davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-26

the case if the rain was absent.
From the observations of the effects of the
electric fluid upon trees, there seems to be
ground for such a belief, as it would appear
that, where considerable amount of mois-
ture is present, the lightning is absorbed and
conducted away, without causing any rupture
in the medium through which it passes The
state of knowledge, however, with regard to
the way in which the fluid acts upon trees
is in rather an elementary condition.
So far as observations have gone, it seems
pretty clear that not only does the amount of
moisture in tree produce an effect, but also
the character of the tree itself, and the season
when it is struck.
AS an example of the way in which moisture
conducts electricity, the case Of an electrified
tropical forest has been cited, where heavy
rains have fallen and soaked the trees, which
then become charged with electricity. Sub
sequently thunderstorm passed over the cleo
trifed trees, which were then induced to
part with their store of the fluid into the
cloud above in such a manner that the phe-
nomenon was visible to the eye. As each
flash from the cloud passed, the points of the
trees gradually became aglow, until another
flash relieved them of their superintendent
charges
Some years ago, Professor Callodon made a
minute examination of tall poplar which
had been struck by lightning in street in
Geneva, and the conclusions at which he ar
rived with regard to it support the theory
which has been referred to. These, briefly,
were-that the fluid first strikes the highest
branches, especially those most exposed to the
rain, runs through almost all the smaller
branches, until it reaches the trunk, which,
being much worse conductor, presumably
from its greater dryness, is generally rup-
tured
Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-26
Not Very Hungry

Young Hostess-I must show you my baby,
Mr. Brown; are you fond of them?
Brown (absent-minded) d)-Yes-oh. yes! But
haven't eaten any lately.
Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-26
Snow That Is Alive

MOST curious phenomenon in
the northwest of Canada is the ap-
pearance of millions of minute black
insects whenever a thaw occurs.
During the winter the snow is dry
and c,;sn lilo sand and I'll
Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-26
An Imperial Doctor

NY|T it said that the Emperor Menelik,
I&1 Of Abyssnia, who has for a long
l@k time given great attention to West
M1M86y ern civilization, has recently turned
tsE@sGJ his interest to fitting himself for
the work of physician. He spends
a large part OF his time in hospital, watch
ing with keen interest the surgical operations.
The Emperor often expresses astonishment at
the skill of the. surgeons, and is most pleased
when he can be of Come service to them,
holding limb or roll of bandages. He is
at present planning to build an immense hospi-
tai at Ads Aheda, the capital Of his nation,
and when it is finished he intends to take the
entire control of thA surgical department.
Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-26

whatever can be discovered of these insects
but as soon as a thaw comes they are found
everywhere in large patches, looking like
dusting of SCOT.
jumpers, and have slight hopping powers, be-
ing able = to leap some three or four inches.
They entirely disappear when it freezes again,
and not trace Of them can be found.
They do. not fall with the snow, as there
may have been no snow for a month or more
before their arrival, and are probably some
thing similar to the "Red snow of the Arctic
regions.
Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-26

oDIey WIIIIe CttIS CIIItIIy VdIudDI6
In ridding ones premises of rats and mice.
Moreover, the former become ardently attach
ed to persons, whereas the latter rather have
fondness for places.
Still, members of the feline race have re-
ceived no little attention, as is evidenced from
the proverbs to which they have given the
origin. We quote few:
Care will kill cat"
"a cat may look at king"
Cats hide their claws
Who shall hang the bell about the cats
neck?"
Each of the above has great deal of sig
nifcance.
At sea. the cat is much feared, and is be-
Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-26
Copyright BY James Elverson.)

