davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
The Story of That Now Common Fruit the Banana
A Yankee Began the Exploitation of It Down in the British West Indies s-To-D Day . Very
 Important Export.
Important Export,

a red skin and orange-colored pulp, good only after 1t was cooked, either boiled, baked or fried.
 But to live up to our title and tell something of the story of the banana.
 Years ago we got what bananas we used from Florida, but now the West Indies furnish us with a big part of this de- sirable fruit And very glad are the West Indies that Uncle Sam has shown such fondness for the product that grows so well in their confines, very glad that now big fruit steamers are needed to carry away the export. When England. 50 years ago, plunged it's British colonies into the sugar crisis" by means of an act equalizing the sugar duties on British and foreign productions the West Indian colonies went to pieces. All the available land was in sugar cane, and when the act worked changes numbers of the es- tates had to be abandoned, the once prosperous land became place with a past, but no present, and little hope of a future. One day along came Yankee trading schooner, the skipper casting his eye about for what he might devour. That eye lighted on bananas. and though at this time 1t was food the West Indians fed to the pigs, he de- cided to take cargo of 1t home, re- marking that he needed ballast anyway. He offered the people something like five cents bunch for cutting the fruit and bringingait aboard, and the pover.t ty-stricken residents accepted the offer
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
A BANANA PLANTATION.

with eagerness. The enterprise proved a great success, but before the pioneer could repeat it he and his vessel were lost at sea.
 Presently another adventurer took the matter in hand, one Capt. Baker from Boston. The banana trade was begun. As the Times correspondent says: Presently the West Indies were toiling on the abandoned estates, planting bananas: later on one schoon- CT became ten schooners, ten schoon- CTS became dozen steamers A great fruit company sprang up, with Baker at ite head. The British islands still flew the union jack, but the circula- tion was of American capital. and the natives forgot pounds. shillings and pence. and calculated in dollars. bits and cents. This is the queer situation today in the West Indies. With American money the islands pay. tribute to Britain"
 Though there is big money in bananas, the cultivators and those that transport the fruit have troubles of their own. It is no easy matter to get this cargo safe and sound to it's north ern destination. The fruit is expected to ripen on the way, greatest care must be taken that it experiences neither undue heat nor cold. The first
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
'Niv motherI

Unbind me- she added. T give you my word I wish but to pay my respect to the woman yonder'
 ''She gives good counsel. soldier" an, swered the boatswain. Cut her lash ing" he said to the sailor who guarded them.
 As the buccaneer did So Mercedes sank on her knees by the side of the dead woman.
 Now, sir. your nane:' asked Horni. gold again.
 "Alvarado." Where got you that name:r Tt was ziven ne by his excellency the vicero-."
 And wherefore?'
 There was something % tremendous in Hernigoldis interest that in spite of himself the young man felt compelled to answer
 Tt was his pleasure"
 Had you not a name of your o~nT' None that know of What mean yOu:"
 "T was found. a baby. outside the walls of Panama in a little village The viceroy adopted me and brought me up. That is alI--
 When was thiss- asked Horuiyod. "Affer the sack of Panama And the name of the village was .-CuchiIlo.- interrupted Hornigold tri- umrhantly.
 My God. senor. how know you ;llatg--
 T was there You were therer cried the young man.
 -Aye-
 For love of heaven. can you tell me who am what I amE~ In g7Jd time. younz sir and for price- At present I know but one thing
 That fs--
 -There lies your mother answered the hs1cczneer slowly. pointing to the white figure o1 the sand ~My morker- cried AivzrzdoL step ping f0r-ard and lo2klng dorn upon
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13

