davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-07-05
ENGLISH SPARROWS.
Dates mt Which These Birds Were
Imported Into This Country,

have been asked several times late
ly at what date the common English
sparrows were imported into the Unit
ed States and by whom.
1t seems that the first attempt was
made in 1858 by a private citizen of
Portland, Me. In the fall of that year
he liberated six sparrows, and they i'm
mediately made themselves ut home
In his garden and outbuildings. For q
few years these birds and their de-
scendants were seen in and about the
town In small squads. These birds
multiplied until in the winter of 1871
a flock of them appeared in every near
by town, thus showing their tendency
to spread over adjoining territory.
About 1850 II birds were imported
and liberated near Madison square,
New York city, and this was repeated
for several seasons.
In 1864 the commissioners of New
York liberated II birds In Central park.
About this time numerous persons re-
turning from abroad brought few
birds home and set them at liberty in
and about Jersey City.
Inc craze Tor importing these birds
spread, and in 1868 the city govern
ment of Boston imported great num-
Der. But the birds had not been care
fully handled, and they did not thrive,
and others were brought over. The
birds which survived from these va
rious importations were carefully fed
and looked after by the city govern
ment.
In 1869 a thousand were imported
and liberated In the city of Philadel-
phia, and soon the birds spread over
all adjacent territory.
About this time the Smithsonian in
stitution became interested in bringing
these birds to this country, so they i'm
ported 300, but most of them died. In
1871 the same institution brought over
another lot, and they We're successfully
cared for.
From this it is seen that the birds
have started from a number of points
and were not one or two importations
to New York, as is usually supposed
Washington Post.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-07-05
WOMEN AND DREAMS,
Superstition That Is Rife Even
Among the Educated Enir Soy

Among the Educated Fair Sex.
1t doesn't seem possible that in tvs
enlightened age superstition could he
rife among the educated. but there are
nevertheless a number of young wom-
en- who converse fluentlX. if not elo-
quently, in three languages. and who
read Spencer and Browning and Emer.
son, but who place a dreambook with
their Bible on the table beside the bed
and consult it in the morning the first
thing.
With n credulity worthy of q negro
nanny, if their sleep has been visited
with unusual visitors they seize this
volume as soon as their eyes are fairly
open and look for an explanation. If
misfortune is foretold by it, the seeker
after knowledge assumes q bravado
she is far from feeling. 81 don't care"
she says to herself, by way of bolster
ing up her courage. Il am not super-
stitious, anyway, and don't believe in
such arrant nonsense" But she's nerv-
Gus Just the same for days until her
troubles have driven this mythical one
out of her mind.
InereS one young woman known to
the writer who never dreams of n
young child without shivering and
shaking for days after In fear of some
dreadful thing happening to her. She
has not consulted a dreambook on the
subject, and so she doesn't know how
infants and bad luck became connected
In her mind, but nevertheless, after she
has had visit of this sort while Sleep
ing, she says prayers of unusual length
and then makes up her mind to be pa
tient under Affections sore.
She is an intelligent woman, mind
you, but she doesn't attempt to explain
the terror that besets her at this par
ticular dream. She doesn't call herself
superstitous-of course no woman
does, not even the one who wouldn't
walk under a ladder-but her friends
do and make light of her until she ex-
poses some fetch of theirs, when the
subject is carefully avoided afterward.
Baltimore American.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-07-05
Dish gardening.

Even the clergyman, noble and in
spring as his vocation is, has now and
then his bad moments.
"Oh, sir" said a poor woman to a
Scotch minister, who was by no means
a popular preacher, well do | like the
day when you give us the sermon"
"Indeedw said the minister, flushing
with pleasure. 81 wish there were
more like you, my good woman. 1t is
seldom ! hear such words from any
one"
Maybe their hearings stronger than
mine. sir" said the woman promptly,
but when you preach can always get
a good at."-Youths Companion.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-07-05
CONDENSED DISPATCHES.
Notable Events of the Week Briefly
and Tersely Told.

