davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1907-11-17

as the condition Of the streets would permit to
her destination, and 1t was still showing she
was delighted TO see an awning stretched from
the curbstone to the front door.
Entering the house, she quickly removed her
wraps and hastened into the drawing room
where many of the guests were already assem-
bed. She greeted several of her friends. and
asking for the hostess she was told that she
would be there in minute, she had just been
called out Of the room.
On glancing around she was greatly surprised
10 see President Roosevelt among the guests.
and presently the President came up to her and
stood chatting with her After a few words OF
greeting she said to him:
isn't 1t fortunate that our hostess is well
enough TO have this dinner tonight? At one
time heard she expected to cancel the invita-
tions"
A MISTAKE IN THE DINNER PARTY.
The President loekee siie blank and then
he laughed.
IT am afraid ycs- have made mistake" he
said kinSry Mfrs -" naming a Secretary's
wife. rs our hostess tonight. This is Cabinet
dinnS<."
La much tribulation of spirit the astonished
woman said goodby, and hastily finding her
wraps she fairly ran into the next house, where
she was expected. The unfortunate blunder was
made by the coaehman' who could not see the
ing indicated the house where the dinner was
being given.
well known man about town went to a large
dinner last winter. On his arrival he found
that he was to take popular married woman
in TO dinner.
He was a brilliant talker. and was accus-
toned to having much attention paid him. Con-
sequently he piqued when he noticed that
she paid little attention to what he said, and
that she answered at random and lstlessly The
other guests sitting near them were much
amused at his discontinue, which he quickly
saw, and he decided 10 turn the tables on the
woman
He was describing court dinner in Berlin.
and without changing his tone Of voice in the
least said:
and was burned TO death"
'Oh. how delightful" exclaimed the woman.
smiling vaguely. his voice ceased. The lis
teners were convulsed and the man had his
senge by making thsr. oman appear ridiculous.
New-York tribune., 1907-11-17
WASHINGTON DINNERS.
1ckscard Situations SaUed By Tact
Sometimes.

A book might easily be written and called
Dinner Guests I Have Met and it would prove
interesting reading. for certainly some Wash
ingtonians have queer experiences in the course
OF q busy social season
A distinguished American who had repre-
sented this country in several courts of Europe
came to Washington last winter to spend the
season. He had been here only few days
when he received an invitation from the Presi-
dent and Mrs. Roosevelt to large dinner.
On his arrival at the White House the usual
small white envelope, which contained the name
of the guest whom he was TO take out to dinner
was handed TO him. II a name with which
he not familiar and conveyed nothing to
him, after greeting the President and Mrs.
Roosevelt he asked TO be presented to his dinner
partner, handsome and well dressed woman.
BY the time that was accomplished dinner was
announced. and he promptly offered her his arm
and they walked out TO the state dining room.
On the way there she informed him that she
was simply starving, and he told her that she
could find better place to lose her appetite
than at the dinner table. When they were
seated she devoted her entire attention to oys-
ters, and only answered his remarks by nodding
her head This went Oh until the fish course
was reached, when she stopped eating long
enough to ask:
Have you ever dined at the White House
before?"
He answered in the affirmative. and again
his hungry neghbor relapsed into silence and
the enjoyment of her dinner. In desperation
he turned to the woman on his left and for
some time carried on a desultory conversation
with her. He suddenly startled by his
right hand neighbor tapping him on the shoul-
der and asking him in a peremptory tone;
Who were the guests present when you first
dined at the White House?"
New-York tribune., 1907-11-17
NO SUCH PRESIDENT.

He told her frankly that he could not remem-
Der, as 1t was long ago. but that did not satisfy
her curiosity. after sampling the salad she
returned to the charge, and inquired who was
President Of the United States at that time
Franklin Pierce the quiet reply.
She stopped eating and stared at him.
You seem to think you get rise out of
me- she declared. angriy. But let me tell you
I'm not such fool as I look. L know perfectly
well there never was a President by that name"
And she Indignantly turned her back on him for
The rest of the evening
The wife OF prominent Senator, representing
an Eastern state, had been much annoyed by
The persistent efforts of a woman, whose hus-
band also in political life, to force an ac-
Guaintance upon her. Having refused many in
vtatons from this source, she finally felt obliged
10 return the obligation. and, therefore, invited
the woman TO formal luncheon.
Her entertainments were noted for their quiet
Elegance, and, being woman who was fastid-
Gus In her tastes, she hated pretence and osenta-
lion Of any description. II a luncheon of
eighteen, and the table appointments were hand
New-York tribune., 1907-11-17
WHAT NANNY" THOUGHT OF IT.

