davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1908-09-26

kind of reception he would meet, and,
in case of need, to come to his assist
ance under the leadership of his Off
GERS. In short, we. were to be- pre-
pared for the worst. -
No doubt the natiyes~had observed
that the captain was alone, for we
could see that they were consulting
with one another as to what course
to pursue. Finally they began to ap-
proach very cautiously, and as soon
as they were in earshot the captain
! called upon one of his passengers who
: 1aaaerstoodI the bFa4ayan: language, TO
inquire what they wanted. AS no an
swer came, it was taken for granted
that they did not understand this Ian
guage. The canoes halted, however,
and before long a voice demanded in
Malay whence the strangers came and
whether they came as enemies or
friends.
The interpreter replied that many
of us were Americans and all others
Englishmen, that we had been
wrecked on a reef and had lost our
saved, and that we came as friends
who sought shelter on their island
Hereupon there was another consulta-
ton, but pretty soon the canoes APP
preached shallow place near the
beach, when all except the two men
who had handled the paddles, proceed
ed to wade ashore. The captain at
once stepped also into the water,
meeting the visitors half way.
AS the captain approached the lead
er of the little band, fine specimen
of young manhood, evidently chief,
opened his arms wide. The captain,
not to be outdone in politeness, re-
turned the compliment, and to our
unbounded surprise was heartily well
| coined with the ceremony of rubbing
noses together. The captain now es-
corted the party to our camp, where
he presented the officers and passen-
gers, introducing them as his com.
panions in misery. The natives, eight
in number, were all fine looking men,
two of them, as we were told, being
brothers of the chief.
We rejoiced to hear that we had
really landed on one of the islands of
the Pelew group, that the natives
! were friendly and that on the oppo,
site side of the island was a settle.
ment of considerable size, with the
dwelling of the chief. Of course, the
! captain no sooner heard the name OF
the island than he got his bearings
and so it turned out that he had the
good fortune to be cast upon an island
that was visited at frequent intervals
by schooners that trade among the
The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1908-09-26

The Rev. Father Purcile, pastor of
the church in which the experiment
was performed, assisted. The expert
ment was watched by an interested
and interesting group of priests and
astronomers from both New York and
Brooklyn. .-.=
A fine piano wire was fastened to
the highest point in the cupola of the
church. At the other end of the wire,
eighty feet below, was attached ten
pound weight, a counterpart in shape
of modern steel armor piercing
shell. Directly beneath the suspend
ed weight was placed wooden
square, upon which was marked a
circle into arcs of ten degrees each,
extending figuratively from the no nth
pole to the equator. r
The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1908-09-26

who, as we we'll knew, inhabited most
of these islands?
After sunrise the captain informed
us that, although the Antipode was
doomed, the hole in her side had been
plugged so that she swas not expected
to break up before nightfall. This
was comforting favorable circum-
stances the pinnace was ordered pro-
visioned and placed in charge of an
officer and eight men. Their mission
was to find, if possible, a safe landing
place. This accomplished, part of the
|9men were be left behind in order
to erect ttents and make Investigations
as to whether the island were inhabit-
ed. If this proved to be the case they
were to make friendly overtures to the
natives, but were strictly forbidden to
make use Of firearms except in an
emergency. '.@ ....
1t was perilous trip or~the boats,
| for the storm was still in it's height,
and as long as our eyes could follow
| them we noticed that they were MAX
| ing a hard fight. against wind and
wave in trying to reach their goal. AS
our lives depended on the ultimate
safety of these boats, we spent anx-
ious hours aboard the sinking ship,
the breaking up Of which we might
| expect any time. Even if the trip
were safely accomplished there was
always the possibility to be reckoned
with that the landing party might be
attacked and killed by savages. Thus
| the hours dragged slowly in agoniz-
ing suspense.
Late in the afternoon the strain I'M
der which we labored was at last re-
lieved, for in the distance could be
seen the boats, returning with four
men, riding mountainous waves. With
| joyful eagerness we listened to the
| first officers report, to the effect that
landing had been made in con-
venient and sheltered cove, and that
| the boat load of goods had been taken
ashore in safety, that fresh water had
been found near by, but that diligent
search was no trevealed even a trace
! of human beings.
Upon hearing these good tidings our
spirits rose immediately.The very best
of order prevailed while the passen-
gers and the rest Of the crew we're
assigned to the various boats, and a
craft, hurriedly constructed, was load
! ed with as much provisions as posi-
The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1908-09-26

