davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
THE BAsILIsK.
How the Fabulous M7rsesr Was Pies
tured by Ancient Writers.

How the Fabulous M5ns.sr Was Pies
tured by Ancient Writers.
The basilisk was the most famous
of the many fabulous monsters of me-
diaeval folklore. According to the
popular notion, it was matched by a
toad from an egg laid by the cock of
the common barnyard fowl. In the
ancient picture books 1t was usually
represented as an eight lfmbed SER
pent or dragon, sometimes with and
sometimes without wings. Its name
is derived from basiliscos, meaning
little king. and was applied because
the creature was figured with circle
of white spots on its head which much
resemblei crown. The cockatrice, q
species of basilisk, besides having a.
crown, possessed comb which was
an exact counterpart of the cocks.
Pliny assures US that the basilisk
had a voice which struck terror to
the hearts Of men, beasts and ser
pents' The Bible classes it with the
Lion, the serpent and the dragon as
one Of the most formidable creatures.
Old writers-Pfiny, Bascho and others
say that its bite was mortal In every
case, that its breath was suffocating
and that no plant would grow In the
vicinity of its lair. It's dead body
was often suspended inNbelfries to pre-
vent swallows from building there.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
A pimcuIt Task.

One Of the greatest puzzles, said a
member of parliament, is how to con-
cede the most worthy and honorable
intentions to an opponent, how to pro-
fess an answering and unfading be-
lief in his incorporating veracity
and bona fides and at the same time
to convey distinct conviction that he
is an impostor and humbug of the
first water and an accomplished Ana
MAS carrying welter of thirteen stone
seven pounds In the mendacity handi-
cap.-London Opinion.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
Real Estate Sales.

Auctioneer Dodd sold at public out
cry Saturday afternoon the Capt. E. l..
Hoffman home farm, near Bunker Hill
containing los acres to his daughters
for s6S.15 per acre. The lower farm
on Mill Greek belonging to the same
estate was bid up to SAT an acre and
Withdrawn. 1t will be offered for sale
again next Saturday afternoon in
front OF the court house.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09

Officials of the Pennsylvania rail-
road recently made public plans for
the construction Of the largest bridge
in the world. 1t will connect the MAIN
land Of New York with Long Island
and with its approaches viii be three
miles long. The points to be connected
are Port Morris and the Long Island
shore at Woodside. The greatest span,
over Hell Gate channel, win be a
thousand feet long. 1t viii be 40 feet
over the water. permitting the passage
of the tallest vessels.
The structure will connect with the
New Haven tracks at Port Morris and
with the Pennsylvania tracks In Queens
county and the connecting railroad that
encircles Brooklyn. Work is to be be-
gun as SOON as the Fernsylvania ter
minal in New York city Is completed.
When the bridge and itT connections
are made, through trains viii be run
from New England points to the south
by using it and the Long island tunnel
and the Hudson river tube.
At present only few passenger
trains are run from Boston to the
south. They are carried around New
York city from the New Haven yard
at One Hundred and Thirtieth street
to the Pennsylvania station in Jersey
City upon car float.
The bridge as planned in many re-
spects is one of the most daring and
remarkable engineering structures ever
proposed, says the New York Ameri-
can. The entire structure. except the
piers for the arch, win be of steel, hav-
ing an estimated weight of $4,000
tons. The novel feature OF the plans
is that the train floor of the bridge In
stead of resting on the crown of the
arch is hung from 1t. The crown is
800 feet above the water and the floor
about half that distance.
1t VIII have four tracks, two for pas
senger trains and two for freight, and
is designed for live loads on each of
the tracks of two 100 ton locomotives,
followed by a uniform load of 5000
pounds per linear foot. The floor car
ried by the arch will have deep grid
ers under the tracks and crossbeams
at the posts interiaced with diagonal
bracfng.
The main arch Is to be ffanked by
piers from which will rise double tow
ers 200 feet high. The towers win be
Of massive proportions, with the lower
portion of granite and the upper Of
concrete. The main body Of the piers
will be filed with earth and stone to
provide sufficient weight to counterfeit
the thrust Of the arch.
Expansion and contraction Of the
structural work, due to changes in the
weather, had t. be taken care of. By
carefully arranging the members Of
the arch the movement at the crown
is only few inches, while in the track
door two special expansion Joints arc
fitted that prevent the floor from NOV
ing under the action Of a train starting
or stopping on the bridge.
Original plans for the bridge were
drawn by former Commissioner Of
Bridges Gustave LSndenthal. He sub
mitted them to the municipal art COM
mission. and after months Of consider
alton they were approved. 1t Is esti-
mated to cost between fifteen and
twenty million dollars.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
BRITISH PRINCES.
Very Different From the King In Elk
emption From Laws.

