davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
The Essence of puIIness.

It is true, no doubt, that many learn
ed people are dull but there is no in
dication whatever that they are dull
because they are learned. True dull
ness is seldom acquired; it is a natur-
al grace, the manifestations of which,
however modified by education. re-
main in substance the same. Fill a
dull man to the brim with knowledge,
and he will not become less dull, as
the enthusiasts for education vainly
imagine; but neither will he become
duller. He will remain In essence what
he always has been and always must
have been. But whereas his dullness
would. II left to itself, have been
merely vacuous, It may have become.
under careful cultivation, pretentious
and pedantic.-Balfour.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
Capacity of a Munich Porter.

An English family touring in Ba-
varia, called at the world-famous Hof-
brauhaus, the pride of Munich re-
Gently, writes our correspondent. To
the waitress serving them the head
OF fhe family in a matter-of-fact way,
simply held up his five fingers. To
the family's astonishhment the wait
ress came back with FIVE quart pots
filled to the brim with beer. The WIS.,
itors bravely struggled with the beer,
but only managed to dispose of about
one quart between them. Knowing
that it would be considered an in
suit to leave beer. they called porter
and ordered him to finish it. In less
time than it takes to relate the Bava-
rian accomplished the task. Wiping
his mustache, he demanded sixpence
for the lob" and, having obtained
the money. instantly ordered and emp
tied another quart pot.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
Ancient "PubIic Penance.vN

One of a number of ancient manu-
scripts which have just come to light
at Taunton, in England, bearing the
date 1924, refers to orders of public
penance,' imposed on persons behav-
ing badly in church, calling each other
names, and other offenses. The offend
er had to stand in the middle aisle of
the church during the whole service
and sermon, generally wearing white
sheet and holding a white wand. After
the sermon full confession had to be
made and pardon asked before the
whole congregation. One instance of
this form of punishment occurred at
Skillgate in 1903, when Jane Webber
made confession Of quarreling and
fighting with another woman in
church during service.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
Raired Sandwiches.

When hundreds of ham and chicken
sandwiches fell at Eaglesmere, Pa,
during a thunderstorm the other day
folks wondered what miracle was be-
ing performed which should cause
food to d.op from the heavens. For 20
minutes the sandwiches fell. with now
and then chunk of chocolate cake to
vary the monotomy. Some olives and a
few pickles came along, and now and
then pie. 1t was explained a few
hours later, when a church picnic
party came along and told how tor
nado had ripped up things at the
grounds. The tables had been set and
the dinner bell was about to be sound
ed when rip-snorting wind came
down through the woods and carried
OF every bit Of food. Strangely enough
several layers of cake were left be.
hind, and the women who baked them
were Inundated. They said that some
unkind persons might think they were
too heavy.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
EASY 70 OVERCOME WORRY.
Simple Mental Treatment to Do Away
With Evil Habit.

Being human, happily or unhappily.
we cannot deny the comfort to be
found in the reflection that misery
never lacks the company it loves. We
all have our troubles, and some of us
derive much satisfaction from the con-
temptation of them. Indeed, there are
those who are happy only when
wretched; but these we believe to be
as few in number as they are disa-
greeable in association; the vast ma
jority of humans are normal, and dis
posed, therefore, in conformity with
natural law. tc smile when the skies
are clear and to grieve under the por-
tent of clouds. Hence the ease with
which worry takes possession of the
mind, colors the disposition and makes
a cripple of effort. That causes abound
We know and must admit, as we do
almost unconsciously the certainty
Of death; but too little cognizance is
taken of the fact that the effect Of
mere apprehension, which is all that
worry really is, may be subjected to
simple mental treatment and be over
come.-George Harvey in the North
American Review.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
GOOD TEST FOR NICOTINE.
Experiments That May Be Of Interest
to Smokers.

anyone who wishes to find out
how much nicotine he might take into
his system by smoking can easily get
an idea by very simple experiment"
says an old smoker, who is rarely
seen in public or private without
cigar in his mouth. Puff briskly
until the cigar smoke is clear white
then draw big mouthful, double
your handkerchief, place it over your
lips and blow out the smoke violently
as though you were whistling. Look
at your handkerchief and you will
see deep brown stain almost as big
as dime on the white linen. That
Is the nicotine and other oils distilled
from the tobacco during burning.
Now, of course, l don't mean to say
that regular smoker would absorb
all this oil into his system. Most
OF 1t passes away with the smoke, as
shown by the brown deposit on the
handkerchief, but still enough re
mains to affect the nerves as any
inexperienced smoker can testify af-
ter his first attempts to become ac-
customed to the weed Whether the
nicotine hurts anybody who is used
to 1t Is a question for the doctors.'
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
Beautiful Eyes.