The Pendulum being stationary
when the experiment was begun, it
was purposed to prove that the earth
swung upon its axis and also to show
exactly how much this swing amount
ed to at the latitude in which the ex-
pertinent was conducted.
The pendulum was brought to an
absolute standstill by Father Guiche-
teau directly over the center of the
disk upon which were drawn the cir
Gle and arcs. A strong thread was
then attached to the weight, the heavy
pendulum was pulled over to station
airy post and the thread tied thereto.
The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1908-09-26

BILE, as we'll as other useful and neces-
sary articles.
The trip across the storm dashed
waters was extremely trying, and our
little boats shipped such heavy seas
that they were more than once in dan
ger of being engulfed. We finally
reached the shore, thankful that no
those Of our companions in misery
who had preceded us had made good
use of their time. Several tents had
been erected, and in the center of the
camp bright fire was burning, at
which we at once proceeded to warm
our chilled and stiffened limbs and
dry our clothes. The provisions were
stored in sheltered place that had
been freed of it's rank vegetation.
There was still no improvement in
the weather On the following morn
ing, but we could see that the wreck
was still above water A few plucky
men therefore proposed to make trip
to the vessel in order to remove every
thing that could possibly be saved. The
| captain, however, objected to this plan
and told the men to wait until the aft
| ernoon, when he expected change
| for the better in the weather True
| enough, he was not deceived in his
Expectations, and so two boats were
sent out in charge of the first officer
in order to bring ashore what had
not been ruined by the action of the
water.
Could any one be in a more deplora-
Bile position than the one in which
we found ourselves? Here we were,
stranded on an isolated island, whose
name we knew not and which we could
only suppose belonged to the Pelew
group. To make matters worse, we
! had landed In q place that cut us of
from all communication with the no
tives of the outside world. To all ap-
pearances we were doomed to spend
the rest Of our days on this island.
The following morning at last
brought a change for the better, after
it had begun to- storm during the
night again, so far as the weather
was concerned but as we could not
hope to save our belongings we made
no attempt to reach the wreck. We
4 therefore put in our time in making
1 ourselves useful about the camp, while
the captain and his officers were en-
gagged in preparing other expeditions
The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1908-09-26
He Had the Idea.

A Chinaman who had been robbed
by woman on the Bowery was try
ing to describe her at the police sta
ton.
"Can't you remember how she was
dressed?'' asked the lieutenant at the
desk. what sort of hat did. she
wear?"
For moment John seemed puzzled.
Then his face ightened.
HE dead-she glad he confidently
announced.
And now the police are looking for
a woman with a Merry Widow hat.
The Appeal. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. ;) 1889-19??, 1908-09-26

duties and parish work take upa great
deal OF his time, but his evenings are
generally free, and almost every clear
night and what spare time he has
during the day is devoted to his tele-
scope. In the warm summer evenings
he is almost always to be found in the
observatory, generally surrounded by
some Of his parishioners and friends
interested in the study of the stars.
The observatory is reached by
climbing four long flights of stairs
and then steep ladder, which reach
es to the roof. The father, as his pic
lures show, is a man Of most venera-
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1908-01-09
H. A. Pittmdn.

Dear Editor: We feel it our duty
to write a few words in remem-
brance of our dear neighbor, Mr.. H.
A. Pittman, who was buried last Sat-
urday. We know a notice Of his
death has been published, but we de-
sire to say what we know to be truth.
We never knew a better neighbor.
1t seemed more pleasure to him to
accommodate others than any one we
ever knew. He was industrious and
agreeable, a good provider, and a
help to all near him. He was
more help to widows and helpless
children than any man of his situa-
ton we ever knew.
He never united with any church,
but his walk and conversation were
far more Christian-like than many
members of the church. We all have
our faults, we know what his was.
Oh could that evil be put where it
would never hurt any one!
Our hearts are made sad to part
with him. We have lived by him %
years, surely we know he was a good
neighbor. May the Lord bless each
one of his family.
w. H. LEGGETT AND WIFE.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1908-01-09
New Year Gard Party.
(Reported to The Commonwealth

