davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23

Perfection consists not in doing eN-
traordinary things, but in doing ordir'
airy things extraordinarily well. and
progress is simply a moving on toward
something better That IL pays 10
keep up with the times is shown
clearly in the field OF burlesque. at
present one OF the best patronized
lines OF amusement. Until a few
years age burlesque shows consisted
mainly OF spectacular evolutions per
formed by more or less shapely fe-
males and a little horseplay by few
comedians. Today this Is MI changed.
Nothing is too high priced or OF too
high a quality. In fact, the embodi-
ment OF all that Is attractive can be
found in up-to-date burlesque. Lively
comedy still exists and the general
tone OF the performance Is keyed 10
far more refined tone than In the
part. Burlesque in its new form and
with It's more elaborate equipment is
now called extravaganza. Scenery
and costumes that add to the general
effect and performers in keeping with
their surroundings will be in evidence
in the Gayety theater next week. when
Harry Bryant's Extravaganza will be
the Offering.
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23
A SPELLING BEE.

Some bad spoilers hit on a pho
netic version OF a difficult word and
stick 10 It; others are OF the wabbly
kind One OF these latter Is an In
spector for a fire insurance agency.
He was ordered to visit certain
premises daily and report the amount
Of infiammable material stored there
In his first list he mentioned GER
tain number Of gallons OF "keroesine. y
Funny that he always gets these
words wrong" said a man in the o.
fee. You'd think that he'd get them
right once In while, under the law
of chances
"Oh, he does hit the nal on the
head sometimes" declared another
man. Thereupon bet OF cigars was
made that in his next ten reports the
inspector would not spell kerosene
correctly.
This unique spelling be-, in which
there was only one contestant, and he
unconscious of the match, aroused
keen daily interest. Here is his exact
list:
Karosene. Coresene, Caresean
(three tines Careosean. Kerosene,
Careasean, Kareasean and Kearie
sene.
Thus on the seventh shot he hit
the bullseye and the bet was won by
the man who didn't belize that the
devil was as black as he was painted.
Exchange.
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23

Samson novelization OF
the play now running at the crI.
terion theater, New York, by
Henri Bernstein. author OF "The
Thief and wsrsel" published
by permission Of Charles From.
mani, by Joseph o'Brien, will
begin as a serial in The Times
Thursday, Dec. "a Don't fail
TO get the first number
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23
TOY MAN WAS IN
MANY BATTLES
OLD CONFEDERATE SOLDIER HAS
SCARS A-PlENTY-HAS TOlLED
FOR THIRTY YEARS.

CLEVELAND. o., Dec. 23.-After
CORY experiences on eleven battlefields
and months OF imprisonment and suf-
fering, George w. Davis. Of Pasa-
dena-aye., old confederate soldier and
second cousin OF Confederate Presi-
dent Jefferson Davis, is smilingly
wrapping up Christmas toys in a
south side store.
Davis, who was born in Baltimore,
was one OF family OF fifteen brothers
and sisters. When the grand-chil-
dren began TO come we never sat
down with less than twenty-five or
twenty-five at the table" he says: Il
was sixteen when | Joined the army
In April, 81. An older brother and
myself were both wounded at Gettys-
burg. He died OF his wounds. was
in a hospital for months. but mine
don't trouble me much now. In
thirty.seven years I've lost only thir-
ty-one days from sickness OF any
kind.
81 was at Point Lookout for six
months. | remember one day when |
sat on a barrel and held twenty-one
men while their arms or legs were
taken off. No chloroform used those
days, either.
IT was In Baltimore through the
Know Nothing excitement. The plug
uglies, "a they were sometimes called,
took possession OF the polls and elect
ed their candidate, Swan. mayor by
1900 votes ont OF possible 10000
1--WE freed our slaves before the
war. az most Marylanders did. Those
were the days when a southerner
would start out Monday morning TO
ride over his plantation and visit the
cabins OF all his slaves and not get
through till Saturday night"
Davis says he is naturally Demo-
crat. OF course" but not a party man
when election time comes. He voted
last fall for Bryan and before that
for Roosevelt For many years NJ
has made his home in Cleveland.
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23
F.A. BURNHAM DIES
IN MYSTERIOUS
MANNER
INSURANCE OF
FIcIAL is FOUND DEAD FROM
GAs-PoLIcE SAY IT WAS SUI
eide.

