davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
what "Yours sincerely" Means.


Perhaps the jerry builders of London
who construct ceilings part of which
tumble into ones soup and floors
which Unexpectedly drop into the eel
lar would not be so glib to subscribe
themselves Yours sincerely" If they
knew the origin OF the phrase. The
Stone Trades Journal. waxing classic
and Vitruviuslike. gives the source of
the thing, which to students Is old, but
which may be new to the gentry who
profess to provide shelter for a great
part of the community:
1.-THE extent to which marble is en-
tering into the decoration OF modern
buildings is but repetition of the his
tory of Roman architecture. The fact
is that the old Roman jerry builders
used defective slabs of marble in erect
ing residences to sell at reduced rates
and covered up the defects with ce-
ment of which white wax formed the
chief ingredient. They looked just as
stately as the others till an exception
ally hot sun melted the wax aud re-
vealed the fraud; hence a perfect build
ing was said to be sine cera' or with
out wax and friendship perfected
by the trial of adversely was said to
be without wax The signature sine
cera,' as a symbol of genuine affection
and probity, has been used ever since
and Is perpetuated In the English word
sincerity"
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

At Cape Town a lion tanner was 60
ing through a performance in cage
with a full grown lion lately caught.
Suddenly it was seen that the brute
was putting the trainer through his
PAGES rather than being put through it
self. Softly. crouching and creeping
the Big cat edged itself between the
thoroughly unnerved man and the door
of the den. fixing its victim With two
rolling yellow orbs of flaming ferocity
and saving the empty air with its tuft-
ed tail as it crouched preparatory to
springng.
Many men among the audience, used
to the ways of wild beasts, saw and
comprehended, but only one man pos
sessed the knowledge and the presence
of mind to avert the apparently inevi-
table. Pursuing up his lips as though
he were going to whistle, he emitted a
horse, low, rasping hiss
The beast heard and understood, for
the sound was an exact imitation of
the noise made by the giant constructor
when it's huge body is coiled for the
throw that never misses. that never re-
lakes and that no beast Of the field Is
strong enough to withstand Again
and yet again the raucous sound rasp-
ed the stiffness. and the angry brute
drew back its head, its great eyes grew
small and dull, the hackles rose and
stiffened on it's back, and 1t covered,
whining. on the floor of the cage.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

Mrs White determined in the first
flush of her newly wed dignity that
she was not going to be squeezed" by
the Chinese cook and the storekecpfr.
as 1t was quite plain every one else
was. Accordingly she purchased seal s
ton of personally weighing everything
For some days this method proved very
satisfactory. but she was sometimes
little puzzled on finding that the proyi-
sions occasionally weighed more than
was charged for.
One day the mystery was solved.
She was carefully weighing chicken.
In China mol only is everything. living
and dead, sold by weight. but fowls are
always supplied alive. The chicken
during the weighing operation sudden
ly entered n vigorous objection and be-
gan to flap and struggle with all its
might. and during these nappings and
strugglings something weighty fell
with a thud to the floor, evidently from
somewhere about the chicken. This
turned out to be n large piece of lead
which had been cunningly fastened un-
der one of the wings. Further inyesti-
CATION led to the discovery of a similar
piece underneath the other wing. The
overweight of the past few days was
now accounted for.-Chambers' Jour.
nal
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
John l.. suIIisan,s nra,vn.

Some eminent tfagedians were once
quizzing John l.. Sullivan. then In his
heyday- Said one Of them:
Say, John, why don't you try the le-
climate? Look at Muldoon. He has
played the wrestler until he Is as well
known In connection with Shakespeare
as he Is on the mat"
John looked thoughtful for a moment
and then growled:
Say, do you think could do IT."
why, sure. Play The Gladiator
Just the piece for you"
Once again John thought awhile and
then said:
Say, that's a good idea. | think I've
got good scheme to work with II too -
What Is 1t. John3"
why I'd have real solid iron
arena. I'd come into the arena and
holler, Bring out your wild OK See?
Then I'd have 'em bring in a live bull.
I'd wrestle round the ring with II until
| got a good hold on Its horns. and then
I'd slowly twist it down and break its
neck. Then I'd put my foot on its neck
and say, Behold the inyincible, yours
truly, John l.. Sullivan, champion of
the worldr I'd kill a real live bull for
'em every night. How do you think
that'd hit EN-
Great! But great Scott, John! Can
you kill bull like that"
Huh. Can /? Come out to the
slaughter house and see me do it
Kansas City Independent.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
Death of Ezekiel Robbins.