Plain corn pone and cracking bread were not
necessary adtuncts, but nanny always
thought so, and they were provided to make the
feast complete. With her head covered by red
bandana and with a long white apron reaching
nearly 10 the floor she would stand at the
dining room door. her face wreathed in smiles.
as she watched her white folks eat with relish
which proved TO her that she was priced as a
third degree graduate in the culinary art. The
old black nanny" thus expressed her
thoughts:
Yer kin talk erbout yer sparribs. an yer sassidse.
ef yer choose;
Yer kin talk erbout yer beefsteaks an yer mutton.
En- ali the highaiGtn' dishes that er Frenchy cook
Yer kin smack yer lips wish fer ev'rytlng ter
But, lem'me tell yer massa. dat er 'possum can't
be beat.
In the good old days possum hunting was
about the best sport a boy knew. and mothers
seldom offered objection to a hunt when the
boys were to be accompanied by Uncle ISom,"
Daddy Ben,' some other true and trusted
OF Ham The hunt rare fun for the
boys, and mothers knew that they would be
cared for even at the sacrifice OF the life
of the negro who went with them. Not
only were the boys accompanied by negroes on
these 'possum hunts, but they were also in evil
dence when the men went out after the Succu-
lent ''Varmint' The negroes generally owned
the 'possum and rabbit dogs, while the white
folks only cared for the foXhounds. No home
complete without pack of hounds, and no
negro cabin without one, two three well
trained 'possum dogs. which were always at the
service of the white folks" when they wanted
TO take hunt.
New-York tribune., 1907-11-17

Others and II all four feet failed to sustain
him his perch. his tail was brought into use
by closely coing it around the limb Swing
ing back and forth - his caudal appendage the
possum would simply tire himself out before
falling to the ground, where he would be
pounced upon by the eager dogs. II was sell
dom in these old days that 'possums were
killed at the time of their capture. but they
would be taken home. placed IN box and fed
on persimmons. collards, potatoes and other
vegetables, with liberal allowance of bread
Within a short time the ''varmint" was ready
for the slaughter. having attained a surpris-
ing degree of fatness.
There is only one proper way 10 kill pos
SUM 1t practised In the old days and Is
adhered TO yet throughout all the Southland
The ''varmint' is taken from the box, when he
at once plays dead-"playing 'possum," as the
saying goes To all appearances he is as dead
as a door nan. and il is an easv matter 70
place an axe helve across his neck and placing
both feet firmly on the helve. 4 firm grasp OF
the 'possum's tail. strong pull, and the neck
is broken The 'possum is then ready for the
hot water and ashes to take the bristles of.
New-York tribune., 1907-11-17
HER HOSTESS WAS ANNOYED.

As the luncheon proceeded it was plain 10 be
seen that the hostess was much annoyed. and
those who knew her well expected some un-
toward happening But the remark which
proved the last straw to the hostess's endurance
was made when the Venetian glass finger bowls
put the table.
How exquisitely beautiful" exclaimed the
guest. They are absolutely perfect. I have
never used such bowls before
Indeed" said the hostess. in the clear, incisive
tones her friends knew meant disaster; then
pray take home with you, as you will never
have another opportunity to use it here"
One stormy night last January a well known
society woman entered her carriage and told
her coachman to drive to a residence in K street
as speedily possible, she feared she was
late for the dinner She was driven as rapidly
New-York tribune., 1907-11-17
GOING FOR THE GAME.