The hospital ship Maine was present.
ed to the British navy.
American ships built in the fiscal year
ending June 80 numbered Lib.
United States Senator Kyle died at Alb.
erdeen, S. D., after long illness.
Four hundred and fifty tons of dried
fruit was burned at San Jose, Cal.
Andrew Carnegie has offered S75O.OOO
toward the erection of a library building
in Detroit
Three persons were killed and one fatal
ly injured at Il grade crossing near Hunt
lngton, Ind.
Professor f. J. Bintwell. the ornitholo.
gist, has been accidentally killed in the
Rio Pecos forest reserve in Mexico.
The mail tube service between Manhat.
tan and Brooklyn was abandoned. and
wagons were again in use owing to fail
ure of congress to make appropriation.
Monday, July L.
The yacht Meteor, with Emperor Will
liam on hoard, won the regatta in Luz
beck bay.
Mrs. Matthew Arnold. widow of the
British poet, critic and apostle of cu-
ture," died in London.
Over $4,000 steel workers in Pittsburg
and Ohio mills were ordered to strike in
the fight over the union.
American pro-Boers were reported to
have sent 100000 to Mr. Kruger for the
relief of Boer women and children.
Disturbances occurred at Lyons be-
tween Socialists and Conservatives owing
TO the holding of rival meetings at the
same time
Improperly secured loans to manufac-
turing concerns and losses on real estate
caused the closing of the City National
bank of Buffalo.
Rear Admiral Rodgers reached Kobe,
Japan. aboard his flagship. the New
York. to take part in the Perry monu-
ment ceremonies.
Rapid transit schemes for London in
volving an outlay of t5OOOO.OUO are be-
ing considered by a joint committee Of
the two houses of parliament.
saturday, June 20.
Duke Ian and Prince Tuan arrived at
their place of Punishment in Turkestan.
The coinage of the United States mints
for the fiscal year was announced at
$136.340.1S1.
Boer prisoners arrived at Hamilton,
Bermuda Much sickness is reported
among them.
The sitting. of the Spanish chamber
was suspended because of the excitement
over the discussion of religious conflicts
The Dutch cabinet has resigned in CON
sequence of the recent elections. by which
the government supporters lost 13 seats.
Friday, June IS.
The big oil fire was still burning at
Preble. Ind
Northern Pacific voluntarily raised the
wages of its mechanics.
Senior Riesco LiberaD got majority in
Chile's presidential elections.
Twelve cases and four deaths were re-
ported from plague at Oporto, Portugal.
Lieutenant Edward 4. Downes. First
infantry was reported killed in Samar,
Philippine Islands.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-07-05
A Crock Run by balls.

A clock owned in England is run by
balls which fall into pockets on the
right side of wheel, which revolves
and operates the works. The balls drop
into drawer when the wheel revolves
far enough. The clock is wound up"
by placing the balls in a receptacle on
top of the clock.-Jewelers' Circular
Weekly.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-07-05
Thousands Have Kidney Trouble
and Don't Know it.
How To Find Out.

Fill a bottle or common glass with your
water and let it stand twenty-four hours; a
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-07-05
A TaIkative Mute.

"She is so garrulous," said the first
deaf mute, speaking of a friend who
was similarly affected.
SIS that SOP
"Yes. Why, do you know, when 10
one is around for her to talk 70, she
makes her right hand talk to her left"
Baltimore American.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-07-05

SOAl!I!Clll OF Sell
ting indicates an
unhealthy condi-
ton Of the kid
neys; if it stains
your linen it is
evidence Of kid
ney trouble; too
frequent desire 10
pass 1t or pain in
the back is also
kidneve and Mad
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-07-05

The first anthracite coal known to be
such was discovered at Mauch Chunk,
Pa, in 1791. The Lehigh Coal Mining
company began business in the same
year, making n commodity of the re-
cent discovery.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-07-05
What to Do.

