davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-09
\ DANGEROUS BUSINESS

Copyright. 1901 by Walden Fawcett)
Written for The Evening Star by Walden Fawcett
Several years ago a sailing vessel arriv-
ing at San Francisco, reported a small islet
within a few miles of the coast, at a point
where no land was known to exist The
islet stood we'll out of the water, and was
without vegetation: in fact to all appear
auCes, little more than a barren rock. On
the following day another vessel made
similar report. except that it's islet was
several miles south OF the spot where the
other had been seen. When a third report
came in local photographers began to for
mulate theories of submarine volcanic ac-
ton which had thrust rocky protuberances
up above the surface of the sea. Then
fourth vessel came into port with state
ments regarding a little island which had
on il living. moving creatures. These the
captain and crew guessed to be seals but
owing to the ferceness of the gale they
had been unable to get near enough to
make sure.
volcanic island theory, and substituted an
other. which proved to be the right one.
The supposed bodies of land We're nothing
more or less than one of the great lumber
RATS of that locality which had broken
away from its attendant tug and was being
blown about by the storm. Its drift ac
counted for the varying localities in which
the supposed islands were located by the
sailors The moving figures were the RATS
men. When the storm abated the raft,
with its crew. was brought safe 70 port.
To Cross the Ocean.
These RATS of the Pacific coast are as big
as small islands. They are the biggest
navigabIe craft in the world, and they
travel. towed by laboring tugs, from Puget
Sound to San Francisco. Soon, it is ex-
pected, transoceanic raft travel Will be
iDaugurated, as a contract has been entered
into for the construction OF log raft to go
from the Pacific coast to Japan 1t will be
lowed by a powerful towing steamer or
tug of the type in common service on the
Great Lakes, and its owners have no doubt
OF its ability 10 make the voyage.
Two distinct types of raft. the lumber
raft proper and the log or pile raft, make
the journey along the water highway off
the Pacific coast. The first consists of
thousands upon thousands OF planks laid
almost as closely as they would be in the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-09

rudder and canvas, make very fair progress
unaided.
As rule, the lumber in one of these big
RATS is sold before the craft leaves the
Puget sound country, but occasionally it is
not disposed of until the shipment has ar
rived at San Francisco. The price which
the lumber brings at the Golden Gate seems
enormous when compared to the outlay
which the enterprise has involved; but then
1T must be remembered that these lumber
Shippers play gamblers game: the prize Is
big one, but the alternative is to lose ALL
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-09
He Was LOng-Headed.

Prom the Fhilhdeiphia fress.
81 suppose you're sorry Wiggers was
elected magistrate"
Not on your life." replied the bibulous
Jiggers, Il worked for him."
II should think you would have worked
for your namesake, John Jiggers. He was
your party's candidate, too"
That's all right; but suppose Jiggers had
been elected, and 1 was ever brought up
before him after a spree? Why, he'd soak
me six months extra for disgracing the
family name.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-09
MaIaDrOuOs.

From the Philadelphia Press.
He-"Yes, I've sent scores Of stories to
the different magazines. but they've all
come back. 1 think l should drop dead II
one were ever accepted
She-''I do wish they would accept one"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-09

no reminder of them left, save the bolt
heads cropping out of the top of the COM
pact mass.
Sometimes nearly 200 of these iron veins
pierce the anatomy of a raft. They could
support the heaviest vessel that ever sailed
the seas without straining their capacity,
and yet they are permitted to do but a
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-09
SEA- GOING Raj rs

Biggest of ALI the Craft That Sail the
Ocean.
MADE Up OF LOGS OR PLANKS
Hundreds of Thousands of Feet of
Lumber in Each.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-09

Mr.. Walter Paris is 50 well known as a
water colorist that many will De surprised
to hear that he has lately taken up oils. He
has Just finished painting a landscape with
this medium. an interesting street scene in
quaint old English town. and he Is now
engaged upon a charming little picture
showing corner Of his native city. Though
oil celors are entirely new to him. Mr. Paris
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-09

Miss Reading has quite lately finished !.
most successful portrait of the late Can
John Bidwell of Ranch Chico, Cal, who.
1t Will be remembered, was the prohibition
candidate for the presidency four years
ago.
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12
FISHING ADVENTURE.
Chicago Man Has Fight with Three
 Big Alligator Cars.
Vnnuuished Tn em All With the Aid of q Hatchet-It Was Struggle for Life and Lasted for Fully
 Hour.

