davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
SuperlOr Clay.

The late Eugene Field, while on one phia one bright spring morning after that city had endured a three days rainstOrm.
 There was some delay at the bridge over the Schuylkill river, and the hu- morist's attention was attracted by the turgid, coffee-colored stream flowing underneath. Tt reminded me so much of my own dear Chicago river" he aft erwards explained. He placed de- taning hand on the arm of the coored porter, who was passing at the time, and inquired, in his languid tone, if he were d resident of the Quaker city.
 "Yasslr..' replied that important functionary, II was bon an raised yere. Yessir."
 Don't you people get your drink ing water from this stream?" inquired Field.
 'Yassir. Ain't got no yuther place to git it from 'cept tn Delaweah, an dat's des liP mo soupy dan disyer wattah. Yassir.'
 ''ls it filtered before you drink it?"
 "No, sah, not as evah head tell of"'
 q should think" said the humorst, "that you would be afraid to drink such water; especially as the seepage from that cemetery l see on the hill must drain directly into the river and polute it."
 Dye mean dat big bu'yin' groun' up wander by de tu'n ob de riber?" in- qured the son of Ham. T reckon yo' all doan' know Philadclphy ve'y well, sah, aw yo'd know dat's Lau'el Hill cemete'y!'
 Well, what of that?" asked Field, somewhat puzzled at this unlooked-for reioinder.
 Dat wattah doan' hut us Philaydel- phians none, sah," replied the native son, with an air of pride. wy, mos all of de folkses bu'ied thcah aw f'om ouah ye'y best families" s"'-Success Magazine.
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
A Dream in Architccture.

The best of the Tai is that however and whenever he views it, it never seems to lose its freshness, its fantas- tic beauty. Enter the great stone DOT tal set in the walls that surround the tomb and you step from the blazing dust-choked atmosphere of the world into green, cool garden. You may sit within shaded arbor before a shrub dotted lawn and watch the white-robed natives moving noselessly along the double path that leads to your fairy palace, it's dome rising, a great, white blazing hemisphere into an azure sky, and its four slender guardian minarets at the four corners of the pedestal on which it stands.
 Then as the afternoon wears on and the dome begins to shade half white, half black, and pink evening clouds float by lazlly, you join the white robed natives and move with them slowly along the walk toward the Tai, listening to their low voiced saluta- tions and the splashing of numberless little fountain jets. The white of the marble is softened now and takes q faintly yellow tinge, and as you draw closer, what from the distance seems smooth, untouched white marble, is in reality intricately inlaid in graceful scroll-like patterns over door and arch way. all done in semi-precous stones. Truly the "Pathans designed like Iii tans and finished like jewellers. ."- Metropolitan Magazine.
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
An UntimcIy Fall.

MT. Herlihy looked at the prostrate form of his son and heir with gaze in which both pity and scorn were mingled.
 Its my constitution he's afther in- heriting," he remarked to the doctor, who had been alleviating the youthful Patrick's woes. 'The taste little thing'I upsit me, and nobody iver knows how nor whin. There he was yisterdah afternoon sthrong and well. Ate the betther part of a wathermilon an bag O p'anuts an his fill O can dy, an a fine supper O fried clans. Off wid me all day at the beach, he was, as well an happy as amy boy you'd see.
 Look at him now" and MT. Herlihy shook his head as one who marvels at the ways of Providence. "He has no more strength in him than baby, an racked wid pain-no happiness nor pleasure in him; and me that had plan ned another day at the beach, it being my vacation!
 "Well, well, I'll have to make up my mind to seein' him give out now and thin, and just improve the times he's up an about like other boys-that's all."
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
Mistakes in Encyclopedias.

