davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
Snake Infested Canyons.

This is said by old timers to be the best year for rattlesnakes--or the worst--in the history of the county. The canyons are full of them. and snake stories are heard on all sides.
 On that part of the Guadalasca ranch known as the De Grasse tract there are number of tumbledown shacks. Recently Charles Pitcher, who lives in the neighborhood, had business on the place and in visiting the shacks found and killed big rat. tIesnake He heard another and be fore he was through he had killed ten
 His experience was told to the Pid duck brothers, who had themselves farmed that tract. The Pidducks had their doubts and went to investigate They killed IT snakes. They heard more, but could not stand the war any longer and turned the thing over to the crew of the Donlon brothers threshing machine, camped in that neighborhood. The threshers turned out the following Sunday and killed a total of 27 rattlers among the old buildings. That made 54 killed there. Los Angeles Times.
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
WHITE ANTS DESTRUCTIVE
They Eat Away Support Timbers of Military Buildings In
 Philippines.

White ants have wrought great de- struction at Schofield hall at Fort Will liam Mckinley, and it has been neces- sary to temporarily brace the building to prevent it from collapsing. The chief damage has been done to the timbers and braces of the rear portion of the structure, and pending repairs the use of the rear gallery has been forbidden.
 It was feared that if many persons used the balcony at one time the whole structure would collapse. The destructive work of the ants was dis covered several weeks ago, but it was not thought that the building was in dangerous condition. closer ex- animation made several days ago, however, revealed the startling fact that many of the heavy timbors were almost entirely eaten away and that under any strain would have fallen to pieces.
 Prompt steps wtre taken to make the building safe. Special braces were placed at several points and arrange ments are now being made to replace the honey-combed pieces
 The residence of the governor gen eral at Malacanan has also been found to be in very bad condition, and repairs are necessary to prevent it's collapse. Experts from the bureau of public works have decided that it will be unsafe for the new governor gen eral to occupy the building until a large amount of reconstruction work has been done.
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
FAIR EXCHANGE NO ROBBERY
Rumania Gets Our Sweet Corn and Gives to Us Her Little
 Melons.

America's sweet corn as been trad. ed for Rumania's little watermelons. Horace c Knowles, ex-American min tster to Rumania, who is soon to start for his new post as minister to Nica- ragua, consummated the transaction in the interest of good living.
 When Mr Knowles found the mel on, about the size of a grapefruit, growing in the Carpathian foothills, be realized that it would be just the thing to serve individually in America.
 He obtained quantity of the seed and transmitted it to the department of agriculture The little melons have been cultivated with success at the government experiment stations in those regions where huge American melons are grown.
 Having gained this desirable deli cacy from Rumania, Mir. Knowles was anxious to repay the gift. He noticed that the people were utter strangers to sweet corn Accordingly he ob- tained seed for this product from the department of agriculture, hired sew eral plots of ground himself, and in- structed the Rumanians in it's culture. Philadelphia Inquirer.
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
he ATE IT, AFTER ALL.
oreuchy Bridegroom Got Away with
 pespisei Lamb Stew.

What! Lamb stew for dinnerT'' hissed the bridegroom. looking aghast at the large platterful which the bride had proudly set before him. T al ways hated it!"
 The bride knew that the stew was good, for she could cook, having learned of her mother and never hay Ing been inside the doors of cook ing school But she said nothing: she had seen her mother manage her father
 The next day the bride considered the stew problem.
 T cannot afford to give it to char. ity,' she murmured (meaning the garbage pail, which covers multi tude of the cooks sins), ESQ now III put to use my college education" She knew that things could be separated into their component parts; she also knew all about the doctrine of rein carnation.
 When the bridegroom sat down to dinner that evening a happy smile overspread his face as he tasted the renovated soup, made from stew gravy, the rescued fried potatoes, the rejuvenated carrots and the converted curried lamb.
 Now, this is something like" he exclaimed.
 The bride smiled.
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
PARADISE FOR sUFFRAeIsrs
A Little Corner of the Sahara Desert Where Feminsm Is In
 Full Swing.