convincing proof that the kidneys and blad-
der are out Of order.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1901-07-05

w nat TO DO.
There is comfort in the knowledge so
often expressed that DR.. Kilmer's Swamp
Root the great kidney remedy fulfills every
wish in curing rheumatism, pain in the
back, kidneys, liver. bladder and every part
Of the urinary passage. 1t correrts inability
to hold water and scalding pain in passing
it, or bad effects following use Of LIQUOR,
wine or beer, and overcomes that unpleasant
necessity Of being compelled to 20 often
during the day, and to get up many times
during the night. The mild and the extra
ordinary effect Of Swamp-Root is soon
realized. 1t stands the highest for its won
dertul cures Of the most distressing cases.
hyou need a medicine you should have the
best. Sold BY druggists in SOC. and 81. sizes.
You may have a sample bottle Of this
wonderful discovery fc1P
and book that tells srslr=asyse Ia szr..ts
more about both ,a,i 1: -, ny
address DR.. Kilmer & Home of swampRoo,.
Co., Binghamton, N. Y. When writing men
ton reading this generous offer in this paper.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1901-10-16
The Boyhood of a Traitor.

An awed hush followed the words. The speaker
advanced into the middle of the room, holding aloft
a copy of Dilworth's Grammar. Three curious pairs
of eyes were bent upon him. Yes, even kind Madam
Lathrop herself dropped her knitting work. When
the doctor used his shortest tone and his longest
words when his was thus dignfedly severe,
every one took heed of the danger signal.
Look upon the pages of this volume his impress
sive voice went
He hrted the leaves with his hand. They all did
look, the three boys and the good physicians wife.
One hundred and fifty years ago literature
venerated book guarded a sacred thing
Ezekiel Huntley drew his breath in a long,
ing sigh. That his book. He recognized the
But in his orderly, obedient soul would
wild thought intrude thus to maltreat his be-
longings. Surely the doctor would know that.
To his infinite relief it was the oldest boy that
their master addressed
Benny, l recognize your cognomen affixed to the
property of another. Am I thus to understand that
you have had the temerity to deliberate and achieve
atrocious deed?"
Twas I did it, sir" the cool, determined an
swer.
It's l will chastise you'll was his retort.
He lifted his hand threateningly. The boy did not
finch. His companions covered, glancing at Madam
Lathrop. Nor was their faith misplaced She started
from her chair
~ nuSDdnd! she DegSed f1dVe patience lie is
but a child after all"
SO many times they had heard this same excuse.
So many times the reply had been: "The child is
father to the My duty to my apprentices does
not consort with wnlling at evil which may be
eradicated now, when it and they small but
which may increase with their growth, to omnous
proportions"
IAN evil, yes! Not piece of mischief like this of
Bennys. She laid her soft hand on the lads head
She stopped over him tendery. ''You won't do it
again. my son, if you pardoned now?"
mo, ma'am.'
"There, husband You hear? Forgive him for
this once"
We'll we'll" He turned vexedy away. "Since
you have petitioned i'll his favor and since his own
promises Of amendment are extended. But the next
occasion for reprmand will not be lightly over
looked"
Benny bowed in apparent subnissiveness Then he
winked at the others.
Shall take the corn to the mill sr?" he in
quired.
Quiet. steady Ezekiel did not court his society. He
always found it exciting and far from edifying Still
there gan-saying any domestic mandate and
they set off together. Their path lay along winding
wood road past now and then settlers cabin until
they came by the stream the broad dam, its water
trickng the steep sides in the dazzling sunlight
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1901-10-16
Playing Like a Christian.

Il once heard of two little children said a Sun
day-school speaker, "a boy and girl, who used to
play great deal together. They were converted.
One day the boy to his mother, and said, 4
know that Emma is Christian What makes you
think So my child? Because, mother, she plays
like Christian Plays like Christianp said the
mother. The expression sounded a little odd Yes
replied the child, if you take everything she's got
she doesn't get angry. Before, she was selfish and
if she didn't have everything her own way she would
say won't play with you; you are an ugly little
boy"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1901-10-16
The Children.
A Chi1d's Prayer.

