davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
SOME WHY'S ANSWERED.
The Ancient and Curious Origin O1
Familiar Customs of This Day
and Generation,

1t is not surprising what number OF
little things we do without knowing the
reason:
Why, for instance, do widows wear
caps? Perhaps you may say because
they make them look pretty and inter.
esting. But the real reason is that when
the Romans were in England they
shaved their heads as sign of mourn.
ing. Of course, woman couldn't lei
herself be seen with bald head, so she
made herself a pretty cap. And now
though the necessity of wearing it has
passed away, the cap remains.
Why do we have bows on the left side
of our hats? In olden times, when men
were much in the open air and hats
couldn't be bought for half dollar, il
was the habit to tie a cord around the
crown and let the ends fall on the left
side to be grasped on the arising of a
squall. They fell on the left side sc
they might be grasped by the left hand
the right hand being more usefully en-
gagged. Later on, the ends got to be
tied in bow, and later still they be-
Nelii1C dSC1CSo, y CT Tic OON HAS TcndIuSQ,
and will probably remain till the next
deluge or something of that sort.
What is the meaning of the crosses
or Ks on barrel of beer? They sig
nifty degrees of quality nowadays. But
originally they were put on by those
ancient monks as a sort of trademark
They were crosses in those days, and
meant sort of oath on the cross, sworn
by the manufacturer that his barrel
contained good liquor.
Why are bells tolled for the dead
This has become so familiar practice
that funeral without it would appear
un-Christian. Yet the reason is quite
barbarous. Bells were tolled long ago
when pople were being buried in order
to frighten away the evil spirits who
lived in the air.
Why do fair ladies break bottle of
wine on the ship they are christening
Merely another survival of barbaric
custom. In the days of sacrifice to the
gods it was customary to get some poor
victim when boat was being launched
and to cut his throat over the prov, SO
that his blood baptized it.
Why are dignitaries deafened by a
salute when they visit foreign port p?
1t seems curious sort of welcome, this
firing off of guns, but it seems the Gus
tom arose in very reasonable way.
Originally town or warship fired off
their guns on the approach of impor-
tant and friendly strangers to show
that they had such faith in the visitors
peaceful intentions they didn't think it
necessary to keep their guns loaded.
Why do we sometimes throw shoe
after a bride? The reason is not very
complimentary. From of old it has been
the habit of mothers 10 chastise their
children with a shoe. Hence the Gus
tom arose of the father of bride max
ing a present to the bridegroom of a
shoe, as sign that it was to be his right
to keep her in order.-Cincinnati En-
quirer.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
for help. It was not 90 yards, and in less
time than | take to write this whipped out

for help. It was not 90 yards, and in less
| time than | take to write this whipped out
my sword, and was hurrying to the spot. l
saw, when | reached, the taller lady strug-
| Cling in the arms of an Unlocking ru1fian.
| She called out on my coming, and the man.,
loosening his hold, was about to make OF,
when, unwilling to soil my sword with the
blood cf low-born scoundrel. l struck at
him with my fist, and the cross handle of the
sword clenched in my hand inflicted an ugly
cash On his forehead, besides bringing him
down. L stood with the point of my sword
over him, and the atfrighted women behind
me.
Hold, signore!!" he cried, enough! l
yield-what! Would you draw on friend?"
"a fricnd?" ! said in astonishment, as he
slowly rose to his feet.
"Yes, Signor d Savelli, were you on Monte
San Michele now, you would sing different
tune
"Piero Luigi, then it is you," | said /;
'well, scoundrel, / am not on Monte San
Michele, but you are here, and will shortly
be before Messer the Gonfaloniere, unless
you restore at once what you have doubtless
robbed from these lafies and beg their par
don. Stop if you attempt to move, | will
| spit you like a lark
Il have taken nothing" he said, 'let me
go; am punished enough"
'"That true, sir, said one of the ladies,
"and VIC pray you let the man CO."
"Not till he has begged your pardon" |
replied.
Luigi did as he was bid, and humbly apollo
gized; but as he left, he discharged Par
THAN shot: ''Ah, ladies'! / sought but a
kiss. l am but poor thief-a crow-but
the Signor di Savelli is no better, though he
flies with hawks wings"
/ l took no notice of the remark; and, lift
ing my cap, begged permission to see the la
dies to place of safety.
"We thank you for your kindness, sir,
said the shorter and elder OF the two, "but
| see our servants approaching, and we will
not therefore trespass on you. Believe me,
however, we are grateful-ray cousin and l. I"
Even as she spoke her lackeys came up,
and one of them, in an alarmed tone, asked
what was the matter, and then turned on
me ierccly.
"Be quiet, Gian," said the lady who had
just spoken, sit is we who have to thank
Signor di Sayel!i for rescuing US"
''Your pardon, signore; but we heard the
ladies cry out, and seeing you here"
Where you should have been," | inter
rupted; you lag too far behind your mis-
tress."
The dark haired girl, who had up to now
not spoken, but, with her face very pale,
was playing with bracelet on her wrist,
now looked up.
81 think we had better get back; we will
not trouble this-this gentleman further.
He has already done too much for u.s.
She dropped me a proud little curtsey,
and turned away, but her friend frankly
held out her hand. believe me, Signor di
Savelli-I heard you so called-my cousin
Angola and | are both very grateful. She
is good deal upset by what has happened,
and | speak for her. My husband" she
went on hurriedly, "has much influence, and
| if any word"
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
uugging the stove.

