davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-29
PONY EMPRESS LETTERS.
| why Ihese Mfssfves Were ALWAYS
written on Tissue Paper.

Written ON Tissue Paper.
From the Philadelphia Times.
In looking over some old papers the
other day. said a wholesale merchant at
ran across very singular document 1t
was letter of instruction sent forty wears
ago by one of my uncles, then in St. Louis.
10 MS agent In San Francisco. 1t related
to the disposal of a lot Of goods which
had been shipped by way of the Horn, and,
although 1t contained over $4,000 words
ana copy of good sized invoice 1t was
written ON Just two sheets Of paper The
paper Itself was a sort of tough, OPAQUE
tissue. very thin and light. and when fold
ed the letter slipped easily into an enyelope
about three inches wide
why 1t was got up in such a peculiar
style was explained by the stamp in the
corner, which was one Of the old PONY ex-
press series Of Wells. Fargo & Co. and was
embellished with a picture of a man on
horseback, squirting at a dead gallop across
the plains. l knew, of course that the Pa
cine mail Of the period was carried nv re-
lay express riders. but never before real
lZeo what great pains were taken to re-
duce the weight to the lowest possible
point. l am told that the letters were
stored In little fiat pouches under the flaps
OF the saddle and that they were always
written on specially prepared tissue
Inc one l have described must have
occupied an expert clerk several DAYS. for
the penmanship, while microscopic, is beau
tlfully executed and as clear and as leeible
as print The stamp was OF the denomfna-
tion or oo cents, and taken altogether it
would be hard to find a more striking re-
minder of the astonishing progress that
has been made in this country in a trifie
over one generation Everything about the
little brown letter-its lightness. its COM
pactness and the cost Of its carriaee-spoke
of dangers. difficulties and rude, primitive
conditions. 1t is difficult to realize that
the route 1t Travelled is now the great high
way Of thousand rushing trains bearing
the transcontinental commerce of the ma
tion."
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-29
A SHIPS CHRONOMETERS
Some of the Tests to Which They Are
Subjected.

From the New York Evening Post.
There Is popular belief that chrome
meters, those delicate pieces of mechanism
which enable the mariner to tell to a nicely
where he is upon the ocean, are made only
in England. One will be told even in
Maiden Lane that England is chronometer-
maker to the world. This was true at one
time, but now, according to shipmasters
America turns out excellent chronometers
There are, however, only three American
makers as against numerous British firms.
Many Of the instruments In use in the
United States navy are Of American make.
These chronometers are purchased on trial
The delicate instrument Is subjected to
extremes of temperature, by means of
which it's variations are ascertained. No
instrument leaves the makers hands until
it has been thoroughly tested, or before 1t
is three years old. In this period there is
ample opportunity for developing its pecu
liarities. When it is understood that an
error Of four seconds on the part of the
| chronometer will put skipper a mile out
of his course the necessity of the most
careful and thorough test is apparent.
Even when an instrument has been tested
to the satisfaction Of the experts. and has
been finally adjusted, only a skilled man
can be allowed to carry it from the work
shop to the ship. One firm alone has a
dozen Of these carriers constantly employ
ed. They are not, of course dealing all the
time with new chronometers; there are
from 400 to 500 always in stock from ships
arriving in this port from all parts of the
world. AS soon az ship comes into port
its chronometer is usually sent ashore for
rating, that Is to say. it is carefully OBJ
served until the ship is ready to SAIL when
the variation Is reported to the captain,
who can then make his calculations ac-
cordingly. The chronometers Of the trans
atlantic liners are sent ashore for rating
every time they come into port. The great
est care is taken of chronometers on board
ship, and on all first-cass ships there are
usually three, one being for deck observa-
ton. The most perfect one of the lot is
usually placed in dry, but well ventilated
apartment amidships, where it is firmly
screwed down, and should there be fear OF
dampness, wrapped in a heavy wooden
blanket. On the government vessels the
chronometer is placed in a case lined and
padded with curled hair which keeps 1t
from being Jared. The smallest speck of
rust on the balance spring might cause
chronometer to lose it's accuracy. A first
class chronometer costs $3.50 and one Of the
same grade capable Of telegraphing it's own
time, sells at $3.50.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-29
LondOn's Tombstone Sidewalks.