reported to The Commonwealth
Among the gayeties of the merry
holiday season there was none more
enjoyable than the card party given
by DR.. and Mrs. H. l. Clark on the
last night of the year.
| The parlors and hall were beauti-
fully decorated with Christmas
greens, in which a profusicn Of the
graceful trailing cedar was notice
able, while the Chinese lilies and
American Beauty roses gave an un-
wonted beauty to the decorations.
There was suggestion of the New
Year and the Old in the unique gong
for the head table, composed Of sew
en- tiny bells strung together, and
the bell-shaped cards which marked
each table.
Progressive whist was played I'M
til eleven when a delicious salad
course was served by Misses Anna
and Reba Clark and Bessie Smith.
The lady's prize, sweet-toned tea
bell, was won by Mrs. E. w. Hall,
while Mr.. Herbert Mcdowell won
the lovely bell-shaped calendar, the
gentleman's prize.
The merriment reached its height
when Mr.. G. S. White, our Mayor,
was presented with the BOBBY, q
tiny pair of jingling driving reins
with instructions to Catch Up"
While church bells were still ring
ing a glad welcome to nineteen hun
dred and eight, the guests took their
departure, after wishing their gra-
cious hosts all good things for g
Happy New Year.
Those present were Mr.. and Mrs
C. H. Herring, G. S. White, E. W.
Hall, J. B. Hall, G.. H. Johnson, A.
P. Kitchin, C. W. Albertson: Misses
Lizzie Hyman, N airy Weldon Smith,
Blanch, Mamie and Rebecca Smith
Alice Powell, Margaret Bowers,
Kate Whitaker, Mary Herbert Smith,
Eleanor, Lizzie and Bessie Smith,
Anna Clark, Reba Clark, Cam Hoke,
; Anne Norfieet; Mesoames Butter.
worth, C. L. Mcdowell and W. 7.
Smith; Messrs. Jim Smith, Charlie
Smith, DR.. Shields, A. B. Hill, Her
! bert Mcdowell, Henry Clark, DR..
Thurman Kitchin, J. E. Bowers, S.
, J. Stern, J. w. Gotten.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1908-01-09
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.


The old executive committeeman
were elected by townships as follows:
Brinkleyville-J. H. Norman.
Butterwood-A. e. Carter.
Conoconara-J. H. Pope.
Enfeld-W. T. Whitehead.
Faucetts-W. j. B. Smith.
Halifax W. Shearin.
Littleton-W. A. Johnson.
Palmyra J. Baker.
Roanoke Rapids Hannibal Shear
in.
Roseneath-W. C. Allsbrook.
Scotland Neck-G. w. Bryan.
Weldon-L. T. Garner.
TOWNSHIP COLLECTORS.
The following township collectors
were appointed:
Brinkleyville-W. j. Collier.
Butterwood-Junius Crawley.
Conoconara- H. Pope.
Enfield Montgomery Shields.
Faucetts-W. J. B. Smith.
Halifax-W. T. Eure.
Littleton-T. w. Myrick.
Roseneath-R. P. Bradley.
Palmyra-W. P. White.
Scotland Neck-G. K. Moore and
F. P. Shields.
Roanoke Rapids-Hannibal Shear
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1908-01-09
Death IN Halifax.
(Cor. to The Commonwealth

HALIFAX, N. c., Jan. 7, 'GS.
Mrs. Alice Bottorff, (Nee Miss
Alice Coppedge) of this place, died
Sunday morning, after long and
painful illness, at the residence Of
her brother, w. F. Coppedge.
Mrs. Bottorff was married and
went to Dayton, Ohio, in July, 1907.
She came back to Halifax in Septem-
Der saying the climate in Ohio was
too cold, and upon the advice OF
physicians.
Deceased was just 20 years of age
She had many sweet attributes of
character, and had gained many
friends in North Carolina and Vir-
ginia. She went to Norfolk, Va.
about three years ago and worked
for the Southern Bell Telephone Co.
for some time. She contracted cold
in December, 1906, and went into
lagrippe, from which she never re-
covered.
She is survived by her husband
Walter l. Bottorff, of Dayton, O.,
and the following brothers: W. F.
Coppedge, of Halifax, N. c., J. T.
Coppedge, of Scotland Neck, N. c.,
Jas. Coppedge, of Berkeley, Va,
Lonny and Berry Coppedge, of Wei
don, N. c., and one sister, Mrs. Geo
Kirk, of Portsmouth, Va.
The interment took place at 4
o'clock Sunday in the Methodist
cemetery, the services being con-
Quoted by Revs. L. G. Grady and A.
G. Wilcox.
The acting pail bearers were, ]. C.
Butts, D. C. Fenner, Joseph Nc
Mahon, Samuel Richards, Jos. L.
Miller, F. Froelich, z. E. Stephenson,
J. H. Bats.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1908-01-09
MR.. HARVEY EXONERATED.