A man who has done a great deal of work in correcting some large dic- tlonaries, encycpoledias and historical reference works, who has studied ten languages, and who is well posted on a number of foreign lands, examined over 15,000 pages of an encyclopedia recently published in this country, says Success Magazine. Much of the work he did without the publishers knowledge. Though this encyclopedia was considered to have been edited very carefully, he discovered over 1000 mistakes in the first volume alone. In the following volumes he found many thousands.
 In speaking of one of the most fa- nous violin virtuosos who ever lived, 1t was stated that in his youth he fell out with his parents and ran away to Cassel, Germany, twelve years after he died In giving sketch of llv. ing European author, the statement was made that he wrote and pub lished his first book nine years before he was born. In calling an editors attention to this error the editor re- piled: "Verily, bright kid thsi What precocity"
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
Arrow T1rOyying,

An old English sport that still sur wives from the days when the bow and arrow were in use is that of arrow throwing, and in parts of Yorkshire fl is still made one of the features of athletic meets. The arrows are straight shafts three feet long, without either barb or feather, and are thrown by the aid of d bit of string wrapped about the thrOwer's hand and about the butt of the arrow. A skillful man can send the arrow one hundred and fifty yards, though it requires some experience to cause the arrow to leave the string without tangling. Once the knacll is acquired the sport is said to be more fascinating than putting the shot or throwing the hammer. There is movement on foot to have the sport made one of the features of the college games, since both skill and strength are required.
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
Okra m Acquired Taste.

The okra plant, or the gumbo, as it is commonly called, somewhat resembles that of the cotton, though having much larger and rougher leaves and q thicker stem. It's flowers are similar to those of the cotton in size, shape and color, are always single, and there is very lit tle variation between those of different varieties.
 Obra has no great food value, and it is not probable that it will ever become a very important crop commercially but few plants form a desirable addition to the vegetable garden. It is used prin- cipally for flavoring soups and prepara- tions wherein meat forms an important part, and to these it adds very pleas ant taste and mucilaginous consistency. Some persons may not enjoy the flavor of olSra at first, but after eating few times of dishes containing fit q taste for it is acquired.
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
MOOdy's Rusc.

Dwight l.. Moody once called on a ministerial brother in an Eastern town, desiring to spend the next day, Sun
 day, with him. The minister was agreeable, but said that he was ashamed to ask Moody to preach. "Why?' asked Mir. Moody. "Well," was the reply, "our people have got into such a habit of going out before the close of the meeting that it would he an imposition on a stranger" "i will stop and preach" said Moody. When Sunday arrived Mir. Moody opened the meeting and then encour- agngly said: "My hearers, I am going to speak to two sorts to-day, the Sill ners first, then the saints" After ear nestly addressing the supposed sinners he said that they could now take their hats and go. But the whole congrega
 tion waited and heard him to the end.
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
Preserving EEEs.

So many inquiries are being re- ceived concerning methods of preserv- ing eggs that once more space is given to what Is known as the waterglass method, probably the best plan known for this purpose. Waterglass is obtain able at any drug store of good repute under the name of silicate of soda. Boil the necessary quantity of soft water, and when it has cooled to each ten parts add one part of the water glass. Then have clean earthen jar and put in it the selected eggs, which should not be over a day or two old, and which should be free from cracks. Pour the waterglass mixture over the eggs, the mixture being about the con- sistency of thin mucilage, and set the jar containing them in q cool place. Add more eggs as desired and also the mixture, the plan being to keep the eggs covered. This is the best egg preservative known which is entirely safe.
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
Jananese Carving.

Japanese art is supreme in wood and ivory carving. Sir Edwin Arnold in Seas and Lands declares there is noth- ing known to him in Europe that comes near what Japanese workmen can achieve. A specimen of ivory carving was shown to him which rep resented bag of rice with two or three dozen rats in and upon it. Ev- cry rat was as individual in character, position and action, as. if a special portrait had been taken of him; and the web of the bag, the glistenins grains of rice and the sleek fur of the rodents could not have been better ex- pressed in painting. At an art store in Yokohama he examined a piece of wood carving representing two life sized wrestlers struggling in the ring. Every muscle and every vein was de- lneated, every tendon and ligament was anatomically perfect. It drew q constant crowd, and policeman in formed the proprietor of the store that, if he intended to continue the wres, ting on his premises, he must engage a posse of policemen to restrain the crowd. He was invited into the store, and melted into smiles when he saw that the wrestlers were carvings in wood
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
Matter of Time.

At a country fair machine which bore a sign reading How to Make Your Trousers Last" occupied a prom nent position in the grounds, and at tracted much attention. A countryman who stood gaping before 1t was told by the exhibitor, a person with a long black mustache, a minstrel-stripe shirt and a ninety-four-carat diamond in a red cravat, that for i cent deposited in the slot the machine would dispense it's valuable sartorial advice. The coun- tryman dug the required coin from the depths of deep pocket and dropped 1t In the slot. Instantly the machine de- livered a card on which was neatly printed:
 Make your coat and waistcoat first. "-Harper's Weekly.
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
Self-SupportinE Park.