Louis Hausler, of South Chicago, had an adventure on Old Town lake re- gently which came near ending his life. Single-handed and armed with nothing but a small Latchet he met and conquered three enormous alli- gator sars in a fight that lasted the best part of an hour. Every minute ot that time Alr. Hausler was engaged not only in dodging the enormous jaws of the vicious and yoracionS beasts. but in preventing them from overturning the s!liti. in which he was. Had they done that h.s life would not have been worth a minutes pur chase.
 hr. Hau.lcr for 35 years fished along the shore of Lake Michigan. and was the first | 0 begin the ms anufacture of caTiare from The eggs of lake stur- aeon. Since the supply of this fish failed he has brancned cut into other waters. This year. with a number of ot her Chicago fishermen. he descend td the MsSissippf in search of the feetine shovel bills" Most of the party went 10 the WhI1e river, but Mr. Hausler. learning of good fishing in Old Town lake. landed there and stacked ten immens- crates of seines. hox-nets. tralnmels, and other knitted traps on the bank.
 Old Town lake is hollow some 20 miles south of Helena. Ark. The ground has sunE. and the hollow. 19 miles long. has filled with water. The lak. SO formed is tull of cypress stumps, which make net-placing diff 4icult. Th- surroundings are desolate in the extreme, consisting of thick cypress woods and dense under growths of tangled vines.
 On his first visit to tie lake, says the Chicago Tribune, Mir. Hausler set
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12

are sent for buckets of beer, and as they grow older attend the concerts with their pareats and friends. form new acquaintanccs there, and reach maturity with no idea of any other place so attractive. While in the workngmen's districts the wretched conditions of home and lodging house life and the nopexistencc of other social opportunities have turned tho saleap into a large fie!d from which is reaped rich harvest. so in business sections inadequate provision for places for business ap- pointments has offered advantages the saloons have eagerly grasped. In them 2 business man may sit at a polished fable in quiet corner and discuss affairs with friend at leisure. Some of these drawing rooms' are veritable palm-ga rdens. An orchestra fills the air with choice music, and costly pictures adorn the walls. Separate rooms are furnished. free of charge, 10 committees and small meetings eff various character.
 The head of department in one of Chicago's largest wholesale houses tOuIcAScA eIAt cSI tdiA Ol tue AtlI4 ; best salesmen sell a large portion ot their goods lover glass of beer" in neishboring saloon. The meet ings ot lodges are often held over sa looms because their owners rent halls more cheaplv than other land lords can afford to do. The former depend on the drinks they sell for their pronts.
 Nir. Melendy related the story of one night spent in the ''vil-st. bum- miest doss-house in the city, where he went disgUised that his best friends failed to recognize him. The odorG coming down 1he stair way, as he entered, were almost ovcrpowerins. Two smoky kerosene lamps dimlv lighted large room containing a hundred 1wo-srory bed IteSds. On the frame of each was d rae of mattress. with another for cover, reeking with filth and alive with verrnin. Ten cents paid for a night of indescriba bIe horror. filled with sickly sights, sounds and odors that made the worst saloon seem desirable by contrast The social settlements. Salvation Army and '. M. C. A. are doing all they can to provide better sleeping quarters. In New York and elsewhere. it has been proven that wholesome lodgings can be furnished at popular prices and profit made. Such might induce large numbers to relinquish their sa- loon patronage, but great portion of the human race will have to be made over before those who go to a saloon to 'get drink'' will be suffi- ciently reduced in numbers to ren- der the business unprotita ble. How ever, hettering existing conditions seems to be the first great step, that those who seem to visit these places from necessity rather than choice may find good cheer elsewhere.
 EDWARD JULIAN.
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12
OWL CAR EPISODES.
Lively Ride on an Early Morning
 Street Car in. New York.
Plenty of Excitement Furnished by q TiDay end Tipsy Pass xenEers Sober ,.Oces Were
 Glad to Make Their EScane.