The almost universal habit of turn.
ing the head in whichever direction
you look depriyes the eye OF the exer-
else to which 1t is entitled The law
of vision is such that, when your eyes
are set straight to the front you can
see in almost every direction, except
behind your head. Every now and
then you see a woman with eyes that
seem to roll in their sockets, taking
in everything without suggestion OF
head movement. Those are the eyes
that drive men to distraction. Ok
eyes. Honest eyes. Usually brown
eyes. Open eyes. Altogether different
from the small, ferret eyes of the de-
tective, which pretend to be looking
at the ground, yet see sidewise out Of
both Sits.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
CHANGE IN SCHOOL METHODS.
Consolidated Temples Of Learning Is
Now the Order.

"The old country schoolhouse of not
SO long ago will soon be a relic of the
past" said James Tighe of Altoona,
Pa, according to the Washington Post
Although one travelling through the
country sees many of these old fash
Toned structures, he does not realize
that they are rapidly being deserted
and that a consolidated schoolhouse
will be met with farther up the road.
These new buildings are graded, and
many have several high school
courses, so that one teacher now
teaches only one class, whereas in
the old days the pedagogue taught
everything from the alphabet to Latin.
OF course, the consolidated school
house is not so convenient to all the
children, as they have to go a greater
distance, but all of them ride to school
nowadays. The consolidated school
is much cheaper to the community,
and what the farmer saves in taxes he
puts in sleighs and wagons, SO that
his children may ride. Pupils can
also remain at their home school
much longer than they formerly
could, and this also is great saving
We may expect great results from
this change, for the farmers with their
poor schools have turned out some
wonderful men, and they should do
even better under the new condi-
tions.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
Transformation In Ocean Travel.

The wealthy passenger for Europe
does not now book cabin of steam.
ship. but engages a suite. which is in
reality a commodious fiat, consisting
Of four luxuriously appointed rooms
drawing room, dining room, bedroom
and bathroom-furnished and decorat.
ed in the most costly and artistic man.
ner with a rare and beautiful variety
of woods. upholstered with silks, dam
asks, tapestries and brocades. Every
possible convenience is provided
even the blessings OF the telephone
have not been overlooked. SO that pas.
sengers in their staterooms may call
up friends in distant parts OF the ship
and make appointments for dinner,
etc.-Leslie's Weekly.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
SERPENT IN NEVADA LAKE.
Two Men Affirm That They Have Seen
the Reptile.

A report from Walker lake states
that a monster sea serpent has been
seen at northern end of the lake. Dan
Cornelison, mining man of good rep
utation for veracity, brought the story
to Goldfield. Cornelison says that
both he and a companion named John
McCorry sighted the reptile while fish
ing from boat half mile from the
northern shore of the lake. The mon
ster was then making its way toward
the east shore of the lake. Cornell
son says that at first sight he took the
serpent for man in skiff, and when
it disappeared for a moment he
thought the boat had capsized, and
rowed toward the spot, when it sud-
denly reappeared, giving them good
view of its proportions, which they
estimated to be about 80 feet in length
and feet across the back. Another
resident of that vicinity, man named
Peters, is said to have discovered the
serpent sometime ago reposing in
shallow water near the shore, and on
being aroused it disappeared in deeper
water. There is also said to be le-
ge1d among the Piutes around Shurz
concerning the existence of serpent
in Walker lake.-Sacramento Bee.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
HUMoR THAT DIDN'T PAY.
Friends Of the Deceased Were Wholly
Unappreciative.