Provided with armfuls OF fat lghtwood, cut
in about two feet lengths. and keen edged axe,
one OF the negroes lighted torch, and with a
shrill blast from horn the hunters were off.
II the white folks didn't know the LAY of the
land" the negroes did, and through the dense
woods, the brush and the bramble, the way
lighted by the pine torches, the hunters found
where the persimmon trees. the muscadine and
the wild grape grew in most abundance. If
anywhere earth fat, juicy poSSum can be
found 1t is where these grow
Pretty soon old IIge would open up and
Daddy Tom" would say. Oats er 'pOssum.
Massa Jim, kase Iige pays no 'tention ter er
rabbit. Nothin' but er 'posSum fer dat dorg;
but dat young pup, Rather, Jes' soon trail er
cottontaIl as er 'possum; but he'll git out et.
Qat tore mex season, Sah." Then old Tige would
let out in a manner which convinced the hunt
ers that he was on hot trail" and the other
dogs would come in with vigor The trail and
run would be of short duration. for the DOS
sum always seeks safety in a tree or sapling
and q few bays" from old Tige would Indicate
that the ''varmint" was treed. The hunters are
not long In reaching the spot where would be
found the dogs seated on their launches Whin-
ing with satisfaction and giving an occasional
short bark. The torches would be held I'D and
il would not be long before the shining eyes of
the 'possUm would be located. II the tree was
a large one the negroes would soon put the axe
into use and have It felled, and then a rush
bv the dogs among the branches to get the
'posSum, which would always feign to be dead
and could easily be picked up by the back OF
the neck and his hairless tail be drawn through
a split made in hickory pole-a rather cruel
way of taking home live game. but about the
safest for 'possums. for they come to fe'
with surprising suddenness and know how
to use their teeth.
If the 'possum was found up small tree or
giving the tree vigorous shakes, but II a foot
lost Its hold ths 29ssap x99ld 64Nx ~ a.
New-York tribune., 1907-11-17
Illustrated Bits.

whats the matter, old chap?'
AUST been round to the pawnbroker's TO por
an umbrella and met Smith there"
"Well, what about it?"
"Nothins-onIy the umbrella was Smiths"
Illustrated Bits.
New-York tribune., 1907-11-17
'POSSUM HUNTING.
Sport only To Be Enjoyed IN the
Southland.

Dawson Ga, Nov. 16 (Specia).-James
Matthew Griggs. member of Congress and chair
man Of the Democratic Congressional Commit
tee is of the opinion that there is more pleasure
In hunting the festive 'possum and enjoying
feast OF "'possum and 'taters" prepared by an
oldtime negro cook than in engineering cam
paign and partaking occasionally OF terrapin
and champagne.
Here at his home he is known as Jim GrigsS
plain Jim" without any frills and founces.
With the greatest ease possible he can throw
off his political clothes and don his hunting
suit and with his friends he is ready TO hunt
anything from the common Molly Cottontail to
bear But there is no hunt he enjoys more than
after the possum. and as a palate satisfer he
agrees with the darkey song:
OF all the many vittles that given us ter eat
OF all the glistenin' goodies hungry eye can
You can put II In the papers. you can bet yer
This S goober Grabber takes juicy 'pOssum ev'ry
time
There is one thing about 'possum hunting
that he recalls with feeling OF sorrow. II is
not what II once was; it Is a lost art. 50 70
speak Hunters don't go about 1t as they did
in the days gone by. Most OF the patient and
faithful old negro ''daddes" are gone; there are
few really well trained 'possum dogs and 1t Is
difficult 10 find negro nanny TO cook a
woman could ever cook a 'possum to such per-
fection as the old black "mammies" These
good old souls Just seem 10 know how'll came
natural to them. and after the 'varmint" was
baked and hanked with sweet yellow yams II
did old nanny good 10 see "de white folks 10y
,l,.
New-York tribune., 1907-11-17
INTERNATIONAL couaTEsv

An exceptionally pretty girl with an English aas
lieutenant at her side. standing chair on
the pier watching the racing. On chair behind
were two Frenchmen. The lady turned round and
said in French, Il hope ] do not obstruct your
view"
"Mademosele. quickly replied one Of the men.
II much prefer the obstruction TO the view
seuSfesx fssA M 5-US1 E6kaap
New-York tribune., 1907-11-17

some. The guest IN question began at the first
course to point out and admire everything upon
the table, from the flowers to the wine glasses,
until her fulsome praise attracted the attention
Of the other guests
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-07-31
How We Do Chance.