\ drupken conGuctor and several in- toNicared passengers furnished eN- citement to sober persons who rode uptown on an Eighth avenue trolley car says the New York Sun. The con ductor was in the 'dcn't care" stage ef intoxication. When the car reached Fourteenth street. where some people were waiting 10 board it, he kepr them back by shoutin. in stertGrian tones:
 Stand clear sangWay. Freiehtsh got to be discharged fore new ha -gage ish taken On. All ashore who % shore hearties. Step lively. ThiS car'Sh an ocean greyhound. Cant wait. Two bells. Ful shpecd ahead"
 Then he changed the bell twice. The ear went. OF. Suddenly. without ~arn- ing, neatly dres&eS, v,2nan near the front door began Singin: ''There'u Be Hot Time iii rh> OlG Tswn Tonight ;" After finishing: 1he song she politely asked th- cnMQucrsr 10 puu the bell, as she had reached her Gestiration He compiled, murmurin.:
 One bell. Go slow. S1op Der Full shpecd ashtern.
 After the ear had come 0 .top the woman told him Q hold it until she had shaken hands with every passenger.
 Don't hurry. lady" lie said, slnil- in.lv: ''occaas of time. We ain't late.''
 Finally the woman got out vii h some difficulty. and two men with different kinds of iags clambered aboard. AS they lurcheG through the now rapidly moving car the conductor called out:
 "Whcve're yer sea legs. yer land lub- bers? Steady thar. Better anchor"
 Just then the ear gave a big lurch and both were thrown into seats. The conductor waited considerably until they had recovered from the shock an
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12
SALOONS As : CLUBS.
Some Ethical Aspects of the Drink ss.L Problem in Cities.
Why Greg and Beer Shops Have Such Strong Hold on the People, and What Makes Them
 MoSt Dangerous.
Especial Chicago Lettcr.]

ID BOARDING tho work accom- IN plished by the "Committee of
 Fifty" organized in New York city. in 1ssa, by himself, Seth Lowe. Prof. Francis G. Peabody and other rep resentative men, he late Charles Dud- ley Warner wrote: Tt was from the first understood that the prime busi- ness of the cor2mit1 ee was not the eN- pression of opinion or the advancing or advocacy of one theory or another. but strictly inc Investigation of facts with out reference to the conclusions to which they might lead"
 Of Inc four subconlnaittees, one has reported on The T.iquor Problem in Its Legislative Aspect" another on The Economic Aspect of the Liquor Problem" Che line of inquiry has bee n into the ethical aspects of rho drink problem and the committee. at it's owI2 expense and under its auspices. empew- cred the Chicago Commons ts search into conditions in Chicago and the eth ic2l substitutes fer saloons. A volume in which the report of this ipvesriga- tiOn will be contained is to he published soon. During six months of unremit- 1ins labor. Mir. R. l.. Melendy. The in- cunbent of the University of Michiga social settlement fellowship at Chi cago Commons, prosecuted this self sacrificing and hazardous work and brought 10 light such varying conGi- lions as would surprise the many who speak much of saloons, but realize little of the multiplicity of phases of human existence to which they bear re- lation. By no means the least of the features of the saloon is 1he sort of unorganixed club life carried on there. Nearly the same constituency meets al the sarne place night after night. and the subjects discussed and the
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12

CTS help themselves. Red-hots. clans and egg sandwiches are dispensed as freely to those who do not drink as to those who do. There is an appearance of abundance, found neither in their homes nor the cheap restaurants. and an entire absence of any sense Of char ity, so rspugnant 10 self-respectins man. The hungry here find temporary relief and in time become ''steady reg nlars.:' It is probable that the saloons to-day are feeding more people in Chi cago than all the charitable organiza- tions combined. In them nothing is said about the deserving poor no work test. is given. and money is loaned again and again expecting no return.'
 The Iaboring man. out of employ ment, looks to the saloon, not only for food, but for assistance in ind ing. work, for many of these instltu- rions act IS Ia hor bureaus. At the saloon. homeless men find fire, seats. tables, music, conversa tion and games at slight expense. In many cases there is an entire absence of the things which the uuinitiated are in the habit of associatin. with the saloon idea. It iS said that in every neighborhood are places free from gambling and social vices. where in- decency in converse ation iS strictly prohibited and drinking to excess never allowed, owing. in some cases. strange 10 say, to the ethical or re- ]igious convictions of the saloon keepers themselves. Hence it is often leard that the saloon is 'social + .cessity"-a horribly false premise, for in these same respectable" re- sorts many young men start on saloon career from which they would have turned with disgust had they first entered some of the places which they reached by graded steps, through first passing the doorway of the higher class esta blishment. Many saloons entertain the neigh borhood with vaudeville show suit ed to the requirements of the audi ence. In too many instances the prosra mme is cheap and vulgar, al though patriotic songs are seldom missing A large number pander to vice in it's worst forms and in about two Der cent. gambling is permitted. Weddings are sometimes celebrated in the popular saloons. Young girls
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12