. novelty as an elephant would be in Lapland. The 10000. .000 punches of the yellow fruit which now are pouring into this country every year were not to be found at that time even in the West Indies and Central America, where a shrewd Yankee trader discovered the succulent fruit. Such bananas as New York did see were from Florida"
 Ten million punches seems big lot, and when we remember that generally there are over 100 bananas in . bunch, we find we have something like 100 times 10 .000, 900 of single bananas com- ing yearly to our markets. No wonder the American apple protests, that so- cieties are formed for the restoration to favor of this product of snowy hill sides.
 Conditions surrounding the culture of the banana are strictly of the trop- ical order, and a banana plantation. with its wide-spreading leaves, grow ing palm-like. presents a tropical pie, ture of beauty and luxuriance. Not few dwellers in the tropics and sub tropics plant near their bungalows groups of the most beautiful of the ba- mana trees. desiring to have them close to their verandas, to impress the ap- preaching visitor with a picture of unique attractiveness. The life of these trees is only of IS months duration, but when they die othee can be ready to take their places.
 A banana tree grows from 15 to 20 feet high. Its trunk is green and sappy. its leaves great. dropping banners at the top. The latter are of lovely, soft green color. of soft, thick texture The fruit. as all know in these days of many pictures. of much travel. does not grow here and there about the trees, but is grouped in a compact, orderly manner along a stout stick of a stem of much thickness and strength. The bud. . tight-folded. purplish affair of several inches in length. protrudes from this stem. fruit and blossom both to be seen as the fruit approaches maturity.
 In lands where the banana grows, the fruit. as rule. believe. is not allowed to ripen on the tree. as is the popular belief. I know in Hawaii the punches were picked while still green and hung on the veranda to ripen. This may have been done because of those little thieves. the mynah birds. but know 1t was the custom and Gan bear witness the fruit was delicious.
 On the plantation where made an eXtended stay. there were 4 different kinds of bananas: the kind tsually best known In the United Stafestwas looked upon there with no great fator. spoken of as the Chinese banana-terhaps be- cause 1t vas the one vsrieyy the poor ceiestials could afford. A celicious and rare banana vas the appl4 banana. . small. light yellow fruit witR the flavor and fragrance of sn apple. The cook ing banana vas c suhstanti4 fruit with
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
WATERBURY EVENING DEMoCRAT SATURDAY.. MAY 1s 1905.

his eye caught Q glimpse of gold chain against her white neck. Gently he lifted 1t, unclasped 1t, drew it forth. There was locket upon 1t. Jewels sparkled upon its surface. She had worn it all these years.
 70 vanitas vanitatum!" murmured the priest, yet compassionately. What Is 1t that passes the love of womanY'
 He slipped 1t quietly within the breast of his habit and then fell pros trate on the sand. faint from pain and loss of blood. Long the two figures lay there in the moonlight while the rising tide Tipped the shining sands. The cool water at last restored consciousness to one of the still forms; but, though they laved the beautiful face of the other with tender caresses, they could not call back the troubled life that had passed into peaceful eternity. Pain fully the old priest raised himself up- on his hands and looked about him.
 70 Cod he murmured, give me strength to live until I can tell the y. bella that was-thou vert brave and thou vert beautiful; thou hast served our holy church long and well. If could only lay thee in some consecrat- ed ground, but soul like to thine makes holy cen the sea which eslall bear thee away. shriven thou vert; buried thou shalt be-"
 The man struggled to his knees. clasped his hands before him and be. gan the burial service of his ancient church.
 We therefore commit her body into the great deep," he said, looking for the general resurrection in the last day and the life of the world to come"-
 The water was washing around him ere he finished bis mpurnful task. and with one long look of benison and fare we'll he rose to his feet and staggered along the road down the beach. Slow ly he went, but presently he reached the turn where began the ascent Of the mountain. Before he proceeded he halted and looked long toward the flaming. shrieking, ruined town. The flooding tide was in now and the breakers were beating and laundering far across the sands. The body of the abbess was gone.
 The old man drew himself up, lifted his trembling hands and prayed; he prayed again for the soul of the wom- an; he prayed for the young man. that he might learn the truth; he prayed for the beautiful damsel who loved him; he prayed for the people, the hap less people, of the doomed town, the helpless women, the bereft mothers, the tortured men, the murdered chil- dren. and as he prayed he called down the curse of God upon those who had wrought such ruin.
 "Slay them. o God! Strike and spare not. Cut them of root and branch who have despoiled thy people Israel. They have taken the sword. and may they perish by it as was rOmised of old!'
 A gray, grim. gaunt figure, blood stained. pale, he stood there in that ghastly light. invoking the judgment of God upon Morgan and his men ere he turned away and was lost in the darkness of the mountain.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
By CYRUS TOWNSEND BRADY