A French explorer just returned from Africa has addressed an open letter to Mile. Laloe and to the woman doctor Mme Pelletier, the great advo- cates of woman's rights advising them 10 leave at once for the Sahara, or rather to that district inhabited by the tribt called Tuaregs.
 The Tuaregs, says the explorer. are crafty, cruel and treacherous, but they are ardent apostles of feminism The Tuareg women are indeed privileged beings. They have camels of their own, which their husbands are not al- lowed to mount, and their household duties are, so to say, nil.
 They are allowed to have an ad- mirer who saddles their camels and runs errands for them. According to the Gentlewoman, the attitude of this admirer must remain strictly platonic, for if he starts making love to the lady the husband flies into temper, and an angry Tuareg becomes a dam gerous creature.
 According to the laws of the coun- try the Tuareg woman need not fol- low her husband unless she wants to do so, nor is she compelled to serve her spouse She is educated, for she can read. and this accomplishment not shared by the other six, gives her privileged position in so far that she acts as judge or arbitrator in all diff cult cases.
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
CACTUS PATCH IN MICHIGAN
Plant Is Supposed to Have Been Brought North by
 Indians.

Located in the northern portion of Blue Lake township, in Michigan, GOV erlng an area of several acres and preventing to great extent the sue cessful farming of the land in that vicinity, is an immense patch of cac- Jus of the prickly pear variety. Naturally growing only in the warmer portions of America, the spread of the Dlg patch in the extreme northern part Of Muskegon county has been the cause of no little comment, and the stories of its origin are numerous.
 Nearly half century ago c. F. Wheeler, connected with the agricul tural department at that time, in go- ing over Muskegon county happened upon this strange cactus patch. He pronounced the plant a native of Ari- zona and was able to explain it's pres ence in Michigan only on the theory that some Indian tribe, either migrat- ing here willingly or driven northward rather than become enslaved to some more powerful tribe, had brought the plant.
 Legends of how the cactus was brought to this country are still told by the residents of Blue Lake. who have heard from time immemorial the stories of it's origin from the lips of aged Indians, who 50 years ago were numerous in the county. The Indians used to say that the cactus was brought from Arizona here by the band of zuni Indians, who, conquered by another of the minor tribes, were forced to acceEt exile or slavery.
 The date of this coming to Michi- gan was placed by these Indians as about the year 1400 from estimates made in the stories told them by their forefathers, and to prove their state ments that the cactus was the best of food they would burn off the barbs and make various native dishes of them. In spite of the climate here the cacti seems to flourish in the dry re- gions of Blue Lake and in the last few years have been extending the area which they cover.
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
IN THE CHILDISH MIND.
Little Girls Answer Left Questloner
 Still Wondering.
The bride smiled.

Several little tots in Sunday regalia were having the time of their life with a skipping rope made from 2 pair of worsted horse lines. One little belle of the future was jumping ener- getically, but being an amateur her small feet always came down the wrong time. The lines would invarla bly, catch ia her hat much to the lit tie lady's disgust and the general dis tigurement of silky flowers and finely woven straw.
 At several repetitions of this an on. locker went to her assistance. After seconds grave consideration she agreed that 1t would be better for the hat if 1t were allowed to rest on the stoop. Her companions caught the idea at once. With shrieks of laughter an avalanche of sweet flushed childhood bore down upon the GUS todian of the millinery.
 Two hats were identical In every particular, and when the owners came to claim these. they. too. were duplI cates.
 You are twins, aren't your" ex claimed the woman. Whereupon one of the dainty bundles of scented linen disdainfully replied: NO. maam we're girls"
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
Falcon in London Streets.

