davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-09-29

equator, but now they were hurrying on
get into the harbor of Rio de Janeiro before
shutdown of the second day following. Yet
here they were, engines idle at midnight, los
ing precious hour because a common sea-
man had inadvertently slipped over the side
of the Missouri. There was no temper lost.
Every one waited patiently. The life-saving
machinery was at work, as provided in the
regulations. There was no need to worry;
the incident would take care of itself. The
laws of the Modes were exact and those of
the Persians explicit; the Jews had a deca-
logue and there have been a few codes de-
vsed since by Justinian, Napoleon and others.
All those, however, were amateur attempts; in
professional lawmaking the United States
naval regulations say the final word. So, when
a man drops overheard from fleet at night
though wars go and people perish, that
vivid and diverse spectacle cannot be coun-
fernandez.
We lay there becalmed, fumbling in the
tepid dark. The 'searchlights played their
stark wonder over the dancing nghtcaps
where the silly waves tried to hide their To-
quacious heads. Each described it's 2Odegree
Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-09-29

standard speed. Heaving, swelling, majestic
ally blowing, they pursued their ponderous,
implacable way Mothered OF crested seas,
sired of the deep, they sped on, like the curse
of Thor lightning forged. Ominous there In
the solemn night, the hushed spirit of the
guns draped them with hidden might; the
cabalistic twinkle of those blinking eyes
robed them with profound intelligence. By
day they were white and yellow fortresses,
unlovely unganly; by night they wore new
beauty new power. Behind them lay terrors
bested; ahead there lay magic carpet of in
finite variety bath of stars leading them
eternallyl
The gray old head of the admiral tossed
and muttered in it's sleep. When he first
went to sea his mother asked him how they
tied up the ship at night, and when he replied
that it kept on going right through the night
she wanted to know how it could see. For
SO years he had survived oceans perils, and
now he was going for the last time to that
ingenious mother, safe in his lofty bunk as
any shoreman in his cot, protected by the in
tricate laws of the road and the ever-vigilant
naval regulations.
On the quarterback below marine paced
slowly from side to side, waiting lest another
signal be flown, when he would leap to the
trigger that releases the life-buoy Alone, the
only sign of life on the quarterback he looked
in the dim shadow like an Grant spirit con-
juring sentry-duty from imaginative perils.
1t was too lofty perch on the after-bridge,
too lonely space on the vacant quarterback.
l CROPPED my way forward, wiping from my
brow the tropic night-sweat Under a spread
ing steam-cutter that lifted its gianf &hape
Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-09-29
A FLOATING Postoffiee.

The Strand Magazine describes
postoffice which probably enjoys the
distinction of being the only one Of
its kind. 1t is patronized by vessels
passing Santa Cruz, Teneriffe. A wa
ter-tight tin contains the bag of letters
all stamped with English stamps and
sealed up, to which is attached a note
with a donation for the finder. The
tin is secured to raft on top of which
Is a flag pole. The raft is then dropped
overheard, care being taken to drop
1t fat on the water, SO as to keep the
flag flying, In order to attract atten-
ton. In a recent deposit of mail
in this floating postofice were no less
than 80 letters posted to various parts
of the world.
Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-09-29
. ~ ~ ~
\ @>&A
6 S5o ~
y R|CHA6D E
Z G6A56g
-

athwart the superstructure I bumped
down to my knees, fell fiat on my
face, heard growls, curses, stumbled
up with skinned hand and peered
dlmly in the darkness. Forms
were rolling under the cutter,
tangle OF arms and legs tossed
aloft under the yellow ventilator,
a hairy chest rose to superb
height, a weary laugh fitted into
the vast night.
Choke the IDIOT" eff he's over
board let him stay" Delay his
deck-tackle!" This from the chest
and the tangle of legs. Then, from
thin-hipped, slight form: Pardon
me. l was sleeping in the gang.
way" Then, from a severe face,
one that authority had cut with ex-
ecutive decision: "Gangway there!
Clear the gangway!"
Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-09-29