On Dec. 10, 1907, this paper print
ed an editorial concerning the Pen
der-Siotesdt affair in this county, in
which reference was made to Mr.. j.
H. Harvey, the reference being
based on what appeared in the Nor
folk Virginian-Pilot of Dec. II, 1907.
A friend of Mr.. Harvey's has inform
ed US that he Harvey thinks an in
justice was done him, as he had no
connection with the affair except
through courtesy to ride to Pender's
with officer Broderick who went to
take Miss Sjotesdt away to New Jer-
sey.
At the time the editorial was writ
ten the editor Of The COMMON
WEALTH was out of the Office conva-
lescing from a long illness, and was not
responsible for it, Mr.. w. L. Waugh
an being acting editor. We take
this means of disclaiming the papers
intention Of injuring Mr.. Harvey,
the writer Of the article stating that
he did not know him, but only hypoth-
ecated his observations upon what
appeared in the Virginian-Pilot. For
whatever the paper has injured Mr..
Harvey we gladly make amends.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1908-01-09

the Government Report the year 1907
was the most prosperous the farmers
of this country have seen in many
years. The products amounted to
Sc, 794, 900, 900, half billion more than
in 1906 and one billion more than
the year before. The exports for
the year were the largest ever known
amounting to S976,0OO,O00. In adj
dition to this the farms have increas-
ed in value 50 per cent. while there
has been corresponding increase in
farm animals and implements.
The great and permanent wealth
of North Carolina lies in her soil,
and her strength in the development
Of her farms and factories. The
most valuable crop grown in our
country is the corn crop, reaching
one billion one hundred million dol
lars, and the cotton crop is next,
amounting to S640,000,O0O. Let it
be remembered that no place in the
country is better adapted to the rails
ing of corn than Halifax county. 1t
is simply folly for farmers to raise
cotton with which to buy corn and
meat, when both can be raised at
home with little expense.
The most important question for
us is the best method of raising our
home supplies, and at the same time
improve our farms. No success with
any crop will pay the farmer if he
allows his lands to deteriorate and
run down.
We wish to urge the farmers of
Halifax county this year to raise
corn, bacon, hay, peas and other
crops to supply their every home
need, and then some cotton, tobacco
and peanuts for market crop. The
day has come when we should stop
making all cotton and make only
enough to supply the factories.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1908-01-09
PRESIDENT MOORE'S RELIEF.

Mr.. C. C. Moore, president of the
North Carolina Division of the
Southern Cotton Association, has
done a great work for the cotton
farmers of North Carolina, but they
seem to be either oblivious to it or
ungrateful for it.
The Charlotte Observer, in Mr..
Moore's home town, over the head
ing, IAN Emphatic Case of Duty"
makes the following timely editorial
comments concerning Mr.. Moore
and his work:
"The movement now on foot in
the North Carolina branch of the
Southern Cotton Association to raise
an assessment with the primary OBJ
ject of wiping out the Associations
Indebtedness toward it's president.
Mr.. G. G. Moore, should by all means
meet with prompt success. There
is now owing Mr.. Moore about S3,-
600 in salary and expenses, and it
has become known that soley for
lack of this money his financial af-
fairs are now embarrassed. Mem
bers of the Association should feel
such default on their part as a
ground for reproach to be wiped out
at the earliest possible moment. Mr..
Moore has travelled over the State,
advanced his expenses from his own
pocket, organizing the cotton grow
ers and showing them how they
could exert a tremendous influence
over the price of cotton-an in
fluence which was their right and
which they were almost alone among
sellers in not exerting. Over and
above the useful work done as an
organizer and special propaganda,
his energies in spreading general in
formation about cotton marketing
have been of very great service. The
cotton growers might we'll present
him with more than they owe, as a
token Of gratitude and esteem. In
stead, is there to be downright in
gratitude and failure in simple duty?
We strongly hope not"
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1908-01-09
NOtlCe.