to these broken sentences, lost not a word.
 ''Go not" she whispered, striving to lift an arm. they will kill thee! Thou shalt not leave me alone, my Francis co. The boy-in Panama
 It was evident to the sailor that the poor woman's mind had gone back to the dreadful days of the sack of Pan ana. He was right then; it was she. ''The boy-save him, save him. she cried suddenly with astonishing vigor. The sound of her own voice seemed to recall her to herself She stopped !; her eyes lost their wild glare and fixed themselves upon the man above her. ! his own face in the shadow as hers was in the light.
 sIs it Panama?' she asked. Those screams-the shots'-she turned her head toward the city-"the flames! Is it Panama?"
 "Nay," answered the one eyed fierce ly. "'Tis twenty-five years since then and more Wonder city is La Guayra. This is the coast of Venezuela" "Oh-the doomed town. remember now. stabbed myself rather than place the ladders. Who art thou. senor?"
 .sBenjamin Hornigold.' cried the man fiercely, bending his face to hers.
 For a second the woman stared at him. Then, recognizing him. she screamed horribly, raising herself upon her arm.
 "Hornigold," she cried. "What have you done with the child?"
 'I left him at Cuchiilo,> outside the walls" answered the man. "And the cross?"
 "On his breast. The captain
 "The marriage lines were there. You betrayed me. May Gods curse-nay, I die. For Christ's sake-I forgive Francisco, Francisco
 She fell back gasping on the sand. He tore the inclosing coif from her face. In a vain effort to hold back deaths hand for another second Hor- nigold snatched spirit flask from his d her lips. It was too late She was gone. He knew the signs too well. He laid her back on the sand. exclaiming:
 Curse her. Why couldn't she have lived a moment longer? The captains brat-and she might have told me- Bring up the prisonersw he cried to | the guards. who had moved them out of earshot of this strange conversation.
 "The cross" he muttered, "the mar ! riage lines therein. The only clew And yet she cried Francisco That was the name. Who is he? If could ] find that cross! I'd know it among q thousand. Hither,' he called to the prisoners. slowly approaching.
 As Alvarado. with an ejaculation of pity. bent forward in the moonlight to i look upon the face of the dead wo- man from his torn doublet silver cru cifx suddenly swung before the eyes of the old buccaneer.
 By heaven" he cried. "'Tis the cross"
 He stepped nearer. seized the carven crucifix and lifted it to the light. 4
 'I could swear it was the same," he muttered. ''Senor, your name and rank?'
 T cannot conceive that either con- cerns a bloodthirsty rufian like
 stop. Perhaps there is more in this than thou thinkest" said Merce- des. Tell him. Alvarado. It can do 10 harm. Oh. senor, have pity on us.
 My motherI'
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
FARMAh!o, GARDEN
PRIVATELY
 lG3sarn S>HHlAc7 G
A NEW FOOD VEGETABLE.
Brazilian Potato Which Is Being Do. veloped in France-Has Many
 Good Points.

From time to time within the last few years items have appeared in the pub lie press about new species of po- tato. on which experiments have been in progress. So much that is wonder full and unexpected is done nowadays in the way of plant breeding and cross fertilization, that 1t is hard to startle the public; statements regarding the virtues and value of the new tuber have therefore met with ready acceptance. It would appear, however. from paper contributed to Cosmos (Paris), by M. Jules Rudolph. that the new potato is not yet quite ready for the market.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13

cargo brought to this country arrived half rotten: now large part of the import comes in excellent condition. The temperature is taken frequently of that part of the ship where the prectdua fruit is stored. and after Cape Hat terss is reached the hatches, which have been left open to allow of fres passage of air about the ripenins bananas. are closed down The cold chills the fruit retards its ripenins and gives it a unpleasant taste. Fson the Bahamas to within 100 miles oe Cape Hatteras (which some of us map have forgotten is oh North caroiIna). all goes well: after that utmost cars must be used to keep the fruit proD- erly conditioned
 KATHERINE PopR
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13