Lid you know that 1t was possible to
walk over tombstones to the Strand?
Savoy steps, which lead from the Chapel
Royal to the Strand, nearly opposite Bur-
leigh street, and two doors from Terry s
Theater are some of them, formed from
tombstones.
How can they have possibly come there?
you will ask
The simple explanation is that when the
Savoy steps We're being put up the builders
must have taken some likely flags away
from the graves in the churchyard of the
Chapel Royal hard by.
stones. despite the tramping of the innu-
merable feet and the passage of the many
years that have passed over them, can even
now be read.
The best-preserved reads follows:
Here lyeth the body of William. the only
son of Adam and Mary Cook of this parish.
who departed - Qetters Deliberately -
of September, - years.
There is no date visible, but from
the style of the lettering it must be about
100 years old.
1t would be interesting to know precisely
when these grayestones were put in their
present positions, and also how IL came
about that they were allowed to remain
thus by the authorities. Il makes you WON
der If your tombstone may not one day be
put to like use by an enrerprising future
gener alton.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-29
Auto Fire Engine Worse Than Fire

From the London Truth.
There was a description in the Daily
Graphic last week Of an automobile fire
engine which Is now being used In Paris.
1t is doubtless very interesting contriv-
ance, but for real startling novelty in this
line, for genuine excitement and perilous
adventure, commend me to the new self
propelled steam fire engine Of the Norwich
Union Fire Brigade at Worcester A few
days ago the brigade was called to a farm
fire in the neighboring village of Kempsey,
and the motor gave brilliant exhibition OF
Its qualities. Sparks flew in all directions
as the engine dashed along the road. A
lady cyclists dress was ignited. Next a
passing wagon load Of straw was set on
fire. the straw being consumed and the
wagon ruined. The roadside hedges dry as
finder, were soon smoldering at three or
four different points, and cottager found
her door mat burning Two straw ricks
were also set ablaze and completely de-
stroyed. Finally, just as the fiery, untamed
machine reached the farm at Kempsey,
after this mad debauch of incendiarism 1t
was reduced to condition of impotence as
fire extinguisher by the bursting of a
boiler pipe. 1t must have been a somewhat
expensive days work for the Norwich
Union.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-29

THAT is ungrammatical," said Mr.. Upper
by, smart young man much given to
criticism. What is?' asked his business
partner, an elderly, blue-eyed man Of a
sly humor, but unfailing good nature.
THAT sentence you just now uttered"
perhaps it was. I did not notice how
spoke it. By the way. suppose you look
in Webster's Dictionary and see if you pro-
nounced that word 'ungrammaticar cor
rectly.':.
II am quite certain did," returned Mr.
Upperby, taking the volume down from the
shelf and opening it.
Why" he exclaimed, after a moment S
search. II can't find it in Webster!"
II thought perhaps you couldn't" re-
joined his partner, with a twinkle in his
eye. ,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-29
John Wanted to Know.
From Tit Bits.

A good story is told of one Of the digni-
taries of the Scottish Church. Before he
became known to fame he was minister of
a remote parish in Perthshire and was not
considered a particularly attractive preach
er. At his suggestion extensive alterations
were made in the transept of his church,
and these had the effect Of sweeping away
considerable seating accommodation. One
day, after the alterations had been effected,
he visited the church to see how it looked.
What do you think of the improvements,
John?" he asked of the beadle.
improvements! exclaimed John in dis
dain; they're no improvements at a..
Whaur are we goin' to put the folk?'
oh" said the minister, I'VE have album
dance of room John. considering the size
of the congregation.
That's a very weel the noo" retorted
the beadle; "but what will we do when we
get a popular meeR4ster?"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-29
The Shirt Waist q Good Thing,
from the Phil nd Inuutrar

The people who have set their faces
against the general wearing of the neglige
shirt, for that is what people mean when
have their trouble for their palms. Common
sense Is on the side of the shirt waist and
common sense exercises greater influence
upon the masses of the people than some
OF the "authorities' seem to think. The
man in the White House has Just borne
testimony to this effect. and while he
would probably be the last in the world to
do anything for mere effect. he has certain
ly struck the popular chord. In brief his
testimony is that the man who has on
neat trousers, proper shoes, a clean shirt,
collar. ETC., will be welcomed at the White
House as long as he occupies that build
Ing. and we take OF our hats to him for
the decisiop.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-29
Dog Cleared Track for Train.


rom tnt FUrtIHIIu ofckVnI"u'
1t is a matter of history that shepherd
/ dog was an important aid in operating the
| trains that ran on the first railroad built
/ In the territory of Washington. When
t Dorsey S. Baker constructed strap rail-
road from Wallula. on the Columbia river.
ito Walla Walla the trading center of the
,inle nd empire, horses and cattle covered
the thousand hills and blockaded the
valleys through which the pioneer line ran.
"a dog was kept on the engine 10 clear the
ttra ek when brutes became so numerous as
to bring the train to standstilL There
;are many early settlers living In the north
w st who tell the story Of the usefulness
of this little shepherd dog in operating
trains on the DIR. Baker railroad. The dog
twas used several years and was known
by all the miners of Idaho and Montana
IL no travelled that way. While doing duty
on the track in front OF the engine one day
the faithful animal was run over.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-29
Intelligent British Horse.