Following the example of many European cities, Los Angeles, Cal, will turn Griffith Park, with an area of 5000 acres of brush land, into a commercial forest. Four experts, with view to converting this practically waste piece of land into a productive forest made comprehensive planting place for the trees, which will not only pay for Its cultivation and care through the sale of mature timber, but will prove constant source of pleas ure and recreation for the citizens of Los Angeles. Los Angeles is the first American city to adopt this plan, but it is predicted that other municipali- ties in this country will soon follow in its footsteps.
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
Pine Story from Japam.

The Japanese atr experts 0n smoke rigs and it is said in Japan it is con sidtred no uncommon trick to blow three rings of smoke in succession. the second travelling through tie first and the third through both. Some stage performers are c"edited with becom. ing so expert iE smoke blowing that they are not only able to multiply the number of rings tSus made but &C., rceCntlng words and sentences. One .apanese juggler. it is declared, pro posed to l,is wife by forming the char acters representing his avowal of love through thin stream of sm 'ke
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
Not Built For Two.

When Michael Burke joined his brother James in this country, the money he brought over, added to Tame's savings, enabled them to go .nto the ice business. In course of lime their custom increased, and it became necessary for them to have an office. In this James soon installed aice roll-top desk.
 "The one desk will do for the two If us" he explained, the day it was Jet us. And here are two keys; one .or you, Micky, and one for me-"
 Michael accepted the key, but seemed :o be studying the desk.
 "That's all right" he said. "But where is my keyhole?"
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
Teeth Gave Way,

Some women are the biggest fools and do the craZiest things" It was West Side dentist who was talking "The other day fashonably dressed young woman came to me In great dis tress. never saw woman suffer- ing more. It was sharp morning. When made an examination I found the crown of one of her eye teeth en- tirely torn away. You could actually see the pulp pulsatlng. There was nothing to do but pull the tooth, which I did at once, greatly to her relief when she came out of the gas.
 'Then she told me how she had done 1t. It seems that one of the window shades ill her home, which was of the spring variety, needed tightening. II she had read instructions on the roll all would have gone well. but woman fashion, she tried to use her teeth for a wrench. When the spring was suf- ficiently frightened she let go her grip but unfortunately the ratchet did not catch, and the spring went off with tre- mendous force, tearing her tooth to pieces. ."-Chicago Inter Ocean.
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
Fish for Candles,

A remarkable fish is said to exist in the coast rivers of Alaska. About eight inches long, it is transparent, and the fattest of all the finny tribe. It's flesh has not the oily rancid taste of other fish, but is like fresh lard. When dried the Indians often use these fish in novel way. They are burned in liant light, not liable to be blown out by the wind. Each fish burns for about fifteen minutes.
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
A Little Mixed.

After a meeting of the parish council in New England town the chairman rose to sum up.
 'You keep us here," he said, ''till 10 o'clock at night, and then you cast the town drains in our teeth. You keep us here blowing the sands, and then when all decent people are asleep you go into the public drains, causing unneces. sary friction. It won't do--it's too bare- faced to hold water."-Harper's Week. ly.
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
Deggars in London.

It is calculated that 1000 persons make living in London by begging and that their average income amounts to over $1,50O,OOO year. Last year 1925 persons were arrested for beg ging in the streets, of whom more than 1,500 were sentenced to terms of i'm. prisonment varying from one week to three months. Many of these objects of charity were found in possession of sums of money and even bank books showing very handsome deposits.
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17

The droughts in Australia made the crop of wool shrink to 400,O00,O00 pounds in 1903. In the preceding year the yield was 601 100000.
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17
Natural Deduction.

