davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

The iron maiden is n terror inspir-
ing torture instrument made of strong
wood coated with iron. 1t opens with
two doors to allow the prisoner to be
placed inside. The entire interior is
fltted with long, sharp iron spikes, so
that when the doors are pressed TO
these sharp prongs force their way
into various portions of the victims
body. Two enter his eyes, others pierce
his chest and, in fact, impale him alive
In such a manner that he dies in the
most agonizing torture. Persons were
condemned to death by the embraces
of the iron maiden for plots against the
governing powers, parricide, religious
unbelief and murder.
The date of this instrument is the
fifteenth century. 1t is believed that
the iron maiden is purely and peculiar
ly relic of old Nuremberg, as at that
date we do not read of it anywhere
else, while the annals of that town con-
tain many illusions to its terrors.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

Few people are aware how strict q
Sabbath Is still legally ordained In
England. The Lords day observance
net forbids not only Sunday trading,
but also every possible occupation
walking, riding rowing or any game
and strictly enJolns upon all subjects
over nine years of age attendance ut
church. AT the opening of every as
size the royal proclamation for tho
preservation of morality Is read. Peo-
pie who are then present for the first
time are astonished to hear that the
monarch forbids and calls upon the
magistrates to punish absence from di.
vine service on Sundays, any playing
of cards or other games of chance or
haunting of public houses on the same
day. Everybody found In an inn dur.
Ing service hours is liable to fine of
50 cents, the landlord To penalty of
$40, and for successful prosecution
church wardens are entitled to re.
ward of SO. AS recently as 1864 Isaac
Walton, manservunt, was fined $3.50
for refusing to attend church ON Sun
day when ordered there by his mis-.
tress About the same time mother
was prosecuted by her son and actual
ly imprisoned for not attending church.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
Making Them All One.

An elderly minister is fond of telling
of "break" he once made at double
wedding of two sisters. 1t was ar
ranged that the two couples should be
married with one ceremony, the two
brides responding at the same time
and the two bridegrooms doing the
same. There had not been any pre-
vious rehearsal, as the minister had
come long distance and had reached
the church but n few minutes before
the time for the ceremony.
All went well until It came time for
the minister to say, "And now pro
nounce you man and wife"
1t suddenly became obvious 10 the
minister that the usual formula would
not do in the case of two men and two
wives, and he could not think of any
way of making "man" and wife"
plural in the sentence. In his despera-
ton and confusion he lifted his hands
and said solemnly:
"And now l pronounce you, one and
all, husband and wifew
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

Admiral Jouett, probably one of the
5olliest seadogs our navy ever knew,
once told this amusing story of his
early days as cadet:
II was sociable youngster," he
says. "and when went to my first as.
signment, the Independence, and saw
the stars and stripes floating over it
remembered my mother had taught
me that my first duty was to the flag,
SO I attempted some conversation on
this line with the executive officer who
had received me when / came ON board
and who was one of the strictest dlsci-
plinarians in the navy of that day.
"'Silence, sirp he roared at my first
question, his face red with anger. Isl
lence, sir! Who gave you permission
to speak? Let me hear only six words
from you. sir, while you are ON this
ship-''port," "starboard," "yes, SIR"
and mo. sir."'
"And this was my first discipline in
the navy"
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
AN OXFORD Gus tom.
Methods Tint Enforce nm Elaborate
syateu OF uooIxixcciping.


An American student at Oxford says
that In certain of the university col
leges man may go for dessert to the
hall store--that Is, the room below the
dining "hall," where the fancy grocer
les of the college are displayed for sale.
There are oranges from Florida ana
Tangier, apples from New England
hgs and dates from the Levant, pruncs
from Italy, candied apricots from
France and English hothouse grapes
All are spread upon the table like Il
gorgeous Venetian picture, but MT Ell
ther end OF the room stand two Oxford
"scouts" with account books In their
hands.
A man takes a tnngerlne and makes
n little gesture toward the scout, who
silently records, Brown, orange, two
pence" and looks up TO catch the next
item.
Some one asks, GLOW much are
chocolate creams, Higgins"
"Three ha'pence for -four, SIR" ana
the student urges three ncighbors to
share his pennyworth.
The minuteness of this bookkeeping
Is characteristic of precise English
ways. The weekly bills always bear
a charge of twopence for salt and the
like, and once, when l had not ordered
anything for the day, there was an un-
specified charge of penny in the
breakfast column. l asked the butler
what 1t meant. He looked at me hor-
rified.
"Why, sir, that is to keep your name
on the boobsv
asked IL such elaborate bookkeep.
ing were not very expensive. "In
America" / said, eve should lump
the charges and devote the money
saved to hiring better cook"
He explained that it always had
been managed so. That was sufficient.
Youths Companion.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
Crowns by WhoIesnIe.