Copyright by James Elverson.)
OGS have figured somewhat con-
spicuously in history; cats have
received less considerations For
this there are two especial reasons.
Dogs are, in many ways, service
ahIo xrb.lo ooA. 49,. ob:o4.. ,,o I,,n III =
Los Angeles herald., 1906-08-26
Copyright by James Elverson.

is matter of popular belief that
there is less danger for persons who
happen to be overtaken in a thun-
der storm if it is accompanied by a
down-pour of rain, than would be
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04

y story is told of the late DR.. Peddie,
Il Scotch minister, to whom Iii; congrc-
cation had presented Il pulpit robe. He
had never Worn a robe, and, after ac-
kuowiedging the gift, lie said lie would
wait i'll the vestry five minutes after
service to lear amy DIRECTORS to the In
novation, Nobody appeared but one
old lady, who, on being asked what
her objections We're, answered that she
had read tie cpistles of ST. Paul and
could not find any reference to the
apostle wearing Il gown. what epis-
tie did you ready asked the doctor.
"From Romans to Hebrews" answer
ed the old lady. well. janet said
her minister. II have read from lso-
mans to Hebrew also, and could
never find any reference to the apostle
wearing the breeks. What would you
think If you saw me going into the
pulpit without brecks:' Needless to
say, the old lady departed satisfied
with the explanation.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04
Exo,ution of the Ncca,e,

Sewing needles of bone, stone glass
and bronze antedate all historic rec
ords, but those of iron, brass and steel
are comparatively modern. Bone and
glass needles have been found in Egyp-
tan tombs that are known to be over
1000 years old, and similar domestic
instruments of bronze and copper have
been found in the mounds and burial
caves of Europe and America which
are believed to be much older than
those found with the Nile mummies.
The needle first appeared in its present
form in European countries in the
year 1l10, but the art of making them
was kept Il secret for upward of $50
years after the date last given. In the
year 1850 they We're first made in the
American colonies, but at What point
is II mootei question among the histo-
rians.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04
lTo DE Continued
Foreign Flag. In America,

The first flag to float over American
soil was the royal standard of Isabella,
emblaZoneG with the arms of CASTLE
aud Leon. ;. white flag With Il green
cross was its companion. Some years
after Columbus landed ut San Salvador
The Cabots planted the banner OF Eng
land and of ST. Mark of Venice on the
eastern shore Of North America. In
the centuries that have interviewed
since Il variety of national flags have
waved where now only the stars AMI
stripes is the accepted emblem. Over
Texas have iioated the French. Span
:sh. English, American and Confeder-
ate: in Louisiana the lilies of France,
the Spanish tlag. the tricolor, the Amer
lean and Confederate flags; in Califor-
nil the Spanish, Mexican, Russian and
American.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04
A schem. aud a Lnncheon.

One of Balzac's wild schemes was n
plan to combine Paris theaters. One
morning in September, 1S30-;m early
day to talk of monopoly--ten literary
friends Of the great novelist met by in-
vitation ut his house. Before luncheon
Balzac told them of his scheme. His
:dea was to form Il trust to buy up all
the tlea.ers II; u sequel to II smaller
preliminary trust for the supply of
plays TO every theater in Paris. The
ten guests We're to supply them. He
estimated the profits of the first year ut
100000, ANA each year would, he
thought. bring in more money. He eX-
pounded his scheme ut length for over
an hour, ard finally one of the guests
suggested that lie might go OH at ia
BE. The novelist started. II forgot
al about ordering anything to eat" he
cried. ana late in The afternoon the
members of Tie shn,lowy trust made Il
shadowy meal of Tread ana cheese and
sour wine in Il small country restnu-
rrpt
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04
Wonderful Fidd,e..

One of the greatest fiddles that ever
We're known was to be seen at the
French court at the time of Charles l. Y.
This was Il VOL so large that several
boys could be placed inside of it.
These boys used to sit inside this queer
instrument and sing the airs that the
man who handled the bow was playing
on the viol outside The effect is said
to have been very beautiful. though ii
would seem as If the presence of the
lads in its interior would seriously In
terfere with the tone of the great fid.
die" as it was called. Many years aft,
err another huge instrument of this kind
was used at concerts in Boston. 1t
was so large that to play it the fiddler
had to stand on Il table to use his bow
at the proper point on the strings. This
instrument was called 1.-THE GRANDPA,
ther of fiddles."
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04