{ Translated from the German of Louise Hensel)
Tired | am, | go to rest,
1 fold my arms across my breast;
Father, let Thy watching eye
Look down on me from the sky.
If I've evil done to-day
Take it. Father, all away;
Jesus blood and Thy dear love
Show Thou canst forgive, above.
All the loved ones near to me-
God, let mercy for them be
And all people, great and small,
Listen, Father, to their call.
Poor, sick hearts, o Saviour blessl
Tired eyelids, please give rest;
Let the white moon in the sky
The still world watch, with guarding eye
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1901-10-16

which they lifted from the horse He gave one of
the two scant welcome.
l hoped I'd seen the last of you," he said, CURLY,
taking the bags of corn from Benny. "A week ago
you hung my cat and the time before you set the
dogs tail aire. Ezekiel, did you complain to the
doctor, as 1 babe your"
Ezekiel stared up piteously into the houry frown-
ing face. Benny teasing the old horse, with an
aspect of unconcern.
please, sir, | couldn't be tel-tale" urged the
younger boy.
The miller looked almost sympathetic He liked
Ezekiel.
"Well, well, perhaps not. If anything goes wrong
to-day Che raised his voice menacingly and glanced
at the lad who tickling Dobbin's nose) Il shall
take hand myself in bearing word to Doctor Dan
el"
Benny tossed his head.
A half hour later there was shrill scream from
without the mill It's owner ran dstractedly to the
door.
What is it? Where is it? he called Has any
thing happened to Ezekie?"
But it was Ezekiel who crying out Here
Here Here Oh, look at Benny! Rescue Benny
What shall we do?"
The child dancing up and down in terror. He
wrung his hands, tears streaming along his face he
appealed to the man. What shall we do for Benny?'
where is he? don't understand"
The miller gazed about him in bewiderment
Neither in the water, the land, neither strug-
Cling to hold to slippery log, nor pearched
upon the peaked roof of the building nowhere
might he turn his wide, frightened eyes to behold
the reckless rogue.
where is he?"
"Therep'
He followed the quiverng finger with his aston
ished look Clinging to the monstrous wheel in its
steady revolution, borne dripping through the
water, now rising into the air, swung the little, limp
form that lifted grimacng face albeit white and
strained to meet his own.
With bound the man reached the door and
disappeared. In instant, that appeared intermn-
able to both the boys the machinery ceased its pom
derous motion. The wheel stood still
dangling, miseraby wet figure dragged from
its perious position. Without word and with
features grimly set, the miller handed Benny over
to his wife, to be dried and dosed and prepared
for the homeward journey.
"Il go with you" he said significantly
Several hours later Ezekiel met him on the broad
gravel path outside the Lathrop homestead. He had
been watching for him.
"Sr," he began, "s he's the doctor going to
Benny might be sick, you know!"
The miller smiled contemptuously. so YOU too,
would beg him off"
Ezekiel clapped his hands. Has Madam Lathrop
done it?"
That she has. Twas only bit of mischief she
said; and he is but a child. The old doctor was firm
at first"
Ezekiel could not repress a laugh. "He always
is-at first. And madam-heaven bless her-she al
ways saves us from punishment"
81 guess it's Benny than us You mark
my words he'll come to bad end Some day he'll
do mischief that there's begging off
Ezekiel had often heard this prophecy from the
He paid little heed, in his relief that
his payfellow was not to suffer further He felt 4
great gush of tenderness for given back to him
so he felt-from the very gates of death.
That tenderness was short-lived. In the soft June
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1901-10-16
October Is,