on the way to the Orinoco country be- fore any tidings could reach him, and by the time he returned it would be too late.
 4 Again ard again Alvarado strove to break his bonds In impotent and help less fury, but this time he was secure ly bound. and his capters only laughed at his struggles. In the midst of their grief and despair they both took notice of the poor abbess. Fra Antonio had not moved since Morgan had struck him down, but there was life still in the woman. for from where they stood, some distance back, the two lovers each marked her convulsive trembling. The sight appealed pro- foundly to them in spite of their peril bus situation. .-..-.....
 .The brave sister lives" whispered Mercedes.
 .'1is so." answered Alvarado. "Se- nor. he called, the sister wonder is alive. Witt not allow us to minister to her:r
 Nay" said Hornigold brusquely, q will go myself Back. all of yer he added. "She may wish to confess to me fin default of the worthy father.'
 He leered hideously as he spoke.
 "Cowardr' cried Alvarado. But his words affected Hornlgold not at all.
 Before he could say another word the guards forced him rudely back with the two women. The worthy Sonora Agapida by this time was in a state of complete and total collapse, but Mercedes bore herself-her lover marked with pleasure-as proudly and as resolutely as if she still stood with in her fathers palace surrounded by men who loved her and who would die for her.
 Rolling the body of the prostrate old man aside. Hornigold knelt down or she white sand hy the form of the sis- Yer. The moonlight shone full upon her face. and as he stopped over be scanned it with his one eye. A sudden fash Of recognition came to him. With
 muttered oath Of surprise he looked gnin.
 "It can't be- he exclaimed. And yet
 After Fra AntOnlo's brave attempt ct dissolution the woman had fainted. Now she opened her eyes. although she was not yet fully conscious.
 "lyater..- she casped feebly. And as 1t chanced tho h9atSvain had a small bottle of ihe precious fluid hanging Sronl q strap over his shoulder. There was no pity In the heart of the pirate: he wouid hasc allowed the woman 10 tie -asring for water without giving L-r a second thur-it. but when he rec osnizsd ber-0- thought he did-theTe instantly Snrang into bis mind a desire to make s-Ira 1T sile were the person he tb1uEb- hcr she might have infor- nation yf rai-e T'nslinzing the hot tle and pulling our the cork. he placed It t1 her lirs
 Idle she uurmurad in q stronger voice --i FTtest-
 -Thsre is a1le here answered the hOafSFal1- n Ant9nlp-ne aue1lN- cd you
 But I mEsr confess
 "Co1feSs to me- chuckIei the old man in ghastiy mockery-
 .Art fin hoy orders. se1Org- nut tered tie wo-nan
 -Holy eno-E5 for yOu- Say ol-- Era Anfonis. nos. she eJzfinued. [l-aczn1ly ispSins into seE5deiiriuHl. He marrieI us-'tvas a secreLhis lnk was Ss great. He was rieh. I
 T-hunb5e The marriage lines
 .e crozs. Ter was q Wh7t-s
 = A shr-s He hucczneers- Dsy
 coznl1r- t50 ns- FraneiSD- 1<rixo5i- be1ll1< aa at1eatiTe ear
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
CHAPTER XVI.

@1HE musketeers under Horni-
 gold. chosen for their mastery
 with the weapon, had played
 their parts with cunning skill. Concealed from observation by the deep shadow of the cliffs and there fore immune from the enemy's tire, they had made targets of the span iards on the walls and by close. rap i'd and well directed discharge had kept down the return of the garrison until the very moment of the assault. Hornigold was able to keep them ln hand for a little space after the cap ture of the town, but the thought of the pleasure being enjoyed by their comrades was too much for them. Anxious to take hand in the hideous fray, they stole away one by one. slinking under the cliff until they were beyond the reach of the boatswain then boldly rushing for the town in the open, until the old sailor was left with only half dozen of the most de pcndable surrounding himself and prisoners.
 The rest would not have got away from him so easily had he not been so Intensely occupied that at first he had 4aken little note of what was going on
 Mercedes and Alvarado had only op- portunity to exchange a word now and then, for extended conversation was prevented by the guards. Ava rado strove to cheer the woman he loved, and she promised him she would choose instant death rather than dis honor. He could give her little en- couragement of rescue, for unless word of their plight were carried to the giceroy immediately he would be far
 sHcrmsoldi' she cned
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
Betrothed af Birth

In some parts of West Africa the girls have long engagements. On the day of their birth they are betrothed to baby boy trife older than them. selves. and at the age of 20 they are married. The girls know of no other way of getting a husband. and so they are quite happy and satisfied. As wives they are patterns of obe. dience. and the marriages usually turn out a success
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
Hospitable Custom.