So privileged is the king of England
in his exemption from any and every
law that one would naturally expect
bis children might do pretty much as
they like. But Englishmen have al
ways been very jealous Of royal per-
sonages, and the fact is that princes
enjoy very few privileges indeed A
prince of the royal blood may be fined.
like any ordinary mortal, il his motor
car exceeds the legal limit Of speed.
The Prince of Wales cannot be sueo
personally for debt. Ii the debt is noi
paid the creditor may take out sum-
mons, but he must summon the treas
urer, not the prince. IL the case goes
against the treasurer the money is paid
out of the princes assets.
No child of the king who is under
twenty-five can marry without the
kings consent. Surprising, however,
prince over twenty-five desired to marry
and the king refused his consent, then
the prince could give notice of his in
tention to the privy council. After that
he would have to restrain his patience
for whole year. If during that time
either the house of lords or the house
of commons disapproved of the mar
riage it could not take place. But Ii
both houses of parliament were salts
fed the prince could marry the woman
of his choice.
A prince has not even the right to edu-
cate his own children, for 1t WIS long
ago laid down that the king has the
care and education of his grandchil+'
dren while they are minors.-London
telegraph
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
The arsksman's Advice.

Down In Maine Is a town called
Burnham, situated on small branch
railroad that joins the main line at
Durham Junction. One day as the
train approached the latter place the
brakeman entered the car and in his
usual stentorian tones went through
his regular rigmarole when a station
and junction are reached.
''Burnham Junction. he shouted.
"Burnham Junction. Change cars for
Burnhaml Leave no articles In the
cart Burn'am. Burn'smw - Lippin-
colts.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
ROMANCE IN WEDDING
General Frazer Becomes Victim Of
cupids Dart at First Meet
ina VIE FInanee,

Mr.. and Mrs. Eugene Van Rensse
lear, OF Glenn LIta. Berkeley Springs
have announced the engagement Of
their daughter Elizabeth to Gen. James
Carroll Frazer Of Morganbown, this
state.
Miss vanRenssellsar Is a grind
daughter OF the late Gen Stephen
Van Rensselaer, Of the Manor House,
Albany, n. Y. Her maternal grand
father was the late Or E. B. Pendle.
ton, of Martinsburg
Miss Van Rensselaer, spends her
summers at the beautiful home of her
father at Berkeley Springs and the
winter season at Washington and New
York, where che 10 a society fayorite,
She lis connected with some OF the
most prominent families IN this sec
ton and has many friends here.
General Frazer Is himself a descend
ant Of the Carroll family Of Mary
land, and Is native q Martins
! rrg. and has many friends here
where he opent many years, removing
only few years ago to MorgantoWn
where he has since made his home.
The general IL the ranking officer on
Governor Dawsons staff and enjoys
an exte1give law practice Ia tha state
lie Is prominent in politics and took
an active part IN the late campaign.
The wedding will be solemnized in
Washington some time during the
month OF February.
A special dispatch sent out from
Morgantown. puts a rather romantic
turn to the engagement and is as for
lows.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
TO REVISE SCHOOL LAWS.
school Men Will Recommend Bill to
Legislature.

Superintendent G. w. Brindle left
1ais morning for Clarksburg to attend
"A convention of school men OF the
state to be held this evening and to-
morrow. The educators will consider
4he question OF revising the school
laws of West Virginia and will en-
BODY their ideas along that line ia a
Recommendation to be submitted to
the next legislature that eonvenes
2nis month
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
No Serious Damage Results From
Recent Shocks.
VICTIMS ARE BURIED
AND REFUGEES FLEE
Typhoid Fever Takes Strong Hold and
il is Feared That Many Of the Sur
vivors viii Die q Ptssue-sattie-
ship Fleet Sails for Nsples-Sup-
1f;aa ~ +ha Ma
plies on the Way.
Special Dispatch TO The world.

