon 1 know what Pm about, Hammer. This 'ere hide of mine'll grow on again all right, but buckskin gloves cost mOney."-New York World.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
The Difference.

"So you went into the stock market yesterday and made several thousand dOllars" said the young mans uncle.
 'Yes, sir"
 '"That shows how one may, with proper pluck and promptness, succeed if he will only take advantage of his opportunities"
 But lost that and several thousand more today"
 "YOung man, how often have told you that such transactions are merely gambling, and that you are bound to come to grief, sooner or later, if you dabble in them Washington Star.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
wi1,iam Rlac1.s pl.turbed pip.


 There fingers in Oban legend to the effect that one hot day William Black. the novelist, went to quiet place out of sight to swim. He undressed in re- mote part of the rocks. When he was in the water. woman, deeply immers- ed in a blue volume, which was ''The Princess of Thule, came and sat un- willingly near his clothes. The swim mer. tired with his exercise, was anx- ious to return to his garments. but the lady on shore was far too engrossed with the fortunes of Princess Sheila to heed the coughing intimations of his presence. Presently matters came to crisis A sportsman passed along the rocks and discerned MT. Blacks dark head bobbing above the waves. He took it for seal and was taking a deadly aim when MT. Black jumped up in the water and implored: Don't fire Pm a human man.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

Two hundred years ago the richest man in New York was German, aud from that day to this the representa- lives of that race in America have been noted for success in business. In the purely speculative methods of acquir- ing wealth they do not figure very prominently; there are few 'Napoleons of finance" among them. But where legitimate enterprise is the game there will they be found among the winners.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Elafed.

"Well, I see you've moved. Did those people you employed do a good job?"
 "Fine. They broke only five mirrors out of a possible six, and I think I can have the clustering they knocked of replaced at an outlay of not more than $45. I tell you these movers are get ting their business down to a science nowadays"
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Next Thing to It.

He-Oh, by the way, the doctor ad- vised me to eat a water cracker before going to bed; said 1t would prevent my insomnia. Are there any in the house?
 She-The only thing in the house ap- preaching a water cracker Is the ice pick.-Indianapolis Journal.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
A Tempting Subject.

remarked the fanciful person, 'I won der what he would think of all the con troversy his works have inspired"
 "A man of his genius wouldn't miss the opportunity" replied the student He'd write a splendid satire on 'em." Washington Star.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Economy.

A west Philadelphia young woman. on the ground of economy, fnducedher betrothed to waive the fornhality of an engagement ring and to give her the money, $1OO. instead After they had been married six months she informed him that she had invested the money in a life membership in woman 8 suffrage society.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

It seems to be the fashion just now ta show your affection for a girl by taking shots at her with revolver. It Is a curious sort of abnegatiOn this, in volvings as 1t does, the putting of the loved person out of the world.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Prudence.

"What made you challenge that American to duel?" asked a Parisian journalists friend.
 Ut was in self-defense. I thought that if I could get him to fight with weapons we could make it the usual harmless affair. Otherwise he'd be likely to insist on trying to whip me with his fists, and probably hurt me."- Washington Star.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

So the Sultan has made up his mind to pay the little bill he owes to certain American citizens for losses incurred in the course of the Armenian mas sacres. Even he sees the wisdom of the motto Don't monkey with buzz aaWn
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Enfnroino the Rnlea

"The gentleman from Squedunk is a thief, liar, and"
 "Bangw :~~1t the gavel, and the pre- siding officer exclaimed: "The gentle man will please address his remarks to the chair. Philadelphia North Amer ican.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Effective.

Young Criminal Lawyer-I have ar> ranged to have the prisoners wife and babies sit in front of the jury and weer all through the trial Do you think il advisable to pick bachelors or married men for the jury?
 Old Criminal Lawyer-Oh, it doesn't make a particle of difference-if bach. elors, they will sympathize with the woman and babies, and if married men they will sympathize with the prisoner Puck.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Pine for Dom Paul.