"Once in my early career" said a
well-known New York magazine ed
itor, II owned and edited more or
less thrifty weekly newspaper. One
Of my features was country cores
pondence, and l prided myself on the
accuracy of my rural aids. In one
issue, from the best point on my
list, / received notice reading as
follows: Mr.. John Grady, having pur-
chased plot of ground in Mach
pelah some months ago, has now gone
into real estate body and soul. John
was always an enthusiast The item
looked all right to me, and sounded
quite enterprising, / thought; but
day or two after the paper had got
around among the subscribers / re-
ceived a letter of 'indignity," which
almost took my breath away. In 1t
was duly informed that Mr.. Grady
was dead and buried in the Machpelah
cemetery, where he had purchased a
plot some three months previously.
In conclusion, ! may say that my cor
respondent at that point has since
risen to prominence as a humorist,
and l suppose most of you have read
his stuff In various publications. But
that item was not very funny for him,
or for me, because he had to get
another job far away. and l lost
dozen good subscribers"
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
NO LIVING IN THE PRESENT.
Devotion to Business PrecIudes All
Nonsense Like That.

The messenger from Mars surveyed
the multitude which had gathered to
meet him with undisguised interest.
Nor did he hesitate to PROFOUND such
inquiries as his curiosity prompted.
Where do you all live?' he asked,
speaking generally. Il live in the fu-
ture," said a young man, good hui
moredly. And l in the past said an
old man. How odd! And does none
of you live in the present." Pardon
me-" said the Martian, hastily. Per
haEs | press my questions too closely"
At this voice from the outskirts of
the crowd spoke up, saying: I'VE have
not YET learned how to live in the pres
ent without interruption of business,
don't you know.''-Puck.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
LIVING BY THE COMPASS.
New and Quaint Theory That Is Held
by French Mystic.

A quaint theory is that French
mystic, who holds that the four points
OF the compass have an influence on
human health and well-being. Travel
ing westward, asserts this authority,
induces melancholy; travelling east
ward brings cheerfulness; southwark
languor and irritability, and north
ward calmness. 1t is a question of
electrical currents, and the influence
is felt not only when travelling, but
also when at home. The best posture
for working is to face either north or
east. says the Frenchman. In these
positions you receive positive waves
Of electricity, the negative currents
coming from the other two points,
south and west. Even the sleep is i'm
proved, 1t seems, if the foot of the
bed be turned to the north or the
east. To sleep in the contrary posi-
tion induces nightmare and general
uneasiness.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
HAD TO LIFT UP HIS VOICE.
Worshiper Furnished Good Reason for
His Fervency.

The successful merchant invited his
parents to visit him in New York city.
They came gladly, and on the follow
ing sabbath were escorted to a fash
ionable church In Fifth avenue. Some
of the hymns were familiar. In their
rendition the visiting pair contributed
heavily, with the credit for volume
in favor of the father. Although not
always in correct time, and some
times in discord, yet the joy of this
good couple leaped forth in joyous
praise, and they did not see the glow
ering looks of nearby worshipers or
the beet-like face of their devoted son.
Father" explained the merchant that
afternoon, while his mother was TAX
ing her accustomed nap, lin our
churches the congregation do very lit
tie singing; it is left entirely to the
choir" Il know, my boy said the
old man as he lovingly placed hand
on his sons shoulder, that it was
very embarrassing to you this morn
ing, but if 1 hadn't sung as loudly as
1 did, the people would have heard
your mother"
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
EFFECTS OF THE FOG.
Even Blind Men Lose Their Way
The Ground "Sounds Different"

Nothing has such a bewildering eff
feet as fog. Only animals which find
their way by scent can get about in
1t with any certainty, says Chums.
Birds are entirely confused by it.
Tame pigeons remain all day notion
less ard half-asleep, huddled up, eth
er in or just outside their houses.
Chickens remain motionless for hours
during heavy fogs. No bird sings or
utters call, perhaps because it fears
to betray its whereabouts to an un-
seen foe. DuriKg one very thick fog
a blind man was found wandering
about certain district of London.
This man was in the habit of carrying
notes and parcels, and had scarcely
ever lost his way before. Asked why
he had gone astray, for he was quite
blind, and it was supposed that wealth
er would have made no difference, he
said that in fog the ground sounded
quite differently"
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
MACHINE WAS ALL RIGHT.
Figured So Well Merchant Decided
That He Needed Two.