From the london Globe.
z. A startling story Of equine sagacity comes
from the provinces. A horse was standing
in the shafts of a carriage just outside the
hoca. .heater. 1t had a weary look as of
one that desired repose. Suddenly II
frightened up. and before II could be
stopped it made a dash for the box Office.
The reasons for this unexpected behavior
gave rise to much discussion till at last
one of the crowd. more observant than the
others, pointed out that the legend ITO the
Stalls was written In large letters over
the box ONCE window.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-29

heroes all swear under their breath"
and oaths are never used In the lines OF
the story. -Four or five large publishing
houses In New York produce tons Of such
literature every week and the business IL
conducted In systematic way. There IL
the sharpest kind OF competition in the
Grade. and the writer who can suggest and
work out new and novel plots or situations
VIII find demand for all the material
he can produce
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-29
Murderers Escape Too Frequently.

Murderers Escape Too Frequently.
From the New York Tribune.
The number Of deaths from murderous
violence is much smaller in proportion to
population in England than in the United
States. But in the older country the TAX
ing Of human life without warrant of law
is adequately punished in most instances
In the newer country the list Of homicides
every year Is appalling. while the legal
penalty for murder Is exacted in SO few
cases that 1t does not appear to have an
effect sufhcientiy deterrent to those who
are inclined to Kill.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-29

other. We walked along the ridge above
the rayine until we came opposite the part
posed to have their lair. Then we formed
our line and prepared to descend upon the
brush. The poor devils began to beat their
pans and shout with quivering voices. The
noise had Just started when heard Dom
aldson's voice above 1t all shouting Hold
on! %
II glanced in his direction and there he
was kneeling and aiming with his Marlin
at something across the ravine 1 heard
the crack of his rife, and, looking in the
direction in which he shot, and about 200
yards distant across the ravine on the hill
side, 1 saw ant enormous tiger leap into
the air and fall back stone dead.
Narrow Escape for Akers.
'When the coolies saw what Donaldson
had done they felt better. We all started
across the ravine through the brush in some
disorder and in considerable haste, utterly
obliyious of the fact that there were other
tigers there. Those poor coolies had hard
time travelling in the brush, shackled to-
eether two by two. In fact, they were left
in the rear. Donaldson, Akers. Grant. my
self and two or three Of the guards had
lust reached the dead tiger when we heard
a most unearthly screaming and screeching
among the coolies in the brush. The guards
fired into the brush with their old blunder-
buses and then took to fight. We white
men FASTENED down there to see what was
the matter.
I'VE had not gone far into the brush be-
fore I almost stumbled over a dead cooiie.
His companion, chained to him, was lying
near by with his arm nearly torn OF. While
Akers and 1 were looking at this sight we
heard Grant cry, Look out! Tiger! We
both cooked our guns and looked about us.
Suddenly there was flash of yellow
and a large tiger was in the air and on its
way toward Akers. Fortunately he had seen
| it in time to raise his rifle, which was an
express with explosive bullet, and place 1t
| squarely on the breast of the tiger just as
the animal reached him and fire. OF course,
The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1901-05-13
JOINT sMAsHERs woRsTED.


Wichita. Kan. May l.. Wlnoha MI
gore. Anna Peoples ana Jasmine VIE
holt. three young girls, the latter
daughter If Lucy Wilhoit. colleague
NJ MIS-. Nation. smashed the summit
saloon here. They entered with rocks,
ANA the hnrkrcper did not know that
an attack was threatened until the
glass began 10 crash about his ears.
Fred Wolf. the proprietor. knocked
the girls down with his fist and pitched
them. one after tile other. III the street
Miss Wilhnit's brother came 70 the lie
fcnsr. ana Wolf struck him, making q
tong cash on Ills face. from which the
blood flowed freely
Iii In melee Miss Peoples wrist was
broken. Tie police arrested The girls
and lodged them in the city jail.
Mrs. Nation arrived here after an eX'
aitin. day ~ Harper There was cir
| ,,lS i'm town. and she organized Il rhit
| III saloons. INT was arrested before sh,
4 ronid lu amy smashing. she vas re
leased oh promising that she woul'
4 tal,r Tie next train ont Of town.
The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1901-05-13
TO RELIEVE PEARY.
rhe Erik VIII Take Supplies 10 the
Far North-Windward's Fate.