~7eashtways. I G77Gn't since him, any way. I don't care whether he did o1 not"
 Thank you. friend, you're zhentle. man. said the conductor.
 NOW lock ahere." said the obstinate one, Indignantly. II haven't zhe honor ot zhar zhentlemanS = acquaintance How dare you shay. shir, zhat didn't pay my fare?" With that ne made a move with his arm as though 10 an. 1lihilate ths grave Grunkard opposite him. but the conductor interposeG
 'Lsave zha1 zhentleman alone." he said. with dignity; yer quarrel isb wi me"
 By this time the women in the car showed $ is'ns Of nervousness. But when the obstinate man saw the con- ductor straighTen himself. prepara tory to eiectine him. he reluctantly ished out nickel. grumbling that he always paid his way wherever he went and that he had travelled. in his day. farther than any conductor on any ear, too. After this TOW had subsiG ed an Eng glishwomau. with eyeglasses and severe mien. asked for q ",ransfer''
 ''Shertainly. madam" said the con ductor. politely. Anywhere you wan,.' Then he gave he Euelishwom- an q transfer. and also gave one to each passenger ill the car, omiItir Q. however. the formality of punching it. Them transfers are good anywhere and any time.' he said. with com pre- hensive wave of his hand.
 Things became monotonous for lit tie while after this. Presently The tipsy man who had paid his fare under pressure lurched down the car and ap- preached the conductor.
 Shay. old fel, no hard feelings. hope Lci1me out Eishty-siSJh street," he said.
 Sure. shaAle." said the conductor.
 Then the two shock hands. and when EiShty-2iXth street was reached the conouctor helped the other out as well sS h. could.
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12

manner of treating them depend en- 1ireIy upon the character of the ire auenrer~ Of each. Tntrammeled by rules and regulations. the saloon sur passes in spirir tho organized club. Men here find the atmosphere Of free dom and spirit oE democracy which many of them crave. The distinguish irg feature which draws to one may be political, to another common na- tionality or similarity in occupation.
 At 'everyhody's exchange" men of all nationaities meet and exchange opinious. each being modified by the others. In one sense A broadening in- huence. which uothin. else but travel could give, is exerted. The saloons are great factors in assimilatinS the hcter- Ggen sous crowds of foreigners con- staDIly pouring into our cosmopolitan city. Bur while being, politically, edu-
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12

cators for good or i'll. in the saloons are learned the lessons of vice and cor ruption. The proprietor, often a man of superior intelligence. generally di- rects rhe thought. He possesses the latest news. Ke is al he head of W hat IS known as one of the greatest poli,i- cal institutions in the country. No Ot her so accommodates itself to the shift m. moods of the people: and that which comes most directly in touch with hem will, to a large extent, ccn- rrol egis,2 ton. The better class, who cry for the abolition of the saloon
 hardly realize it's tremendous hold on the people. It is easy 10 say that. it must go,' but it is necessary to face the fact that something must be pro- vided in it's place. To ascertain what this is 10 be, it must first be known what attractions the saloon is able to offer. Although hedsed in by laws, and opposed on every side, ii fourishcs
 This shows that the root has not been struck. In what other place can a poor man find a substantial, unstinted meal for five cents? The breweries are able to place these in the saloons by pur- chasing supplies in large quantities. Eere are bresd, several kinds of meat vegetables and cheese, to which custom
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12