1t is told Of one of the ancient kings
of Egypt that his coronation process.
sion occupied whole day in passing
through the city Of Alexandria and
that $500 crowns of gold We're carried
by the servants. One crown was three
feet in height and twenty-four feet in
circumference. There were also car
ried in the procession sixty-four suits
OF golden armor, two boots of gold
four and a half feet in length. twelve
golden basins, ten large vases of per.
fumes for the baths, twelve ewers,
hfty dishes and a large number of
tables-all of gold. Twenty-three of
the 3,200 crowns were valued at 1884,
400. and it is not surprising that the
procession was guarded by 10000 sol.
diers.-St James Gazette.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

"The mistake of my life" said the
reminiscent man, "was when was
selling patent medicines In Russia
One day attended n review of n crack
regiment, and suddenly every man In
the ranks began sneezing for all he
was worth. In tricc had my sam
pie case open and was trying to sell
the commissnry carload of my anti
grip pellets when he rudely Informed
me that the troops were only hailing
with delight the arrival of General
Akachoochebedoosk l."-Judge.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

A notorious gambler. who died some
time ago, once wagered thousand dol
lars to one that six would not be
thrown with u pair Of dice ten times
in succession. His offer was taken up
by fellow clubman. The dice We're
brought, and his opponent actually
threw six nine times in succession. The
gambler then offered $40 to be free
of the bet. The other man declined,
had his tenth throw and failed to get
another six.
Just to show hYv very little the av-
eragc man knows about the doctrine
of chances n well known mathematic-
ian has pointed out the real odds about
this bet. The chances were no less
than 60,dG6,17 to 1 against six being
thrown ten times I'm succession; there
fore the real bet should have been
about 100000 TO 1 cent against such n
thing happening.-Pittsburg Gazette.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
Don't Do IL "Just For Nov.v

Many young people form habits
which cripple and handicap them for
life by doing things 'just for now"
They let things drop wherever they
happen to be lust for now," thinking
that they will put the book, the tool,
the letter or the article of clothing lat.
er where 1t belongs. When these young
people grow up to manhood and wom-
anhood, they find that the habit OF
putting things down anywhere "just
for now" has become a tyrant that fills
their lives with confusion and disor-
der 1t takes no more time or effort
to put thing where II belongs I'm the
FIRST place than 1t does later, perhaps
less, and the chances are that If you
do not do so at the proper time you
never will. Even II 1t costs you lit
tie Inconvenience at the moment to
put everything In its proper place, to
do everything at the proper time. the
orderly and methodical habits which
you cultivate in this way will increase
your power and usefulness hundred
fold and may save you much trouble
and modification In the future,-Suc-
cess.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
A Drawback,

"Well, James, how are you feeling
today?" said the minister to one of his
parishioners, an old man suffering
from chronic rheumatism. "You are
not looking as brisk as usual"
INA, SIR" replied the old fellow sad
ly. "I've been gey unfortinit the day."
"How, James?"
"Weel, sir, got letter fra Glasca
lawyer body this mornin' tellin' me
that ma cousin Jock was deid an that
he had left me twa hummer poun'."
1.-TWO hundred pounds| repeated the
minister. "And you call that hard
luck? Why. 1t is quite fortune for
you, James,"
"Aye," said the old man sorrowfully,
'but the stipid lawyer body didna pit
eneuch stamps on his letter, an had
q hale saxpence to pey for extra post
age."-London Tit-Bits.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

At trial at Auburn, Pa, one of the
witnesses was green countryman
unused to the ways Of the law, but
quick, us 1t proved, to understand its
principles. After severe cross exam
inatlon, says an exchange, the counsel
for the government paused, and then,
putting on look Of severity, ex-
claimed:
"Mr. Wilkins, has not an effort been
made to induce you to tell different
story?"
"a different story from what l told,
sir?"
"That is what l mean"
"Yes, sir; several persons have tried
to get me to tell different story
from what | have told, but they
couldn't"
"Now sir, upon your oath, wish
to know who those persons are?"
"Well, l guess you've tried bout as
hard as any Of them"
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
Snnd sMept Asin.