Madam shrieked and covered her eyes with her
hands.
Twas a cat" suggested Benny. 1T must have
been cat'
Twas not cat. They did not recognize that
voice. They had never heard her speak like this be-
fore. "A heartess boy has done this deed; which
of you?
Not l." gasped Ezekiel
Not L. Peter echoed
Benny
He flung back his head How well they knew that
defiant gesture! well, l. then"
Husband Come here"
Doctor Daniel fastened up to them. He, too,
impressed by her tone. His wife pointed the sick
ening sight
you must chastise that boy
For once in his life Benny thoroughly alarmed.
To have his champion desert him was the overturn-
ing of the whole universe
oh madam" he mplored in her old excuse, 1T
only piece of mischief
Hush, child. No. Cruelty is than that. 1t
stain upon the character if it be not wiped away
Husband, this is your duty. Chastise him.
When she went up to bed that night a sullen- faced
lad leaning from the window the landing. He
stood aside, his head averted, to let her pass The
good the traces of tears, and she hoped
that they marks OF penitence rather than of
pain.
DO you hear that robin mourning in the lilac
bush? ?" she said
He nodded silently. In the dusk she placed her arm
around him.
Can you understand its cry! To me it says:
Cruel Benny Cruel Bennyp Oh, my dear little
boy, never hurt Gods creatures again. in this
wordl"
There answer. He stood aloof in the cir
Gle of her With sigh she passed on up the
stairs.
1t thirty years later-the other days mischief
of which have to tell, and the American Revo-
luton raging One autumn day a messenger
bending to his flying steed shouted the fearful words
in the streets of Norwich, New London is ahame"
They could the light against the sky. They
could watch the smoke that rose to heaven as if it
would blot out the shameful picture. For this was
more than the barbary that is part of war
A Tory General, gay in his scarlet coat had stroed
into the home of old friend and demanded food.
AS he left the table, he carelessly flung back the
order, "Set this house on fire"
He turned to companion. Norwich where
my childhood was spent is fourteen miles away. l
wish that l might visit it. Ah l would like to see
the Lathrop homestead blazing! The old doctor
punished What revenge l might have
now had we but timer
Even while he spoke it all came back to him. He
the moonlit landing the stairs. He heard
the robin in the lilac bush, and the sweet voice of
the woman at his side. Around him were the crack
ling of flames, the shout of soldiers the desparng
cry of mothers and babies bereft of their all
But the listened to a birds call in the shrub
berry, and it said tonight, it had said in that
twilight long ago: Cruel Benedict Arnold
Cruel Benedict Arnod"
Boys, don't be cruel Don't be fase-hearted Re
member, wicked boy makes wicked
The San Francisco call., 1901-10-23
BLOOD IS SHED
UNDER THE FLAG
Lloyd Spencer andHarry
Thomas Wipe Out
Insults.

Blood has been shed under the shadow
of the Custom house flag. 1t flowed yes
terday during the progress of a fist fight,
the principals being Harry Thomas, a
popular Custom-house broker, and Lloyd
Spencer, messenger in the Office of First
Deputy Farley.
1t is an admitted state of facts that Mr..
Thomas went to Deputy Farley's desk to
have some papers signed, and, Mr.. Far
ley being temporarily absent, Mr.. Thomas
expressed his displeasure. Messenger
Spencer took exception to the remark,
and from this point the admitted state
of facts divergeS into two statements, one
being that Thomas applied an insulting
Spencer called Thomas a liar and that
Thomas resented it in words the opposite
of soothing. When Thomas left the desk
both parties were at white heat.
Thomas and Spencer met on the steps
of the Custom-house after lunch, and
Spencer peremptorily demanded an apol-
ogy Thomas refused, and the gage Of
battle was resorted to. Both pricipals,
with several friends, Immediately repaired
to Oregon street, a cul de sac beginning
on Battery street, opposite the Custom
house and running about half a. block
until intercepted by a fruit-packing estab-
lishment. Between an ale house and the
fruit house the crowd piled a barricade
of empty boxes to cut off the view from
the main street, and Thomas and Spen-
Ger, peeling off their coats and vests,
sailed into each other with much gritting
of teeth and many grunts between blows.
Two rounds were fought, at the end Of
which period both combatants, bleeding
and breathless, We're separated by the
spectators and honor was adjudged to
have been satisfied. The end of the bat-
tie was hastened by a report that the
British and Italian Consuls, whose win
dows overlook Oregon street, had sent
special messengers for squads of marines
from English and italian men of war to
stop the CORY contest.