Mr.. Ezekiel Robbins quietly passed
away, Friday morning, Dec. 14th, after
long illness, age "a years, IL months,
IA days. Mr.. Robbins has been confined
TO the house for two years and during
the latter part of his life he was per-
ftctly helpless.
He had lived in Madison thirty-one
years and was highly esteemed by every
one who knew him. He was a member
of East Madison grange under whose
auspices the funeral service was con-
Quoted. A large number of the brothers
and sisters came to show their love and
respect and to look for the last time on
their beloved brother.
He leaves wife and one son; also two
sisters, one brother and other relatives
and friends to mourn his loss. He will
long be remembered as an honest man
and kind neighbor.
Mr.. Robbins was born in Madison, but
at the age of two years his parents
moved to Scion, where he lived until he
was married. He married Eliza Hun
newell of Scion, in 1869 and then moved
back to Madison, where he resided until
his death.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
Nj ETHODIST.
At Washington.

After spending the greater part of the
past fortnight in considering the Hay
Pauncefote treaty for the modification
of the Clayton-Bulwer convention of
1890, the Senate Thursday consumed
only one hour and ten minutes in
amending it and ratifying it as amended.
During this time there were six roll
calls and seven viva votes. The ratiica.
ton resolution was adopted by vote of
IS to Is,
The river and harbor bill was com
pleted at Washington Friday and Chair
man Burton gave out statement show
ing the amounts appropriated. The
total is approximately $50 1000, 900, of
which 1928, 900, 600 is in direct appropri.
atoms and about $37, 900, 900 is in author
ization of contracts for continuous work.
Compared with former river and harbor
bills the present one is the second largest
on record and after the Senate has ad
ded amendments it is expected to be
we'll up to, If not ahead of all previous
records. The bill of 1900 carries $780,
953, 1876, and that of 1907, which was the
largest on record, carries $72, 275, 954.
No business was transacted by the
Senate Friday. The news of the death
of Mrs. William p. Frye, wife of the
president pro tenn of the Senate, was con-
veyed officially to the body and out of
respect to her memory immediate ad-
journment was taken until January 8,
1901.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
W est Athens.

Mr.. E. W. Bane of West Ripley was
in town, Saturday evening and Sunday
forenoon.
Miss Lena Corson closed a very
success sful term of school, Saturday, Dec.
r.
Mr.. Walter Raymond. Who is at work
pressing hay, was in town, Sunday.
Miss Ionic Corson is spending a
weeks vacation at home
Maurice Small has been in town for
The past week.
Mrs. Katie Butierfeld OF Corrville
was in town Sunday
Mrs. Helen NJ. Kincaid of East
Madison was in town lew days last
week.
Miss Edna Buchanan. who has been
at Scion al work was IN town and at
tended the lodge and the school exhibit
ton. last Saturday evening.
Miss Blarche G. Deyol went to West
Ripley TO spend Christmas
Miss Ionic Corson aud Katie Leavitt
attended the Christmas tree at Brighton,
Monday night.
Mr. Guy Williams of Bingham was in
town Sunday
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
Athens.