The young man had taken off his
coat and hung his hat carefully On
the hall rack. Coming into the par
lor, he went to the fire and held his
hands out to warm them. The girl
waited for h.-n to speak, but it was
evident that he was a bashful young
man, and knew not how to begin the
conversation. Finally he said:
at was very, very cold last night.
stayed at home and hugged the
stove all the evening"
The girl turned her great brown
eyes toward him and said, with just
a tinge of art in her voice:
81 don't see any use in hugging a
stove"
1t didn't require a house to fall On
the young man, even if he was bash
full. and he promptly resolved not to
hug any more stoves. - Baltimore
News
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
How's This9

We offer One Hundred Dollars Reward
for any case of Catarrh that cannot be cured
by Halls Catarrh Cure.
F. J. Cheney & Co., Props, Toledo, o.
We, the undersigned, have known F. j.
Cheney for the last Is years, and believe him
perfectly honorable in all business transae-
tions and financially able to carry out any
obligations made by their firm
West & Truax, Wholesale Druggists, To-
Walding, Kinnan & Marvin, Wholesale
Druggists, Toledo, 0.
Halls Catarrh Cure is taken internally,
acting directly upon the blood and mucous
surfaces of the system. Price 75c per bot
tie. Sold by all Druggists. Testimonials
free.
Halls Family Pills are the best.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
From Baby in the High Chair

to grandma in the rocker Grain-O is good for
the whole family. 1t is the long-desired sub
or Injuries the digestion. Made from pure
grains it is food in ITSELF Has the taste
and appearance of the best coffee at ! the
price. 1t is a genuine and scientific article
and is come to stay. 1t makes for health
and strength. Ask your grocer for Grain-O.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
EnglantI,S Armored Trnina

England in her war with the Beers will trans
port her troops, protect bridges and tele-
graphic communications in about the same
way that Hostetter's Stomach Bitters drives
dyspepsia from the human stomach and then
mounts guard that it does not return. The
Bitters has won in every case of indigestion,
biliousness, liver and kidney trouble for the
past fifty years. 1t is invaluable at all times.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
He Had None.

Lena-Fred didn't blow his brains
out because you Tilted him the other
night. He came straight over and pro
posed to me.
Maud-Did he? Then he must have
got rid of them in some other way
London Tit-Bits,
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

A Rude Suggestion. : Great Actress
That's an atrocious portrait Is that the
best you can do? Is there no way you can
improve upon it? Suggest something"
Photographer Madam, you might permit
Plain Dealer.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
A Tough Subject.

eyes, the fire burned out the costly fix
lures Of the saloon. 1t must have been
smoldering away for hours before it was dis
covered"
"On fire for hours, eh?"
eyes"
'fWonder if it cooked the bar tenderY-
Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
Across the Division Fence.

First Lady-Td lick ye in a minute,
only 1 wouldn't dirty my hands on ye!
Second Lady-'Course you wouldn't.
You'd clean 'em!
The riot call was sent in about three
minutes later.--Indianapolis Journal.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

Mrs PepperS-''Don't you fret SO about
burglars, John. Any man that thinks he
can steal into this house and walk away
with any of my belongings don't know
IF he did, Marthy, he'd never try
Richmond Dispatch.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
What Was Lacking,