nounced his peaceful progress at standard
speed. to a red light which saws he bas
stopped his engines, and then blinks II which
declares feverishly that he is backing
From all over the fleet things were doing
Three-pounders were barking out rusty salute
charges. Ardois rs were caracoling lustv
staccato shrieks. The creamy surge that had
been curving sea-shavings over direct bows
now churned under propellers and hipped M
foam into the searchlights. The entire first
squadron, except the Connecticut, from the
Kansas down the line, had come to a ston
Finally the Connecticut, too, slowed her en-
gines and hove to- The captain came from
his bunk, climbed the bridge and asked many
questions that nobody could answer The adj
miral was reused from his emergency cabin
and hurried out, lacking a coat and in slip
pers. but not before he had paused to lift a
stogy from drawer, had viciously bit off the
end and thrust it into his mouth Then he
went about, from haglieutenant to quarter
master, from Quartermaster to woman from
yeoman to signalman, asking nothing about
the accident, imploring only for a light And
between each irrelevant question he looked
aft over the rail of his bridge upon rare
sight.
Some FEDS of miles of the coast of
ships and two little auxiliary cruisers which
had been loafing in the rear. had come to a
full stop. A southwesterly current had been
sweeping them along at the rate of two knots
an hour and the engines had added 10.
contrary current and some hurt steering-gear
In the Alabama had delayed them north of the
Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-09-29
THEY RULE WEATHER
METEOROLOGICAL SAINTS IN
MANY COUNTRIES.
Legends Of st. Swlthin and Other
Good Men Of Ancient Days Who
Supposedly Influenced Sun.
shine and Rain.

In the early summer many nations
commemorate saints who are popu-
larly supposed to have an influence on
the weather. The principal form OF
the belief is that whatever the wealth.
er may be on this particular saints
day so 1t will be for the next 40
days. Among English-speaking peo-
pie the day is July 1, and the saint
is st. Swtthin. the Philadelphia Rec
ord says. The old rhyme is well
known:
st. Swithin's day, II thou dost rain.
For 40 days it will remain.
st. Swithin's day, If thou be fair.
For 40 days twill rain nae mair.
st. Swithin was a native Of Win
chester, who lived about the year 500
and finally became bishop of his city.
His life was exemplary and after his
death the miraculous properties of his
tomb became SO well known that his
body was installed in gorgeous
shrine in the new cathedral. The
ceremony took place on July Is, 971.
so that this date is really the feast az
the translation of st. Swithin. For
while the cathedral was dedicated to
him. but Henry VIII. stripped him Of
that honor. He is buried in the choir
of the present church.
There is nothing in St. Swithin's
history that would make him influen-
tial with the weather, and the same
statement applies to most of the other
saints who have had such honoIs
thrust upon them.
In Germany they have a similar be-
lief concerning the seven sleepers OF
Ephesus. whose day is July 27; while
in Belgium the honor is given to st.
Godelieve. July %. In other places
June Is, ST. Vitus' day, and July (.
the translation of st. Martin, are ao-
credited with q meteorological infiu.
ence. In the United States many peo-
pie think it always rains on July 4,
which is an odd coincidence with
these ancient beliefs, though any con-
nection between them is highly i'm.
probable. In France they have two
days which decide the next 40 days
weather-St. Medard's day, June s,
and SITS. Gervais and Protais' day,
June 10. They also have a proverb
similar to ours, which might be trans
lated:
If it rains on the day of ST. Medard
For 40 days twill rain right hard;
If on SITS. Gervais and Protais,
Twill also rain for 40 days.
They tell of st. Medard a quaint le-
gend which is worth repeating. It
seems he was driving a cart contain
ing number of people, when rain be-
gan to fall. Every one was wet
through except Medard, who was shell.
tered by a great eagle, which came
| swooping down from the sky and made
itself self-propelled umbrella.
1t has been suggested in explana-
ton of these beliefs that in the days
before Christianity our Teutonic an
cestors had some feast, possibly NOV.
able, which was believed to affect the
weather. This pagan festival was so
deeply sunken in the minds of the
people that it survived the antagon-
ism of the missionaries and preach.
ers and took on Christian appear
ance by becoming connected with
some saint revered in each district.
Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-09-29

sci, of my pajama-cord
to see if 1 should go
fore or aft. 1t turned
near-silk and l climbed
to the admiral's bridge.
There he lay, his slip
pers off, in shirt and
trousers, his gray old
head absolved of sea-
vexations. In the cabin
beyond his f1ag-lieuten-
ant nestled in a knit
comforter. Only the
signalman on the look
out by the semaphore
kept watch there near
the brain of the fleet.
Aft trailed that
sweep of comets. The
16 were back again, in
line of squadron, the
drugstore riding-lights
abeam, the truck-lights
white. thus spelling
Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-09-29
What He Was rhInkino OF.