Mr. j. W Hinckley, who has been
gaining, il having series Of bad days,
this week Il is hoped that there will
be an improvement IN his condition ere
long.
Miss Winnie Goodrich is passing
few days with here. She returns to
Boston, this week
Mr.. Henry Cleveland Of Dexter is
visiting his brother, Mr.. M. ,. tleveland.
There will be Christmas tree and
concert at the church 10 this place.
Tuesday evening.
Mr.. and Mrs. Leland Bosworth are
living in " aterville.
Mr.. David sharp is quite poorly.
We learn that some pressed hay stored
in Simon Fox's barn was stolen recently
by night The hay belonged to A. c.
Emery. Who the thief?
Mr.. {. Z. Emery and Miss Ina passed
Monday in Skowhegsn.
The fierce looking conger in the shop
window Of l.. {. Williams attracts much
attention, also tho cunning coons.
Christmas weather was warm and
beautiful although it cannot be called a
green Christmas as We had 30 heavy
a mantle Of the beautiful"
N. {. Green has secured a position
and gone away.
The last meeting of the Woman's club
was held at the home of Mrs Nellie
Fox, her daughter Mrs. Ida Cook and
Mis-. Maud Flanders being the hostesses.
The program was on Christmas and
nice refreshments were served. A
feature Of this meeting that each mem
Der carried a book-some standard
work-Which was to be left with the
club librarian, to be read by the club
mem beTs each one at last receiving her
own again. Several magazines are
taken by the club also and these. with
those presented by Miss Louise Turner,
will give members all they will have
time for reading.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
SkOwhegan Markets.
Corrected Weekly by y. Il. BARTLETT.
PRICES PAID PRODUCERS

Corrected Weekly by y. Il. BARTLETT.
PRICES PAID PRODUCERS.
BUrrER-tlrst qualty, stamped, o to p per ID
BEKF-OX beef, 10 cts.
BEANs-Hand-picked yellow eyes, 500 to S2.50
pea beans, S2.25
OATs-ircts
Goes % ,ts. per doz fresh.
HIDES AND sKINs-hides, cts; lamb skins IS
each S h calf skins, Is to s1.oo each.
PouLrRY-Fowls, To lie cts. per ID. ) chickens
10 to II cts.
ROUND HoG-6la cts.
WOOL nwashed. 20 cts.
TALLow-Rough CT. per ID,
roTAToES-45.
RETAIL nARKEr,
New Maple MoAsses p cts per Of
CHEEsE-l5 per III.
FLoUR-Spnng wheat Patent, $500 Winter
wheat pat $500 Winter wheat choice, e4o0
to 81 So extra, $50 to 2.75.
CoRS-Sllb per bag; meal and cracked corn
81 .O6 per bag.
c. 5. MEAL-si.5 so per bag.
FEEp-Middlings, Sl.oo 10 lloper cwt Chicago
gluten lS5 sack
TEAs-40 Ia 80 cents per ID.
CoFFER-l2la to IS cts. per b.
LARp-Domestic 10 cts Pure locts'
PoRK-lOc.
80.
CHOICE COOKING Mol AssEs 25c.
DRY FIsH-Cod, 4 to,6 cts, per 10; pollock,
cts
OSIoNs-S c. per 10.
EGos-2S cts dor fresh
SUGAR-Granulated, Sugar best quality lo
pounds for $500
brown, II pounds for 81.
BurrER-20 to 24cts. per 10
OATs-Western old 40 eta.
PntAtoss-New, so, TO SIS. bu-
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
Chinese Affairs

The representatives of the several
powers at Pekin have agreed upon the
terms of the joint note, preparatory to
the negotiation of treaty of peace with
China and 1t has been signed and deliy.
cred to Prince Ching, who said he would
Immediately forward IL to the Emperor.
L is generally understood that the Chi
nese government will accept the condi.
lions imposed, which under the circun-
stances are very fair and even lenieut.
Thus the. beginning of the end may be
said to have been reached.
Among the more important require.
ments of the note are equitable indemni
ties to governments, societies, companies
and individuals; the right of each
power to maintain a permanent guard
for its legation and to put the diplomatic
quarter in defensible condition; right
to military occupation of certain points
and destruction Of certain forts when
might obstruct free navigation between
Pekin and the sea; the prohibition OF
membership In any anti-foreign society
under the penalty of death; decree hold
ing viceroys and other high officials re-
sponsible for maintenance of order
within their jurisdiction.
1t is to be hoped this basis of negot,a.
tions will prove to be acceptable and
that treaty will be made that will
cause peace to prevail over that vlst
country with decent government and
security to person and property. Pc
this end has our government worked
throughout the protracted oontroversy.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