"That waiter of yours is the slowest ever
struck" said fat customer.
"Well, if you had wagon, and the wheels
didn't work to suit you, what would you do?'
asked the restaurant proprietor.
''Why, I'd grease EN-"
"Wel, why don't you grease the
er?"-Yonkers Statesman.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
"Tbo Man With the Hoe" has or

sensation, but it is nothing to that caused
by ''The Girl With the Parasol'' in mixed
crowd; only the latter sensation is more
painful than pleasant if it happens to be
your eye that is nearly gouged out by the
irresponsible young miss. = Philadelphia
| Times.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

WhiIaker-"1 want you to make me, a
new coat for this. This one is poorly made,
and besides, it's too large for me-" Tailor
THAT'S easily remedied; can take it
in; make it smaller" Wh:taker-'1f you
did tsat, you'd simply be contracting bad
habit."- ."-Philadelphia Press.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

the first time with his mother)-.-Is church
always like that, mammal" His Mother
eyes, dear Why do you ask" Tommy
"Why. | didn't see anybody asleep!
Philadelphia Call.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

The so-called modest violet commands a
higher price, in proportion to its size, than
any other flower at greenhouse.-Atch-
ison Globe.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
ITO BE CONTINUED
What He Really Meant.

81 can hardly believe the statement
of that fellow who said one trolley car
could not hold all the women he has
married"
81 do. There might be room for
them, but I don't think it could hold
them when they got started to discuss
ing the situation. n."-Cincinnat En-
cuirer.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

She-'I suppose you were presented at
court while in London?" He-"Yes, twice,
but | was acquitted both times. N. o.
Times Democrat.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

"Horseshoes bring good luck, it is said.'
Did you ever have your wife take a fancy
to gold one set with diamonds?"-N. O.
Times Democrat.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

We have not been without Piso's Cure for
Camp St., Harrisburg, Pa, May 4, '94.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

| PUTNAM FADELESS DYES produce
the fastest and brightest colors of any known
dye stuff. Sold by all druggists.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

"Why, Willie, SAID lady caller, chow
boy, "pa done it."-Ohio State Journal.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

The veracity of figures often depends upon
the honesty of the statistician.-Chi
Daily News.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

Recruiting Oficer-"If the command
came: 'Firer what would YOU do?''
Would-be-Soger = Run for the hose."-
Judy
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
Keeps
Ny yE1Eair
Soft

81 have used your Hair
Vigor for FIVE years and am
greatly pleased with it. 1t cer-
tsinly restores the original color
to gray hair. 1t keeps my hair
soft and smooth. It quickly
cured me Of some kind of humor
of the scalp. Ny mother used
your Han Vigor for some
twenty years and liked it very
much. Mrs. Helen Kilkenny.
New Portland, Me-. Jan. 4, 'ee.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

"Oh, ma, come here, quick!" Whats
the matter, Tommy" "Bobby's playiD'
circus, an he's goin' to make tn baby dive
off tn mantel. indianapolis Journal.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

While. thou livest keep good tongue in
thy head.-Shakespeare.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

Hale's Honey of Horehound and Tar re-
lieves whooping cough. So
Pixies Tcothache Drops Cure in one minute
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
The Bcst Prescription for ChiIIs

and Fever is bottle of GROVES TAsTELEss
CHILL Tonic. tits simply iron and quinine in
a ataSteleSS form. 10 cure no pay. Price SOC
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

A good character is more easily lost than
gained.-Chicago Daily News.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15
Used
Denty Years

We do not know Of any other
hait preparation that has been
used in one family for twenty
years. do you?
But Ayers Hair Vigor has
been restoring color to gray hair
for fifty years, and it never
fails to do this work. either.
You Can rely upon it for
stopping your hair from falling
out. for keeping your scalp
clean and healthy. and for max
ing the hair grow rich and long.
sI0o bottle. All druggists.
The Winslow mail., 1900-02-15

To Cure n Cold In One Day
Take Laxative Bromo Quinine Tablets. All
druggists refund money ifit fails to cure. 25c.
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08
Premiums to Subscribers.

We have for sale at 25 cents each a
few copies of Bob Talor's Love Letters:
The book is a gem and worth more
than the price we ask for it. 1t is con-
sldered the best work that has yet
come from the gifted authors pen. The
letters are full of wit and humor, senti-
ment and patlos; instructive aud
amusing. Send for u copy.
We will give a copy of this book free
to every now cash subscriber to the
COURIER and to all old subscribers who
will pay arrearages and one year in ad
vance or if preferred they can have
the choice of one of the following val
liable book, A Treatise on the Horse,
either in English, French or German,
price 25 cents; DIR. Foote'S Hand Book
of Health Hints and Ready Receipts,
price 25 cents; i'he st. Landry Trade
Review, beautifully illustrated with
more than one hundred and fifty half
tone e~ngravinga of prominent men,
buildings and scenery OF the parish,
price 25 cents.
Each one of these works are worth
much more than tho price, 20 cents, but
any one of these will be given free to
new cash subscribers, or to old sub
scribels who will pay arrearages and
one year in advance.
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08
The Irl r: Hicks Almanac.