Sick Wife Ito brooding husband)-
Will you miss me when 1 am gone.
John?
Husband-Yes. dear; 1t seems ter.
rible to think of parting with you,
and-and besides, funerals cost SO like
sixty nowadays, should think, for
my sake, you might make special
effort to get well.
Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-09-29

practice cruise and who was there
fore a well-worn man of the world.
But it is better than that
Some time ago they took the green
shades off all the lights in the Off
GERS staterooms, because they shone
through the ports and made the men
of-war look like citizen liners. Even
now the lights shine out of the ports
lawlessly, while the law compels con-
slant flying of the red and green port
and starboard running-lights, as well
as the truck-light that indicates the
Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-09-29

speed and the mastheadlight that indicates
the class of vessel. Then, too, the intricate
system of signals adds confusion, but color, to
the spectacle.
One night shortly after the deck officers
mad gone on duty for the mid-watch, the four
white ardois lanterns at the masthead of the
missouri were turned on. They futtered for
ABOUT mali minute. Then, with three rapid
pulsatlons of the red light at the top, the sig
nal went out and left the fleet riding as be-
FORE like trail of titans phosphorus through
the tropic seas. 81" it was; and ~" means
that man is overheard
Instantly on 16 bridges was sounded the
cry, MAN overheard" and from 16 annunci-
ators SLOW speed" was rung to the engine
rooms The Ohio, which was Just ahead. and
the Maine, which was just astern, flashed
their searchlights the waters about the
troubled ship. From the quarterback and
from the forecastle of the Missouri copper
Ife-buoys were hurled into the sea; these
bore cans of calcium chloride, which burst
into flame as they touched the water-beacons
for the lost sailor.
There was patter of bare feet on the SUI
Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-09-29

ment in the report
of a junior officer.
Happy to report
false alarm. Sea-
man sleeping in side
hammock had night
mare and called out
Man overboard!'"
No, the Missouri
was not reprimand-
ed. The admiral
and his captains
only laughed and
turned in. But I
was awake. 1t was
two bells of the mid
watch and, spread
abroad on the face
of the waters, again
gathering momen-
tum for her flight
around the world,
was that ever-in-
spring, ever-myste-
rious sight-the fleet
at night.
l twirled the tas-
Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-09-29

FLEET of Is battleships
steaming around the
globe affords at night a
spectacle which Bub Wat
kins, the captains cox
swain, calls film" What
do they look like after
dark" l asked before we
started. Like a string
of cheap drug stores"
said the midshipman who
had been way over to
the Mediterranean on his
Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1909-09-29


four sharp orders, a jangling of
tackle, and the life-boat, which hangs
ever ready on davits, swung clear of
the ships side, slipped into the water.
and was rowed swiftly into the ever
widening white circle made by the
neiShboring men-of-war. In the stern
sheets of each life-boat are ALWAYS
provisions for two days and a cask
or fresh water. for frequently in
storm the big ship loses the little one
for many hours, and it is always a
question with the officer of the deck
whether or not he should order away
the boat
AT the same time similar boat
from the Kentucky, the eighth ship in
the line, had cast Off These two
boats, each manned by six oars and a
coxswain, rapidly came together into
the region of the life-buoys. which
could be seen like stars jeweling the
dusky sea. The Missouri and the
FOUR shlps In her rear had veered out
or column. Presently the three ships
ahead veered, as we'll as the eight
steaming a mile away on the star.
board beam. For one man out of L.
oOo the whole fleet was stopping. 1t
seemed unfair; some strain of mercy
foreign to the stored business of
war was hating this world-tour.
Meanwhile. from all that two-mile
square expanse of quiet sea clattar
piled on spectacle, spectacle on won
der wonder on apprehension. appre-
hension on curiosity and curiosity nm
laughter. Now ensued the quickest
job an officer of the deck has IN face
When man falls overheard that of.
ficer has seven separate and distinct
things TO do, all at the same time.
seven, count them. % He flashes
u" on the ardois; (2) he throws bis
helm three points and veers out of
column; CD he stops his engines.
(4) he fires a gun; go he drops the
life-buoys; CO. he orders away the
life-boat; and CD he shifts the white
truck-light, which has previously an.
The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1909-09-17
death OF VIRGIL SKEENS.
Native Of This County Passes Away at
CadettSbUTg After Long Illness.