An English parson Of church in
Berbce, British Guiana. writes enter
tainingly of his pastoral duties. In the
matter of christening the choice #
name is left to the taste or fancy of the
parents. This leads to strange comb
nations. H. copies from his register
"Nannie Beilona," frank Locust and
"Whsly Ellmanuel." OF earlier times
he tells the following:
One black man brought his child, and
when the minister asked its name he
said, "Scriatim ad Nalorem."
On another occasion the parson ask
ed, "What ia the name of the ehld?'
The fathe, said. LAX, parson." The
minister looked inquiringly at the man
and said
But don't understand you"
well, parson," said the man, my
mind gle III" to go troo de New Tesla
ment. haze had four boys. The first
was named Matthew, the second Mark.
the third Luke and the fourth John.
Now, this, the fifth one. is to be Ak
[Actsl. parsol."
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
II | don't understand VOL"


Disfranchisement is one of the pecul-
lar disabilities under which a peer of
the realm suffers Lord Salisbury once
attempted to secure vote for liert-
ford and MiddleseX, but the revising
barrister at Hatfield refused the claim
on the ground that time had given the
disability the character of law and that
peers by the law of parliament neces-
sary for the dignity and freedom of the
two houses were not permitted TO vote
for members of the house of commons.
Lord Salisbury took the case TO the ap-
peal court. hut as he could quote mel
Their precedent nor authority he was
obliged to 90 back 10 Hatfield without
his vote.-London Chronicle
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

A negro lynching occurred in Akron,
last August, and the participants pro-
badly thought they would escape legal
penalty but they were doomed to dis
appointment. Twenty-Five Of them
have been sentenced to imprisonment for
terms ranging from thirty days to five
years and fourteen more are likely to re-
ceiye similar punishment. This will be
likely to have salutary effect upon
people who think its fine thing to be-
long to murderous mob. Enforce
ment of law ls good thing for law and
order.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

The Maine legislature begins its BIZ
ennial session, Wednesday next. There
will be large number of projects to
come before that body during the session
which will probably extend we'll into
March. The taxation issue is one OF the
most important and will probably take
much time and discussion. 1t Is hard
problem to get taxation to bear, even
with approximate weight, upon all in
terests and lines of property but our
senators and representatives will under
take the work with good intentions
and fair prospects of reasonable success.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
The death OF Mrs. William P. FRYE

The death OF Mrs. William P. Frye Is
deeply regretted by very large number
OF people in the National capital and all
over the country. Her acquaintance
was very large and she was highly re-
spected and warmly loved, particularly
in the State of Maine. She was one Of
the notable women at Washington and
her long experience there, with her
ready tact and knowledge of public
affairs made her helpmeet indeed to
her able and popular husband, to whom
the sympathy of many is extended in
this, his hour of great affection.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
nepInnInp EnrIy.

"Shall have 10 get married when
grow up asked little Flossie one day
of her mother
Just as you please. dear" answered
her mother, with a smile. Most women
do however"
Eyes; suppose So continued the lit
tie girl muSingly, and l think I'd bet
ter start and look out for a husband
now. They say that Aunt Jane has
been at it for 20 years aud hasn't
caught one yet. Exchange.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
West PittNfield.

Mr. Joseph Smell of Holyoke, Mass is
with his bror er, Albert Smell, who is
critically i'll at this writing.
Hon. Don. A. H Powers and Judge F.
A. Powers visited their mother at the old
home. Christmas.
The Christmas tree and program were
success in every particular. living
Tuttle was chairman Rev F. l. Jackson
OF Moore's Mills, Canaan, offered prayer ;
fire music was rendered b a quartette
consisting of II e following, G. w Patten,
Mr.. and Mrs. Arthur Patten ard Mrs.
Fred Allen. The part taken by the child
rem was well carried out. G.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
The Closing Year.