The escape of pet eagle which has lust provided residents in the neigh borhood of Hoxton with a sensation in the form of hunt across the house tops, is a reminder (writes a corre. spOndenD that for many years the spire of the adjoining church at shcreditch. ronularly known as the ors' chure'., was the home of | con which took up it's abode there all times and in all weathers.
 The appearance of q falcon in the crowded streets of London is rare ectaele-as rare almost as the snipe Snlch some time ago were seen treering over the Marylebone road by a obseryant naturalist, or the swan which was gracefully preening it's iFathers on the roof of train stand 'fg In Luton station. Several years 'so buzzard visited the metropolis aad greatly astonished some workmen 7no were engaged upon the roof of Vae of the buildings of the house of commons. London Daily News.
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
Half a Century of Oil.

Fifty years ago, toward tho end of August. 1859. Edwin l.. Drake sank the first petroleum well at point on oil creek near where Titusville, Pa, now fiourishes. This was the begin ming of the industry which has reached such stupendous proportions Steps have just been taken by the cit izens of Titusville to celebrate the semi-centennial of an event the impor- tance of which is not second to any in the economic history of the United States. Fifty years of petroleum have wrought revolution, first in artificial illumination throughout a large part of the civilized world, while in the enormous growth of the automobile industry another direct result of Drake's drilling is observable. OH fuel for ships. locomotives and ste tionary engines Is still in it's infancy. So far as by-products of petroleum are concerned, they are as varied and as valuable as the byproducts of coal tar
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
F.sllRE OF zuYDER zEE SHERIDAN HOME A GROCERY
Mansion of the Famous General Was Once the Center of Social
 Gayeties.

One by one the oldtime mansions which housed prominent families of the Chicago of more than two and three decades ago are being aban- doned to make way for the invasion of commerce. In each division of the city stately, old fashioned homes some of them of brown stone and others of white marble fronts-have been razed to make room for business structures Still others have been turned into boarding houses and one large residence in the west division 0f the city. which was one of the show places thirty or more years ago will be remodeled for laundry pur poses.
 Surprise was caused recently when announcement was made of the pur. chase by John Barton Payne of the former residence of Gen. Philip H. Sheridan at 2007-09 Michigan avenue In this day and generation there are many who will be surprised to learn that the hero of the ride Ito Winches- ter, twenty miles away" was at one time after the war real bona fide resident of Chicago and a property owner here.
 The house formerly was the center of social gayeties and within its walls many celebrities of the civil war have been entertained by the general and Mrs. Sheridan. The generals last years were passed in Washington where he had the companionship of Gen. w. T. cold Tecumseh') Sher- man, and other famous warriors.
 The Sheridan house in Michigan avenue is of brick and stone and the ground floor is occupied by grocery store at present
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
Cures Blood, Skin Diseases, Eczema
 Greatest Blood Purifier Free.

If your blood is impure. thin, diseased, hot or full of humors, if you have blood poison, cancer, eating sores, scrofula, eczema, itching, risings and pumps, swell ings or superating sores, scabby pimply skin, ulcers, bone pains, catarrh, rheumatism. or any blood or skln disease, take Bot anic Blood Balm (B.B.B.) Soon all sores heal. aches and pains stop and the blood is made pure and rich. Druggists or by express Sl per large bottle, Sample free by writing Blood Balm Go , Atlanta, Ga. B. B. B. IS es pecially advised for chronic, deep seated cases of blood or skin diseases, as it cures after all else fails. Sold in Mena, Ark, by w. c. Vandiver.
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
How He Was Identified,

There's queer case" remarked an upper Broadway statue as man pass ed and nodded to him. That chap is a twin. and I've known him ten years, but I'm blessed if 1 can tell at this minute whether it's Jack or Jim. They're as alike as two peas--and they always dress alike"
 The twin entered nearby cafe, and some minutes later emerged and re- traced his steps.
 Hello, Jack; how are you?" said the Broadway statue, grasping his hand. Glad to see you. How's Jim?"
 Thought you couldn't tell 'em apart?" said the statues companion.
 T couldn't then. But the minute he went through that door I knew him. Jim never drinks. s."--New York Globe.
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
s LUCKY NUMBER
ARTISTS
Alma-Tadema Declares That Seven teen Has Been Connected with
 iiis Good Fortunes.

