davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
Sir Isaac Newton.
BY j. n. EDGE TON

I'm this ace of doubt many of our
most cherished legends are being
assaulted, the various apple sto-
- ries along with the rest There
have been at least three famous apples
In history-the one eaten by Adam and
Eve, the one shot off his sons head by
William Tell and the one whose fall
suggested to Sir Isaac Newton the law
of gravitation. Despite the soothing OF
the higher criticism, we still cherish
these pipplns and are determined to
stand by them.
Newton was rather a dull boy and
was literally kicked into eXertion. He
stood at the foot Of his class and one
iay was booted by the boy higher up.
The NewtOnian spirit was aroused by
this indignity, with the result that
Young Isaac not only whipped the
kicker, but determined to go ahead OF
him in the class. This he did, and
more, for he went to the head of the
row and stayed there.
The second spur to effort received by
the young man came at the time he
sought admission to Cambridge univer-
sity. He knew so little about Euclid
that the professor Of mathematics op-
posed admitting him. Newton there
upon determined to know Euclid and
succeeded so we'll that he became the
greatest mathematical genius Of mod
arn times.
Voltaire started the story OF the ap-
ole that fell and hit Newton so hard
that the young man determined to lind
put what made it fall. If 50 great a
skeptic as VOltaire could swallow the
story. there is no reason why it should
not he accepted by the other skeptics.
When Sir Isaac first made his COM
outations on the subject Of gravita-
ton, he was misled by the erroneous
notions then held Of the length Of the
earths radius. He therefore abandon
ed the theory temporarily. Later the
rror was corrected, when he returned
20 the subject, completed the demon
stration and gave it to the world in his
famous "Principla."
In the meantime he had made his al
most equally famous discoveries con-
erning light, dividing white light into
the primary colors and determining the
lifference Of refractiOn between them.
He also did much in perfecting the tel
sscope, gave to mathematics integral
and differential calculus and made 9TH
er contributions to science which mark
ed him as the chief intellect Of his age
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
CHINESE WRITING.
Every Scrap Of Every Kind Is Held TO
Be Sacred.

The Chinese hold every scrap OF
writing sacred, no matter what the
characters express-the merest COM
mercial message, advertisement, etc.
Since Confucius used these characters
TO teach his wisdom they are holy.
In the average Chinese community
all letters and waste papers are laid
away in clean receptacle to await the
collector. who appears at regular inter-
walls TO transfer the waste papers to
the sacred furnace If the papers were
burned by the Chinese in their own
homes, the ashes of the sacred writ
ings would mlngle with the ashes OF
wood and other fuel, and the ashes of
Chinese writing are as sacred as the
writing itself.
The ashes from the sacred furnace
are placed In sacks, the sacks are con-
veyed by wagons to the sea and there,
in Mon War boat, are carried out
where the tide runs swift and con-
signed to the waves.
The Mon War boat belongs to the
Mon War Sher, which is a lodge with
branches everywhere, organized and
maintained for the purpose of paying
reverence to the spirit of Confucius.
The furnace In the Chinatown which
nearly every large city in the United
States harbors Is generally brick,
ovenlke structure about five feet high.
Opposite it on the wall there will usu-
ally be an inscription of the character
of the following: THE spirits OF our
ancestors are pleased that we keep
sacred the writing of our country"
The society of Mon War Sher Club
of the Beautiful Writing Is made up
In each case of the prominent denlzens
OF Chinatown, who support 1t by vol
untary contributions, which pay the
salaries of the keeper and his assist
ant.-New York Tribune.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
A FRANK CRITIC.
She Contrasts the Opera With a Can
tata at Home.

