davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Car. ana sneIInsn.

Did you ever notice the cats about the oyster stands of the city?" asked a gentleman who takes an interest in zo- ology "They are invariably as fat as butter That is because they get plenty of shellfish to eat, and, by the way, the fondness of cats for that kind of diet is mystery which I'd like to hear some evolutionist explain. A cat will go crazy over a shrimp, and it is all the same whether it's city cat or hay seed cat that never saw water except in a cistern It's taste born in them, like their fear of dogs, and the question is. How the mischief did they acquire it?
 According to the evolution theory, such traits are inherited and traceable to conditions away back toward the be- ginning of things. That would seem to indicate that the primal cat was fish CT, but how is one to reconcile the idea with the instinctive abhorrenee of the tribe for water? Their craving for she'll fish is certainly so pronounced that there must be an excellent reason behind it, and, altogether, it is quite pretty lit tie problem for some savant. It IS too hard for ma ''-Exchanpa
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
An Innocent Civilian.

The Chinese peasant wears turban, loose coat and short and very baggy trousers, all of blue. The Chinese sol dier wears the same, with an overall sleeveless smock, or long waistcoat, buttoning on the right shoulder, edged down the neck, arms and skirt and down the front with broad "facings." The breast and back are decorated with one-foOt bulps-eye with characters on 1t. This is all the character the
 Chinese soldier possesses. The bulls eye would be a very convenient mark for any enemy if the soldier would give
 him a chance of shooting him, but the
 bulPs-eye is only worn to raise false
 hopes, for no sooner does he arrive
 dangerously near the enemy than he
 doffs the garb of war to disappear as
 an innocent civilian. He is usually
 armed with a muZZle-loader or stand
 ard, both equally harmless weapons.
 In the case of Gen. Liu's escort the
 uniform smocks had evidently not been
 used as nghtshirts for more than a few
 weeks, the men were armed with Win
 chesters and a few Martinis, rusty, dir
 ty and out of order, and wore about
 their middles a belt of some sixty
 rounds of sOlid-drawn brass cartridges.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Tbe Spanish Oath.

Tn Austria a Christian witness is sworn before a crucifix between two lighted candles, and, holding up his right hand, says, "I swear by God, the Almighty and All Wise, that I will speak the pure and full truth, and noth- ing but the truth, in answer to anything may be asked by the court.
 Jewish witnesses, while using the same words, add to their solemnity by placing theil hands on the page of a Bible on which is printed the third commandment.
 A Belgian witness swears to be vera. cious in these words, "I will speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; so help me God and all the saints.
 The Spanish oath is more elaborate. The witness, kneeling on his right knee, places his hand on the sacred book, and, being asked by the judge, "Will you swear to God and by those holy gospels to speak the truth to all you may be asked?' answers, "Yes, I swear. |" Thereupon the judge says. "Then. if thus you do God will reward you, and if not will require of you" In some parts of the country the ceremony is different. The witness forms cross by placing the middle of bis thumb on the middle of his forefnger, and, kissing his thumb-a practice which would probably be very familiar to some Eng fish witnesses-exclaims, "By this cross I sWearI'-Law Notes
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Those Black Eyes.

"The small son of the people, gays the Philadelphia Record, "and his lit. tie sister were inside the great West Philadelphia church for the first time. 'Um-m-myl but it's beaut place, he whispered. I bet people wot belong here comes every time dey can. Her breath came to her in little gasps. Her soiled little finger pressed on his with thrilled intensity. Her eyes feasted on the splendid chancel. Heaven mus be nex' door, she said They hardly moved throughout the service, and never once let go each others hands, for it was as a strange land. At last the sweet voiced procession of choir boys came down the aisle. At it's head was a slim young seraph, with face as fair and pure as the linen he wore. Faint, dark circles beneath his eyes completed the ethereal effect.
 Is dem angels?' the little girl be- gan, but stopped short, surprised at the look on her brothers face.
 Dat kid in fronts Bill Griggs, wot licked last week fer swipin' t'ings from ole Hrs. Maguire's apple stand. He ain't got over dem black eyes l gev i'm yet. Come on, let's git out His face was stern and set as they went She furtiYelV wined a tear 1"
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Fish In Nantucket.

