davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-03
HOW DIVERS ARE TRAINED.
Science Has Helped Them to Work
ing the Sea.

From the London News.
The admiralty trains divers, and every
British warship carries at least one repre-
sentative of the craft and frequently
more. There are training schools at
Portsmouth, Davenport and Sheerness.
One Of the difficulties with which divers
have to contend is probably not realized
by landsman, namely. that the greater
the depth the greater is the pressure Of
water on the mans body and the greater
the labor and exhaustion of working.
The naval authorities limit their men to
a depth of 40 feet. The greatest depth
to which a man has descended is said by
Siebe to have been 2O4 feet, and the pres
sure at that depth was extraordinary.
namely. SS1s pounds to the square inch.
One wonders how any human being could
stand 1t. Twelve fathoms, or about sew
enty feet, would be enough for most men.
The ears and nose would probably begin
to bleed and the pressure on the head
would be very serious. A practiced diver
can, of course. descend much deeper with
out such unpleasant sensations.
His dress costs more than q hundred
pounds; it is Of tanned twill and rubber
and made in one piece. with a big OPEN
ing at the neck. The helmet is of copper
and screws on to the shoulders so tightly
that the water cannot penetrate the joint
made of canvas. and rubber and outlet
valves, which only open Outwardiy. are
placed at convenient places to permit
the vitiated air to escape. These valves
are extremely important, as by them the
diver can regulate his supply of air.
In addition to this pipe the diver has
lifeline enabling him to communicate with
mis- assistants above water. This was
formerly done by series of concerted
tugs or jerks on the line, but the method
is being superseded as a means of COM
muncation by the telephone, the wires
being conveyed by the lifetime. He there
fore touches the button and talks as IL he
were in the city.
Another great improvement Is the use
of the electric lamp, though In some
West Indian waters q diver can see
clearly for some distance. In other waters
again the darkness is intense twenty or
thirty feet down. The weight of the
dress is extraordinary and is necessary to
enable the diver to maintain his stability.
His helmet weighs considerably over q
quarter of a hundredweight, and his
boots, taken together. about as much.
while If these be not sufficient he claps
lead upon his shoulders.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-03
SONS OF PEASANTS.
Some Frenchmen Of Humble Birth
Who Rose to Eminence.

From the Westminster Gazette.
Some time since picked up in Paris a
curious little book by Alphonse Karr,
called "Histoire des Paysans illustres:
Plutarque des Champagnes,' 1888. Among
the number of peasants or workmens
sons attaining fame or local celebrity
figure Fletcher. perhaps best known to
English readers by his "Grands jours
d'Auvergne:" Ney. lie brave des braves"
Amyot, the translator of Plutarch; Hoche,
the pacificator of La vendee; Ramus, the
mathematician and philosopher. victim
of st. Bartholomew; Palsy. the great
potter. VINO narrowly escaped a similar
fate: the savant Mabillon. Marmontel. the
author of "Belisaire' and friend of Vol
taire; Chaptal, the great chemist and
discoverer. who was summoned by the
convention to supply the army with gun
powder and did SO. Laplace, the illus
trious physicist-these interalos, and, if
humble origin. And if Alphonse Karr's
interesting theme were brought up to
date his succe ssor would be able to add
the greatest name in French fiction
BalZac!
my name is on my certificate of birth
his" somewhat pompou5ly wrote the au-
thor of the Coincide Humaine,' and, I'M
like Rouget de Lisle, he had not know
ingly appropriated The much-coveted par
ticle. In all probability he firmly be-
lieved that he had come of noble stock.
But in his work 'Honore de Balzac" NJ. E.
Bire relates that well-known antiquary
entirely disproves poor Balzac's title to
the de This gentleman, M. Charles
Portal. has indeed unearthed the birth
register of BaiZac's father, who was born
in 1746 in a village of Languedoc, and in
that documest is described as eBrnard
Francois Balssa. son of laborer. The
great Honores father had literary tastes.
and even welded the pen. Quite possibly
he may have thus euphemized his pa
.tronymic out of respect for that early
master of French prose Q597-16oD really
belonging to the noble de Balzac or de
Balzac house, Be that as it may, NJ.
Bire truly says that BalZac has earned
his right to nobility.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-03
To Shanghai by Rail.