Messina, Jan. 5-Earthquake shocks
continue, but they are lighter. No
serious damage has resulted from amy
of the new shocks, according TO re-
ports received by the government.
Recurring shocks have been felt In
Stromboli and In southwestern Sicily
These frequent shocks, although.
they hive done no damage, have ser
we'd TO terrify the people, as it is fear
ed that another violent quake viii
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
The Othar Coursa.

Solicitor-And lam sure you will
find. madam, that this Is the best
course TO adopt In the event OF your
friendly letter falling to produce the
effect we desire. Ciient-Yes, i see.
Mr.. Jones. IL | cannot get what
want by fair means. must put the
matter unreservedly into your hands.
Punch.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
Tho Other Way.

II heard that Ranter broke down I'M
the middle Of his speech the other
night" said the man who was kept at
home by illness.
mot exactly" replied the man who
was there. 'The meeting broke up
right In the middle of his speech"
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
His New Year Greeting.
n The World OF Friday.

From The World OF Friday.
Rev. w. d. McCurdy, pastor OF the
First Baptist church. today distribu-
ted among his Pensioners and some
other friends an attractive New
Years greeting. 1t contains pictures
OF the pastor and the church and
handy Julian and church calendars.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09

"Yes, she advertised for a husband
and got 2.7o0 replies"
"Graciousl She must have adver-
tised herself as very beautiful"
''No, she didn't. She Just said she
had s7O0 in the bank"-Kansas City
Independent.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09

One night little Margaret. on kneel-
ting by her mamma to say her prayers,
finished, ''Now l lay me-" and forgot.
Mamma" she said. "you Just start
me, and then l can go -whlzzing." -
Delineator.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
New Fiber For Clothing.

In the course OF an address on 'The
Bull Pine and Its Byproducts' deliv-
cred at the opening session in Mime
apolis of the forty annual con-
vention of the Minnesota State Horti-
cultural society the Rev. G. s. Harri-
son of York, Neb., recently said, you
may be wearing clothes made from
the fiber of pine needles within the
next twenty-five years"
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09

come and complete the ruin along the
Straits of Messina.
More than 1,400 of the victims of
the earthquake have been buried. 1t
is estimated that nearly $4,000 people
survived in the destruction of this
city. or that number about 5000 have
left the city to seek refuge elsewhere
leaving nearly 5000 refugees in the
city to be taken care of
Typhoid fever has broken out
among the refugees and il is feared
that the death rate will be large
BattIeships at Naples.
The first division of the American
battleship feet, under Admiral Sper-
ry. consisting of four battleships has
left the main body of the fleet, and
gone to Naples. where they will assist
in the work of relief Five other bat
tleships entered the Suez canal this
morning.
The Yanlston left Port Said today
with supplies for this port.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
Entertained Friends.

Mr. Carl L. WeliDger entertained
3 number OF his friends at a New
Years eve social at his home at 3o4
Vast Burke street. Quite a pleasant
Gl@e was spent by all present.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
SOUGHT Claar Store.

BFessrs Max Won Schlagel, this city
anal H. F. Byrd, Winchester, closed
II deal on Saturday for the Gerliag
cigar store and poolroom and took
possession this morning.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
n. l.. Alexander, President and W.
A. Pitzer Reelected Secretary.
TWO OLD MEMBERS
RETIRE FROM BOARD
The New Commissioners, Harry Kuhn
and James w. Barrick, Assume
Their Duties--oid Board Adjourns
Sine Die and New Board Proceeds
From The world Of Tuesday:

From The World Of Tuesday:
The old board OF education held its
last meeting last night In the second
sard school building, President Chas.
A. Young presiding The minutes of
che last meeting were read and APP
proved, then the board adjourned sine
die.
Secretary Pitzer called the new
board to order end announced that
the first thing was to organize by
elActing officers. The following per-
Roas were elected by reclamation:
President-Herbert T.. Alexander
Vice President RI WhetzeI
secrela4y-Wm. A. Pltzer. reelected.
Tho new board Is composed of the
following commissioners:
James w Barriek-Tirst ward
Harry Kuhn--Second ward.
II. L. Alexaader-Third ward.
Thos. r. Kline--Fourth ward
y. H. Whetzel-Fifth wari.
The retiring members are Messrs.
& A. Young and r. X. sei.bert, being
succeeded by Messrs. Barricl, and
Kuhn. s"s ~
President Alexander named the fol-
lowing finance committee: Whetzel,
Kline and Barrick.
AS trustee Of the public library Mr..
Kuhn was appointed to succeed C. A.
Young. retired The board of library
trustees consists of Commissioner ].
III. Whetzel, chairman; A. D. Darby,
sreasurer; Supt. G. w Brindle, Prin-
cfpal Lee Siler and Commissioner
Harry Kuhn--two school commission
ers and three citizens
Secretary Pitzer offered his bond
Cor $1,000, properly signed, which was
accepted.
Bills to the aplount Of $57.53 we're
passed and ordered paid.
Superintendent Brindle was present
si the meeting but made no report.
Tie question OF the $4,000 school
bonds was raised and Secretary Pitzer
said that the purchasers. n. w. Harris
9& 60. OF New York, had recently ask
sd some questions concerning the
Eegality of the last election at which
the bonds were voted for. Information
De said had been sent to the bankers
and he expected that by the end oil
4he week it could be announced that
sise bonds were found to be o. k. and
would be taken as purchased The lat
ter statement was corohorated by ex-
Commissioner Young
BIT. Kuhn suggested that before lay
ing ,Tans for the erection of a new
school building in the third ward the
board or committee of 1t ought TO
90 over TO Hagerstown and Waynes-
aoro and inspect the new school bUild-
Srs,s in those places. Superintendent
Brindle said he had intended to make
ahe same suggestion to the board but
Asd deferred it until the bond ques-
zion was settled It was agreed that
snat would be the better plan.
MIR. Pitzer now enters upon his 27th
year as secretary of the Martinsburg
aoard of education He has been
most intelligent, efficient and pains
eaking Official and his reelection last
afghs is very gratifying to his friends
zcsi the public generally.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
Structure at New York Will Span
Hell Gate Channel.
THREE MILES IN LENGTH.
World Beaten For Pennsylvania Rail-
road VIII Connect Port Morris ard
Woodside-Freight and Passenger
Trains to Use it-TalIest Vessels
Can Pass Under Great Span.
WORLDS BIGGEST BRIDGES.

Projected Port Morris Queens
bridge; length, with APP
proaches, three miles.
Firth Of Forth bridge; length,
with smaller spans and APP
proaches, one and half miles
BiackweII's island bridge; length,
with approaches, two miles.
Victoria bridge at Montreal, total
length, two miles.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09
Qualified.

Cailer-Is the lady of the house In?
Waitress (who has been given notice.
She's In. but she's no ladyi-Life.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09

going, ardent and sincere earnestness
-pickens.
Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1909-01-09

The world is upheld by the veracity
of good men.-Emerson
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1909-02-25

CHAPTER IX-(Cntinued)
Prince Vassili Antonoyitch
Stackelberg was descended from
one of those German families that
Peter the First transplanted into
every administration of the en-
pire. Thanks to their tenacious
rapacity, and their patient faculty
for slow infiltration, they ended
by worming themselves into every
office Of the government.
AS he entered Wanda's boudoir
he bowed with studied elegance.
Forgive me. princess, said
Stackelberg. III have been indis-
Greet enough to send up my card
In the absence of the prince, but |
wish to ask for some important In
formation from you before I &C.
cept the mission with which the
emperor has deigned to honor
me-"
"Ah, yes, this inquiry into the
nihilist movement in southern
Russia. II understand you,"
answered Wanda, you wiah to be
certain before hand that you will
find subject matter for a report
which will do you credit"
ut seems you are laughing at
me-"
81 am only trying to under
stand you, that is ALL" replied
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1909-02-25

inquiry may be very useful"
Would you be willing to help
me In my researcher" Stacked
berg continued.
Certainly, IL l can be of any
use, or any service to my coun-
try. 1t is true that / pity these
wretched maniacs, or, il they are
mot maniacs. these criminals, who
|preach rebellion and anarchy; but
l know the respect due to the
laws of my country, and l Will be
your co-worker in the noble mis-
sion that you are about to accept.
For you will accept 1t. will you
mot? If there are no socialists,
and II needs must. we can invent
Ia few"
Now, Vassili was watching and
listening to Wanda uneasily. Was
she joking, or was she in earnest ?
Was she playing a part? Did she
suspect the object of his visit?
He changed his tactics.
II am not as unfriendly as you
think to the nihilist views. l am
| liberal, very liberal, perhaps
more SO than you yourself"
"Who told you that l am lib
eral?" said Wanda, feigning aston
lishment.
Public rumor."
1.-THE public seems to trouble it.
self a great deal about me-"
"How can 1t fail to trouble it
self about you, IL It has once seen
lyou?"
"a naughty speech, Mr.. Inquis-
itor. II you flatter me this way
I will not be your co-worker."
"She will not let herself be
caught" thought Vassili. "And
still, am sure that she Is So
cialist and that she is making fun
of me-"
He resolved to strike one more
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1909-02-25
THE TACOMA TIMES