a light gill net in tn, lake in a likely looking place to find if The fish were running. Returning in his ski1f next morning he found that the whole line of cork floats had been drawn under water. He could not understand what was pulling at the net, bur grappling for the leading line ke started 10 haul the netting in. Suddenly there was a rush through the water. and pair of enormous jaws were thrust over the side of the skif and snapped within half 2 feat of his arm.
 T thought l was sone," said Mir. Hausler. The jaws were immense. They could have taken in rot only my arm. Eur 2 good part of my body as well. and were armed with three rows Of wicked-loolins teeth. I saw a once that 1t was an alligator gar, and big one. ] grabbed 2 ha1chet- my only weapon-and struck him on the jaw, but made TO cut. The crea- lure is covered with scales from which q revolver bullet will turn hatteneG. The skiff was near Overlurning. and l was hunting for vuln-ra able place on the big one. when two more that seemed to be iast as big came rush. ing up. It seemed every minute as if I would be in the water or in their jaws. They ragged and beat the water up, and the noise of their snapping 2 jaws was frightfui After raining al- most countless blows in vain. I found a spot on the head where the hatch et would penetrate and succeeded in burying it three or four times in the brain of the biggest one. At last he gave up the fight, and I turned to the other two. l was almost an hour en- gagged in the struggle for my life. but i killed the three of them. By tha t time the skiff was almost wrecked. and I was exhausted. I went ashore and got help, and we hauled in the ret and found all three enmeshe ed in it, and got them ashore.
 The largest was eight feet long and weighed a59 pounds. The smallest was six feet and weighed 195 pounds. They are the largest I have ever seen. l gave them to some negroes to eat, for I had too much use for my hatchet to try to skin them
 The alligator gar is an imme nsc fish which closely resembles the saul rian for which it is named. It has scales often an inch thick, which nothing short of Winchester ball will penetrate. It's jaws are as large Tn proportion to it's body as an alli- gators.
 There are authenticated instances of it's killing men, and it is considered one of the chief terrors with which the southern fisherman has to con tend. =. .E E !.
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12
OAKVILLE HAPPENINGS

At the church of St Mary Alagdalene at half past eight this morning. WAS solemnized The first marriage in the new church. The contracting pafueS were John M Lynch, q popular en- uloye of the Oakvilie Pin company, and Miss Alice Violet Habin, youngest tiaughter of MT and Mrs George +. Ba- bin. Of this place. Miss babin has been employed for some time as Stenog- rapher for the |. M. C. \. in NaTef- bury and is q very popular young lady- Daniel G. Sullivan of "atertoWn was best man and Miss Mary DWyef. steh- ographer at the law office of the O'Neills. in Waterbury, was the brides maid The ceremony was performed by the Rev Father O'DonnelI After the marriage q wedding breakfast was served at the home of the brides par ents The young couple left on the 1u:4O train for New York. and before their return they will visit Philadel- phia and Washington. They will re- side in Oakville when the honeymoon Is over.
 w. W. Jerman left here Saturday for Norwalk, and from there he will go to New York state for a visit among friends.
 MT Russell. of Orange. is in this viii lage. on visit to his sons, William and Harry Russell.
 The school on Newton heights is closed to-day, in honor of Lincoln's s birthday. It will open tomorrow morning as usual.
 Miss Lena Paul, of Waterbury, spent Sunday in this village, at the home of her grandparents, MT and Mrs George Hungerford.
 Mrs Frederick HickoN was taken to the hospital Friday. She was suffer ing with severe attack of grip.
 Mrs George Pullin is on the sick list.
 Mrs Harry Russell is sick with an attack of the grip. 'as - ~ A8ToRtA. 1ssnshs Tho kiad You Iiaa Msals Bought sep ZZNze
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12

then reeled up to collect the fares. One paid, but after looking at the con- ductor in aazed way. azseverarsd with drunken dignity that he had d. ready paid his nickel. fhc conductor said:
 shay. cap. yer either pays yer fare CT yer rs!:es yer partnre-sheeH' Then he appealed to 7he intoxicated man in the seat opposite. shay, Gid dis guy pay hish fare?''
 Nav. said 1hc man aldresseG:
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12

 % an At o Ito N wi i've h re- hint Plaza ~ a p he rpaao ornA on Plaza vIhe Pupyna.o .ononun s y a
 
  h cop may b a Q enjoy s
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12
WATERTOWE JoTTINGs

Interesting Town Meeting at the Tow
 Hall Yesterday.
 The adjourned town meeting was heId as scheduled at the court rocul iii tAe town hall yesterday afternoon, a large number of voters pcin. in attend auCc.
 Herbert Dayton has sold out his milk route. Mir .Dayton's milk route guns through Waterbury.
 Daniel Hammon has sold forty acres of fine woodland to Howard Guernsey in the northern part of the town.
 The Rock Band Concert company will give an entertainment here oil March j.
Waterbury Democrat., 1901-02-12

p 1900 P Pan nC A Exposition n fmM t Nov
 
  
  H " Mp d