Mifkins-My oldest boy has acquired the sleep walking habit.
 Bifkins-Training himself for po- sitioI on the police force. eh?
Holbrook argus., 1906-02-17

Ability is poor mans wealth.-M. Wren.
The San Francisco call., 1906-10-15

LONDON, Sept. 15.--It is nothing un-
usual in these days of infant prodigies
for girl to write a book and
get it published. But that a
girl, before reaching her eighteenth
birthday, should produce book which
critics, writing without any knowledge
THAI 1t was tho first attempt of a youth
full authoress, should pronounce one OF
the literary sensations of the year, Is
something decidedly unusual and
makes the feat a noteworthy one. To
none has it caused greater surprise
than to the authoress herself, Miss
Marjorie Bowen, who has suddenly
leaped into fame with The Viper of
Milan"
Il was encouraged by my publisher
she says, ito hope for cordial recep-
ton of my book. but my mother and |
have been simply astonished at the
kind notices of it which have appeared
in the papers. Until about year ago
scarcely read fiction at all. I was
learning to draw and paint at the Slade
school here and in Paris. and that took
fond of reading history and a passage
in Hallam set me to work on this. my
first historical romance. When I began
writing / had no idea of publication.
Mother knew l was scribbling. of
course, but thinking it would be bad
Ior my health would not let me do
much of it of an evening"
Miss Bowen's romance is full of dra-
matte Incident, alive with imagination
and exciting from beginning to end. Her
theme is a broad one-the struggle for
the control of the Lombardy of the
mid fourteenth century between Mas
tino della Scala and Gean Visconti, the
Viper of Milan" Love is not its alb
sorbing theme. and the beaten track of
the novelist is further disregarded in
the ultimate triumph of villainy over
virtue, as often happens In history
whichis no respecter of the conventions
that demand a happy ending.
The novel abounds In local color
which is all the more remarkable be-
cause Miss Bowen has never been in
Italy. In her knowledge of the sur
roundings in which she places her
story Miss Bowen is hardly behind Mr.
Shorthouse, who also had never been
in Italy when he wrote John Ingle-
SAINT" But John Inglesant" was the
laborious work of twelve years and
The Viper of Milan" was written in
the first place for Miss Bowen's own
pleasure in the intervals of her studies
in art.
while shrinking from the RESPONSE
bility of hailing a new genius in his
torical romance" writes one reviewer
I'VE shall not be surprised IL Miss
Bowen, after so auspicious a start
climbs to the very top of the tree
The San Francisco call., 1906-10-15
QUEER Foop oF NEW YORK.

History tells us that Confucius liked
sharks fins and sea-slugs and birds,
nests. Well and good. If a man with
an intellect like that of the great Chi
nese philosopher found these. to rs
unusual foods palatable, they must be
worth trying. Then there are the nre-
served grape leaves, the picked SQUASH
and the dried okra of the Syrians.
These people of the Orient were civil
lied long before America was even
thought of being discovered, so there
is no reason, argues the epicure. why
their knowledge and choice of foods
should not be well worth investigat-
ing. The other countries have their
special delicacies which, IL they are
sought out, appeal to the universal
taste and form an agreeable and mex
pensive addition to the daily menu Of
the average mortal who must eat. Bear
steak, from the West, kangaroo tails
picked, which come from Australia.
preserved goldfish from the Nile.
canned abalone from California and
dried goose from Sweden are only a
few of the queer foods kent for sale
In the New York markets and sold in
quantities every day
Until recently people who relished
snails were regarded with sentiments
which savored Of disgust, but that no
tion has changed, and at the present
time that delicacy can be procured in
almost any of the first-class hotels and
cafes in New York. In order to meet
the growing demand, one of the largest
caterers in the city imports 25 o00
snails every week from Brittany
where the best snails are grown.-Les-
lies Weekly.
The San Francisco call., 1906-10-15
SEVERELY INJURED
BY OWL CAR.

S. Patrick, living at 1917 Bryant
street, was run over and severely in
jured by an inbound Castro-street car
on Market street between Seventh and
Eighth streets shortly after 1 o'clock
this morning. He was lying on the
rails, apparently in an intoxicated con-
dition, when the car struck him.
f. L. Davis of the United States tug
Hartley, was a passenger on the car
and saw the accident. He says the
car was running without a headlight.
He saw the mans danger before the
motorman noticed him.
An effort was made to stop the car,
but it could not be checked before the
front wheels were upon Patrick His
thighs and arps were badly crushed.
He was placed on the car and taken
to the Harbor Emergency Hospital
The San Francisco call., 1906-10-15
.GILLETT DEvOTES
SUNDAY To REST.
Throws Aside Politics and
Whiles Away Sabbath in
the Company of Friends
GUEST AT A DINNER
By Martin Madser.