By virtue of authority vested in
me by an order entered in the Speci-
al Proceeding in the Superior Court
OF Martin county entitled Hyman,
Ausborn ct ais. VS. Stamper, Ais
brook ct ais, shall on Monday Feb
rurary 3rd, 1908, at IL o'clock M, at
the courthouse door in Williamson,
sell to the highest bidder for cash
the following described tract of land,
known as the John Frosty Hyman
tract lying on and near the line be-
tween Halifax and Martin counties
near the road leading from Palmyra
to Hobgood adjoining the lands of
E. P. Hyman, Wade Mizell and 9TH
ers, containing $50 acres more or less.
The entire tract is well covered with
young pines and oaks, the older lum-
Der was cut fifteen years ago.
This December Both, 1907.
S. ]. EVERETT,
Commissioner.
WILLIAMSON, N. G.
1-9-4t
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1908-01-09
COUNTY COTTON ASSOCIATION.
Met In Halifax January 9th.

The Halifax County branch of the
Southern Cotton Association met in
Halifax Monday January 6, 1908.
President E. E. billiard called the
meeting to order and called the roll
of townships. The following town
ships were represented:
Butterwood-by w. T. Jenkins, A.
E. Carter, R. w. Brewer and Allen
Spence.
Faucets William Morecock, Wal
ter Morecock and w. J. B. Smith.
Enheld-M. Shields, w. T. White
head, J. G. Powell and ]. T. Ryan.
Halifax T. Eure and j. L.
Fleming.
Scotland Neck-K. Edmonds and
C. J. Shields.
The President read letter from
Mr.. Al. McKinnon of the Executive
Committee of the State Association,
urging Halifax county to raise its
part of the amount due Mr.. G.. c..
Moore for his services as State pre-
sident, Mr.. McKinnon's letter stated
that Halifax county's proportion of
the amount to be raised is 5000. The
following officers were elected for
ensuing year: President, E. E. Hill
lard; Vice-president, Montgomery
Shields; Secretary, c. ]. Shields;
Treasurer, DR.. K. Leggett.
FUNDS PAID IN.
The Following amounts were paid
in and ordered to be turned over to
the treasurer:
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1908-01-09
Homicide Near Aurelian Springs.
Ger. to The Commonwealth

Ger. to The Commonwealth
Aurelian Spings, Dec. 80, 1907.
Near Aurelian Springs, N. c., on
Saturday evening December 21st,
1907, there was homicide. Daniel
PEBBLES shot and fatally wounded
Alex. Francis with a shot gun. Both
parties were colored. PEBBLES was
arrested Saturday night about one
o'clock by Deputy Sheriff, C. M.
Hawkins and taken to Weldon Sun
day evening where he had hearing
before Justice of the peace, B. A.
Pope, and was taken to jail Sunday
night. He failed to give three hun
dred dollar bond that was required.
The shooting is said to be accidental.
Mr.. Geo. c. Green appeared for the
State and Senator w. E. Daniel for
defendant. Francis died the follow
ing day. DR.. l. E. Green went to see
him but he was past human aid.
This was intended for last week
but arrived too late.-Editor.]
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1908-01-09
Weldon L. T. Garner.
CENTRAL REMARKS.

CENTRAL REMARKS.
Mr.. Montgomery Shields offered
some interesting remarks on the la
Dor question. He said the farmers
should plant a smaller number of
acres, make what land they cultivate
more fertile and the labor question
will be largely solved. Work less
land and make larger crop yield.
Mr.. J. G. Powell thought that in
some cases it would be wise to hold
back part of laborer's wages un-
til the crop is made. Many times
hands will draw on their employer
for support through the winter and
spring and then in mid summer walk
off and leave the farmer in the grass.
Holding back part of the wages will
obviate this trouble.
Mr.. J. w. Bobbitt also spoke to
the same subject and agreed with
Mr.. Powell.
Mr.. w. T. Whitehead said that the
average negro laborer does not re-
gard contract at all.
Capt. w. T. Jenkins read an inter-
esting paper, which appears below.
The following were elected dele
gates to the State Convention of the
Southern Cotton Association in Char
lotte January 21-22: w. T. Jenkins,
w. P. White, J. w. Bobbitt, L. j.
Baker, w. C. Allsbrook and E. E.
billiard.
A motion prevailed instructing the
secretary to write to the township
executive committeeman urging
them to reorganize their township
at once, get a new enlistment and
send the names to the secretary, and
also to write to the township collec-
tors urging them to collect the bale
levy of 10 cents and the annual mem
bership fee at $1.OO.
The Association adjourned to meet
in Halifax first Monday in March.
CAPT. w. T. JENKINS PAPER.
FARM STATISTICS. According to