From the New York Sun.
We should have thought 1t a dream II
any one had predicted a few years ago
that early in this century Shanghai would
be connected by rail with all the capitals
ana ports Of the European mainland. This
is coming true, however. and the arrange
ments have been made to bring it about.
The new trunk line in China will extend
from Tientsin to Chin kiang on the Yang
tse river Two syndicates, German and
are to supply the funds. which
are guaranteed by the provisional govern
ments of Chill and Shantung. The line Is
to be completed within three years. The
British are building the Shanghai-Chin-
kiang line. which viii Be opened in few
Shanghai viii thus be connected by rail
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-03

with Tientsin. Shan-hai-kuan and the
Manchurian railroad, which joins the
of gauge will necessitate the transfer
twice OF passengers ond freight. but there
will be an uninterrupted line more than
1000 miles in length connecting the east
China sea with the Atlantic. The enter
prise will also provide the Germans with
q land route between Berlin and Tsingtau
the fiourishing port on Kiaochau bay. for
one Of the largest stations on the trunk
line will be Tsinan-fu on the Ho river,
which for several years has been Joined
to Tsingtau by the SEantung railroad, go
miles in length, that has proved proba-
BILE enterprise from the day IL was opened
The construction OF this north and south
trunk line will be another important step
forward in the provision OF through lines
which with branch roads will connect all
the important cities of eastern China.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-03

consists in a series of operations. each of
which partially eliminates the putrescible
constituents. While the matter of sewage
publication for Washington has not yet
peen definitely determined upon, it is prob
able that the result can be obtained by the
use of septic tanks, which it is believe
will effect sufficient partial publication
so that the ef1uent from the tanks may
De discharged In the river for a consid-
cradle period of years. after which further
purif1catlon will be necessary.
Suburban Sewers.
The sum of 100000. appropriated for the
extension of the suburban sewer service
system. has permitted the construction of
a large humber of service sewers in the
outlying parts Of service sewers in the
service sewers, however, can only be con-
structed where trunk sewers are available
to carry the sewage from the outlying
points to the sewage pumping station. In
order to adequately take care of the sew
age OF the large number Of houses which
are being constructed az the suburban
portions Of the District are being devel-
oped, further trunk sewers are necessary.
as well as the extension Of trunk sewers
already started. Among the most i'm
portant OF these extensions are the con-
struction Of a sewer along the west side
OF Rock Creek between p street and Mill
tary road. which is required as an outlet
| ~ SAAO eShtASoAS bOS"CSh " lSCouSlu ave-
nue. and Rock Creek and the territory
between Pfney Branch and Brightwood
avenue and Rock Creek: also sewers in
the valley Of Stickfoot branch between
Nichols avenue and the Baltimore and
Ohio railroad. which is required to pre-
vent the flooding of a section Of Barry
Farm subdivision during heavy rain
storms, and for the subdivisions of Con-
gress Heights and North Columbia
Heights.
The development Of these suburban
places is being seriously retarded by the
lack OF sewer facilities. and the Commits
sfoners believe that appropriations should
be made for their construction.
Building.
The estimated value of building work
during the year, not including buildings
of the United States government, was
$12 714.4 which Is an increase over the
preceding fiscal year of $685.. 271. The num-
Der of permits issued was 1852, an in
crease of 1854 over the previous year
The number of dwelling houses construct
ed was 1,251, a decrease of 49, and the
number of apartment houses, &c, a de-
crease of q over the previous year. One
hundred and seventy-seven business
buildings were constructed. being a de-
crease of no over the previous year The
distribution Of the value of these I'm
provements. and also the repairs to ex-
listing buildings. is as follows:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-03
Unwelcome Visitors.
From Country Life.