In the arid lands Of central Asia the
air is reported as often laden with
fine detritus, which drifts like snow
around conspicuous objects and tends
to bury them in a dust drift. Even
when there is no apparent wind the air
is described us thick with fine dust,
and a yellow sediment covers every
thing. In Khotan this dust sometimes
so obscures the sun that at midday
one cannot see to read fine print with
out q lamp
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
A Joker Among Birds.

The bluetay is a practical joker. It
IL his habit to conceal himself in n
mass of leaves near the spot where
small birds are accustomed to gather
and when they are enjoying them
selves In their own fashion to sud.
denly frighten them almost to death
by screaming out like a hawk. or
course they scatter in every direction,
and when they do SO the mischievous
rascal gives vent to a cackle that
sounds very much like laugh.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
Displayed Some Strength.

"Pa!
"Well, WILLIE"
"You wouldn't pick sis out for n
strong woman, would you"
Hardly. Your sister is quiet,
gentle girl"
"Well, that's all you know about it.
She just puts it on. Why, heard
that big man that's been calling here
tell his chum last night that she threw
him over. l don't know what it was,
but If she threw him over anything
she's q rd."-Chicago Post.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
ACCOMMODATING wenI,b.

Could ! climb to the highest place in
athens would lift my voice and pro
clnim Fellow citizens. why do SO turn
and scrnpc every stone TO gather
wealth ana take so little care of your
children. to whom one day you must
relinqush 1t all?-Socrates.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
Prevention of the Flight of Birds.

To prevent birds from flying with
out the barbarous and injurious sys-
TEN sometimes practiced of cutting
their wings it will be found sufficient
to tie together with thread three or
four of the largest feathers of one
wing. This destroys the balance, tho
wings do not act symmetrically in the
air, and fight is rendered impossible.
Fowls, pigeons, ETC., may be kept with
In bounds in this simple fashion.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

A kind of seaweed which is plentiful
on the coast of China furnishes an ad-
mirable glue and varnish. When dried,
it is waterproof. and 1t is employed to
ill up the interstices in bamboo net
work, of which windows are frequent
ly constructed in that country. 1t is
also utilized to strengthen and varnish
paper lanterns.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

Mr.. X. the subedltor. was asked to
write on article on superstition and i'm
becillty.
When the article was printed. the
opening sentence was found to he ny
follows: THAT lmbccility is not on the
wnnc perusnl of the following lines
will amply dcinonstiyte."- du
Centre
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
A Cheerful PropOsnI.

A Scottish beadle one day led tho
manse housemaid to the churchyard
and, pointing with his finger, STAN
mered:
my folk lie there, Jenny. Wad ye
like to lie there too?"
1t was his way of popping the ques-
tion.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
Entail Worry.

Hewitt-It is worry. not work, that
killa
Jewett-That's 30. especially when a
fellow worries himself to death be-
cause he cannot get work.-Brooklyn
Life.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
The Kind of Judge He wanted.

The story Is told of an Irishwoman
who tried to console her husband with
the remark that he would have fair
trial and an upright judge. "Yerra,
woman" replied her spouse, "whatd !
want wild an upright judge? What
wants Is judge that'll lean little"
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
II WOuIdn't Work.

81 found" said the man who fire.
quents the races, ''that seemed to
win every second day, so / made up
my mind to take fresh start and bet
only every second day."
"And how did you come out?"
swell, / think l must have started
the scheme the wrong day."-Chicago
Post.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

Opportunity has all her hair on her
forehead, but when she has passed you
cannot call her back. She has not tuft
whereby you can lay hold on her. for
she Is bald on the back part Of her
head and never returns. -Rabelais.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03


William Bliss when president of the
Boston and Albany railroad was once
called before the railroad committee of
the Massachusetts legislature TO testi.
fy on traffic matters, and young
member who was serving bis first
term undertook TO examine him.
81 want you to tell me how much II
costs to haul freight car from Boston
TO Springfield" said the member.
II don't know" replied Mr.. Bliss.
you don't knowT
"Thnt was the answer | gave"
what are you, anyway
president"
"Of whatT
"The Boston and Albany railroad"
"Well, sir" began the legislator In
rising voice, 'if you are william Bliss,
president of the Boston and Albany
railroad, and you don't know what II
costs TO haul freight from Boston to
Springfield, who In the name of heav-
en does know2"
"No one that know unless II Is n
member of the Massachusetts leglslu-
ture who Is serving his first term"
Another member continued the eX-
animation.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
Merely Misplaced.