Whatever may be said of scientific
causes upon which the Rev. Irl r. Hicks
bases his yearly forecasts Of storm and
weather, it is a remarkable fact that
specific warnings of every great storm,
flood, cold wave aud drouth, have been
plainly printed in his now famous Alma
nae for many years. The latest startling
proof of this fact was the destruction of
Galveston, Texas, on the very day
named by Prof. Hicks in his 1900 AL
manac, as one of disaster along the gulf
coast. The 1901 Almanac, by far the
finest, most complete and beautiful yet
published. is now ready. This remark
able book of nearly two hundred pages
splendidly illustrated with charts and
half-tone engravings, goes as; a pre-
MUM to every subscriber who pays one
dollar u year for Piof. Hieks's journal,
WoRD AND WORKS. The Almanac
alone is sent prepaid for only 25c. Or
der from WoRD AND Works. Publish
ing Company. 2201 Locust Street. st.
Louis, Mo.
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08
Handled Roundup Bales with Profit

The following was addressed to the
Oakland Gin Company. August is, by
Messrs. Harvey. Black d Co., Moore o.
Heron, A. p. Heron, Moore g. Co.,
and Marders 81 Newberger; "We.the
undersigned merchants and cotton buy
ers of Oakland, Miss. bought the round
lap bale cotton ginned and pressed at
yonrp plant in this place during the lat
ter portion Of last season, and we take
pleasure in stating that we had no
trouble in selling the cotton to advan-
tage and that we found your system
Of handling cotton very satisfactory"
Wherever there is a roundlap plant
these bales can be handled by merchants
and local buyers with more profit and
less trouble than square bales. Limits
are furnished every day and cotton a
be sold ON the day it is bought with no
risk on the market, or held with the
certainty that it can be sold at any
time at the highest market value of the
cotton plus an increased price because
it is in roundlap bales.
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08
Does It Pay to Buy Cheap

s EL .Af 4A IE4
A cheap remedy for coughs and colds
is all right, but you want something
that will relieve and cur the more Sc
we're and dangerous results of throat
and lung troubles. What shall you do?
Go to a warmer and more regular eli
Yes, If possible /; if not pos
sible for you, then in either case take
the ONLY remedy that has been intro
dnced in all civilized countries with
success in severe throat and lung
troubles, "Boschee's German Syrup"
It not only heals and stimulates the
tissues I'd destroy the germ disease, but
ailays inflammation, causes easy ex-
pecteration, gives d good nights rest,
and cures the patient. Try one bottle.
Recommended many years by all drug
gists in the world. For sale by A. s.
Braud & Co, Opera House Drug Store.
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08
OPELOUsAs:
sAMEDI matin. :::: s DEC, 1900

Sill fault .prendre au serieux ce que
Dissent les Authorities icthyologiques dn
avs, ct surtont NJ. John N. Cooo, re-
p~resentant spectacle de la commission
des pecleries dn gouvernement. notre
barbue est destin6e d un bel ayenlr.
Il ess parfaitemens vrai, assure M.
Ce66, qu'on en- fait du saumon fame
les gourmets dc Chicago sont IN
capables de d%istinguer dn prodnit de
In riviere Columbia. Mais c'est sur
font c~onserv6e on bottles, avec addition
de sauces ct de jus, que Ia barbne
triomphe. C'est as'en lecher la nous
tacle ct les doigts. Go one noas ne
aavions pas non plus, c'est que Pon falt
avec les 9ufs de la barbue du caviar
russo dane su~periorit6 q rendre jaloux
les estnrgeons. NJ. Cobb fait en ce
moment une inspection officieHe dc
notre leuve pour s'assurer sill estscon
venable pour la propagation de la
barbue.
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08
Accuracy i'm Prescriptions.