NE. WYORK. Dec. 23.-Frederiok a.
Burnham. formerly president OF Tie
Mutual Reserve Fund Life Insurance
company was found dead today IN nus
bed az his home in East seventeen
st. from gas left escaping from a stove
In the bathroom adjoining,
Mr.. Burnham was found Oy his VIE
who slept In the next room 10 her nus
Dand. She had left him apparently In
the best OF health the evening beiorS
when both went 10 their rooms.
Mr.. Burnham had seemingly been
reading and must have accidentally
turned on the gas in the bathroom
stove before he retired.
The dead man was mixed up with
his brother and others in he scandal
connected with the Mutual RessFNs
Fund Life Insurance company and was
indicted for grand larceny and forgery
in connection with the case. George
Burnham, Jr.. IL now serving a term
in Sing Sing
Three indictments for forgery IN
the third degree and three for grand
larceny were found against both
Burnham and Eldredge George w
Burnham. the son. was tried and con
yicted and sent 10 Sing Sing on Dec
II. 1906. for two years. Afterwarc
he was released on a reversal OF juds
ment and is now out on $1,000 bail
Pending the adjudication of this case
the district attorney delayed the dis
position of the case against the former
president.
Failing TO get any satisfactory
through the criminal proceedings th'
receivers recently instituted sui
against the dead man for the recovery
OF large amounts he is alleged to have
taken nom the company. The spe
cifc larceny charge against him wa!
for $1,000.
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23

gerbread Head" which had all New
ork humming. The Six Musical
Cuttvs Is another strong card. as is
laddie Cliff. the English boy comedian
who was such a genuine sensation AZ
the Temple on his initial appearance
about Ave months ago. Sandwiched
between these acts are such acts rs
Kelly & Barrett. in THE Battle or Too
Soon" tn eSilvas, Portuguese hremen.
on the unsupported ladder; Charles
Mcdonald and the Reading sisters,
singing and dancing; Gartelle Broth
ers. etc. The week following Will
show such acts as Bert Levy, the
oleverest OF cartoonists; Harry l..
Tighe & Co, six American dancers;
Rosina Casseili's midget dogs; Hill {;
Whitaker. Violet Dale & Co.
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23
Declare CAS- RIO
3MAs IN PLOT TO
,ASSASS|NATE
v4cE PRESIDENT GOMEZ FRus-
TRATep ATTACK WITH HIS
-owN HANos-oVERTHRoW OF
CASTRO is COMPLETE.

CARACAS. Dec. 2S.-CipTlsno Cas-
tro, who was deposed as president
is. openly charged with conspiracy To
compass the assassination OF Juan
Vicente Gomez, whom Castro placed
at the head OF the government wheh
he sailed for Europe. Gomez, alone
and unsupported. arrested the ring
leaders of the conspiracy with MS
own hands. He then issued proc
lamation saying he had saved his own
life and maintained the highest Ideals
or the chief magistracy al the re-
public. The unlimited letter OF cred
It. which the Bark OF Venezuela Is
sued to Castro on its correspondents
i'm Berlin and Paris has been can
called 1t. is accepted as almost GER
tain that Castro will not return 70
Xenezusla. W
Already the new administration
shows signs OF a desire aud intention
to settle the disputes between Vene
ztela and certain foreign powers that
hxve kept the republic in light OF
uneviable notoriety for several years
pest.
At n conference held In Caracas
bsfween Acting President Gomez and
Baron Won Seckendorf, the German
minister in charge of the interests
OF Holland since the departure OF the
Dutch minister. M. de Reus, last sum-
mer. Il was agreed to suspend the
operation OF the decree issued by
President Castro prohibiting the
transshipment at Willemstad OF goods
destined for Venezuela.
narAtnx a dtploin0 nj 4 treaty be-
tween Holland and duly empowered
Venezuelan commissioner. the Dutch
warships that have been pstroling the
Venezuelan coast for nearly three
weeks will be withdrawn.
The attempt to assassinate Acting
President Gomez and several of the
ministers was decided upon on Fri
day night. Dec. IS. Gomez heard o:
the plot that same night and the next
morning took the personal stand that
nipped It In the bud.
The men concerned In the eonspir
acy were President Cast-o's closest
friends and best known adheIents. Sc
cret cipher cablegrams have passed
between President Castro In Berlin
and his agents here since the popu-
lar anti-CastIo demonstrations OF Dec.
Is and IA. A prominent lawyer has
fled an accusation in the high fed
eral court, charging President Cas-
tro with completely in the Eliot to as
sassinate, and proposing his impeach-
ment. = 4--.
There is TO be general reorgani-
zation of the government. The fail
of President Castro leaves no obsta-
cles in the way OF settling the vari-
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23
BURIED FOR FIFTEEN
MINUTES AND LIVES