From Country Lie.
Philanthropists and other sentimental
individuals. when they are getting up SUBJ
scriptions and taking other mes assures for
the transference of city arabs to the
fresh air of the country. seem to be I'M
aware that they often do more i'll than
good. The manners and language of the
hop pickers have a very evil influence on
the districts they visit. and some of those
wretched imps who are sent to board for
a week or two in some country cottage
spread circle Of wickedness all around
them
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-03


The Connecticut Avenue bridge has prac-
tically been completed. and, it is expected,
will be thrown open to travel about De-
cenrber 1. In order to preserve the ap-
proaches to this bridge and permit of
their better architectural treatment. ad-
ditional land should be acquired on either
end of the bridge. The purchase of this
land is of vital importance to the appear
ance of the structure; II it is not bought
private building operations will practically
extend to the bridge itself.
The Anacostia bridge over the Eastern
branch is progressing satisfactorily. and
bridge over the Baltimore and Ohio rail-
road tracks at the south approach OF the
bridge. The cost of this bridge is to be
borne by the railroad company.
The street bridge over Rock creek
has been completed.
Bridges are being constructed by the
railroad companies across their tracks at
New York avenue and I streets in ac-
cordance with the plans for eliminating
grad crossings The bridge across Piney
branch. on the lire of 10th street. has
been completed. and the grading of it's
approaches nearly so.
The amount expended in laying side
walks and in paving alleys was about
S220UDo. The sidewalks were construct d
of cement and the alleys paved with vitri-
fled and asphalt blocks. The prices paid
for laying cement sidewalks were $113l
and S1.244. this work being done under
contract. while the alleys were paved
by day labor
The Commissioners find 1t very difficult
to lay sidewalks fast as they are de-
manded by the property owners. Pfacti-
eally all work requested is ordered. but
the actual laying OF the walk takes place
frequently long time after the work is
ordered, on account of the fact that the
Office work in giving grades and lines
and the work of the contractor in laying
the walks cannot be done as fast as the
work is ordered. The sidewalks are laid
and alleys paved as half cost to the prop
erty owner. and the Commissioners usual
ly order the work only upon the request
Of the owners of q majority OF the prop
erty on the frontage to be paved. They
are uncovered by law. however. to lay
the walks and pave the alleys whenever
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-12-03
Main and Pipe Sewers.

The total length of main and pipe
sewers constructed during the year was
about III miles. The total length of sew
ers the District of Columbia existing
June 30, 1907. was about 5O1.5 miles.
The total cost of the sewer system at
the close of the fiscal year was S15,519.-
614.40
The Mena weekly star., 1907-06-06
Buttermilk as a Medicine.

Even when sourest, if 1t IS stlll m good condition, buttermilk IS a valuable medicinal agent. A re- freshing acid, it is always nourIsnlng without being insipid. The lactic acid which it contains attacks ana dissolves every kind of earthly de- posits in the blood vessels; keeps the veins and arteries supple and free from matter which might other wise clog them, and destroys the irritating calcerous deposits that may gather in the jolnts as well as any poisonous waste in the muscles. It is not only beneficial to the dlges- tion, but also for tuberculosis and all other pulmonary complaints. It is also harmless substitute for in- toxicants. Drinking buttermilk freely two quarts daily would not be too much is said to preserve the complexion of youth, as gouty diffl- culties generally arise from sluggish excretion it is blessing to all who suffer from such complaints. But termilk not only tones the stomach, but furnishes the material from which healthy blood may be easily made. It is also easy of assimilation and in cases where sweet milk proves objectional from medicinal stand point, it may be safely given with every assurance of beneficial effect. For creaky, achy or swollen joints It should be taken frequently and care observed to procure it freshly churned. Exchange.
The Mena weekly star., 1907-06-06
Roosevelt Is Right.

An effort is being made to dis credit the President in the West on account of the forest reserve policy that he inaugurated and which is keeping many of the big lumber, mining and coal companies from ap- propriating as much of the timber and mineral lands of the public do- main as they would like. There is a studied attempt being made to array the small farmers and land owners against the forest reserve scheme on the plea that it cuts them out of timber and grazing rights and locks up the public land from legitimate use. Nothing could be farther from the truth. This country has wasted billions of dollars in its senseless destruction of the forests and the time has more than arrived for scientific conservation. This the Forest Service under the direction of the President is trying to give, and the use, though not the abuse, of the national forests is more as- sured to the public than ever before. Hot Springs News.
The Mena weekly star., 1907-06-06
Children Win Tell the Story.