Oh. the dear old swimming hollow,
1t was there we used to wallow
in mn mhygionic pool of brackish
ooze,
Whilst the insects stung like fury and
n self-apponted jury tied our
clothing into knots and hid our
shoes.
There were lots OF bottles busted;
there We're piles of tin cans rust
ed; there were heaps of deadly
junk on every hand
And II makes me weak and chilly as
think of the bacilli. How we
lodged 'em shall never under
stand.
Oh, the dear old swimming hollow!
All this poets love to follow back
the trail that leads to boyland and
to you.
But rs recall the brambles that were
wont TO mar cur rambcs. my re-
ercts. must confess, are very
few
Youth is ever gay and sunny and 1t
may seem very funny TO get BIT
and stung and harried, when n
cub;
But the years those joys are dimming
and I'd rather do my swimming
in the prim and porcelain pre-
clncts OF tub.
Courier Journal
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-07-31

Hay. who. MS Secretary OF state. had
many strong likes and dislikes. always
referred to him ms that dirty little
dog. Castro" Judging from recent
happenings. Secretary Root probably
thinks tho same thing. but he is not
the sort of man to give such n thought
public nttcrance. Root. like all OF the
Secretaries OF state OF the tho mast
few years. il having his troubles with
Castro. II is ono of the inner tnnccs
of the Department. Whether he will
be any more successful in handling
Castro than his predecessors remains
to be seem but 1t is doubtful If he
brings the trouble maker to terms.
Venezuela is one of the South Amer.
lean countries that WI not pay the
claims of the foreigners without being
coerccd by warshlp. The United
states has gone on record as being
absolutely opposed to collecting priv.
ate debts mt the mnzzles of Pinch
guns. The countries which forced n
settlement from Venezuela by sending
warships to her ports few years ago
are being paid according to agree.
ment. Tho countries which did not
send warships are not being paid. The
United states is in the latter class.
Beyond question many OF the claims
which the United States is trying to
collect for her citizens are of the rank
variety. Among the most notorious
claimants was the asphalt trust and
for years the diplomacy of our State
Department was utilized in trying TO
make Venezuela reverse It's Supreme
Court decision in the case of this
trust and TO force that country to
continue II concession which the cyI.
dcncc shows had been forfeited by the
trust.
Our strained relations with Vene-
zucla are due to this trust. II had
very flnc concession for which II
agreed 10 perform certain serv COS To
Venezuela. 1t did not carry ont its
F''' VI NV agreement ana Castro dc.
clarcd the concession forfeited. II
looks ms If Venezuela H. hound 10 win
on this plain proposition. yet il start.
cd contention which has extended
to other concessions and claims. Sec.
rotary Root has been much more len.
lent with Castro than his predcccs.
sors, but the time approaches when
he must collect the claims according
To agreement or notify the claimants
mat they must get their money ms
best they can. II Is evident that Soc.
rotary Root does not propose 10 allow
the trouble with Castro to mar his
summer days ut his country home mr.
Interfere with his trip to Mexico. Nor
VIII he allow it to Interfere with his
south American policy. Just what his
policy Is nobody seems TO know Int
whatever 1t is, II is to be hoped that
Cnstro's respect for the United Statos
VIII DO greatly increased when II has
been consumated.
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-07-31
eoiIermakers AIter,aaws.

The United Boilermnkers and Iron
Shipbulders' union met recently in an
nual convention In Boston Mt which
some important changes were made In
the laws. One new feature was the
establishment OF an organization
board. Another was the provision for
an examining board Action was taken
respecting the handling of controver-
sles. especially TIE difficulties now con-
fronting the union In New England.
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-07-31
Ss-----t---
NATURE AND NATURE-WRITERS
The Tendency to Sacrifice Truth for
Romance

I'm writing of nature ana her crca-
lures there devolvcs upon mo ono the
necessity for an integrity Of ohscrva-
ton and notification. The writer
must guard against uncorroboratod
facts" says John Burroughs. III tho
August Delncator. "I.it0raturc and
science do not differ in matters of
fact, but In spirit and method. There
Is no 1.-Two literature without play
OF personality, and there is no exac.
science without the clear. white light
of the understanding What we want.
and have right to expect of the It
erary naturalist is that his statement
shall have both truth and charm. but
we do not want the charm ut The cX-
pcnsc of the truth. | may invest the
commoncst fact observe I'm the
fields. or by the roadside. with the
air of romance, If can. hut am not
to put the romance in place of the
fact. IL you romance about tho ami
mails. YOU must do so unequivocally
as liipling does and as AEsop did: the
fiction must declare itself at once. or
the work is vicious. To make litcra-
trrc out or natural history observation
is not to pcrvcrt or distort the facts.
or To draw the long how mt all: il is
to see the facts In their true relations
ana proportions and with homes, emo
ton.
Truth of seeing and truth of feel
ing are the main rcqu' site: add truth
OF style and the thing is done
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-07-31
Compulsory Education.