The residents of Nantucket are said to be so we'll satisfied with their small is- land that they care but little for the outside world. Naturally many of the men are employed in fishing, and the old fishermen delight to tell of the fool ish questions asked by the "rusticators' who visit Nantucket in summer. One summer visitor, in turn, tells this story of the town fish market:
 Have you any salmon?" I asked of the old salt, who was sharpening a mile.
 "No, ma'am," he answered, and then he added, in pleasantly conde- scending way, "We don't sell nothin but fish here.''
 Well," responded, salmon is fish, you know. They are caught in all"- But he interrupted me.
 ''Land! I know folks eat all sorts of things. 1 hear about lem eatin frogs and callin them fish, Folks are strange in their eatin, same as they be in their clothes. with critical glance at my bicycle skirt, 'hut all the fish that folks ought to eat can be caught right round these shores. Can't 1 sell you a nice bluefish, that ain't been out'n the water more'n an hour?"
 Not knowing any better way to re- gain his good opinion, 1 purchased the bluefish and went meekly home.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Few Class Distinctions in Siberia.

Few Class Distinctions in Siberia.
 There Is not much caste or class dis tinction in Siberia, and the few social rules are lax. The Russian Siberians mingle freely with the native tribes, and their customs and habits have. in consequence, been considerably modi- fled. have often seen groups of boys playing on the street, where the Kirghiz or Buriat boys were mixed in- discriminatory with the Russians. From their dress or language It was impOssi- ble to distinguish them; for both cos tune and language were strange mix ture. Only the peculiar features of the native or the more slOvenly appearance of the Russian would betray the slight est difference. It is an old saying that you scratch Russian and find Tar tar" It might be more appropriately said-at least, of the Russian peasant that you scrape the dirt off a Russian and find a clean Tartar; for the latter are decidedly the more cleanly.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
TRY ALIENS FOoT-EAsE

A powder to be shaken in the shoes. At this season of the year your feet feel swollen, nervous and uncomfortable. If you have smarting feet or tight shoes, try Aliens Foot-Ease. It rests and comforts {; makes walking easy. Cures swollen, and sweating feet, blisters and callous spots. Re lieves corns and bunions of all pain and is acertain cure for Chilblains, Sweating damp or frosted feet. Wehave over thirty thous- and testimonials. Try it today. Sold by all druggists and shoe stores for 25c. Trial package FREE. Address, Allen $. Olm- sted Le Row N Y
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
MYSTERIES OF CIENEGA.
Deserted Arizona Station the Scene O!
 Bloody Robbers Operations.

Deserted Arizona Station the Scene of Bloody Robbers Operations. Those who can remember back to 1872 and whereabouts in this part of the Territory recall that Cienega station had a remarkably tragic history. It was once the abode of small though desperate band of cutthrOats-malnly the employees of the stage company who posed as honest hosts while oper- ating a private graveyard for unfortu nate travellers, not unlike nor inferior to that which has clothed the name of Bender with its worldwide terror and abhorrence. It was the most important station between Tuscon and Silver City, on the old Butterfield stage route that ran between San Diego and Fl Paso.
 The tragic mysteries of Cienega sta tion were never entirely cleared up. for murders and robberieS and holdups followed so swiftly on the heels of each other that the real miscreants were never dealt with by the authorities. That their crimes were avenged, how ever, as crimes always are, is shown in the Indian massacre which occurred there in the fall of 1873. One dark night the Apaches gathered in silence on the surrounding hills. and at day break, with a whoop and yell, they rushed in on the little band at the sta tion and massacred all If any escaped no one knows who 1t was or where he went, and the presumption Is that all were killed. On little knoll, back of the station, are the mounds of eighteen unknown graves. marked by a single shaft that tells the work of the aveng- CTS. Most of the crimes perpetrated by the white men at Cienega were laid to the door of the Apaches, and it. was afterward found that moccasins were kept by the robbers as part of their highway paraphernalia.
 The most widely known crime of the Cienega fiends was the capture of $75,- 000en route from Fl Paso to San Diego, in charge of small government guard. These were funds of the United States paymaster, and the three men who at tempted to convey them in blackboard past Cienega station were murdered on the spot. It was known that this crime was perpetrated by Americans dis guised as Apaches. At this time it was impossible for these Cienega Renders to get out of the country with their treasure, so most of 1t was buried in secret. Then came the Apache aveng- CTS. Often since then idle prOspectors have made vain searches for the hidden treasure.-Arizona Gazette.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
INSECTS AS HOODOOS.
They Keep Settlers Away From Man!
 Parts of the World.