1t was Rufus Choate, who was not
musical, who once at the opera gazed
helplessly at his libretto and, turning
10 his daughter, who was musical, SAID:
Helen. expound to me this record,
lest dilate with the wrong emotion"
Mrs. Binns of Dulverton, who Is also
unmusical, recently attended the opera
with her daughter and felt that her
emotions there were hardly satisfac-
tory.
sYes." she told her friends on return
ing to the village, LOUSY took me 10
the opery, and 1t certainly was sight.
If was real interesting looking round
before II begun, and l enjoyed 1t some
afterwards, too; really did. There
was so many folks in it and such lot
of going and coming and marching and
grouping 1t made quite a picture.
And the music, too-some of 1t had
quite a swing to II, most as good as
p'rade But 1t went on and on and ON,
and begun to get pretty tired of 1t,
and II KEEP on and on, and l got tireder
and tireder.
You see, 'twa'n't like a cantata at
home. where you know the folks.
That's different. 1t don't matter then
how long the story strings out, ana
singing any kind O. story does string 1t
out ridiculous; but, knowing the folks,
there's always something interesting
YOU can turn your mind to and FOR
get ii.
Now. when the Choral club gave
King Rainy's Daughter there was all
their clothes to look at first Off. And,
my. there were some clever makeovers
amongst 'em too. You remember Sc
liny Meades dress for the princess she
got out O. that old stained wedding
satin O. Great-grandmother Barclays!
If that want a job to be proud OF
don't know what Is,
And Sam Giddings' trousers-well,
they weren't trousers exactly, but
those things he wore ON his legs-Sam
felt he oughtn't to hire, and Jane Cid
dings made 'em herself! How she ever
did it! I'd as soon try cutting out
suit O. court clo'es for the emperor Of
Chiny myself.
Then | always find it kind O enter
tanning to watch out for Lonny Ba-
ker's gold front tooth to flash when he
opens wide on a top note, and-oh,
well, you know how tits. There's al
ways something.
"But at the opery there amt, and
by the end of an hour of bang and too
tie and tum-te-tum and tra-la-la I'd had
all | wanted, and but for hurting Lou
isy's feelings I'd ha' left. She says
twas grand, and l dare say twas, but
give me the town hall and home tai
ent every time youths Companion.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
More Oratory Wanted.

The remark made on a prOlix Scotch
counsel when some one observed that
lie was "surely wasting great deal OF
time" is among the wittiest Of bar an
ecdOtes: thine! He has long exhaust
ed time and has encroached upon eter-
nityw
1t Is seldom, to do the judges justice,
that they encourage this failing in
counsel. But in Cockburn's memoirs
we are told how a dull and common
place advocate was almost frightened
out of his wits by an observation Of
Lord MeadOwbank, who thought his
style undignifed: "Declaim, sir. Why
don't you declaim? Speak to me as if
were popular assembly."-St James
Gazette.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
lust BREAKING In,

Up to the age of sixteen Dick had re-
tanned the proper scorn for things
feminine; then he went to dancing
school and fell smitten by the charms
of several youthful Ewes. Accordingly
Dick approached his father and re-
quested theater tickets for two.
Father complied and merely asked as
he turned over the seats, (Which girl
Is it,"
I'm going to take Mabel" responded
Dick.
Then she's the one you like best?"
father continued.
Dick turned a superior and plying
eye upon his parent. "Oh, no; I don't
like her BEST You don't understand
the situation, father. 1t isn't the girl l
care about. It's the experience l
want"-New York Times.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
Kinu Carlos.

He was the most versatile king in
the world.
He was a glutton and ate more than
any man in his kingdom.
He weighed $50 pounds.
He was a champion swimmer.
He had great personal courage.
He once risked his life to save a
drowning man and to rescue a peasant
from a highwayman.
He was a skillful and bold banderil-
lero in the bull ring.
He was a good story teller, fine
whip, a yachtsman, painter OF note
and sculptor, tennis player and musi-
clan.
He had translated Shakespeare into
Portuguese.
He was the best pistol shot in Flu
rope.
He spoke seven languages.
He pawned his crown, worth S6,OOO,-
bOO.-Louisvile Courler-Journal.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
Notice and Citation.