Compulsory education is not gcncr-
ally enforced. says Ossian H. Lang,
in the Forum. The idea of compul-
sion does not appeal to the average
interpreter OF liberty n this country.
IL Is Sweet land of goas-youplcase"
with him. Undesirable citizens rear.
ed under the sway Of anarchical ten
denotes have become the spokesman
of untrammeled individualsm A
natural result is the enforcement of
selfishncss. 1t is this which has en-.
couragcd child labor. Nor are self sh
parents the chief offenders. From Il
purely selfish standpoint compulsory
school attendance would seem to be
IN most desirable provision. Every
one is agreed that the welfare and
prosperity of the country depends up
on the widest diffusion of education.
The natural resources derive their
value from intelligent development
and exploitation. Assuming that he
does not value cducat OH for its own
sake, he certainly can find abundant
advantages held out to trained intel.
lects and skilled hands. Apparently
our failure to enforce the universal
education of the young Is not due to
selfishncss In reality It is due TO
unenlightoncd sclfishness Public on.
inion must grow strong In the faith
that rat on compulsory education
laws. rigidly enforced, are essential
to human welfare. OF course, the
education offered must be really worth
having rs equipment for the cxigen-
cies OF practical life. That is tacitly
assumed by the vast sums OF public
money ungrudgingly expended for the
schools.
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-07-31
Special Election For shoe Workers

The HickcyTobin controversy over
The general presidency of the Boot
and Shoe Workers union will be set
tied Mt n special election Thursday.
Sept. IL. Mt the same time the regular
election takes place. The general OK
ecutivc board in session recently Mt
Montreal has so decided a motion in
the general board to refer the election
controversy TO The next convention
was defeated. Then WAS adopted n
motion 10 refer the matter to referen-
dun vote BY the membership in new
election.
Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1907-07-31
WEDNESDAY, JULY 81. 1907.
sHORN LAMBS ARE AFRAID TO
VENTURE AGAIN.

The people who make their living
into Wall Street are drcary lot
these days. The gamblers who alone
haunt the deserted precincts OF the
stock market are shaking In their
shoes for fear of another eruption
that will drive even further away
the innocents who have II figured out
to their own satisfaction that they
can beat The professional spectators
at their own game. Tho time for
the Hartman roads to hold their an
nual meetings has como around
again. The spectators have been
excited by talk of Increase of the
Southern Pacific dividend After
what was done last year there is no
limit to the wild expectations enter
tanned. II will be remembered that
year ago Hartman and his asso.
clntes in the Union and Southern
Pacific directories MIXED tho stock
market by Juggling with dividend in.
itcroases.
knowledge of n most sensational
action by the two boards was kept
secret for twenty four hours till the
few In possession OF the facts could
huy the stocks IL was sure to send
up. The matter did not interest the
public much because the public was
not foolng with stocks then and is
not now. But those who lost their
money when the aces came out of
Mr.. Harrlman's sleeve made great
outcry.
That deal will be long remembered
8by the outsiders and ii is no wonder
THAT the men who sell stocks and
bonds are in great distress because
the public will no longer buy their
3 wares. They claim, however, that
these wares are better than they
were In 1900 when the public was
tumhling over itself to buy all KINDS
of new issues Even if they are
cheaper the lambs are not so sure
that they are better. They bought
, then without looking ut the prices
but they cannot n tempted by The
most seductive bargains now. This
is II serious matter when the rail
roads and other corporations have III
vided up or spent lin buying stocks
fyom one another the money realized
from surplus earnings or borrowings.
They are in desperate need of money
for the improvements 10 which
4 everybody supposed the previous Dor
srowings We're to be applied The
business of the country continues to
Increase and they cannot handle their
traffic without these improvements.
When they offer new stocks and
bonds to the public they are asked
what they did with the last hundred
millions. Their only answer is 10
froth at the mouth IN their righteous
indignation that the people have the
nerve TO ask such question. The
people want better answer to their
question and 1t is not at all surpris-
Ing that the only falling off in bust,
ness activity in this country is in
Wall Street.
IS II is just as we'll that the public
should remain scared until it has
been taught to discriminate by the
honesty and candor OF The more wor-
thy corporations.