It was striking commentary on the broad democracy of this great nation when President Roosevelt and Vice President Fairbanks took advantage of train wait near Ak ron, O., to take cross-country walk unattended. The walk covered six miles along roads. through lanes, over fields and across timber lots. It was broken by a stop at farm house, where the First Citizen and Second Citizen of the country intro duced themselves. talked with the farmers wife and children and drank milk. It was a natural, en- joyable jaunt, and it was intensely democratic. Nevertheless, there is just enough hero worship, even in this great democracy, to make that farmers wife and children the envied of the community and that farmhouse a marked place.
 No matter how old those children
The Mena weekly star., 1907-06-06
A Severe Lesson Necessary.

In the statement which Abraham Ruff, the San Francesca boss, made after pleading guilty in court it was notable that he vowed not to injure by any subsequent confession those who had practiced bribery against tbeir will. He had apparently been deeply impressed by the experience with the fact, as he saw it, that the building of the great system of graft literally forced some men thorough ly disposed to be honest into dis honest ways, such as employing bribery to secure franchises which they would have sought in the open had they not known that bribes were expected by the officials in power. There is undoubtedly a degree of truth in this view of the matter and it is one of the most melancholy phases of graft, though such bribe- givers cannot and should not be acquitted because of original and good intentions; with good inten- tions hell is said to be paved. South west American.
The Mena weekly star., 1907-06-06
PROBABLY UNJUST TO DAVIS

Some newspapers are more than inferring that the malign influence of Jeff Davis is responsible for the breaking down of the physical and mental health of Governor Little. The statement is made that the fact that Davis, Little's political enemy supported him for the office of gov ernor during the campaign, so wor- ried the governor as to destroy his health and reason.
 It is not propable that this is the exact truth. It has long been real ized that the character of the cam paigns carried on in this state was such as to be terrific strain on the most robust of men. This condition has been recognized as a menace by many, and there is much reason for the belief that Governor Little would have lived to serve his state had a less strenuous campaign been demanded of him.
 Reforms in this matter could well be inaugurated at first opportunity.
The Mena weekly star., 1907-06-06
Some of the Uses of Wireless Telephony

Wireless telephony will do away with the trained operators on yes sels, so that large number as well as smaller steamships can be in com munication with the shore or with each other during a voyage. Not only can reports be made by coast wise vessels and steamers on the Great Lakes, but the exact position or the dangerous proximity of other vessels or lighthouses can be deter mined. This immediately suggests the use of wireless telephony in naval operations, especially with a fleet, or where a torpedo boat or other vessel is employed on a de tached service. Wireless telephony between sea and land does not stop at the receiving station on the shore, since it is possible to connect the in struments so that conversations can be immediately and directly trans mitted to the wire circuit of the land system. Furthermore, experiments have already been undertaken which have demonstrated the feasibility of communicating between moving trains and central offices or signal stations, and even establishing direct connection with public lines. In fact, the readiness with which farmers telephone lines often using fence wires have been constructed in the West leads to the belief that a suitable wireless telephone system would find widespread appreciation in rural communities and mountain ous districts From Wireless Tele- phony by the De Forest system, by Herbert T. Wade in the American Monthly Review of Reviews for June.
The Mena weekly star., 1907-06-06
WILL THE GAZETTE EXPLAIN?

The Gazette "bawls out" the Memphis News-Scimitar at length for speaking of Acting Governor Pindall as a probable successor to Governor Little, referring to the constitution of Arkansas as prohibit ing member of the legislature or other state officer from being such a candidate.
 Now what some people would like to know is why the Gazette has for weeks past almost daily used the name of Speaker A. H. Hamiter as among the active candidates for the governorship? Hamiter's term as member of the state legislature, we believe, does not expire until Sep tember. 1908?
 If we are seeing through shad- ow, please brush it away.
The Mena weekly star., 1907-06-06
The Danger of Summer Separations.