VIRGINIA:-In Accomack Circuit
Court Clerks Office, on the 9TH
day of March, A. d.. 1908.
The Commonwealth of Virginia,
Pltff.
against
Sloop George Wolford," Deft.
Upon an Information.
Notice is hereby given:
That S. James burlington, attorney
for the Commonwealth in the circuit
court Of said county, did, on the 2lst
day of February, A. D., 1908, file in
the clerks office of the said circuit
court, an Information in the name OF
the Commonwealth against the Slocp
George Wolford" alleging, that on
the 31st day of January, A. d., 1908.
the said Sloop George Wolford,"
was seized by the captain and crew of
one of the police boats of the State Of
Virginia, as forfeited to the Com
monwealth OF Virginia, in that the
said boat was found on the 3lst day
of January, A. d., 1908. employed by
certain parties in taking oysters with
dredges on Birds Rock, in Pocomoke
Sound, and North of the South RI
! boundary of said Pocomoke Sound.
to-wIt: a right line running through
the south east buoy on Watts Island
bar, it being buoy number three, and
the outer buoy at the mouth of Ches-
conessex Creek, in the waters OF this
State and within the jurisdiction OF
/ this Court and praying that the sid
Sloop, George WolfOrd." together
| ha tonlxlttor onnaroI Qnnhnrg
cables, sails, rigging, appurtenances
and dredges, be condemned as for
feted to the Commonwealth. AMI ne
sold, and the proceeds OF sale be u.s-
posed of according TO law, and that
all persons concerned in interest be
cited to appear and show cause why
said property should not be condemn.
ed and sold to enforce the said for
fixture.
And that upon the filing of the sid
Information as aforesaid the clerk OF
the said court forthwith issued 4 war
rant directed TO the sheriff of the said
county, commanding him TO take the
said property into his possession and
hold the same subject to further pro-
ceedings in the cause: which war
rant has this day been returned with
a report to the clerk in writing there
on, as follows:
1903. February 22nd.-By virtue OF this
Warrant have this day taken into my
custody the SlOOp George Wolford,"
named within. together with her tackle.
apparel. anchors. cables. sails. rigging
dredges and appurtenances. and hold the
same subject to the order OF the Circuit
Court Of Accomac County.
LEE b. KELLAM, Sheriff"
Therefore, all persons concerned in
interest are hereby cited to appear on
the first day of the May Term, next,
of the said Circuit Court of Accomack
County, at the Court House thereof,
and show cause why the prayer of The
said Information for cOndemnai ION
and sale of said property to enfoI &C
the said forfeiture, and the procee DIS
of sale disposed OF according to law
sh uld not be granted.
Witness, John ID. Grant, Clerk oil
the said Circuit Court, at the Court
House, the 9TH day of March, A. ID.
1908, and in the 132nd year OF th'
Commonwealth.
John ID. Grant, c. c.
A Copy-Teste:
John D. Grant, c. c.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
Sensifive Plants,

There are plants so sensitive that If
when standing by them you should
suddenly put up your umbrella or sun
shade 1t would be quite sufficient to
cause them Instantly to close together
their leaflets and turn down their leaf
stalks, just as if they were startled and
alarmed by the movement. Indeed,
on a sunny day when the temperature
Is sufficiently high you need not make
even so decided a movement; merely
your shadow coming in contact with
their leaves will often cause them to
fall slightly.-Strand Magazine.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
Extravadance.

There is clerk in the employ OF
a Philadelphia business man VINO.
while Il fair worker, IS yet an individ'
ual of pronounced eccentricity. one
day a wire basket fell off the top OF
the clerks desk and scratched hia
cheek. Not having any court plaster al
hand, he slapped on three two-cen'
stamps and continued his work. A few
minutes later he had occasion to take
some paper to his employers private
Office. When he entered, the "old man,
observing the postage stamps on bis
cheek. fixed him with an astonished
stare. "Look here, Jenkins" he ex-
claimed. you are carrying too much
postage for second class matter!
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
Webster's Homo Squadron.

A few days before his death Daniel
Webster wished to leave his sickroom
once more to look upon the little para
disc which his taste had adorned about
his mansion. Dressing himself with
the utmost care, he went through the
house on. the arm of servant and
finally reached the library. The night
before there was a terrific storm, and
the great statesman expressed solici-
tude for the safety of the fishermen
off the coast AS he looked from the
window his eye fell upon a number OF
pleasure boats which had been moored
to a little mound in the artificial pond
in the rear Of the house. well" said
he, 1.-THE home squadron is safe. |
think will go back" 1t was his last
playful remark. He never left his
room again.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
TWO MINUTE SKETCHES
Christopher Columbus.
-OR eighteen years Christopher
Columbus cherished the dream
of finding land to the west. This
~ ti,,nn nrnc Snnnf i'm intellectual at