ST. LOUIS, Mo, Dec ga. E.
Camblin, fireman on n Wabash switch
engine, was buried for nearly Is min
utes under two tons OF coal, and was
almost drowned before being rescued,
near the Standard Reduction Co. s
plant at st. Charles, Mo. Gamblin is
said by the physicians AT the st. JOS
eph hospital, St Charles, TO be out Of
immediate danger of death
The engine left the track az a de.
fective place. Engineer Theodore
Busch felt the locomotive leave the
track and shouted warning To his
companion. Both jumped Busch
landed clear, but Gamblin fell into a
depression.
Water from the tender poured In
on him. and he almost drowned. \
plank. which fell across the depression
prevented life from being crushed out
Immediately l,aborers at the reduc.
lion plant dug him out.
Internal injuries are feared. but a.
present the injuries found by the phy.
sicians consist of a broken arm and
bruises about the head. face and body.
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23

In Wanted by the Police" which
comes 10 the Whitney next week, Ian
gon Mccormick is said 10 have evolved
a story OF not only strong heart and
comedy interest but one which con-
tains many possible and interesting
thrills. Billy West. famous telegraph
operator. has fallen through drink. Au
old sweetheart becomes involved in
a murder scandal and he receives the
message over the wires that she is
wanted" for the crime. From here
on the action is tense, vivid In It's
rapidity Of virile action, and filled with
genuine pathos. A gang of anarchists
enter into the action.
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23

The friends and followers OF Geo
NJ. Cohan-and they are legion-wi!l
welcome the announcement that he
is to appear at the Detroit opera
house for three nights. Dec. rs, % and
80. when, supported by his Royal
Family" which includes his father.
mother and charming sister. Josephine,
togethe- with more than 100 other
singing. dancing and acting people,
the Yankee Doodle" comedian Will
offer one OF his most recent musical
comedy efforts, entitled The Yankee
Prince" The Yankee Prince" comes
TO us with the stamp OF Philadelphia.
New York and Chicago approval. and
as this will be Mr.. Cohan's last ap'
pearance In Detroit for at least two
seasons. the engagement will probably
take on the proportions OF an event
out Of the ordinary.
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23

Gus international questions confront
ing the republic.
Jose De Jesus Paul, tho former min
lister OF foreign affairs who played
prominent part In all Venezuela
foreign relations for the last six
months. has been commissioned 10
go 10 Europe TO settle all outstanding
disputes with foreign powers. He will
leave here Dec. "a. Senior Paul has
advised the diplomatic representa-
tives here that measures 20 preserve
order and protect the interests OF
foreigners will be taken.
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23

Ward G. Vokes will be found 10 have
made a really superb production in
every way when they show their re
union offering Of musical comedy, THE
Promoters" In the Lyceum theater
next week. These two farceurs estat-
lished reputation for having the best
dressed organization in their line in
America. prior 70 their separation
three years ago. and now for their re-
union they have made every effort 10
eclipse all their previous offerings.
The Promoters" is in two acts ard
"a locale Is summer resort hotel
down the coast OF Maine. The sum
mer girls and the vacation chappies
OF which the merry. merry chorus IS
comprised are said TO be models OF the
art OF the tailor and modiste.
As there will be three OF the strong
est drawing cards in vaudeville at the
Temple theater next week it would be
wise for patrons TO secure their seats
this week. Irene Franklin. who won
the title OF queen OF vaudeville" at
recent popular voting contest In New
York. is one OF the stars OF the bill
During her engagement she will sing
her new song "Redhead, Redhead. Gin
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23

There is TO be a general reorgani-
zation of the government. The fall
OF President Castro leaves no obsta-
cies in the way OF settling the vari-
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23
THE STAGE