Captain" said the cabin boy, sis a
thing lost when you know where 1t
is?"
"No, you fool" answered the cap.
tain, who, being wise man, abhorred
frivolous questions.
swell, sir, your silver teapot is at
the bottom of the sea-"
Exit cabin boy.-New York Times.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

The average amount of water that
should be taken daily Is from two to
four pints, or from four to eight glasses.
Moro water should be drunk In hot
weather than IN cold.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
A Composer.

Hoax-I thought you said that man
was musician?
Joax-Nonsense
"You certainly told me he wrote mel
odles."
II told you he was a composer of
heirs. Hs sells soothing syrup"
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

London is considered crowded city.
yet 0.1 per cent of its Inhabitants oc.
cupy one room tenements. whereas in
Bombay II Is 80 per cent.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

How will you have your hair cutY
queried the talkative barber.
"06w snapped the disagreeable pa
tron.
Ana the barber cut on.--Boston Globe
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

1t is related tnat an indian cnier
once approached General Crook and
wanted to borrow cannon.
"Do you expect me to loan you n
cannon with which TO kill my sol.
dlersY' the old veteran inquired.
"No." the chief replied; kill soldiers
with club. Want cannon to kill cow.
boys"
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

! nlia-What would you do IL you had
~ bad Of hair1
ptelIa-Iake It back and exchange Il
NOV York Preoa
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
IA Marryf.9 Man.

Are Zu marrying man" was
asked % somber looking gentleman
at reed reception.
"Yes. b" was the prompt repIy;'
I'm . 4 kgyman."
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
J.B, HUTCHINSON
Gen Manager
j. X. WOOD,
Gen. Pass Agi

J.B, HUTCHINSON JR WOOD
"eh Mahager Gen. Pass Agt
l2;5O p. m.-Train s. daily for sunbury uar-
risburg and principal intermediate stations.
s.urriNiug at Philadelphia 7:f2 o. m New
q. ork lO:23 y. M, baltimore 1870 D. m., WASH
lnston $500 y. m. Nestibuled parlor cars
ahH % passenger coaches, Buffalo to Philadel-
4'uV ?. m,-Irain g. daily, for Har-
rlsburg and intermediate stations ar
rlnlng at Philadelphia +:25 A. NJ; New Y ork
,'i5 a. M; baltimore, 30 IA M; Washington
Harrisburg TO Philadelphia and New York.
thllauelphih passengers can remain In
sleeper undisturbed until 1880 A. NJ.
ll;Oo p.m.-rran 4,daily for Sunbury HARRIS
Durg ana intermediate stations, arriving at
A. NJ. ON week days and lO.3s A M. on sun
day; baltimore, 7;l5 A. M; Washington. $40
A, NJ Pullman sleepers from Erie
ana Wllllamsport to philadelphia, and
Wllliamsport TO Washington. Passenger
coaches from Erie TO Philadelphia. and
:, Mllllamsport TO Baltimore.
t2;si pm Train II, daily for Sunbury HARRIS
burg and principal intermediate stations,ar
irving at Philadelphia 7:22 IA. m. New York
baltimore 7;l5 q. M, Washington, $3.50 m.
Nestibuled buffet sleeping cars and pns-
ssenger coaches, Buffalo TO Philadelphia and
WESTWARD
o'5s a. m.-Train Z, daily for Buffalo via
4;3s a. m.-Train 0, daily for Erie, Ridg-
way, and week days for Dubois, Ciermont
ana principal intermediate stations.
s'So a; m,--Iraln ., daily for Erie and Inter-
a'ts ?, m:-rrain Is, daily for Buffalo via
5;i5 y. m.--rrain o., weekdays for Kaue and
intermediate stations.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
Philadelphia & Erie Railroad Division

In effect March 24th, 1902. Trains leave
Driftwood as follows:
EASTWARD
9:4 m-Train II, weekdays, for Sunbury,
Milkesbarre, Hazleton, Pottsville, Scranton,
Harrisburg and the intermediate sta
tions, arriving at Philadelphia 6:23 d. m,
New York, $3.50 p. m; Baltimore, 900 D. m;
washington, 7;l5 p. m Pullman Parlor car
from Williamsport TO Philadelphia and pas
senEar coaches from Kane to Philadelphia
and Williamsport TO Baltimore and Wash
ington
JOHSONBURG RAILROAD.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
NORTH BOUND.