 Parts of the World.
 Nothing could more strikingly illus trate the importance of small things than the large role which is now at- tributed to the mosquito in the etiology of some of the most serious and wide spread diseases to which the human race is subject. It is truly said that what prevents the successful colonization of many tropical countries and what throws the greatest obstacle in the way of civilization of and good government in vast regions of central Africa is not climate, not distance from home and not unfriendliness on the part of the natives The obstacle is malaria, and now we find that the prevalence of ma- laria, so far as man is concerned, de- pends on the mosquito, and that this pestilent little insect, in addition to ir- ritating and annoying, is the means by which the poison of malaria is propa gated and distributed.
 For years back botanists have known the important part played by birds in the scattering of seed and of insects in the distribution of the pollen of plants, and it seems not unlikely that pathol- ogists will have to recognize in much larger degree than has till lately been done the large part taken by the subor dinate forms of life by which we are surIounded-our cattle, our horses, our dogs and cats, our flies, our mosquitoes, and perhaps even our feas-in dis tributing disease from man to man, and, as is stated in regard to the mosquito and malaria, in deciding whether the extension of our empire over great areas of the globes surface shall be possible or not. Hospital.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Why Bill Wns Discounted.

Blizzard Bill went up to the new parsons house with an unpleasant CT rand in view. He meant to run him out of town.
 Three hours later he met Ginger Joe.
 Ginger looked him over.
 Grizzly or dynamite?" he softly iD- quired.
 Bill looked at Ginger through his half shut eyes.
 You're a derned pretty sort O friend, you areI' he hoarsely growled. "Why in merry thunder didn't you tell ne the parson was an army chaplain?' Cleveland Plain Dealer
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Honesty i'm the Emp:re City.

The proprietor of one of Manhattan's most fashionable hOstelries ordered $5,- 900 worth of table silverware the other day. When the goods were delivered he refused to take them at any price, as the name of the hotel had been stamped upon them. He explained his strange action by saying that people often dine at the house only to take away knives, forks and spoons as sou venirs. 'If the name of the hotel is not on them" he said. "they leave them alone, for their only reason in dining here is to steal these stamped goods and show them to their friends to prove that they are in the habit of patronlzlng fashionable hostelries."
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
An Actor.s CooInens.

An actor who was playing Claude Melnotte lost his memory to such an extent in the scene where he makes love to Pauline and describes the imaginary villa by the lake of Como that the prompter was obliged to come to his re- lief and recite the whole passage ill 8 loud voice.
 Claude, however, was cool enough to do his part by saying, "Tell me, dear est. you like the picture"-turning to the which this gentleman has been kind enough to submit to your consideration?'- ?'-Nuggets.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
TwfstaH T.oNic

It is said that during the Irish rebel lion of l848 bishop sent request tc parish priest for information and re- ceived the reply, "The peace of the country is assured; faction fights are increasing"
 A similar twist Ill logic is manifested in a message of congratulation received by Mr. Willis, on his election to the New South Wales parliament. The tel egram from his agent read, "Carnida jubilant; heavy fighting; several hurt. including self "-London Chronicle.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Suwannee Spring.

