davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06

The reader can imagine that II was
lonely. 1t demanded endurance above
the ordinary to defy the summers
heat and winters snowstorms and
billiards., skill in crossing temporary
bridges and dangerous streams with
shifting fords and treacherous quick
sands, which had to be often got over
at night, sometimes swollen torrents,
and horses and riders had to swim,
momentarily liable to ambush by the
ever alert savages, then the monarchs
of the prairies. The reader will under,
stand that the Indian was master OF
all the country outside the rifle range
of a station or fort. This gave to the
very atmosphere a sense Of continual
peril, making possible a death so hor-
rlble that It's possibility was as trying
to the Imagination as capture made its
decree certainty, with all the horrors
Of torture.
That many riders met this fateful
end is history, while other escapes
were simply miraculous. Those who
came out alive on the arrival at n sta
ton often found that one of the riders
had fallen q victim to the savage foe
and had to take up his burden, and in
such cases he had to pound the saddle
over the stiff country for another hun
dred miles. The fact that the dead
body was often somewhere along the
trail, Of course, did not add pleasant
thoughts to the journey. Nothing but a
quick perception and rapidity of action
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
The ANNOYED Golfer.

Sir Harry Johnston, the African ex
plorer, praised in Washington the in.
Vulnerable and superb American golt
courses.
81 never saw anything like it," said
he, land l have but one fault to find
you permit too many persons to prom
enade your links as though they were
public parks. That is very annoying
and also very dangerous.
"These promenaders are often eX-
tremely ignorant of golf. 1t was here
In Washington, 1 believe, that a player
overheard two of them conversing.
"What said a young lady prone
nader, is that man with the club
shouting "Forer' forY
"Her companion, another young lady,
answered:
81 suppose that is the number Of
times he has missed the ball And
doesn't he seem annoyed about it
too?"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
NEW SHORT STORIES
Champ. clark's Kid Won the Bet.

Champ Clark's Kid Won the Bet.
Owing to rapid changes IL the
weather there was an early and -four
Ishing crop of colds this season, and
as coughs and sneezes were heard and
handkerchiefs came often into play
Champ Clark dropped into the story
telling mood. He is an old newspaper
man and always mauifests a kindly in
terest in the newsboys, and anything
that concerns them makes lasting
impression on his memory. He is very
proud Of their keen wit and believes
that the American newsboy has no
equal in repartee or shrewdness.
On the particular morning of the
Btory-in chilly, frosty January-he
was waiting on Il New York dock
while his friend, just over from Eng
land, saw to the collection of his lug
gage. The congressman thought it a
good opportunity to dilate on his IA
vorite theme. The Britisher rather re-
scented his Boosting and said that to his
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
Scarabs In Fashion.

The dull green or brown mummified
beetle worshiped by the Egyptians Is
In high favor as a jewel. 1t is worn
as a pendant, as little finger ring, as
a collar pin and at the back Of the hat
to catch the veil.
The beetle is often surrounded with
a delicately carved gold asp, with head
and tail crossed at the top. Again, it
is set in dull blue turquoise, the
Egyptian stone, or mounted in quot
setting.
There are thousands of ready made
ones on the market, and they suit the
purpose very well unless the fad Is to
last Some women, however, have
brought bac,,- beautiful antiques from
Cairo and(rom Paris, which have been
got through the French trade in Egypt.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
CHOICE MISCELLANY
Not a National Custom.

"Of all your queer American Gus
TOMS" said the Englishman, and you
have many, you know-oh, yes, very
many-the queerest is that of the old
est daughter of the first marriage of a
woman who has been married twice
wearing her mothers first wedding
ring"
GLOW is that?" said the American
woman. "That sounds rather compli-
Gated. | am afraid l didn't just catch
it."
The Englishman repeated.
In the two weeks that | have been
in New York." he elucidated still fur
Their, Il have met four maiden ladies
of thirty-fve to forty-hve years of age
who wore wedding rings. l asked for
an explanation, and each time found
that it was the ring with which the
lady's father married her mother.
When the mother married again she
gave the ring to her oldest daughter.
Don't you think that queer?
81 certainly do" said the American
woman Still, can't believe that it is
a national custom or ! should have
heard Of it before. New York Press.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
Wooden stuffs For NeeIisees.