Virgil Skeens died Saturday after
neon about o'clock at Catletts-
burg. He had not been seriously i'll
but a few days, and only the last
week did it become apparent that his
tine was short on earth. About two
rIUnths ago his health became bad
81 he thought that the climate hare
Was not good for him, and he and
Is family moved to Denver, Colo,
tut returned a few weeks agO/Up
Ia about a week ago he was not con-
fined TO his bed, and was able 10 go
around his residence. The cause Of
his demise is thought TO be tuber-
crlosis.
Virgil Skeens was born in Law
renee county and lived at HOrsford
for many years, at that time being
engaged in farming. He was born
July S, 1879, and Ten Years ago was
married to Miss Ollie Dalton, who,
with an infant girl, Tilie Agnes,
survive him. About two years ago he
moved from this county to Catlelts-
burg and accepted a position in the
freight department at the c. & o.
station. which place he filled with
credit and satisfaction to his en-
pIOyers. In the early spring lie was
promoted from the freight house 10
the position Of baggagemaster, and
held this place until his illness
caused him 10 go TO Colorado
The deceased was a stepson of Geo.
Norris. of FaIlsburg. C:heTs, beside
lis wife and baby. who survive him
are his grandmother, Mrs. Bette
Burns, OF Horsford: an aunt, Mrs.
John Shortridge, OF Chaffee; a cou-
Gin, Miss Fannie Thompson. Of Hors-
ford; and one uncle and three other
aunts.
The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1909-09-17
Prof. George Mcclure.

Prof. George Mcclure, a prominent
~ 'mber Of the Kentucky School for
the D@f and Dumb, was in Louisa
this week, visiting his mother and
ether relatives. He went TO Pike
vile Tuesday evening for the pupils
who live up the river and returned
With them to Danville the next day.
This is Mr.. McClure's thirtieth
year with the Danville school. He
entered it as a pupil and is now its
foremost instructor and has Ea-
t'Onal reputation as a teacher of the
Geaf and dumb. His success, handi-
capped as he is by a serious physical
iuirmity, is phenomenal and should
be an inspiration and incentive to
every youth in the land. By his In
dnmitable energy and pluck Mr.. Nc
Clure has become a man among men,
ard his success is well merited.
Mr.. Mcclure belongs 10 a teaching
fjmily. some occupying high positions
r B. Mcclure, of the Wayne school,
is an uncle, J. B. Mcclure, of the
X n. c.. and Arnoldus Mcclure, OF
Yuma, Arizona, are cousins, and all
three are distinguished in the teach
ing profession. R. C. Mcclure, of
Louisa, a brother, was also teacher.
The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1909-09-17
Why Editors Are Liars.

Did you ever read a wedding notice
that departed much from The follow
ing: Miss EST Mabel Good and Mr..
Sterling Worth were married last
evening at the home Of the brides
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. Swell, on Pros
perity avenue, Rev. Mr.. Big Fed
officiating. Or did you ever read of
school entertainment where the ex-
eTcises did not reflect credit on the
teacher" or Of a social gathering
that was not a most enjoyable
event." or Of a rich red headed girl
whose auburn tresses" were not
much admired, or Of a funeral where
tie deceased was not the embodi-
ment Of all virtues and where the
bereayed relatives did not have the
sympathy Of the entire community
asks the Mayfield Mirror.
Never.
The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1909-09-17
As an Examining Court.

County Judge T. S. Thompson sat
ss an examining court last Friday,
having TO inquire into several cases.
Cne was that Of Jonah Adkins,
charged with planting lead in the
anatomy Of James Diamond, using q
shot gun as the planter. Jonah con-
cluded to await the action of the
grand jury and his bond of 500
was continued
VIII, Fred and Millard, sons Of
Sanders WeIlman, mixed # up with
Bob Jordan and his sons, Labe and
Charley, about September End, near
school or church on lower Twin
Branch. 1t is alleged that during the
fun Charley Jordan's cheek was per-
forated by a bullet fired by Fred
" Gilman. This case was also held
TO the Big r."
The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1909-09-17
HIGH Class CONCERT
On Monday, October 4th, at the Court
House in Louisa.