A short distance down the peninsula and below Jasper Is Suwannee Spring. It forms one of the principal feeders of l the river, and is a well-known favorite winter resort. It is some distance from the railroad station, and tourists are taken thither in an ancient 'dinky" street car, and their baggage on a flat open car linked behind. Both are drawn by a venerable but vicious looking mule, and the wisdom of the owners of both the vehicle and the mule is exhibited by the length of the traces, which are suf- fcient to allow the animal to kick free Iy without battering down the dasher, should the whim seize 1t to make the attempt.
 Suwannee Spring, like many of the otherlarge bodies of so-called springs in Florida, is nothing more or less than the coming to the surface of consid erable sized underground river, and, like many of these springs, that at Su- wannee is supposed to possess valuable medicinal qualities, particularly for dis eases which affect the kidneys and bladder.
 The large, springs of Florida are among Its greatest curiOsities, and many of them are wonderful for their beauty and varied features. Almost invariably they are clear as crystal and very deep, some as much as eighty feet. Many, like Suwannee and Green Cove springs, are heavily charged with sul phur, and others, like those at HOma- sassa, with sulphur, iron and magnesia. The waters are almost invariably warm.
 Besides the Suwannee Spring there are eothers In the near vicinity. one few miles below, called High Springs, and still a third close beside the railroad tracks at Juliette. This one is quite large and of such remarkable limpid- ness that from the railroad tracks, more than a hundred feet away, fish may be plainly seen swimming about in it's depths.-Florida Letter in Philadelphia Ledger.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
"I Feel Like a New Person."

Mrs. GEO. LEACH,
 1909 Belle St., Alton, H., writes:
 Before began to take your Vege- table Compound was a great sufferer from womb trouble. MenSes would ap- pear two and three times in month, causing me to be so weak could not stand. Icould neither sleep nor eat, and looked so badly my friends hardly knew me.
 "I took doctors medicine but did not derive much benefit from it. My drug gist gave me one of your little books, and after reading it decided to try Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Com pound. I feel like new person. I would not give your Compound for all the doctors medicine in the world. l can not praise it enough"
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
shan Porto Rico be a State.

Our public men are trying to decide what action should be taken regarding the status of Porto Rico. We have never be- fore had to deal with similar condition where nearly million people of foreign tongue have been annexed. Neither have we ever had before such reliable medi- cine for malaria, fever and ague as Hos tetter's Stomach Bitters. It drives the poisons out of the system and esta blishes strength to resist future attacks,
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
How He Won Her.

Tom-I'm surprised to hear of Dicks engagement to the wealthy Miss Anti quate. I was under the impression that she was a confirmed man-hater.
 Jack-So she was, but Dick won her through diplomacy.
 Tom-How so?
 Jack-She asked him to order bell for her bicycle and he told her that she didn't require another. as there was a belle on her wheel every time she rode it. After that he had everything his own way.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25

Mrs Watts-Don't you find your neuralgia an awful annoyance?
 Mrs Potts-Oh, get used to it more or less, and besides l always get the tenderest piece of the steak when my teeth are lame. "-Indianapolis Journal
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25

We pay $IOO if we cannot prove that we can save you MONEY on everything you buy, We are saving the people of the Pacific Coast thousands of dollars every month. For full particulars, address, Gil bert Clements Sons, 2l8 California St. San Francisco, Cal, Wholesale and Retailers of family Supplies.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Confuted by an AxIom.

Now, children, want you all to re '''err Der that James Watt discovered the moudelfCl steam engine by simply watching the kettle boil"
 Please, ma am, 1 dun't just see how that could be. '"
 Why not"'
 Cause watch pots niver boils. D. Brooklyn Life
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Ind Other Changes.

"I wonldn't have refused that young man if I'd beSn you. said maiden aunt to her young and trisky niece.
 ''I don't think 1 would either if I'd been you, :" retorted the saucy maiden --HarpGr's BaZar
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Swearing in Austria.

In Austria a Christian witness Is sworn before a crucifix, between two lighted candles, and. holding up his right hand, says: 'I swear by God. the Almighty and All Wise, that I will speak the pure and full truth, and noth- ing but the truth, in answer to anything may be asked by the court"
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
The Sensible Girl.

"No," said the heroine of the smart novel. 'I can never be your wife.
 "But why?" walled the stricken man. Because, she replied. "you do not corvOrso iu epigrams. Philadelphia North American.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
In.f Whntue Mennf.