Nuns yelling, albatross and other
wooden stuffs of similar weight are
we'll liked for simple negligees, wear
ing well, cleansing readily and even
washing satisfactorily. They afford a
little more warmth than silk or cot
ton, yet are not too heavy for well
heated rooms and, being light in color,
are extremely dainty and becoming.
Some pretty robes in pink, blue or
lilac albatross have no trimming save
hens of white satin Misunderstanding
on the albatross, with color matching
this material, or joined to the robe
with openwork stitch of heavy white
silk These models are loose or semi
fitting and have the usual sleeves and
tucks of india silk.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
Troops Formed of FOREIGNERS.

The French Foreign legion is com
posed Of Very heterogeneous lot who
have found Europe too hot for them,
and it is a curious thing that the Ger
man element seems to predominant in
this French force. Most of these Ger
mans are deserters from their own
army though in the legion they soon
find that it is even worse than an Ordi-
nary case of "out Of the frying pan
into the fire" The legion is now al
most the only survival from the days
when kings and governments accepted
the service of foreign troops unless
indeed another instance of the same
kind Is furnished by the pOpe's present
Swiss guard, though this IS composed
of men of first rate character. The
Garde Ecossaise of the kings 'Of
France was another good example OF
those alien mercenaries. The Scots a
hundred in number. who formed for
centuries the bodyguard Of the French
kings had their modern counterpart in
the famous Cent Gardes who senti-
neled the Tuileries under Napoleon III.
London Chronicle.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
Nav Iininn For Goat.

The girl who can't afford to refine
her coat with satin, brocade or silk
may choose a fine quality of French
chintz. She will be astonished at the
artistic and inexpensive result.
She wants to get dainty design of
fine quality and in extra width. Her
coat should be interlined for the mid
winter and this lowered surface put
over it.
She will not feel ashamed to take off
her coat at any smart house or throw
1t back over chair at a restaurant or
theater.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
EootbaII Men In Starvation Glass.

A starvation class has been organ
ized in the department Of physiological
chemistry of the University of Mis-
souri, for the purpose of scientific in
vestigation. A diet of liver, bacon and
sweetbreads is being tried by some,
while others are living on cereals, eggs
and fruit. The different diets are tried
for periods of two days each, and then
the effect upon the members of the
class is noted. Eighteen members Of
the class are on diet among them be-
ing e. L. Miller, captain of the foot
ball team, and "Tubby" Graves, right
tackle.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
p WAS fourteen when I became

On WAS fourteen when / became q
pony express rider. had one
or two adventures in that pur'
suit which may prove interesting
to read. They were certainly inter
estlng enough to me at the time. The
job was worth $125 a month and
meant ceaseless danger.
The Importance Of the pony express
has to a certain extent been lost sight
of, but 1t might be well to impress on
the reader the fact of It's value at that
time in connection with the great trou-
BILE occurring shortly after its incep-
ton between the sections Of our coun-
try-the civil war of 1861. The diff
culties Of communicating with the
newly acquired empire on the Pacific
through the route via Panama or the
passage around Cape Horn would
have left effective information stale,
fat and improbable on account Of the
time, and the fact that the southwest
section was not open for communica-
ton to the Union authorities at Wash
ington emphasized its necessity.
The pony express, by giving the gov
eminent facilities for quick communi-
cation-quick for those days-was en-
abled to keep in touch with every
movement and counteracted in an eff
fectlve manner what might have re-
suited in a separation from us OF our
grand Pacific possessions.
It's service had been repeatedly sug-
gested to congress, but after several
years of agitation 1t failed of govern
ment assistance through the then dis
united aims of many congressional
leaders, and eventually 1t was under
taken by Messrs. Russell, Majors, Wad-
dell & Co. at their own risk and re-
sponsibillty, a public spirited, patri'
otto action for which they never re,
ceived proper financial recognition.
This was the great government
freighting firm under whom had
served as courier between its over
land wagon trains. Its object was to
cover the vast telegraphic gap be-
tween New York and San Francisco
which began at st. Joe, Mo-, and ended
at Sacramento, Cal, with greater
speed, distance of more than 1000
miles through a country totally unin
habited, bar savage Indians. At that
time It took months for congressman
and government officials to reach the
Golden Gate or to arrive at Washing
ton, and it took from twenty-five to
twenty-five days to send a message
from New York to San Francisco
across the continent. 1t had taken
stagecoaches three weeks or more to
go from the Missouri river to Sacra'
mento. By means of relay stations, 20C
In number, employing 600 hardy pO
MES and from eighty to a hundred ex'
pert riders, my employers made it pos
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
"CAN YOU TELL ME THE TIME BY YOUR
NoSEP"