Before another number of the REPOR-
TER shall have been issued year and a
century will have closed and a new year
and new century will have been enter
ed upon. One period of time may be as
important as another but still 1t seems
hardly the correct thing to allow the
closing either of year or a century
without some recognition thereof.
The year just dra wing to a close has
been one of great Importance, big with
events of me 1nitude. Likewise the
nineteenth century, that will close aus
piciously, Monday next at IL o'clock at
night, has been one Of transcendentsim-
portance to us individually and to our
country in greater measure than to the
nations of the world at large.
What is 10 store for us In the coming
century, for us individually and as a
nation is an inquiry that naturally comes
Into our thoughts. Although the judg-
ment of some is superior none can with
certainty give an accurate answer to this
question. 1t is not a period of prophecy.
1t does not appear to us that there is so
great opportunity for advancement in
the sciences, in mechanics, In invention
in the future as in the past. What the
development will be alongIthese lines and
in economic affairs none can tell. We can
but bespeak for humanity the best good
and wish our readers one and all a "Hal-
ply New Year" and a hope that they
may live long and happily in the new
century.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

81 am quite certain that poor man
has seen better times said Mrs Gaz-
Fam after giving breakfast TO tramp
mo doubt" added MIR. Gazzam dry
ly. "They all have"
"But this poor fellow didn't ask me
for broken victuals He said 1t grieved
him to be obliged to apply for a cola
ton" Detroit Free Press.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

A Christmas present of million and a
half dollars from John d. Rockefeller is
cause enough for rejoicing among those
directly interested in the Chicago Univer-
sity. One million was for endow-
ment and the half million for general ex-
penses. There are no conditions to be
lived up to, nor any specified way that
the money should be used, which makes
the Gift the more appreciated.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

The levees on both sides Of the Mis-
sissippi are Of sufficient extent that II
they were bIilt In single straight line
they would be about 1900 miles long or
long enough to stretch the greater part
of the distance between New Orleans
and New York.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

An item appears in Maine daily papers
of yesterday giving account of muir
derous row In camp on Chase Stream
In the vicinity of The Forks. Diligent
inquiry made by Sheriff Pennell by wire
discloses the fact that the foundation for
the story Is of decidedly mythical
character.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

A birdseye view Of the sanitary stu
alton of Europe shows that ii is the
damp, chill. cloudy north which is
healthy and the dry, warm, sunny
south which is unhealthy.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

1t is understood that Congressman
Boutelle will resign his seat about March
4, when President Mckinley will place
him upon the list as retired captain In
the navy In accordance with the act Of
congress recently passed.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

The lie Contc pear. which revolution
lied pear growing in southern Califor-
MIA, was originally the Chinese sand
pear, grown solely for ornamental pur-
poses.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

Some two or three years ago the Neva-
da Legislature passed bill making it
lawful to shoot wild horses on the ranges.
AS result some 5000 horses were killed
Now there is a demand for range horses,
which supply is not sufficient to allow
them to furnish, and it is said that 5000
of them would be worth at least Sage. 200
now. They are bewailing their short
sighted policy of destruction.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
SOUTH NORRIDGEWOCK
SOCIETIES.