Judge in your presence?"
He rose, and with an offended
air stalked toward the door.
"As l have wounded you by my
suspicious" continued Wanda,
pray forgive me, and let us part
good friends"
She held out her hand, but Vas
sill hesitated to take 1t.
Wanda feared that she had
been guilty of imprudence. She
must redeem her fault and regain
the good graces of this crooked
individual.
II was only Joking" she said
with fascinating smile. "You
are not angry with me, are your"
How can anyone be angry with
your" answered the prince, rather
embarrassed by this smile.
when are you going south?"
when are you going?"
mot before April"
81 expect to go next month, /"
said Vassili.
1--WE expect that you will make
your headquarters at our house. I"
ooWcu. I1oW Cdu Il To-
sist such an invitation" he said,
when l would 60 to the end of
the world only to look once more
at those beautiful eyes!"
Wanda placed her finger upon
her lips.
Hush! or we shall quarrel
again"
The prince kissed the hand she
held out to him. and withdrew.
He had hardly lowered the por-
there behind him when Wanda
spoke, making a movement OF
profound disgust"
What fair-spoken, Shiny
creature! That kiss was equal to
q viper's bite"
She rubbed 1t off with her other
hand.
Later, to Katia, she repeated in
detail her interview with Stacked
berg.
ITO be continued.)
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1909-02-25
blow. in order to surprise her.

blow, in order to surprise her.
He spoke abruptly:
81 am intimately acquainted
with a member of the Society of
Deliverance."
At these words, Wanda could
mot help trembling slightly. She
winked her eyes quickly, as II she
had received a blow.
81 have her." thought Vassili.
'1 have heard of that society"
said Wanda, in a perfectly natural
tone of voice; secret societies al
ways interest me-"
"It Is not, properly speaking, a
secret society, 1t is rather kind
of propaganda"
Are you q member"
"I? What are you thinking Of?
Their program is not at all mine.
I am not as radical as that; but,
in following out the plan that I
propose in my inquiry, / shall be
of as much use to the socialists as
to the emperor"
"That Is carrying water on both
shoulders" said Wanda, laugh
ingly.
tious."
Perhaps"
"You look into my very heart;
send me away, / beg you; for, IL
l stay here another quarter of an
hour I shall completely lose my
senses. For my peace of mind, 1t
would have been much better IL I
were to deprive myself of the as
sistance of such q dangerous CO.
worker"
Particularly" said Wanda,
smiling, "as you had made up
your mind beforehand about the
way in which you intend to carry
on your work"
Vassili bit his lips.
81 think" she said, II have
guessed the true purpose Of your
visit"
Gould you have guessed that,
fascinated by your appearance last
night, / fastened this morning to
express my admiration"
"That is not 1t. You came d.
rect from the office of the Third
Section, did you not? They told
you there that I was q nihilist,
and you are curious to know the
truth"
stackelberg blushed up to his
ears.
"Ah, princess, do you suspect
me of playing the part Of your.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1909-02-25
SUPREME Recent
IS ROYALTY
TREATED

The initial visit of Supreme Rel
gent Robert Van Sands of Chi
cago, was celebrated by 200 menu
bers of Tacoma Council No. 1907,
Royal Arcanum, at grand recepl
ton last evening in the main dim
ing room of the Commercial club.
No effort or expense was spar I'D
by the local Arcanums to make
the affair one of the most ausptc-
ious in the history of the lodge.
A number of addresses wdre
made and toasts were given by
the officers and members of the
local order.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1909-02-25
WOMAN SLABS
ACCUSED Man

(By United Press Leased Wire.)
SALEM, Ark. Feb. 25.-After
driving a dirk into the body Of
John w. Jones, whom she accused
of betraying her, Miss Lizzie Kis-
see IL under arrest today. Jones
Is believed to be fatally wounded.
Jones was indicted at the in
stance of the girl. The court late
yesterday sustained demurrer he
interposed. The girl was In the
court room and upon hearing the
decision uttered q wild cry and,
before anyone could interfere, at
tackled the man with q knife.