Paul Bourgeois remarkable drama
Divorce" OF which Stanislaus STANCE
has made the American version. WIN
pay a return visit 10 the Detroit opera
house beginning Thursday evening,
Dec. 81. and including matinee and
Light. New Years day and Saturday
Jan and .. Divorce" IS perhaps
one OF the most important productions
of this season. and has aroused a good
dea, OF discussion not only on It's
merits as a play but on the ethical
questions with which It deals. While
II may be classed as a problem
play. II has many elements that wonid
tend 10 put IL in a class Of It's own.
While IL is a strong argument against
divorce. IL by no means seeks 10
solve this vexing problem "a problem
which is a real one in this country.
II nevertheless holds up strongly the
proposition that marriage is not 10 he
entered into lightly under any circum-
stances.
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23
In Society

Mrs. r. II. Fyfe left Tuesday for a
visit In Chicago. Mr.. Fyfe will join
her Christmas.
Mr.. and Mrs. ". B. rockingham
and Mrs. Jacob Schick have gone on
a trip TO jamaica
Miss Mary Margaret Sweeney will
give a dance Monday evening, Dec. 2s.
In the Country club.
Mrs F. F. Palms will give a dance
Wednesday evening In the Pasadena
for Miss Helen and Clarence Palms.
The annual children's Christmas fes-
tival OF the German Salesman's asso-
citation will take place Monday after
noon, Dec. IS, in the hall, No. 81 Mon
roe-ave.
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23

Baldwins. steel Reds.
spies. Greetings and
Jonathan Apples.
Large Ripe Bananas.
per- per Zoe
The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-12-23
WEYHER'S
FAMILY LIQUOR STORE.
AZ and 3-O Chene 80.

We wish to call attention 10 our
weli-selected stock. Nothing but the
best and purest offered below:
5-yr-old Sweet Catawba Wine. gal. 65c
E-yr-old Isabella Port Wine. gal. 55c
7-yr-oid California Port. gal 500
tyr old California sherry, gal si.O0
7-yr-oid California Muscatel ga $500
/ Yr-old California Angelica. ga $500
7-yr-old California Madeira Wine $50
7-yr-old White Port gal .......... $3.50
RYE whisky, gel ..... $40. si.23. $50
Our old Cabinet rye, best on earth for
the price ................. $500
pohenian club whisky ........ $3.50
Mavnower rye ................s $3.50
-vr-old Meadville Rye ......... $500
7-vr-old Jas f.. Pepper Whisky, 81 80
jamaica Rum gal ..............s $500
Ncw England White Rum gal 49,. $500
Cegnac Brandy. gal $500, $3.50, $3.50
Anricot Prandy gal .......... ~. 80
Berliner Kuemmel. gal. S1.50 and 500
Any kind OF California Wine, bot. c5c
special Low Prices for Parties. Balls
and Banquets.
Phone East faI3. Goods delivered any
where.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-07-20
Asricana and the Locomotixe.

The children of the desert were filled with awe when first the silence of the primeval solitude was broken by the pulling of the steam engine. Down at the other end of the Cape to Cairo line the simple Matabele. when first con fronted by locomotive. were certain that the strange machine was worked by the labor of an indefinite number of oxen, which they assumed were shut up inside; hence. when the engine stop ped, they gathered in curious crowds, waiting to see the door open and the oxen come out, nor could they for many days be persuaded that the power of the locomotive could come from other than the strength of the OK.
 The Arabs of the Sudan. more imag- inative than the Matabele, saw in the fire horses of the railway one of the Djinns of the Arabian Nights" har- messed by the magic of the infidel to the long train of cars. The steam en- zine was to them a living. sentient being, of which belief there is curi- ous evidence fin the fact that on one occasion sheik made an impassioned remonstrance against the cruelty of making so small an engine draw so huge train.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-07-20
Composite Mares.

"One of the differences between the east and the northwest" said a Puget sounder, "is the names of places, and the Skikomishes. the Snchomishes. the Snoqualmies. the Wahkiakums and the lot of them give man funny feelings. and when he runs across Bucoda. on the Northern Pacific railroad in Pierce county, Wash. he doesn't know wheth- CT it is Chinook or Siwash or what
 But it is none of them-like kenova. in West Virginia. which is near the june ton of Kentucky. Ohio and Virginia, or Delmar, where Delaware and Mary land come together. Bucoda is con- posite name, and its story is simple enough. When the Northern Pacific came in a town sprang up. and 1t must have a name. There were Indian names in plenty. but something more novel was wanted, so Messrs. Buckley. Coulter and Davis. all Northern Pacific officials. put, their heads together first and their names later. and the name Bu-co-da was evolved, with an ety. mology very apparent to any one who is at all informed in terminology. Bu- coda it has remained. and 1t is not half bad as names go in the Puget sound country"
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-07-20
An unsoueht Pardon.