SAN DIEGO. Oct. 1.-THE sabbath
was day of rest for James N. Gil
lett An auto spin was his only recrea-
tion. Politics was laid aside and the
candidate whiled away the hours in
the company of friends. He was guest
Of honor at luncheon at the Hotel del
Coronado and also at a dinner In this
city. He departed vn. the IL o'clock
train for Los Angeles. where he will
spend tomorrow forenoon before GO
ing to Pasadena. where he will address
meeting in the evening. He will re-
turn to Los Angeles on Tuesday and
speak at the rally there that night.
George y knight will remain with
the party until Tuesday night. He
viii speak at Pasadena and Los An.
geles and then return to the north.
Warren R. Porter nominee for Lieu
tenant Governor. will accompany Gill
lett on the tour up the coast as far
as san Jose, Being a resident OF Wat
sonvIlle and enjoying a large acquaint-
ance In those counties 1T has been
deemed advisable to have him remain
with the standard bearer.
Gillett is we'll pleased with the situa-
tion in Southern California and has
found his prospects for a heavy vote
in this section brighter than he had
expected. He is convinced that Bell
and Langdon have made small head
way with the vigorous campaigns they
have been conducting. Various esti-
mates have been made OF the plurality
which Gillett will receive south OF
Tehachapi, and a careful euIling nxas
$4,000 as the most reasonable figure
Most of the best authorities agree on
this figure. and GiIlett himself regards
IL as about correct
During his automobile ride today
Gillett visited the Normal School build
Ing He Is inspecting all State institu-
tions and buildings that lie in his route
of travel.
The San Francisco call., 1906-10-15
DO IT TODAY
If You Lost a Piano in the Recent
Fire Sign the Certificate Here
with and We Will Accept 1t as
Part Payment for a New Piano

Nearly six months have elapsed since
the great calamity befell our city, at
which time at least $4,000 pianos were
DESTROYED. During all these months we
nave been as busy as bees doing all
that we could 70 put ourselves in a
position TO better the condition OF the
owners OF the great number OF pianos
that were lost.
Saturday we were able to completes
an arrangement with the last of our
manufacturers whereby we are In po-
sition to offer an allowance Of 500 to
every purchaser of piano bought
from US during the present week. pro-
vided the purchaser will prove TO US
that he or she actually lost a piano
in the recent fire. Fill out the follow
ing blank and bring it with you.
The San Francisco call., 1906-10-15
ALFALFA ON DRY LAND.

A press dispatch from Washington
says that a discovery of great value
to the arid and semi-arid West has
been made by scientists of that region
associated with the Department of Ar
riculture 1t is a new alfalfa which
will grow luxuriantly in sections so
dry that heretofore no vegetation has
been produced there except through
irrigation 1t was first found in New
Mexico and seems to be an ordinary
alfalfa which has adapted itself ia
conditions and developed structure
that enables it to send it's roots yerv
deep for moisture and to conserve all
it finds. 1t is declared this plant will
make, and, in fact, is making great
desert regions valuable for pastura ra
and forage. The department is raising
seed from IT for use in other dry sec
tions and will soon be prepared to
distribute it where its introduction will
be of the most benefit.
The San Francisco call., 1906-10-15
PURSUE GAMBLERS
IN AN AUTOMOBILE

The police of the City Hall station
began a crusade yesterday morning
against the street corner crap games
that have been fourishing in the vicin-
ity Of the Preside. Under the direc-
tion of Policeman Cornelius a posse
started out in a big automobile which
had been volunteered for the purpose.
At the corner of Greenwich and Frank
lin streets the posse found a number
of young men engaged in the unlawful
game. AS the police approached they
ran away leaving the dice and S1.50 on
the ground.
Later the posse found a game in
progress at the corner of Lyon and
Greenwich streets. Here Peter Rice, a
carpenter, 90 years old. Walter Hol-
brook, a laborer, 19 years old, and
three soldiers were arrested. The sol
diers were turned over to the Preside
guard, while the others We're, at the
OFhrrell street station, charged with
playing craps.