mind the London newsboy was with
out an equal. "He is always ready
with a retort, don't you know, that is
as good as the latest in Punch. The
London newsboys are keen students
of human nature-nOt detail in a
mans appearance is unnoted by them,"
said the Englishman warmly.
Champ turned his quid to the other
side. "YOu just try one Of these New
York kids" he said.
A lad approached to sell paper, and
the Londoner promptly opened fire,
while the boy took an inventory of his
customer.
"Now, my boy" said the English
man, "can you tell me the time by
your nose this morning.
The boy glanced up at the English
mans aristocratic features and, smil-
ing serenely, replied, ASK your own
nose, sir; mine amt runnin'."
The Londoner, somewhat confused,
took out his handkerchief, and moth
ing more ON the subject of newsboys
was mentioned. Champ retired with
the CLEAN Of victory in his eye.-Na-
tional Magazine.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06

"The horses plunge Knocked the man of
his feet"
sible for dispatches and messages writ
ten on tissue paper so as to avoid all
unnecessary weight to be carried that
distance on the backs of swift ponies
In from eight to ten days. The route
chosen Is now traversed by the Union
Pacific railroad in those days an al
most trackless wilderness, swarming
with Indians and highwaymen.
On the Sd Of April, 1859, two riders
started, one from st. joe Mo-, and one
from Sacramento, Cal. At the start
the dispatch bags would be thrown
over pony's saddle. The rider would
mount and ride at top speed to the
Rrst relay station. There fresh pony
would be waiting, on whose back the
aispatch bags would be hastily thrown,
then off again, and so on till the ere
Ilef'' rider would snatch the bags and
,ISSSh off with them for the next lap Of
lie long race. The relays averaged
fifteen miles apart FOrty-five to 105
miles semiweekly each way at full
speed over rough country was riders
daily stunt. Riders started at forty
ave mile trips and as they became
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06

NHCb VTCu'
and seemingly intuitive knowledge
when danger threatened and the angel
Of good luck assisted me to escape
many close call. Several times l
had bullets through my buckskins.
twice through my saddle, and on one
occasion my sturdy mount received a
bad flesh wound. On two occasions
my good craftsmanship saved me at
the expense Of the roster Of the Sioux
braves by sending two at different
times to their happy hunting grounds
On several occasions / had to resume
the route of slaughtered couriers, nota-
bly, on one occasion which stands as
possibly q record in the story of this
dangerous duty.
While riding between the Red
Buttes of the Platte and the Three
Crossings of the Sweetwater 1 had
what was considered most difficult
and lonely route. On reaching Three
Crossings / found the rider of the
next division had been killed the night
before, which necessitated my cover
lux LIS IOulC, anu VII III LLGLC luC
rider who should have been ON hand
had not turned up, having been killed,
as was afterward ascertained, so |
was compelled to ride the two routes
without stop, except for meals and
change of horses, successfully making
the journey Tor round trip without
Sleep only stopping to change horses
and snatch hasty meal. This ride
created a sensation, so l will quote
from an authority best able to place
1t on record as historical fact-name-
ly, Alexander Majors himself in his
book of Seventy Years on the From
tier"
Among the most noted and daring
riders Of the pony express was Hon.
William #. Cody, better known as
Buffalo Bill whose reputation Is now
established the world over. While en-
gagged in the express service his route
lay between Red Buttes and Three
Crossings. 1t was most dangerous,
long and lonely trail, including peril
Gus crossings Of swollen and turbulent
streams. An average of fifteen miles
an hour had to be made, including
change of horses, detours for safety
and time for meals. Once upon reach
Ing Three Crossings he found that the
rider on the next division had been
killed during the night before, and he
was called on to make the extra trip
until another rider could be procured
This was q request the compliance
with which would involve the most
taxing labors and an endurance few
persons are capable Of. Nevertheless
young Cody was promptly on hand for
the additional journey and reached
Rocky Ridge, the limit of the second
route, on time. This round trip of
821 miles was made without a stop,
except for meals and to change horses
and every station on the route was
entered on time. This Is one Of the
longest and best ridden pony express
Journeys ever made the entire dis
lance 321 miles, being covered in 81
hours and 30 minutes"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06