A broader term than many suppose
Some people imagine it relates only {"
chemicals on preparations bearing the
same name as that appearing on the
prescription. This is one step only.
To complete the sense nf the terlil each
ingredient must be pure-must he ca
pab!e of exerting the highest msdlcsl
effect. Webelieve in accuracy of this
kind. 1t has given the esteem. af tue
physicians and the confidence "i the
public. Will take good care of your
prescription. We don't charge extra f"s
this carefulness. Accuracy is here.
Opera House Drug Store. A. $. Braud
Sc Co Propriet0rs. ass
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08
Choose Carefully.

Choose your prescription druggist as
you do your doctor. His prescriptions
should be filed accurately and CON-
pounded of the best and freshest drugs.
None but the purest of drugs are used
at our place. Every prescription is
filed by an experienced pharmacist and
chemist exactly as ordered by the ply
stefan. A child can bring the formula
and get the medicines. just remember
that everything in u establishment
is frst-class and we handle everything IN
the drug line.
AS. BRAUD g. CO,
Opera House Drug Store.
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08
The Light of the World or Our Savior
In Art.

Cost nearly 100000 to produce. Con.
our Savior and His Mother by the
worlds greatest painters. True copies
of the great Masterpieces in the art
galleries of Europe. Every picture is
as beautiful as q sunrise owe the hill
tops. Contains description OF the pain
tings, biography of the painters, the
names and locations of the galleries in
Europe where the originals may be seen.
Also contains q Guilds Department, in
Guiding q Child's Story of the Christ
and his mother, beautifully written to
fit each picture. This wonderful book,
matcbless in it's purity and beauty, APP
peals to every mothers heart, and in
every Christian homo where there arc
children the book sells itself. Christian
men and women are making money
rapidly taking orders. A Christian
mar or woman can in this community
soon make $1,000 taking orders for
Christmas presents. Mrs. Waite. our
agent in Massachusetts, has sold over
5000 worth of tile books i'll a very
short fine. Mrs. Sackett, Il agent
in New York, has sold Owe $1,000
worth of tie books in a very short
time. The book is printed on velvet
finished paper, beautifully O0unu IN
Cardinal Red and gold, and adorned
with Golden Roses and Lilies. 1t is
without doubt, the most beautiful book
of this century. Write for terms quickly
and get the management of that terri
tory. You can work on salary or com
mission, and when you prove your snc-
cess we will promote you to the posi-
ton of Manager and Correspondent, at
a permanent salary. to devote your time
to attending to agents aud the cores
p%ondence. Wanted also a State Man
ager to have charge of office in Lending
City of the State and manage all the
business of the State. Send for terms
Address
THE BRITISH AMERICAN Co,
Corcoran Building, Opposite,
II, s, Treasury, Washington. ID. T..
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08

Articles intended for publication in
the COURIER should be sent in before
Thursday morning il possible to insure
their appearance in the next Issue.
Matter sent in Thursday evening or
later is apt to be excluded for lack OF
timeor space, unless it is of sufficient
importance to Justify the delay and in
convenience.
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08
Up to Date.

We have recently added, and will
continue TO keep supplied with new and
improved type and printing material,
cards, paper, envelopes. etc, and can
promptly execute any job printing re-
CURED at the lowest prices.
Give us ascaaa when y0u wantANY-
THING in The JOB PRINTING line.
We can give You the best at the loagest
prices, aud if you will call and see SAM
pies and get prices yon will be con
viuced of that fact.
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08

De par Ia constitution nonvelle
tout citoyen qni n'aura pas page son
poll tax avant la fin de la present an
nee-c'est~a-d dire an cours des quatre
prochaines semaines-D'aura pas IL
droit do voter d P6lection COMPRESSION
nellie de novembre, 1902.
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08

Don't negiectto furnish the COURIER
with news items of general interest.
Notices of deaths, marriages, the pre-
sence of visitors in your neighborlood,
etc, ought to appear in the columns of
your local newspaper and will be pub
listled il same are duly and tinelyre-
ported. Phone 80.
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08

The st. Landry Homestead and Liam
Association is purely mutual, belonging
entirely to its stockholders and run
solely in their interests. Each member
is a partner in the business, and the Of
ficers have the right to expect hearty
cooperation from every partner.
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08

Those indebted to the COURIER for
subscriptions OF otherwise will con-
fer ii favor by calling and settling.
The amounts are principally small, but
all together they amount to- considera-
BILE, and by complying with illis request
it will be considered an esteemed favor
The Opelousas courier., 1900-12-08

Wonder if it amt about time for you
to read Il good paper? Try the OPE-
LoUsAs COURIER. No office-holding
syndicate or political joint stock com
pany controls it's columns. Nobody
bosses tins ranch hnt its owDer. So
Der year.