Alma-Tadema confesses to super. stition concerning the number IT. My wife was r when I first met her. he says, "and the number of the house to which l took her when we were married was IT. My present home did bear the same number and the first spade put to the work of building it on August IT. This was in 1885.
 T had then been in possession of the place for three years, during that time designing and making plans and sketches for the house. On November IT, 1886. we took up our residence there"
 The artist says that in 1864 he re- ceiyed visit from the English pie ture dealer Gambart-il principe Gam barti, as they used to call him in Italy. He was held in great respect by artists.
 T remember him on that first visit to me-" the artist goes on. standing before my easel, on which I had posed my Coming Out of Church, and say ing: Did you paint that picture for the Vanderdonkts?
 T assured him of the fact. He asked me if they had seen 1t and what was the price. I told him that they had not seen it as yet.
 "Well, them said Gambart, m take it; and let me have a couple of dozen of that kind at progressive prices each half dozen' It was really as if he had been buying bales of cot ton.
 -Four years did it take me to carry out Gambarts first commission, and the day arrived when Gahbart again paid me a visit.
 "' want you he said, to paint me another four dozen pictures on the same condition of rising value
 q consented and did my best not to jisappoint him. The Vintage was painted as one of them, and when the dealer saw it, perceiving that it was 3 far more important canvas than any of it's predecessors work too that had cost me far more time and labor he at once insisted upon paying for it the figure which was to have been given for the last half dozen"
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
The day has gone by when the tol

The day has gone by when the tor. pedo can be regarded as an unreliable instrument of war of strictly limited use. To-day the British navy is about to De equipped with torpedo which will carry destructive charge of up ward of 200 pounds, and will possess an effectice range of over 1000 yards. which it will be able to cover at an average speed of S1 knots. Such Q weapon is bound to influence battle tactics, owing to its range and tine accuracy with which it runs. The new torpedo, in association with i'm. proved gunney methods, has already banished the familiar six-inch gun from the newer battleships and battle ship cruisers s--Cassier's Magazine.
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
noNKEY AS AN AUTHORS PET
Inc Owned by Chatesubriand Tore Up Ills Manuscript and Stole
 His Orders.

A Paris contemporary dealing with .be love of great men for animals Hives an amusing account of Chateau 4riand and his monkey. When he was ugaged in preparing Fontanes' works Hw the press on returning one day he as met by his monkey.
 "Ah. you rogue" said Chateau riand, your shamefaced look tells of ischief." The monkey was chained ho, but as things did not appear much disturbed Chateaubriaud thought no |,ore of the matter until it was time |to resume work. Fontaues' manu- |scyipts were not to be found. At last Chateaubriand looked into the waste paper basket and there were he manuscripts. The monkey had |watched his master. and as he had keen him fold a sheet of paper and tear fl into four, so he had dealt with |fontanes' writings. With much labor they were pieced together and after
 ward published.
 Chateaubriand thought it advisable il see what else the monkey had t1ne. His orders had disappeared
 from a drawer which was always Iept closed. The servants searched everywhere for them, but they were lot to be found Nearly week eiansed before thpv wqra traced and lhen a domestic noticed that the monkey had suspended them to the eornice in a quasi symmetrical way
 The monkey was given his conge end Chateaubriand replaced him by a cat, which was allowed a place on his masters writing table. and great was the pleasure which he derived in play
 ing with puss.
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
BUILDING SOCIETIES GROW
Big Increase in Their Membership and Assets for Year Is
 Reported.