1t was Sunday evening, and there
was a lot of company.
David's mother had sent him upstairs
to get some plum jam for supper.
1t took the lad long time to get to
the third floor, but when he did reach
the closet where the jam was kept it
took him even longer to get started
back-not that he was afraid, but that
he was somewhat interested in the
Jam.
Finally he returned with his face
and hands somewhat the worse for
plum jam.
His mother took the sticky jar and
surveyed him critically.
"Did you eat any jamY she asked.
"Yes'm," was the lads reply.
"And what did you do with the
stonesp she asked again.
81 put 'em back in the jar" he an
swered innocently. -Lippincott's.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06

In PhilSdeiphia's public school gym
nasiums instruction is being given pu-
pills, especially girls, on how to alight
properly from street cars. The course
is approved by the street railway man.
ayers. who believe that it will not only
prevent accidents, especially among the
female passengers, but will assist ma
terially in increasing the speed of the
cars through the crowded sections.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06

Spain's industry of bullfighting is
seriously menaced owing to trust"
formed by the matadores, and the
Spanish public is greatly alarmed at
the possibility that its most popular
amusement will be abolished. For
some time the matadores have been
dissatisfied with the rate of pay con-
coded by managers of bull rings, and
they have demanded increased re1nu-
neratlon in view of the savage char
acter of many of the bulls.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06

Eva-Harry proposed while skating.
He knelt on the ice ten minutes, and
then accepted him suddenly,
Edna-Because he told you his heart
was melting?
Eva-No, because the ice was melt
ing.-Detroit Tribune.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06

Henry Slayton of Stowe caught a
crow the other day that measured 81
inches from tip to tip of wings, was
26 inches around the body, and
weighed three pounds.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
a& d:''s~

Hitherto the population of japanese
towns of the empire as a whole has
been estimated from the official rec
ords of births and deaths and other
documents, but it has now been ar
ranged to make municipal house to
house investigation, commencing at
Kobe
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
uninus Goat For Young Girl.

The youngsters of this winter are
wearing all manner Of attractive look
ing top garments and hats. The sketch
shows a unique coat that should find
favor with many mothers as a model,
1t is of black velveteen with collar and
flaps of dull green cloth. Down the
front and across the sleeves is braid
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
A MODEL IN BLACK vEIvETEEN.

ing that looks like Japanese letters
done in dull green silk soutache. The
shoulder seam is made by a panel that
extends from the sleeve The hat is
a turned down sailor mushroom, trim
med with an immense green thistle in
front and black velvet around the
crown
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
1RppD DE CHIME USED FOR BoDIoEs.

CREPE DE CHINE USED FOR BoDICEs.
are long and fall well over the hand.
The skirt is made in three pieces, and
darts are used in fitting 1t smoothly
over the hips. The back is made In
panel effect, and the tab extensions on
the front give the skirt a pretty finish.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
RemarkabIs Ruralar Proof Safe.

hS'Hph NoS'S S'' S'N'
The most remarkable burglar proof
safe In the world was recently placed
IN bank at Newburg, N. Y. At night
the safe is lowered by cables into an
impregnable metallic lined subvault Of
masonry and concrete.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
Good Reason.