Among the stories of that former governor of Texas 1amiliarly known as Sam Houston is more than one amusing tale.
 There was a financial agent of the penitentiary who had warmly opposed the election of Governor Houston, but was particularly anxious to retain his own pleasantly lucrative position. Con- sequently the new governor was soon in receipt of petition in which the mans years of faithful service and special qualifications fer the place were ret forth in glowing terms by himself.
 The governor sent for hin! and said gravely. Tt appears from tli1s petition that you have been in the penitentiary eight years"
 T have" was the reply.
 And during that time you have per formed faithfully every duty that has come in your way to t.o best of your abIlIty?"
 T have" answered the agent, his courage swiftly rising.
 Then. sir" said tie governor. with the air of one conferring a priceless fayor. 'I pardon you out"
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-07-20
Beuoars on Horseback.

"'Whoa. thar he says, pullin' up his hoss, and then he whines:
 "'For the love O charity. kind gent, would ye be so good as to gimme a crust O bread for meself and handful O oats for the old mareT"
 The sailor smiled thoughtfully and stirred his ice cream soda with a long spoon.
 "Yes, Hal" he resumed. there's ac- tual beggars on horseback in Roosia. They travels from town to town in caravans. They beg grub for them selves and fodder for their nags. just as I been tellin' ye.
 70 course. in the Argentine, where a hoss don't cost a song. it's only nat ural ye should see beggars on horse back, and ain't sayin' nothin' about that. But in China they ride, too, while there's a Maltese beggar down Malta way what even drives a spring wagon an takes his gal along. Inter- rupts his canoodlln' to ask you for a copper to stave off starvation. then starts right in again where he left of." New Orleans Times-Democrat
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-07-20
An unaeeountnble EciIina.

It was severe trial to MT. Harding that his only sons memory was not all that could be desired. Where in the world he got such forgetful streak from is beyond me-" said the exasper. ated father to his wife on one occasion.
 What has he forgotten nowT asked Mrs. Harding, with eyes downcast and . demure expression.
 "The figures of the last return from the election on the bulletin board" And Mr. Harding inserted finger in his collar as if to loosen 1t and shook his head vehemently. Hooked at 'em as he came past not half an hour ago. and now can't tell me.
 "As I said to him. If you're so stu pid you can't keep few. simple figures in your head. why don't you write 'em down on a piece of paper. as l do. and have done all my life. long before l was your ageT"
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-07-20
0AKWLlE HAPPENINGS

Miss c. D. Place has returned from two weeks visit in New York state.
 Miss Maud Bolt of Fails avenue is spending several weeks with rela- tives in Roxbury.
 Miss Nellie .Cleary has returned from several days visit with rela- tives in New Jersey. @
 Mrs z. NJ. Hockey of Main street has returned from a stay of several days at Walnut Beach.
 The Misses Anna O'Brien and Mary O'Connell spent Sunday with relatives in Torrington.
 Miss D. J. Mattoon of New York city is a visitor with her parents. MT and Mrs A. H. Mattoon of Falls avenue.
 Ransom Benjamin has returned from a visit in Northampton, Mass, and has resumed his duties with the Baird Machine Co.
 Judge Munger of Ansonia will have charge of the services at the Congregational church during the absence of the regular pastor, the Rev J. E. Rees, who leaves next Thursday as a delegate from the Naugatuck Congregational confer ence to the Young Peoples Mission ary conference at Silver Bay, Lake George.
Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-07-20
Trivial Cause of q Bloody War,

In the year 1854 a Polish noblcman became obnoxious to the laws of his country by reason of his having con- mitted a crime He fed to Sweden. whereupon John Casimir. king of Pc land. wrote to Charles Gustavus. king of Sweden, demanding the surrender of the criminal. The king Of Sweden on reading the dispatch noticed that bis own name and titles were followed by two ''et ceteras," while the name of the king of Poland was followed by three The missing "et cetera' so en- ragged the king of Sweden that be at once declared war against Poland. The war was carried on with great bit- teraess until 16G0 when a peace was signed at Oliva. near Danzig. 4 con temporary writer tKochowskyI poured out his lamentations On the war in these terms: How dear has this ct cetera' been to us, With how many lives have these two potentates paid for these missing eight letters, With what streams of blood has the failure of a few drops Of ink been avenged.-'