There are parts u t.ic s.',rll where
girl babies are drowned like superilu-
Gus kittens and others in which it is
not uncommon for the daughters in the
large families of the poor to be sold by
their parents into lives of prostitution.
On the other hand. the pages of history
are filled with examples of the devoted
lives Of childless men and women who
have worked unselfishly for the good
of their kind. Bachelors and virgins
have been the saints of the world, and
the childless are the philanthropists.
the founders of colleges, hospitals. art
collections and libraries, the philoso-
piers, the great writer's, leaders and
thinkers of the race. Plato, Joan of
Arc, SavonarOla. George Washington.
David Hume. Locke, Spinoza, Thomas
Carlyle, Florence Nightingale, Rusk.n
and Herbert Spencer are only few
of the great names In this class. An In
tcresting volume could be written on
the Indebtedness of the world to child
less men and women.-New York Med
zeal Journal.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04

Franklin believed in fair competition,
IN freedom for others as well rs him.
self and cared more for his personal
independence III the conduct of his
business than for the business itself
The story of the sawdust pudding
should be known i'll every newspaper
Office i'll the country. When he first
started the Gazette lie made some free
comments on certain public officials.
aud some of the influential patrons ef
the paper resented IL and tried 10 stop
it. He invited them 10 dinner When
they came they found nothing on the
table but II pudding made of coarse
meal and a jug of water. They sat
down. Franklin filled their plates and
then his own and proceeded TO cat
heartily. but his guests could not swal-
low the stuff. After few moments
Franklin rose and, looking ut them,
said quietly: My friends. any man
who can subsist on sawdust pudding.
as can. needs no mans patronage"--
American Illustrated Magazine
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04
An Exucr,mcnt win water.

Take pound of water the tempcra-
ture of which is SO degrees {. and mix
it with II pound OF water ut zero, or
freezing point. The mixture will make
two pounds of water the temperature
of which is 10 degrees c..
Now take another pound of water ut
SO degrees c. and mix with it a pound
of crushed ice--that is. ice crystals-at
zero c., the same temperature as the
cold water in the first mixture, and the
result is that we have two pounds Of
water at freezing point.
In both cases the weight of water at
zero c. introduced into the warm water
was the same, but before the ice crys-
tails could assume liquid condition
they had to absorb n certain amount of
heat. That heat was drawn from the
warm water and consequently reduced
its temperature, but it did not raise the
temperature of the ice. 1t simply acted
rs energy in enabling the ice to become
liquid and remained in that liquid In
tile form of latent heat. to be given up
again rs soon as the water reassumed a
crystalline form.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04
Erenkins the Trn.I.

Winter i'll the mountains is severe in
It's restrictions. Sledging and travel
over the snow banked trails are limit
ed 10 bare necessity. In the colder sea-
sons the trails are kept open by shovel
ing and packing them down. When the
rrnmcrs sing Internationally in high,
thin voices, the teamster, with belt
tight around his overcoat and Hopping
his arms to keep warm, faces his great
est hardships, but when the heavy
SHOWS and rapid thaws of spring come
teaminS means Il battle and venture
with Il sudden termination hanging
Just above. Thousands of tons of
snow up the mountain sides hang
Oh Il trigger that can be sprung by
the sigh Of a breeze or the rolling of
Il p:ne cone, and ill summer many n
barren slope and pile Of rock and tim
Der ut the bottom tells skeleton tale
OF the winters night. Floundering,
swearing and persevering open the
trail-a little ruffcd thread of white
from up above, but Il hard days work
for Il man.-Outing Magazine.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04