- Columbus cherished the dream
of finding land to the west. This
- time was spent in Intellectual at
tempts to get money for the. undertake
ing. Almost every sovereign OF Eu-
rope was appealed to in vain. Poor,
friendess, almost alone, regarded by
many as insane. Columbus met rebur
after rebuff. but would not give up his
dream. Finally he appealed TO Ferdi-
nand and Isabella of Spain. Ferdinand
was not convinced. but Isabella was
more favorably inclined and in the end
went so far as to pawn her own jew
els for the enterprise.
With the fitting out of his eXpedl-
ton the troubles of the great discoV-
erer were not ended. When twenty
DAYS or more out in an unknown sea,
his sailors began to murmur, urging
him to turn back. At last the muir
muring broke out into open mutiny.
Still the bold navigator would not give
I'D. Ouellng the mutiny with what
ever measures were necessary, he
promised a reward to the first sailor
who discovered land. At last the voy-
age was ended, and goal greater than
he himself knew was won.
In all history there are few more in
spring examples Of faith than that or
Columbus. He had only his own ideal
to support him. Every one else doubt
ed 1t. Nearly a score of years passed,
In which every attempt to realize his
dream met with failure. 1t Is Won
derful that doubt did not assail his
own heart. His was a faith, if not TO
remove mountains, at least to bring
new worlds into view. So great were
his troubles that they made him white
headed at thirty. They pursued him
even to the end Of his life. At one
time he was thrown into prison. AT
nearly all times he was miSunder-
stood. Saddest of all, he died without
knowing that he had found two new
continents and that his humble trip
across the sea would open a new era
In the history Of mankind.
Columbus was of Il genuinely rell-
gious nature, which may account for
much of the trustful faith he had in his
own inward prompting.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
The Twins.

1.-TWO Mormon boys went to school
for the first time out IL Utah" relates
Congressman J. Adam Bede. land the
teacher asked them their names.
"John and William Smith, the boys
replied.
"Ah. then you are brothers How
old are your
"'Each ten years old, ma'am.'
"Tndeed. Then You are twlnsT
"Please. ma'am.' replied one Of the
boys. only on our fathers side
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
MiIton's Retort.

John Milton was not wit, yet he Is
reported to have made a crushing re-
ply to a question from Charles ii.
"Do you not think" said the king,
"that your blindness is a judgment on
you for having written in justification
Of my fathers murderT
"Slr," replied the poet, ut is true /
have lost my eyesight, but If all the
calamitous providences are to be re-
garded as divine judgments your maj
esty should remember that your father
lost his head"
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
His BRIGHT Idea.

Not many years ago a well known
dealer was visited by would be seller
who had in his hand an envelope con-
taining seventeen signatures Of Sam
uel Pepys. which, he said, he had just
cut off the original letters TO save trou-
BILE. By so doing he had diminished
the value of his property by nearly
f200.-London Opinion.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21

fought not to allow any man because
be has broad lands to feel that he Is
rich in my presence. ought to make
him feel that | can do without his
riches, that | cannot be bought-nei-
Their by comfort, neither by pride-and,
although l he utterly penniless and re-
ceiving bread from him. that he Is the
Door man beside me-Emerson.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
Whv the Band Left.

First Actor hear that the orches-
ira in your theater was sacked in a
body the other night. What was the
matter?
Second Actor-Why, they spoiled the
best situation in the play. You know
the court scene, where the hero Is SEN
fenced to death?
Eyes"
well, they were told to play some
thing appropriate, and the judge had
no sooner put on the black cap than
the idiots struck up Where Did You
Get That HatY"-London Scraps.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
a Sharp Thrust.

you're trying very hard to be {
man, it seems" said the disguised hvs-
band the other day to his wife.
"Well," she replied coldly, don't you
think we need one in the familyF-
New York Tribune.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
Poor Williaml

civilian, my son." said an econom-
zeal mother to her boy, 'for mercy's
sake, don't keep on tramping up and
down the floor in that manner. You'll
wear out your new boots" Gle sits
down. There you go sitting down.
Now you'll wear out your new trou-
sers. I declare, 1 never saw such q
boy!'-LOndon Tit-Bits.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
All That Didn't Sink.

81 suppose you have considerable
floating population here?" inquired the
visitor.
yep" replied the native of the little
river town, specially durln' the rainy
eason."-Plck-
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
SEEING the Alps.
"Did you see the Alps?'