"It was a pitch battle, l" be said.
 '' Pitched. you mean. she correct ed.
 "I don mean anything of the kind" he replied. "I mean pitch. It was fight between tars." ."-Chicago Post.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Taken Hold.

We can wake up from sleep and find that soreness and stiffness have taken hold Of us. We can use St. Jacobs Oil and go to sleep and wake up and find ourselves cOmnletelY cured
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25

When coming to San Francisco go to Brooklyn Hotel, 20S--2l2 Bush Street. Am erican or European plan. Room and board $1.O0 to $1.5O per day; rooms 90 cents to $1.00 per day; single meals 9 cents. Free coach. Chas. Montgomery,
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
A Judicial Ruling.

During the hearing of case at the Bloomsbury county court counsel refer red to the defendant, an Oxford master of arts, as ''this man. whereupon de- fendant's counsel protested, saying he might at least have used the word "gen- tleman. Judge Bacon = Nonsense That is the soct of affectation you often hear among women when they say "you ought to call me lady '" In my opinion man is much better title than gentleman. Telegraph
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Easy Chances.

A slip may sprain, a thump may bruise; easy chances for pain and trouble. An easy way to cure right off is to use St. Jacobs Oil. It takes no chances and knows what It can do.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
Write it Down.

Write it down in book so you can see it every day, that St. Jacobs Oil is as sure to cure Lame Back or Lumbago as you write it down. Itdoes it's best with it and leaves behind a cure that stays.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
REGAINED HEALTH.
Gratifying Letters to Mrs. Pink
 ham From Happy Women.
"I Owe You My Life.S
Mrs. E. WooLHIsER,
 Mills, Neb., writes:

Mills, Neb., writes:
 "DEAR MRS. PINKHAM :-I owe my life to your Vegetable Compound. The doctors said I had consumption and nothing could be done for me. My menstruation had stopped and they said my blood was turning to water. l had several doctors. They all said l could not live. Ibegan the use of Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound, and it helped me right away; menses returned and I have gained in weight. I have better health than have had for years. It is wonderful what your Com pound has done for me-"
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25

No household is complete without a bottle of the famous Jesse Moore Whiskey. It is a pure and wholsome stimulant receommened by all physicians. Don't neglect this necessity.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
In the Churches.

Tn one of the churches of Cincinnati the women now remove their hats dur ing the service, the innovation being regarded with general favor.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25

CITC Permanently Cured. No nts or nervous. il1S ness after first days use of Dr. KIines Great Nerve Restorer, Send for FREE &2 .OO trial bottle and treatise. DR. R. Fl. KLINE Ltd. eS0 Arch St., Philadelphia. Pc.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
4 Clever sIanaGer.

The Groom tVery wealthy)-Why did you marry an ordinary chap like me!
 The Bri1e-I haven't the slightest idea. Mamma managed the whole effair Harlem Life
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25

Last year the total cost of operating the Anaconda mine in Montana amounted to $1S,000, 900.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
STATE OF OHIO, CITY OF TOLEDO, sS
 LUCAS COCNTY. SS'

 FRANK J. CHENEY makes oath that he is the senior partner of the firm of F. J. CHENEY & Co.,, doing business in the city of Toledo, County and State aforesaid and that said firm will pay the sum of ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS for each and every case of Catarrh that cannot be cured by the use of HALLS CATARRH CURE.
 FRANK J. CHENEY. Sworn to before me and subscribed in my pl essence, this eth day of December, A. D. 1886. { ~ A. w. GLEASON, SEAL Notary PNblic. N
 Halls Catarrh Cure is taken internally and acts directly on the blood and mucous sur faces of the system. Send for testimonials, free.
 F.J. CHENEY & CO, Toledo, O. Sold by Druggists. 75c.
 Halls Family Pills are the best.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25
To Cure a Cold i'm One Day.
Had Itn Unen.

Take Laxative Promo Quinine Tablets. All Druggists refund money if it fails tO cure. Poe.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25

My doctor said would die, but Piso's Cure for Consumption cured me.-Amos Kelner, Cherry Valley, Ills, Nov. 23, '95.
The St. Johns herald., 1899-02-25

Any woman who Is genuinely loved by her husband. Is a great woman.