Additional train leaves Punxsutawney for But
Ter i:Si +. ~ daily, except Sundays.
NoTE-On Sundays train arrives Buffalo 6:10
r. NJ, Rochester 7:0j p. NJ, and train leaves Buf.
falO 300 A. NJ, Rochester $50 A. NJ.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
CLEARFIELD DIVISION.

Daily. Daily except Sunday.
EDWARD G. LAPEY,
General Passenger Agent,
(Form n. p. 2) Rochester. N. Y.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

IN NI'TF' IIIsTF' HI'TFs NJ r. NJ
Train 9l2 Sunday leaves Dubois 40 d. m.
Ealls Creek Az, Reynoldsville 430, Brookville
5.e0, Red Bank $50, Pittsburg $50 ID. m.
Trains marked run daily; daily, except
shown.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
w WESTWARD

Train 90l Sunday leaves Pittsburg 900 A. m,
Red Bank II 10 BroOkville l2.4f, Reynoldsviile
LA, Fails Creek l29 Dubois i.35 p m.
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03
PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD.
Il BUFFALO & ALLEGHANY VALLEY
DIVISION.
Low Grade Division.

In Effect May rs, 1902. Eastern Standard Time.
EAsTwABp
The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1902-09-03

RIDGWAY & CLEARFIELD RAILROAD
and Connections.
The Daily soliphone., 1902-04-28
Kings Without Thrones.

Exile is not such bad situation for a monarch after all, when everything else fails. Most of the kings seem tc have feathered their nests fairly well before they or their fathers took their flight. Even King Prempeh of Ashanti, who is now a prisoner, has all his ex- penses paid, and is allowed $1.50 day pocket-money; while the late cannibal king of Benin maintained his regal state in Calabar on an allowance of $15 week and free board and lodg- ing The beautiful ex-Empress Flu genie lives on her magnificent estate at Cap Martin, and it is said that to- day she is one of the wealthiest wom- en in the world. And the Orleans Bourbons, the Bonapartes-aH the pretenders to the throne-are well supplied with money. Every one of them has well-filled stocking" laid by for rainy day.-Stray Stories.
The Daily soliphone., 1902-04-28
MAKING OF ANAGRAMs.
Letters Forming United States Trans4 posed Into Latin-A Difficult
 Task.

A correspondent has asked me to furnish him with some good anagrams on the names of famous people. He a good deal of time trying to make an acceptable anagram on the United States, and has failed to do so.
 With reference to this failure, i would remind him that he must not be discouraged, says William Shepard, in Era. The task he has attempted is an enormous one. United States has just a dozen letters. Now mathematicians will tell him that dozen letters will admit of seven thousand and twenty nine millions (7029, ,oOO,Oo0) of possible transpositions.
 Old Camden has vividly described the vexa tion of soul undergone by ana grammatists when oft-repeated effort, with an oft-repeated approximation to success, have finally resulted in loss of time and labor: Some have been seen" he says, ''to bite their pens, scratch their heads. bend their brows, bite their lips, beat their board, their paper, when they were fair for some what and caught nothing herein.
 Again let him comfort himself by the reflection that no one has yet sue ceeded in making a good English ana gram on United States. Anagram. matists have been forced to fall back upon the more fluent and manageable Latin. It has been discovered that the letters forming the United States may be transposed into the follow ing Latin words:
 In te deus stat. "God stands in thee"
 Inde tutus stat. "Hence thou stand est safely"
 Dentatus est. "He has teeth," the "he" evidently referring to Uncle Sam.
 Desiste, nutat! Hands off, he shakes!' a sentiment which may have been applicable in 1861, when it was made, but is now, thank Heaven, with out meaning or point.
 Siste, nudat te. "Stop, he strips thee"
 A te desistunt. "They keep. off from thee"