Long summer separations between husband and wife are unwise tenn porary divorces that often leave a long trail of sorrow, grief and mis- understanding. They do not actual ly wreck homes and happiness, but but they are an unnecessary risk, like rocking a boat, a foolish ex- perience that may overturn and swamp it.
 When one member of the home firm takes a long solitaire vacation and the other stays at home in lone liness, Cupid, though blind. sees trouble ahead. With two who love each other the temporary separation may be the thin edge of the wedge of a permanent growing apart. These solo vacations force each into a new environment in which the other has no part; they lessen the sweet ness of mutual dependence; they break the continuity of loving con- ference and constant confidence; they make it easier for each to face life's problems alone instead of hand in-hand.
 The regular annual exodus of the wife, because she has a restless de sire to get away somewhere, because she has friends who insist on her accompanying them, or because she fears the neighbors will think she cannot afford to go away-these are the forms of voluntary separation for weeks and months that are dangerous and sometimes even prove short cut from matrimony to ali mony.
 The theory that husband and wife should be separated occasionally so that they may appreciate each other the more is a dangerous doctrine. Vacations with each other may be new miniature honeymoons, bring ing renewed love to both, but long vacations from each other are what the insurance companies term "ex- tra-hazardous risks. William G. Jordan in the June Deiineator.
The Mena weekly star., 1907-06-06
WILL THE PRESIDENT APOLLO
 GIZE3

President Roosevelt stirred up criticism that was in a measure justifiable when he cast reflections upon the labor leaders on trial for their lives in Idaho, but it is doubt ful if he was ever the recipient of so hot letter as that sent him by William J. Long, the naturalist and author. Like all persons of great strength of character, the President is apt to say what he thinks and be- lieves, and like all men, too, who really do things, he is likely to make errors. He criticized in magazine article book on animals written by Dr. Long, and the doctor insists in very peppery letter that the Presidents remarks are unjust and demands an apology.
 If the President can be shown where he has erred, it is to be hoped that he is great enough to offer to make amends. This controversy will be watched with much interest.
The Mena weekly star., 1907-06-06
Let Mena's Health Board Speak.

Among the recommendations made by the board of health this morning probably none was more important than that which requests the city council to order all weeds within the city's limits cut and to be kept cut during the summer. It is an accept ed fact that weeds create mosquitoes and flies and that mosquitoes and flies are the disseminators of more diseases than all other agencies com bined. If we would keep our city healthful, we must obey the laws conducive to this end. Cut the weeds. Prescott News.
The Mena weekly star., 1907-06-06
ALL RAILROADS ARE GOVERN.
 MENT ROADS.

Justice William J. Gaynor of New York, man known to be of highest integrity, judicial insight and as a fearless advocate of the Square Deal, said recently in speech;
 "All railroads are government roads, because railroads cannot be constructed without resort to the governments grant of eminent do- main, and even the government cannot take private property except for public uses.
 Rate determinations are the mainstay of the trusts, since only Tn the enjoyment of special rates can a trust absolutely crush competition.
 Rate determinations are the basis of those vast fortunes that the President has declared should be restricted fortunes so large that they could not have been made honestly, and the existence of which should not be set down to prosperity.
 True prosperity means just dis tribution of wealth among those who produce it, not on a share and share alike basis, but on basis of merit and legitimate investment.
 Ut always has been unlawful to give or accept rebates, free passes or other gratuities that are in effect favors to one individual, firm or corporation as against other indi- viduals, firms or corporations; the newer laws are only designed to provide punishments for these viola tions.
 The problem IS not yet solved, for determinations, in new forms, are still made, and regulation must be extended until rates as between shippers and communities are made equitable"
 Justice Gaynor is well known Democrat and his opinions" seem to be sufficiently democratic. That they are fully in accord with the ideas and teachings of President Roosevelt and William J. Bryan only shows how principles are becoming greater than parties, and how really great men are working for the good of the people regardless of party lines.
 And in this lies true statesmanship.