When the steamship Hamburg. with the German emperor aboard. anchored of Tangier. the sultan of Morocco followed the oriental custom of pre- senting a gift. and barges. one laden with eggs. two with oxen. a third with fowls. and others with provisions. rowed out to the emperor's vessel.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
Mistaken for Foxes.

The purchase of foreign fox cubs from importers of wild animals is attended with serious dangers. Wolves. jackals and such like creatures are easily mis taken. in the cub stage. for foxes. and TOW and then have been sold in England as veritable children of Br'er Fox. This Is the true explanation of those sensa tional outbreaks of sheep worrying dur .ng the last few years.-London Daily Mail.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13

of-fare. That IS, generally speaklng; am told that in rural districts they are not yet in daily use-doubtless ow- ing to the fact that when ripe they are a very perishable fruit. But in cities and towns they are perhaps the most common of the fruits, and have crowded the apple into the background.
 Sometimes late in the day they sell for a penny apiece; and the investment of a penny in this amount of food is a wise investment, from the standpoint of nourishment; one gets great deal for his money. I heard the banana spoken of in tropic land as the per- feet food, and was told on good author iS that there is an island down in the South seas where the banana Is the only food, and that the natives, sub- sisting on it are fair physical specimens. To be sure their banana is not quite the same as the ones we are used to in this country; it is larger, fieshier, more starchy sort; but still near rela- tion.
 Speaking of the change that has taken place in the popularity of this fruit, we quote from an interesting article in the New York Times: Fifty years ago bananas in New York were as much of
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
Gro be Continded.)
Both Legs of Equal Age.

An old Scotchman. being asked how he was getting on, said that he was all right. "Gin it wasna for the rheuma- tism in the richt leg" 'Ah. John." said the inquirer, be thankful. for there is no mistake you are getting old. like the rest of us. and old age doesn't come alone" "Auld age. sir" replied John. 'I wonder to hear ye. Auld age has naething tae dae wit. Here's my ither leg jist as auld; an it's soond and soople yet"
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
Rare Relic.

John Dunning, the janitor of Maine hall. has in his possession the compost. tors stick which was used in setting up Longfellow's first published poem. "outre Mer," published in 1s42. This compositor's stick has been owned since 1925 by T. S. Mcclellan. who is to-day 96 years old. the oldest man in Brunswick and the oldest printer in the state. as we'll as the oldest Mason in the state.-Bowdoin (Me.) Orient
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
Hor,bl. Round Eye.

A Manchester Eneiand) man asked . Japanese what struck him most about the European face. He replied that ii was the horrible round eyes. A Hindoo to whom he put the same quesion. said that 1t was the slimmering eyes of the European tha, he noticed-neaning presumably. half-closed.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
rs susst Sounding

The deepest sounding yet made ia the oceans is said to be in the Aldriea deep. to the east of New Zealand Here the sea is sa.s39 feet deep
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
h the orandstand.

UncIe San takes 10 part in the free foF4ll European ume in Morocco- but hs occzp1es the best seaf in ths gx1n9 sonnA-Philndelpnia EnQufGW-
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
The Wise Landiord-

The wise landlord will furnish his senaE. with ali the eiover-seed and tile he wants. and encourage him to vant more. There are few thinsB that pey Detfer dfvidertA
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13
'slsy them. O Codi'

Tbou tookest thine own fife. but the loving God will forgive thee I am glad that I had strength and courage to absoIve thee before I fell And I did not know thee. 'Tis so many years since Thy son. that brave young cap .tain-I viII see thee lighted I won- der
 her carefully. and then the old man cPeaed the front of hes gcvnL
 -Aye. aye. 1 thousht so.- he saA e
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13

)ST of us can remember when banans were much
 more of a rarity than at present, when they form the basis of every picnic party, appear on everybody's bill-
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-13

@1HE musketeers under Horni- gold, chosen for their mastery
 with the weapon, had played their parts with cunning skill.