"Have you heard that Jim has quit
smoking?"
mo"
yes. You see, he is a little near
sighted, and the other day he emptied
his pipe in a powder barrel"-BroVNR
ing's Magazine.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
ali ir,itino Hatpin,s Lenoth.

Bill Limiting Hatpin's Length.
A bill has been introduced in the
Oregon legislature, according to
Portland dispatch, prohibiting the use
Of hatpins longer than ten inches.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06
The Tribune Farmer

Is the best Agricultural paper. 1t comes
every week. For $3.50 we send THE AGE
and Tribune Farmer for one year. To new
subscribers, both papers for $1.25 for one
year.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1909-02-06

TO RI "A.
a..,.h. ,Ths Kind You Have Always BOugih
'is, Z GZ1H2zzMI
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1909-03-28

The steamer South Bay is due to
arrive here today from San Fran
cisco.
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1909-03-28

The steamer Northland was among
the early getaways from this port
yesterday morning, leaving out at an
early hour.
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1909-03-28
He BELIEVES N THE OLD
DIRT ROAD
INTERESTING TESTIMONY AS
TO WHAT CAN BE DONE
WITHOUT ROCK,

! There are a goodly number who
contend that the natural dirt reads
| in Clatsop county may be made very
seryieablc, and the expense Of rock
ing roads is not always necessary,
Some say that the natural roads have
never even been given 4 real trial in
this county; that il, dirt roads Of the
kind that should Be built, with high
rounding crowns and a perfect drain
age, Judge Bowlby is a firm believer
| in the dirt roads II built properly, and
Yesterday he brought a clipping into
this o.hee from newspaper in Wash
ington county, as follows:
"'rhe soil OF this part OF Oregon
is a deeomposed balsaltic rock, which
when wet and mixed by travel and
smoothed and mixed, again smooth
ed and dried forms a cement and
when rounded up so the water can
not stand on it and so treated will
make roadbed nearly as hard as
solid rock.
Unfortunately we have rock in this
end OF the county and the feeble and
spasmodic efforts to make rock roads
have been the ruin Of our roads, In
the first place their basaltie r6ck is
very little OF it hard enough for road
making, In very short time it
griuds up into mud and the road is a
succession Of chuck holes and ruts,
Next place the county isn't able to
maeadamize all OF her roads and then
keep them in repair. Multnomah with
an abundance Of money and 90 or 20
prisoners to help and rock and gravel
may do it but not Washing.
ton with its large area and scant
supply Of poor rock
at isn't fair to compare Oregon
roads with those OF England, Scot
land or Germany; for when Oregon
has been settled as long and becomes
as densely populated as those eoun-
tries she viii very likely have just as
good roads. Meanwhile let us make
the best Of the material at hand. Grub
out the roots, throw up a good even
grade, not so wide than it cannot
be kept rounding, put in culverts
where the water must cross the roads
make outlets for the standing water,
then keep the roadbed smooth and
rounding with the log drag. Eternal
vigilance is the price of a good road.
Don't wait till there are mud holes
before starting the drag, but smooth
up every time it gets worked up.
Any holes too large to fll with the
drag can be filed by the scraper. n
these directions are followed and no
place left on the road for the water
TO stand, and then use wide tire
wagons and you viii find your road
getting better every year and you
wouldn't trade it for any rock road
ever built in Oregon"
The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1909-03-28

that the ex-Presidsn, and his party
are TO travel in search Of big game
and he states that the course Is pFae
tieally free from dangers and dilhtui.
ties that are commonly supposed to
beset the way.
Roosevelt will probably get some
very good hunting" said Mr.. Farrell.
but he will NOT get much else in the
way OF excitement"
Farrell added that the district was
practically free from malaria and
other tropical diseases. The climate,
however, is trying to the nerves. he
said