Sir" said the man as he entered
the office, Il wish to exhibit to you
my universal calculating machine
a thing that should be found in the
counting room of every business man.
1t will add, subtract, divide, multiply.
and there is no such thing as failure"
Il have heard of it," replied the mer-
chant, but l never understood it was
much of a success" 20, sir, but 1t is
perfection. Give me any example
you will, and l will guarantee cor
rect solution Very well. | bought
two dozen leghorn chickens at SO
each. built coop at an expense
Of $50. In one year | bought s25
worth Of feed. In the same year /
got six eggs. What was my profit or
loss for the year," why, you paid
out S127 and got back about 20 cents.
In actual figures, your loss was
Sl26.S0." Il guess that's correct"
sighed the merchant, and you may
leave me two machines. I'll keep one
busy on my chickens and the other
figuring out how much profit make
in raising my own celery and Gu
cunbers."
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
Duration of Animal Life.

A great variance as to length OF life
appears among different animals.
Some insects live only for a few hours,
while fish, elephants and turtles are
frequently centenarians. The average
life Of the mosquito is three days.
Toads usually live to the age of about
Is years. while carp have been known
to reach hundred and fifty. Chickens
live from IL to 10 years: dogs to the
age of 10 and occasionally 10, and par
rots to extreme age. These birds have
been known to pass the age of 200
years. Turtles are also frequently cen
tenarians. as are storks, and elephants
are said to reach the age of 800 years.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
Wanted the Worth of His Money.

'All We can afford to give you u,miss,"
said the trustee of school district No.
16 to the young woman who had ap-
piled for the position of teacher, 'is
&45 a month" AT that figure, of
course. you wouldn't expect me to
teach any fads." she said. "Fads ?"
echoed the trustee, taken slightly
aback; "why-h'm-yes, II you can
teach it we'll want that. too" But If
1t isn't in the curriculum" You
may as well understand. miss. that we
amt THROWN any money away. The
$45 month is to pay for the whole
thing-fads, cricknlum and everything
else that's goin'."-Chicago Tribune.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
Law and Lickinqs,

In some of the districts of Prussia
no father can dust the jacket of his
boy without first securing the consent
OF an official appointed for the pur-
pose. If the boy refuses to mind. the
father goes to the officer and says:
My boy Fritz needs a licking. He will
not mind me-" How old is your Fritz?"
He is H. rs he very obstinate?"
He is like mule" Then here is
your permission to so home and take
him by the collar and give him IS
good cuts across the back" And the
father goes home and cuts CAD and
Fritz gets his thrashing and is better
behaved for the next three months.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
Crown Of Great Britain,

The crown is already of great
weight-39 ounces and dwts. To
add to it the Cullinan diamond would
increase the weight by about three
quarters OF pound avoirdupois,
which, it is estimated, is what the
jewel would weigh after it is cut. The
crown, as it is seen today in the Tow
er of London. contains ISIS dia-
monds, 2s7 pearls and many other ex-
Quisite jewels. Its chief gem is the
ruby. the value Of which has been es-
timated at 100000. which was given
to the Black Prince in Spain in the
year 1867, and was worn by Henry
V. in his helmet at the battle of
Agincourt.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
WhX Is lt2

The seats were in the orchestra. on
the theater's left. THE left side Of
the house always sells out first" said
the box-office man. Everybody seems
TO prefer 1t to the right. l don't know
why. Boxes. especially. We can sell
two left to one right box every time.
Nobody takes the right side for choice
And there is no reason for this. AS
much goes on in the right extremity
of the stage as In the left-we propri.
etors always look after that-and you
see just as much from the right as
from the let side. Why, then. is the
left side always at Premium"
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
Farmer Fools the Bees.

John B. E. Wright, who lives on a
farm two miles north of Elmer. n. j..
has the third story of his house bored
with holes, which swarms of honey
bees have found. much to his delight.
The holes lead to closets in the bed
rooms, and the unsuspecting bees
make honey where 1t can be gathered
from the inside by simply opening a
door. 1t is Wright's keenest delight
to take a friend and a loaf of bread
to the third floor, open closet door
and start n feast Of bread and honey
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
llQhtnlnq In Role Of Jaller.