According to a report read at the States League of Building and Loan Associations, held in Philadelphia re gently, there are 5,599 local building and loan associations in the United States, with total membership of 1,920,557 and assets of $7S4,175, ,753, Bradstreet's says. This is an increase in membership over last year of S1,- l3S, and an increase in assets of $52.- 667 ,307 The total receipts were $519.- 721,570, and of this amount $134,085, TO was loaned out on mortgages, as against $209 ,925,072 in the preceding year. Some idea of the economical manner in which these associations are conducted may be gained when it is stated that the total expense of op- eration of all the 5,599 organizations was equal to seven-tenths of one per cent. of their assets. Membership and assets increased in 20 of the states, Pennsylvania leading with I .423 associations, SS9,446 members, $15S,510,745 assets and 14,496 increase in membership Ohio is second. with 645 associations, 327 662 membership New Jersey is third, with AT asso- citations. 156,306 members, $73,51S,234 assets (increase in one year, $5,715,- 72S) and 12,420 increase in member ship. Illinois is fourth. Massachu- setts fifth and New York sixth, with 235 associations. 10s,200 members, $S9 .l62 ,602 assets dncrease, s1,529,- 439) and 750 increase in membership. Population considered. the associa- tions made their greatest growth in New Jersey
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
corked Eqqs.

"An ostrich egg" said the sailor costs 10 cents tn South Africa It's eoual to about two dozen chicken eggs, and lasts close on to a week.
 "Out there you open your ostrich egg by maxim small hole in tho point. You shake out as much con tents as you need, and then you plug mn the openin' with cork and stand tba egg away in the refrigerator tih It's needed again.
 Plugged carefully, an ostrich egg vii, supply a weeks breakfast oihN' lettes without goin' bad.
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
Be Square.

The young man who is tempted to depart from the straight path is apt to imagine that to get and spend stolen money is an easy way to live. But it is, in fact, the hardest way of all The awful consciousness of guilt presses continually down upon the mind There is ghost of remorse and apprehension at every feast. a knife thrust of guilty consciousness in everv moment of otherwise happy hours with those who love and trust the unworthy one, a silent but un- banishable companion of rebuke and condemnation in every time of soli. tude-the last thought at night, the first in the morning, the terrifying dream of troubled and disjointed sleep p.-Indianapolis Star.
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
LOYAL TO HIS DREDGE
A Panama Canal Foreman, Badly Hurt, Made Happy by It's
 Splendid Record.
An army officer who had been in

An army officer who had been in Panama recently tells this story:
 Laurent Roquebert had been general foreman of dredging at the Pacific en- trance to the canal for 20 years. He had gone to the isthmus under the old French company and had remained on the job ever since. A short time ago he was badly crushed in one of the dredges and lay in critical condition in the Ancon hospital. One of the engineers went to see him.
 How many yards?" said the in. jured man feebly, referring to the dredging record for the month. When told that they had taken out more cubic yards than in any previous month he smiled and whispered
 And the Gopher, what did she dor" The Gopher like the dredgemaster. was handed down to the Americans by the French. This old dredge of the Scotch ladder type had been at work at the Pacific entrance almost con- tinuously for 25 years. The French man for years was master of this dredge and he gloried in the fact that 1t was the best on the job. A few months before he met with the acci. dent, however, dredge No. 1 of the Colon fleet had surpassed the old French relics record. That pained Roquebert and he had watched deyel- opments anxiously month by month.
 "The Gopher? Why, she holds the record by more than 5000 yards" was the visiting engineers reply to the question:
 The dredgemaster closed his eyes, smiled and said: I'm very happy"
The Mena weekly star., 1909-09-30
Woman Structural iron Worker.

"I just got tired of working around the house and being away from my husband all day long"
 That explains why Mrs, Eva Talberf. 27, pretty bride left her cosy cottage in Canton to learn the dangerous struc- sural iron working trade.
 Go down to 311 Main street and you can see the only woman in tle world who follows this hazardous work high in the air on five-story building risk. ing life and limb, helping Harry Tal bert, her brawny husband. put up fire escapes.-C Cincinnati Commercial Trih une.