Halifax. May 12.-The Peary Arctic
Tub has chartered for its work next
summer the steamer Erik, lately pur-
.hased from the Hudson Bay company
by Captain James A. Farquhar OF Hal
flax.
The cruise Of 1901 will be the fourth
in the series under the auspices OF tne
Cub. The Erik will sail from sydney,
G. b.. about the middle of July ana
will return. it is expected. about TWO
months later. with full details OF what
has occurred during the two years
since MI Peary has been heard from
also with information OF the fate OF the
Windward. upon which Mrs Fear!
and Miss Peary sailed from sydney
last wear for the north.
The Erik will take sufficient supplies
| for her own party for a year and
surplus IL it is necessary TO leave an!
AT the north. The Erik, bark rigGet
steamer of 5l2 tons. was built at Dun
dee ana was offered for sale to Lieu
tenant Peary in London in January
IlS,S. about the time that the Wind
ward was given to him by Mr.. Harms
| worth
The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1901-05-13
accused Of conspiracy.

Philadelphia May = llr Thomas
4. Eldrige has been arrested here
charged with conspiracy 10 Kill his
wife. Tile police were notified hy PAM
Schroeder. private detective. that he
had been employed by Or. Eldridec to
secure two letters from his wife. who
had left him. Schroeder asserted that
the doctor wanted him tn inject NOR
phine into Mrs Eldridge ana If he was
unable to secure the letters by thIt
means Eldr6l@e said lie would furnish
the detective with stick Of dynamite
10 blow MP the house in which Mrs
Eldlil2" resided.
The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1901-05-13
COURT OPENS TODAY.
Only Forty Odd Cases to Go Before
the Grand Jury.

The MAY term of the court Of Gen
eral Sessions will be opened at noon to-
day. There are only about forty cases
to he presented to the grand jury and the
majority are for petty larceny. The prin-
cipal cases to be tried are those against
Harry Callahan. Harry G. South and
John Walker. Callahan is charged with
ATTEMPTING to cause tae death OF Clara
Elkins Icy turning on the gas in her
room while she slept. This case may
come to an abrupt ending as Clara FL
kinS is said TO have written letter to
| CaIlahan's mother, in which she said
hat it was she and not Callahan who
turned on the gas in her room. She is
reported to have said she was tired Of
living. Harry G. South is charged with
| conducting gaming table at No. III
Market street John Walker, is
harged with being one Of three mel
who felled ex-PoStmaster Hunter Of New
Castle At Rose Hill one night last fall
and robbed him Of his gold watch, rims
ANA pockethook
William Fisher. colored. must answei
the charge Of breaking into the resi-
dencr Of Mrs. Eliza Harkins. southeas
CORNER Eighth and Tatnall streets oil
Friday morning Mrs. Harkins heard ;
lnnisr after going TO bed and aroused tn
lother people in the honSe. Captain Blacl
land special Officer Taylor were sum
monca and Fisher was arrested.
There are five cases against mel
charged with being concerned in lotter
policy writing. Edward Mulyey. Jr
will be charged with the larceny of
! piece Of brass valued at ; cents He wa
caught in the act Of taking it and Will
the amount named does not cover tn
value 81 brass stolen nj other times
represents the value II the piece foun
Til his possession.
The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1901-05-13

Washington May II Secretary Root
has approved a plan hy which Eriga
dicr General Errckinridgr, INSPECTOR
general Of III" United States army, will
proceed 70 the Philippines for an en-
tended tour of inspection. The start
will he made about June 20 on The
transport Ingalls,. leaving New York hy
Tile SupZ route. There ara i large mum.
her Ut military posts scattered through
ont The Philippines. and i is under
stood 10 h. Tie idea u get Il thorough
knowledge If their condition ANA needs
with reference 10 the transition stage
from military 10 civil rule.
The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1901-05-13
WIN wed count wenckheim.

New Work May II. The engagement
of Miss Mary t;anSevoort Edwards ami
Count Franz Wenclheim has been for
maily announced hy III" parents Of thr
bride IL he. Mr.. ami Mrs. Lewis Ed
wards. MISS Edwards is the grand
daughter ii Il. +. Angel Of tienesco.
Count Wcnrklrim is one of iii" most
prominent n"hlrmcn in Hungary. He
is Il wealthy man. owns large estates
ana enjoys tie distinction Of being
chamberlain to the emperor Of Austria
The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1901-05-13
I,.IIE
PIGEONS FLY FAST.
Hillside Loft and Perry Got Diplomas
in Yesterdays Match.