"Did you see Tie AIpS!
ooh, yes. Our car broke down right
opposite them, and, do you know, I'm
almost glad it die. | found them SO
charming and interesting. "-Exchange.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21
He Was Riuht.

Johnny" said the big brother OF en-
uptown small boy, Ego to the shoemak-
ers and see If my shoes are mended,
Will you?"
"Naw." said the urchin.
"Why notY
"Cause they amt done yet"
"How do you known
"Cause / amt taken 'em yet that's
how"
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21

she-Oh, don't go there on Saturday.
RS so frightfully crowded. Nobody
goes there then.-Phlladelphia Inquirer.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21

It Is hard to get women to admire
man for his genius If he neglects to
help his wife on with her wrap.-Chl-
cago Record Herald.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21

Some people think that they are fond
Of literature just because they like to
read novels.-Boston Globe.
Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1908-03-21

A pound Of care will not pay an
ounce of debt.-Danish Proyerb.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-24
WOMEN HEALTHIER.

Some surprise is being shown mere
and there because in the District ~
Columbia out of the seventeen nun
bred children under sixteen years Oh
age examined by the requirements OF
the new child labor law, seventy-nve
bows have been rejected because OF the
bad condition of-their health and only
two girls. There is no reason, now
ever. for much surprise. Comparative
studv of the death rates Of the sexes
of all ages and in nearly every country
some time ago demonstrated that re-
males of the human race uniformly
live healthier lives than males. There
Is a good deal of talk OF the weaker
seq even when reference is not made
to morals or mind, and as a rule glris
and women outvoice boys and men IN
bewailing their physical condition ana
appealing to sympathy in their all
ments. But note the facts In the fol-
lowing compilation of the federal CEN
sus bureau. showing the deaths per
thousand of population OF each sex al
certain ages in the registration states
in the years indicated:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-24
A WONDERFUL INVALID.

In the Olympic games at London, in
which all Of the great nations of the
earth are represented by their best ath-
letes, Melvin w. Sheppard, one of the
American representatives, distinguish
ed himself by winning the 1900 metre
running race. The English expected to
win this race which calls for great
stamina. strength and endurance as
we'll as feetness of foot, as they had
made great preparations for it, but
Sheppard was too much for them.
Because of this performance of his
1t Is interesting to learn that Shep-
pard was rejected some weeks ago by
the doctors Of the New York police de-
pertment as a candidate for the police
force. The doctors examined him and
said that he was physically unfit for
the severe labors of a policeman. They
said he had chronic endocarditis and
arterial sclerosis. OF course a man
suffering from such terrible named
maladies, whatever they are, was not
| 1T to be a policeman. The exertion of
making an arrest or steering an old
woman across Broadway might result
fatally. And so Sheppard was not ac-
| cepted. But within a short time after
wards he sent the Stars and Stripes to
| the top OF the mast at the stadium in
London by winning the 1900 metre rum
ming race against the picked runners of
| the world.
This may not signify anything in
| particular. Perhaps Sheppard did have
| chronic endocarditis and arterial
sclerosis and a few other diseases, and
perhaps he had such amazing physical
powers that even with such a handicap
he was better than his competitors. AT
any rate he won the race. and 1t will
be the opinion of most people in this
country that he is At to be a member
of the New York police force or the
police force of any other town.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-24
QUAKER MEDrrATToNs.

fFrom the Philadelphia Record.1
An exploded theory generally makes
the most noise.
An artists competition always re-
suits in q draw.
Success frequently comes at the sac
rifice Of principle.
Fortune doesn't smile on US without
some encouragement.
II takes a true Christian to pray for
rain when his roof leaks.
It being soon parted a fool and his
money resemble a bald-headed man
and his hair.
Some men never get to the top be-
cause they depend too much on the
elevator.
The pot can afford to call the kettle
black, since most pots are now made
Of aluminium.
Some women get old enough to lie
about their birthdays at a much earlier
age than others.
The average widow doesn't let the
grass grow under her feet, especially
the grass widow.
Blobbs-.At any rate. success doesn't
turn his head" Slobbs-"No, he has
a stiff neck" ~
wiRg-"I never knew such blunt
fellow as BJones." Wagg-'That's
rieht. when Bjones drops a hint It
sounds like q ton OF coal going down .
chute"