you reacl, the first cabin at the foot of
the hill. ThereMthe lady will get out,
and you will drive Mr.. Barnett back
before daylight tomorrow morning"
AS they drew up before the shanty
door the leader of the vedettes rode
forward and said gently: Lady, the
road from here to the summit is lined
With cabins, and no harm can possibly
come to you while have you in charge.
Or, il you like, you can stay here till
morning; but l would advise you to go
on to Mrs. Kelly's. There is no cabin
suited to your needs Oh this side of the
peak"
Ann, stiff aud weary and hungry,
rose in her seat with sort Of despera
ton. II will CO." she said with trcm-
bling voice.
The vedctte, dismounting quickly,
helped her TO the ground, while the sec
ond man, leaning low on his horse, en-
tered into u muttered conversation with
an mkempt man in the doorway.
Barnett argued and insisted on going
Oh to Kelly's.
mot one step farther! sternly COM
manded the vedette. But you can
sleep here till daylight If you wish"
Ann interposed. Don, beg of you
to go home. l don't want you to go
any farther. am not afraid now.
This man will take me to Mrs. Kelly's.
I'm sure of it, and Louis will be there
by this time, and Mr.. Raymond"
"Sure thing, lady. And it isn't late
not more than o'clock. Well almost
get there in time for supper Can you
ride horse!"
YES"
"Well, will put you on my saddle,
and l will walk and lead the horse"
The light from the doorway fell upon
him rs lie approached her, and the
sight Of his boysh face reassured her.
AS Barnett saw her rise to the sad.
die he burst out: This is preposterous
You must not go up there. The boy
isn't worth it. I'm going with you OF
fightw He drew his revolver, but some
| one caught his hand from behind and
twisted the weapon out of his grasp.
go on, Jack. Well take care OF
him." called the man in the cabin door
| AS the light of the lamp was left be
hind and the darkness settled rount
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04
F,nnish Marriage Fetes.

Marriage fetes In Finland, rs in Nor
way, are often prolonged for several
days, even among folk of humble rank.
One popularity. which may excite more
surprise than approval among eligible
suitors iu our own country, is that the
Finnish lover never himself pops the
question" TO the girl Of his choice. The
,nemcntous proposal is made through n
,h.m person.. called the "talman," to
whom the in,pW couple give n present
when his Gellcatc mediation proves sue.
cessiai aud rnis In u wedding Not M
COMMONLY thelr gifi 10 thu talman tnkcs
the unSanauttc form OF n shirt,
In like manner the clergyman who
prcsidcs over the mptial service ~.
coivcs II simple and Inexpensive pres,
cnt, often n handkerchief md n pair of
warm hair gloves. \ similar Sit Is be
slowed upon the officiating priest Mt
funerals. Upon these mournful occa'
sioms the service is exceedingly simple
more so than would satisfy the views
of British undertakcrs- the burial
is, us a rule, followed by large hospital
ity on the part of the bereavel family.
london Graphic
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04
A Powerful Drug.

Cloves are simply the dried flower
buds of beautiful evergreen tree
growing naturally on the Spice islands,
These flower buds are gathered when
they have become of IL bright red and
are just on the point of opening. The
name comes from the resemblance of
the prepared spice to small nails, from
the French word clou, for nail. Cloves
are very heavily charged with pun
gent, acrid, volatile oil, as much as 20
per cent sometimes being extracted.
This oil is valuable for nuvoring and
seeming purposes and has IL limited
field in medicine, but the habit of "eat-
ing Cloves" in which young folks and
too often old ones indulge. is very rep
rehensible, as the oil is powerful
drug, becoming in many cases an in
sfdious poison.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04
HOW SONG s,utea Mnrrx.

Statistics compiled by authorities on
the condition of the deaf and dumb in
this country present one significant
fact in regard to the matrimonial AFT
fairs Of that body Of citizens. 1t is re-
vcaled therein that while many women
deprived of the power of speech have
been sought in marriage by men whose
five senses We're unimpnired only few
women whose tongues were in good
working order have consented to tie
themselves to men who could not hear
what was being said. Cynics find in
these revelations matter for many caus-
tic diatribes pertaining to the CONVEX
sational and listening powers of the
sexes. Whether or not these sarcastic
observations contain an explanation of
the comparative willingness and I'M
Willingness of men and women to mar
ry mutes is question, but the fact re-
mains
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04
"Ally news r