In playing pranks about house q
bolt Of lightning locked Wallace. four.
teen-year-old son of William ]. Wheel.
er. in closet at Worcester. Mass.
but failed to release him again. The
boy was in the house, when a bolt
completely wrecked the dining room
forcing the windows out onto the
lawn. He sought refuge in his favo-
rite place. the cupboard, and had no
sooner entered It than the bolt hit
the door and locked 1t. He remained
there until his parents came home
and heard his shrieks for help.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
Quinine In Sunfiower,

An eminent Spanish scientist has
made the recent discovery that the
sunfiower yields splendid febrifuge
that can be used as a substitute for
Quinine. More than ten years ago Mon
corvo reported to the Therapeutical
Society OF Paris with relation to the
same subject. Accordingly the sunnow-
er should not only by its growing ex-
ert great fever-dispelling effect. but
also yield product which is used ad-
vantageously in all fevers.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
A Strateolst,

A little girl in Cleveland was play
ing with her trinkets on the parlor
floor. while an older sister, with much
persistency. was drumming on the
piano. PLAY louder. Eloria," spoke
up the child. The girl at the keys
felt fattered. and. with an elated
smile. asked: 80 you like to hear
me play. do you. darling?" mo, 1
DON'T" came the unexpected and en-
phatic reply. Il wanted you to play
louder so papa would tell you to
STOP"
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
GIVING Herself AWAY.

Gracious, Katherine. why are you
blushing?" Il never was so en-
barrassed in all my life. That hand
some young man kissed me in the
dark hallway and then said: I beg
your pardon, thought 1t was your
sister," And what did you do, my
dear?" "Why-why, was so fius-
tered I thought l was being intro
duced to some one and said: The
pleasure is all mine!'"
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
centenarian Killed by Wasp.

Mrs. Cox Of Gloster place. Forest
Hill. was stung on the neck by wasp
while entertaining a number OF friends
in celebration OF her 105th birthday
and died the same night. Mrs. Cox was
able to read and sew without the aid
of glasses. and had not known q days
bad health for the past 81 years. Her
husband. who died last year. was 9S
years old.-London Express.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
The Real Century.

Gunner-"Harker says there were
more wonderful inventions discovered
in the nineteenth century and Brown
says there were more discovered in
the eighteenth. Which do you think
has been the most useful century,"
Guyer-"Don't know, but can tell
you which will be the most useful cen.
tury any old time Gunner-"which? 2"
Guyer-"Why, a century bill"
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
Annoylnq.

II suppose your family had a good
time in Europe" WELL" answered
Mr.. Cumrox. Il don't think mother
and the girls enjoyed themselves all
the time. You see, they had so much
trouble figuring foreign money back
into dollars that every now and then
they were embarrassed by finding
they had accidentally ordered some
thing that wasn't expensive"
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
Feeling His Loss.

Higgins see Tighs Is wearing .
mourning band on his hat. wonder
II 1t is for his first wife? Virgins
OF course not. He married again last
month. Higgins-Yes, l know he did,
and am under the impression that
he Is Just beginning to feel his bs.
reavement-Chicago News.
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
The Rssu,t Of Habit.

"Just think what professional habit
will do for a mani"
I'm what way?"
II know q fellow who used to belong
to minstrel troupe, and he says daily
custom SO hardened his sense Of
shame. that he never heard mention
of the family skeleton In the closet
without wanting to rattle his bones"
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
She Knew Her.

"Your friend. Miss Passay. has be-
come quite chummy with Miss New.
combe. I don't suppose there's much
difference In their ages" II can't an.
swer for Miss Newcomer, but there
isn't any difference in Miss Passay's
age. She has been 21 for the past
ten years. to my knowledge"
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
SURE Enouah.

"Slick Pete seems to have got next
to that young dude" said the nrst
bunko man. but wonder what's the
USE" "Oh. there must be somethin'
IN IT," replied the other. for Pete
don't waste his time" "Well, any
how, It looks a. II he was tryin' 70
10 somethin' foolish
Gilpin observer., 1907-10-10
A Prepo,terou. suaas,tIon.

How many inhabitants has Grim.
son Gulch, according to the latest
census?" inquired the tourist. There
hasn't been no census In Crimson
Gulch," answered Broncho Bob. You
don't suppose anybody would be fool
enough to go through this town with
q note book askin' all them personal
questions. do yout" u-E .4..-