P.geor owned BY tie members Of tie
Wilmington strict VI ne National AS
citation q Homing Pigeon Fabciers,
made exfep ilnaiiy fas; tine yeterda,
II 200 M n tch le from CnarIotts
Ife, Va. Tie time vas the fastest thai
las been made By thu Wi. ing.on dis.
rict for about fUuI years, tie birds hrm.
ing in four hours.
Tue pi.epns we're shipped to Charlotts.
vie tast thursday aud aete to have
peeD liberated un Satur a; morning. ON
| .ccDunt III bad aea' h-r tie birds we're
a ID over and Iioeratedd at 9 O'Clock
est-rday morning AT tile start tie
selth=r va clear and wind cain. A,
tJue c.esr aeatner and west 6iud The
me. made by tie birds Vas az fol.
| one.
The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1901-05-13
songuinar, right win convict-.

Adm. Gals Nav z, ShcriiT EehrrhN
of Rrdding arrived At Adm yesterday
III the track Of Dorland and lllings-
worth. the TWO prisoners who escaped
from the Shasta county Jail April 81.
Tie constable Of Alturas. Ill. ;. Walk
rr. met Rrhrcns NJ .Adin. and they To-
Gated the prisoners about three miles
AWAY. 4 hand 70 hand conflict on
sued. Dorland was killed. probably 10y
4 bullet from his companion Dorlhnd
dil not shoot rs the sheriff had hin,
covered. IllingSworth shot Il or y
times. three bullets piercing the Sher
IFS clothing Constable Walker wa'
fatally shot. lllingsworth escaped.
The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1901-05-13

Danbury. Conn, May L. William
Frishie, a Woodbury. farmer. tied his
horse and wagon 10 a freight train. and
the train moved away with The turnout
attached 10 the rail end Of a hoXcar.
The trainmen failed to see the horse
and wagon. The farmer reached the
station platform iust rs his horst. run.
ming at top speed 10 keep nj with the
train. took 4 carllegnard n a leap and
left the wagon behind. After n few
hundred yards had been covered by III
horse lie fell aud the hitclilne broke
The horse vas caught near the station
practically unhalmrd.
The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1901-05-13
Card prom Mr.. Ross.

/ Wi.h ii extend my hearty thanks to
the Republican voter ana friends Who
gave me- their s1pp5r, q tie nomination
at SATURDAY.. hhitp was encourage d
IS the Deficit hat my nomination was
pro able, yet i combination of cncln-
stances and conditions Nth the popular
ICY 81 my Trend George VI Fisher, gave
MIN the nomination believe Mr.
Fi7her, il eIfcted, Wil fiji the office Of
mayor with credit to the Republican
party ana tie people at arge and ash
tJr lriln tha support ot my friends at the
city election
Very rfsrectfuly,
Dai iel Ross.
The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1901-05-13

Special to Tie sun.
tieorgetoWn, May . Great prepare.
tions are Deins made to celebrate Mem.
or4l Day. ! he lincoln Brass Band will
furnish music a stand wll be erected
ia the square, and the following well
known speakers will make addresses
suitAb to the occrsion The Rev, Jesse
Taylor tie ReY. Adam Steng!e and Her
bert II. Ward, attorney general Of Dria-
ware. All are cordially invited. Among
tie guests invited are the ioIloa ing Joiil
Hmm, Governor ii Delaware, Hon Ept
w. TunneIi eX-Goyeinor uf Delaware
Judge " II Bryce, Br, G. r. layton
secretary Vi state.
The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1901-05-13

straw berries are now in bloom. The
usciouE fruit, home grown, will not be-
in market before the 18th or Goth Of the
month. which vii be week later than
usual.
The sun. (Wilmington, Del.) 1897-19??, 1901-05-13

Bacon. Rosburn, Williams Struck ont.
by Williams. /; by Duncan, 4; by Scar
borough. 2. Two base hits. Walter Ba-
con. Strickhouse. Three base hits. Bos-
burn. Home run. Scarborough. Hit by
pitched balls. Bennett. Griffith, Walter
Bacon. Strickhouse. Bases on balls. of
Duncan. 1: of Williams, s; off Scar
borough. /. Passed balls. Wright. l.
Wild throw. Duffy. Scarborough. I'm
pire. r. Wise. Time. 2.15