SOCIETIES.
LEBANON LoDGE No. I1s +. & A. H.-cbarJes
farrand, Master {. A. Ward Sec; +. g.
on OF before the fun Of the moon.
CEDAR CHAPTER No 81, o. T.. s.-Blanche r
ward, Worthy Aatron, Maud A. Carr, See :
Lucy 3 Husssy Treas. Meetings third FriaaS
evening Of each month at Masonic Hall
QUISsKBAssETT LODGE No. Ioa /. o. 0 p
W X DeYereu1, Noble Grand. 4. W. Wing SEC
l.. X Folsom, Treas. Meetings Monday even.
ings at 30.
soMKHsET LODGE No. III RKBEKAH-Mrs.
jeanette johnson; Noble Grand Mrs Map
Carr, Recording Sec; Mrs. A . Frederic
Treas. Meetings md and 4th Friday evenings
Echo LoDGR 1913 KSIOHTs or PYTHAs-Ieon
iayior, & q Ellis Tobey, X. Of X. & S.; E. 4.
Nickerson, Master OF E1chequer Tuesday even.
ings at X. +. Hall.
Holt, {. T. ". +. Brown, Sec; Alfred Tutte
Grange Hall.
sonERsKT GRANGE No. Il 2. Of Holm
FieIce' asteT T. II. Tobey, sec Eben Miller,
ifeas' Meetings Thursday evenings On or be.
fore fuIl OF the moon and two weeks after
BATES Posi- No. b &. A. R-steWa1d Wing.
Commander; II. H. Cross, Adj H. l. Haze,
QuarieImaster Meetings first Tuesday even
ings In Grange Hall
The VILLAGE IMpHoyFMKNr socIETy-Nrs
=. ". Hathaway Pres. Mrs. Fannie Hussey
Bee. Mrs. kiecis F. 1obey Treas Meetings
hfst ana thiTd FRIDAY afternoons Of the month
OosooLA ASST HBLY. No. 81. Pythian SISTER.
hood-Mts. Is. !. burgess, {. {, MIS- T. II
Burgess, Is. of X. K :. MS. G. 8. JeWett. Mis-
ire VI ENch, quer. Meetings ever, othei
| Monday evening At h. Han.
CHURCHES.
CONGREGATIONAL HuRCH-ReY. j. A. Jones
pastor. Sunday-Morning service !O.3O. sun.
day school, II NJ; Y. ?. S. {. E.7PM Wednes
day evenings Prayer meeting followed by q
teachers meeting
TIE CHRISTIAN ESDEAvoR Society Of the
congregational church-W. L. Lor gley presi
dents W Spauding, vice president Hattie
A Loneley, Sec. and Treas. Meetings Sunday
eve IN vestry.
BAPTIST CHURcH-Rey b. F. Turner. pastor
Sunday-Morning service. 1890; Sunday school
IL M; prayer meeting, p. NJ.
THE CHRISTIAN ESDEAyoR Society Of the
Baptist church-C. A. hitting, Pres. Mrs
Mary b. hitIng Ger sec Miss n. J. Haynes
Treas. Meetings Wednesday evenings in yestry
at $50.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27
UNIVERSALIST.

The Christmas tree and exercises at
the Universalist Church were given on
Monday evening. Individual recitations
aud concert pieces by the children with
musical members of the Sunday school
and song prettily sung by class Of
girls made up the first part Of the pro.
gram. Santa Claus then appeared to
please the children and to give authority
for distributing the presents which had
been sent on ahead. There were many
gifts for young and old, and the pastor
and wife were substantially remembered
with fine black overcoat, hall stand,
picture and booklet. Nor were the
needy forgotten, as was shown by bun
dies of clothing, books and toys, brought
in part by the children to be passed on
to make other hearts glad.
METHODIST.
The Methodist society held a Christ
mas concert in the church vestry, Mon
day evening. A very entertaining pro-
gram was carried out by the children of
the Sunday school, and fine large and
heavily laden Christmas tree gladdened
the hearts or the little folks. The en-
tertainmeut was under the direction Of
an efficient committee consisting of Mrs.
f. T. Adams, Mrs. w. H. Emery and
Mrs. J. N. smith.
The Somerset reporter., 1900-12-27

Maine Farmer: The SOMERSET RE-
PORTER Is out with a handsome trade
edition which Is credit to the paper In
every way. 1t contains fine half-tones
of the business men and noteworthy
buildings Of the town. Skowhegan Ia
one of the prettiest towns In Maine, and
is always ready to sit for its picture.