On the evening of Monday, October
fourth, a concert will be given IN this
city by an organization known as the
Columbia Concert Company. II has
five members, each a solo artist Of
great ability. The Quintette is COM
prsed of first and second violin, or
VIOLA, violoncello, piano and Clari-
net. and the ensemble playing is said
to be unusually fine The young lady
who plays the violin is also an eX-
PERT xylOphOne performer.
The company plays none but first
class music, and, judging from its
specimen programmes, the players are
at home in both classic and 'pOpu-
lar" music. The company comes with
high class credentials both as musi-
clans and ladies' and gentlemen, and
II is believed that. the appearance CT
the Columbia Concert Company in
Louisa will be an occasion long to
re most pleasantly remembered.
This concert will be given under
the auspices of the ladies Of the
southern Methodist Church and will
be for the benefit of that church.
For so worthy cause a concert
given by so fine company should
fill the largest audience room in
Louisa. Singly, the cause or the
attraction is worth more than the
price asked; when united they should
be irresistible. The Court House has
been secured for this occasion, Tick
cts are already offered for sale
The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1909-09-17
another BAD Wreck.
c. { 0. Freight Train Ditched in Low
eT LOHiSa.

A wreck surpassed only by the Ne
cent one on the N. & w. occurred
on the c. & o. on last Saturday aE
ternoon, not far from the canning
factory in the lower end of Louisa
Shortly after the departure of tkf
passenger train for Ashland a hE
double-header freight train of coal
ties and lumber, west bound, passeS
down. 1t reached the point nams4
when the rails spread and ten loades
cars left the track, crashing into
each other and tearing up the track
for considerable distance. One G
the derailed cars smashed into the
canning factory and knocked the
water and gas pipes out of business
The damage, fortunately, was not.
beyond speedy repair.
The crash was heard for a con-
siderable distance, and when the news
became generally known large
crowd visited the scene. No. 3S ar
rived on time but of course could
get no further than the wreck. The
passengers and mails arrived al
right, but those who wanted TO EE
to points beyond Louisa were com
relied to wait for a train from Pike
vile TO carry them. This train came,
along about ten o'clock and returned
to Pikeville the same night.
A wrecking train arrived about g
clock Sunday morning. The ex-
CT rsion train from Pikeville trans
fcrred at this Point. Fortunately M
one was hurt in this wreck, but the
property loss was considerable.
The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1909-09-17
Err COUNTY KENTUCKY SEPTEMBER
A Call From Ashland.

Miss Katherine Freese, of Louisa,
is being solicited by a number OF our.
best families to teach music in Ash
land, The solicitation comes from
those who know of her superior abil-
fly and her superb singing.
After receiving the instruction Of
the best teachers in Cincinnati, both
IN vocal and instrumental courses.
Miss Freese went TO New York and
entered the Walter Damrosch School,
which stands at the head Of all the
musical institutions in the United
States. Only those who can pass a
strong examination, and show more
than ordinary ability, are allowed 10
enter this school The advantages Uf
such training as IS had there are
very great, and Miss Freese has fully
availed herself Of them She is am
hitious and very Industrious, and
likes the work.
Miss Freese is n Young lady Of the
highest character, Of charming per-
sonality, and conscientious teacher
She is a very fine vocalist, having n
rare soprano voice While in New
York she filled several engagements
as soloist, and was most favorably
received. It is hoped that a class
Sufficient TO justify her In coming
here may be offered to her.-Ashlant
Independent.
The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1909-09-17
Killed by Train.

Elcaney Price, who resided near
Neal, on the Zig Sandy river, was
run down by a c. & o. train at
Kenova Saturday night and instant
ly killed. lie had been drinking the
previous day, and It is presumed
he was in an intoxicated condition
when killed. When found a flask
Of whiskey was lying near him.
Prices skull was fractured and he
vas otherwise badly bruised.
The remains were discovered by a
passenger who had alighted from C..
a. o. train No /, which arrives at
KenOya about five O'Clock a. III. The
natter was reported 10 the authori-
ties and the dead man was removed
to the city hall and the remains
prepared for burial, and later taken
TO his home-Commercial.
The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1909-09-17
A Young Artist.

Robert Paul Moore, the 13-year-
old son Of Rev. and Mrs. NJ. II.
Moore, returned Tuestay evening
from Rockport where he had been
for several weeks taking lessons in
srt, and what he has accomplished
with sixteen lessons is wonderful.
One Of his pictures in oil, a dogs
ssich ts as true to nature as
possible to make It, took first
rrize at the Atchison county fair and
4 second was given him at the same
time in crayon work Paul has great
talens and we predict that he is one
OF the coming artists of the age. He
ks a grandson Of Rev. and Mrs. H.
q Bolen and they are justly proud
of the work he has dOMc-Dearborn
IMo) Degiocrat.