A great pipe has been made for President Krueger by a Dublin firm. The bowl is of the finest brier root, the stem of cut vulcanite, and the case of leather, lined with chamois. On the front of the bowl the TransVaa arms are carved.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

The peanut trust Is an accomplished fact, but owing to the abundance Of the raw material it will never be pos sible to corner the circus lemonade supply.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

HO' HAI'A NAN IL cost or SIS,UUU. The sculptor has not modelled the hero on the field of battle leading his division in a charge or encourag- ing his men during one of the many sanguinary struggles fought with varying success by the Army of the Potomac. The ''hero of Fort Stead man" is represented returning to his
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
A ThoughtfuI Child.

What Is the trouble, BirdieT'
 Father said we mustn't kiss any. body, cause we might exchange mi crObes, an was just thinking that Tommy Raglan must have a lot of microbes, and ought to get 'em back" Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Why Tommy Is Good.

Aunt Sophia-And Is Tommy a good little boy at school?
 Tommy-Yes, auntie.
 Aunt Sophia-And why is Tommy a good little boy?
 Tommy-'Cause it's better fun to see the other boys get a licking than to get one yourself.-Boston Transcript
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
He Was Left Ont.

"And so you are not going to run fol the legislature any more? Whats the matter? Too much personal business to look after?"
 'Naw, that ain't it, out Pm disgusted with the whole business. They didn't put me on any of the committees that went around to investigate things and had their railroad and hotel bills.n
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Single Excentinn.

''Oh, mamma, I'm miserable. know that I'm not fully in Harold's cOnfi- dence. Did papa ever keep anything from you, mamma?'
 Nothing Is, nothing but mon- ey."-Detroit Free Press.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
One Sure Way.

Tightfst-I've been as far as the door of the dentists office three times, but I can't get up courage to go in.
 Watts-I'll tell you what to do. Send the money down in advance. That will make you desperate.-Indianapolis Journal
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
LEY US ALL LAUGH.
JOKES FROM THE PENS OF VA
 -RloUS HuMORISTS.
Pleasant I.cidents Occurring the World Over Sayings that Are Cheer fui to Old Or Young-Funny selec- tioas that Yor Will Enjoy.

"We needn't be afraid observed the European diplomat, of s.any permanent alliance between England and the United States. All that Is necessary Is for us to wait few years"
 "Ah," replied another diplomat, you'd wait until some other English author visits America and describes the country?
 "No; wait until there fs~a boundary dispute between Canada and Chicago" Puck
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Another Point of View.

'This really pains me, Willie" said the old gentleman as he picked the boy up and laid him across his knee.
 Well" replied the boy, resignedly, "at least I've never been fool enough to deliberately hurt myself" Chicago Post.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

native town amid the plaudits of the populace, who strew the way with laurel and with palm. The gestp'e of the soldier proclaims that se Is an- swering the salutations of the public; the motion of his hand containing his cap Is arrested at the end of the sweep that lifted it from his head.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

Tripler has reduced the cost of liquid air from $500 half pint to $4 gallon. Even at that price the young man Is probably thankful that 'the summer gIrP' prefers ice cream soda to liquid
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

gently unve eiled with proper cere. monies and a pa rade. Gen. Miles and members of the cabinet were present.
 This monument has been erected by the State of Pennsylvania at a
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15

A woman never seems to know that she has performed a wonderful feat, that better not be undertaken again, when she has stepped backward off a street-car and still lives.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Hiding the Totals.
"Is that the street sweeperY

ITS that the street SWeeperW
 ''No; it's the brewery delivery wagon of the Beasley's. Mrs. Beasley gets them to come after dark, so that the neighbors won't count the cases. ."- Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
On the Bridal Tour.

Do you mind if I go out into the smoking compartment of the car for a few minutes?" he asked.
 You'd better not go just now," she replied, suggestively. Were coming to tunnel in a few minutes" ."-ChicagO Post.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Encouraging.

''Do you think you have any chance with her, Reggy"
 "Of course l do. She says herself that Pm one of her chance acQuaint. ances." s."-Detroit Free Press.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-07-15
Rackdoor Conversation.

Mrs. Watts-Well, how does your breakfast suit you?
 Weary Watkins Pretty good, mum, but it ain't like the handouts father used to get.-IndianapOlis Journal