Ally ueWS9
well, rather The Sheriff, with q
hundred men and Il special train, is at
Trinchera. He means business this
time, lads
The roomful of men now gathered
into groups to discuss the certainty Of
war. Dolan, gay with excitement, drew
round him Carter Larned and Colling
wood. Smith and Denver Dan We're
the center of another squad, while Ray
mond took Munro aside and earnestly
pleaded: See here, old man, you must
keep out of this. 1t isn't your funeral,
but it will be il you don't vamoose the
ranch"
Il can't go back Oh the boys now,
Rob. They need my military training,
and, besides, am in it. | won't sit
back and see the district done up by
these thugs who never earned an hon
est dollar in their lives And ycur
friend Barnett-what good is he on
earth? Just bloodSucker ON the bare
back Of labor. I'm with the boys, and
II my experience can do 'em any good
I'm ready"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04

her u convulsire terror seized upon the
girl. The horse, stumbling over loose
rocks in the road, which ran back and
forth on the hillside like folds of braid,
| passed now and again under dark and
silent pines.
Once, as her guard came back toward
her, something rose in her throat, some
elemental dread, and her breath rushed
hoarsely through her lips. IF Robert
only knew my need of him." she
thought, "he would surely come to me-"
The mans voice was gentle us he
said: you see, lady. the camp is in a
terrible excitement. We heard today
that the sheriff was coming with a
posse, and the boys kind O. hold five or
six O. those one lunsers in the Springs
responsible. They are particularly
down on Barnett for putting Mackay
up to that trick. But you'll be perfect
ly safe ut Kellys"
At length AIMS leader turned to-
ward dark, high point Of rocks, the
trail began to descend and few min
utes later they came to n warmly
lighted cabin, on the door Of which the
guide resolutely knocked. The latch
was Immediately lifted, and q small,
pale woman with blur of yellow hair
about her head appeared in the light.
"Alrs. Kelly, I've brought you &
boarder," began the veGctte
Ann caught Sight of Il boy at the TIA
bic and gave cry of joy. "Oh, Louis,
Louis"
With u whoop the boy rushed from
the cabin and flung his arms around
her.
"Oh, Ann, but I'm glad to see you!
Where is Cousin Don? Which way did
you come? Rob has gone down to
Bozle to meet you"
Ann turned TO thank her guide, who
was looking ut her with undisguised
admiration.
ut was u great pleasure" he re-
piled, with an assumption Of grand
manner. Introduce me, please" he
said to Mrs. Kelly.
Il must introduce myself first" said
the little woman. ~ am Mrs. Kelly,
taue yOul 6uulu ID MI. Juck AluLEO.
Ann gave him her hand. II thank
Mr.. Munro, but think he should have
allowed Mr.. Barnett to come into shell
ter. 1t seemed cruel to send him back
on that long. cold drive"
Munro remained unmoved. "Oh, he'll
stay ut Clayson's overnight"
Mrs. Kelly put In II word. 81 think
you better come into shelter You
aust be cold and hungry. Won't you
step inside, Alr. Munro!"
NO, thank you. 1t is great tempta-
zion, but I've work to do"
And SO, chilled and hungry, Ann en-
tered the pleasant home of the Kellys,
and the terror of the dark ride became
part of the outer world, shut away
by the strong, rude door.
Rob has gone down to the stage Of
fee" explained Mrs. Kelly. 1--WE
thought you'd come that way"
Mrs Kelly put Ann down to some tea
and cold meat, all willie she was still
at the table and in the midst of her
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1906-04-04

The cocoanut tree is the most useful
of all plants in the tropical region. Its
seed furnishes food and an Intoxicating
drink. The shell gives drinking cups
and vessels and hard material cnpa-
BILE of high polish, from which per-
The trunk furnishes wood for dwell
ings and boats The leaves make cloth
ing. cordage and ropes. The fibers of
the bark and of the nut afford mating
and carpets. The buds furnish n succu-
lent vegetable, and from the trunk Il
palatable liquor is drawn by making an
incision.