davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The American issue. [volume] (Westerville, Ohio) 1912-19??, 1914-11-27
A Lucid Interval

The National Liquor Dealers Journal says: "In
a long period of observation, we have never known a
case where the clarity of argument was increased bv
quotations of whisky or beer"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07
Utah's Natural Bridge.

WHAT is thought to be the largest
" natural bridge in the world is that OF
southwestern Utah. known as the
of this great work of nature is about
200 feet: its width. i. e.. the roadway"
is about thirty-five feet; the span in
the clear is about ninety feet. At the
base there flows small water course
which. during the hot months, dwindles
to a mere rivulet. -
Scientists are somewhat perplexed to
explain the means by which nature pro-
duced this bridge. 1t is thought hardly
possible that it could have been created
by water erosion, unless. as was most
there was a very large and
swift stream flowing at the point where
the brook now runs.
Some authorities are inclined to the
view that this bridge was due to vol
canic action. occurring at some remote
geological period.
Although long known to the Indians.
it was not until about fifteen years ago
that white men became familiar with
the sight of it. Mining prospectors
were the first of the whites to see it.
since it is located in the heart of a
very rugged and inaccessible region
The span is composed of a dark brown
sandstone of unusual hardness, and
the thickness of the span Is twenty
feet or more.
Engineers who have examined this
bridge assert that it is perfectly safe
and secure, and that it is fully capable
Of sustaining an immense weight. espe-
cially as the span is free from flaws or
seams.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

THE tiny republic of San Marine,
which lies hemmed in by Italian
territory half way between the
Apennines and the Adriatic, and in a
sense pertains to Italy, since its half
independent status Is maintained only
by the tolerance of the Italian govern
ment, once had a narrow escape from
absorption by the papal states. This
story throws much light on the times,
and it seems to be well authenticated.
1t appears that AIberoni, an ambitious
priest, had advanced himself in the
service of the Pope, Benedict XIV, to
the grade of archbishop and then of
cardinal and finally became prime min
lister. Then his intrigues brought him
under the suspicion of his master, and
he was degraded and banished. Re-
stored partially to favor, he was given
a. foreign pension and then made papal
legate Of Romagna.
In this position he tried to bring San
Marine, which bordered upon his terri
tory, under the dominion of the Pope.
He gained over to his purpose some OF
the chief citizens of the republic. and
finally fixed the day on which the people
were to swear allegiance to the SOW
ereign under whose protection they had
placed themselves.
On the appointed day Alberoni rode
up the mountain of San Marino with his
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07
THE IEE1lE,s Dg JNMOW FITCH OF BACON

the satisfaction of an imperial court that
their first year of married life had been
free from any shadow of unhappiness
caused by themselves. They were re-
quired to take oath that neither of them.
Gin year or a day. either sleeping or
waking" repented of their marriage the
test was most severe. 1t must be taken
before the prior. convent and the whole
town, the parties kneeling in the church
yard upon two hard-pointed stones.
They were afterward taken upon mems
shoulders and carried. so Brand says,
first about the priory churchyard and
then through the town, with all the friars
and brethren and all the townfolk. young
and old, following them with shouts and
acclamations, with their bacon before
them.
In 1909 the festival was abolished, ana
it was due to the novelist William Henry
Tinsworth that it was revived with all It's
old ceremonial in 1856. On Fitch day
the little village of Dunmow is crowded
with visitors to see the procession ano
attend the court on the village green,
when barristers from London plead the
cause of the plaintiffs and others bring
witnesses to try to break down their
cases. But it is rare that the applicants
fail
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

and was attracting hundreds Of negroes
from all parts Of the surrounding coun-
try. One of those who wished to attend
the function and had driven many weary
miles was unfortunate when he reached
the vicinity of the He1in residence. One
of the wheels on his buggy broke.
The old darby had been told where
Representative Heflin's father lived. and
probably also that the elder Mr.. Hefiin
had a sympathetic heart. Therefore. he
went to the door and asked the elder Mr..
hefiin, who had blacksmith shop, to
let him borrow wheel for his broken
buggy.
'.Ah knows you think All amt never
gwine ter bring back dat wheel, Mr..
Hefiin," said the old man, but indeed
All is! At suttinly will bring 1t back ef
you'll only let me have it!''
The wheel was loaned and the negro
went on his way rejoicing. And that
was the last time the elder Mr.. Helm
saw either the wheel or it's borrower.
Some years later. however, when the
present representative had been persuad-
ed to enter thesyace fer the state laEisla-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07
koilSp w
democrat!

ject worth while in such a limited space
of time" he criticised. "A speaker with
a head full of ideas upon the subject vain
ly tries to get in a word on each one
into his five minutes. The result Is
befogged intellectual patchwork that
looks-or sounds-like a mental crazy
quilt His speech is. generally. about as
edifying and coherent as the small boy's
composition under somewhat similar
circumstances.
Johnnie said teacher. write COM
position on Patrick Henry and make 1t
just as short as you can. Put in some
thing about everything that happened to
him in his lffe-but be sure to make 1t
short Don't forget that Johnnie, make
It Just as short as you can
And johnnie. bound by this restriction,
after half an hours arduous toll. handed
teacher the following:
i" Patrick Henry was born in Virginia
He was an eminent lawyer. He married
a wife and said: Give me liberty or give
ma deathU.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

northeast entrance of the White House
grounds their attention was attraced by
the group Of heroic figures that make up
the Lafayette statue at the southeast
corner of Lafayette Square.
This presents, with other things. a
woman with a garment about her loins-
which she is frantically grasping-holding
up a naked sword to Lafayette, who is
standing above. Her attitude is one of
eager nay, anxious and insistent suppli-
cation.
AS the party approached the statuary
group, Representative Moore struck the
posture OF a guide, and, in the profess
stonal twang of the craft, droned out in
sing-song:
"And now, ladies and gentlemen. we
come to the far-famed statue of the great
soldier and statesman, Marquis de La
fayette Below him is a woman in sup
plant attitude, holding a sword. APP
parently she is speaking earnestly to him
and
But, Mr.. Moore" interrupted one of
the ladies of the party, what is the
woman saying to Lafayette?''
Mr.. Moore smiled, gaZed quiZZically at
the statue a moment and smiled again.
That's very plain, If you observe the
condition Of her attire. madam" he re-
piled. She's begging him: Here, gen.
eral. take this, quick. while 1 eaten my
clothes!'
And thereafter the lady's interrogations
Nere~WhouYjm QeIsoQNu
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

r Asst year there was received at Dun
NOW the ancient and picturesque
CEREMONY of the Dunmow Fitch,
which for some time had been allowed to
lapse, on account of a lack of duly quail
fed applicants.
The ceremony is held for those sweet
tempered couples who may rightfully
claim that they have never had a quarrel
since they were married. They adduce
before the court evidence to sustain their
claim to the award of the f1itches, which
are provided at the expense of the lord of
the manor
This curious ceremony is one that has
it's roots in the historic past. 1t was dur
ing the reign of John, SO it is said. that
an award of two fiitches of bacon was
first made in the village of Dunmow to
the two couples who were able to prove to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

ture, he saw the old darby. Mr. Helm
had lust come to the end of pause in a
campaign speech when the wheel borrow
er arose in the back of the assemblage.
"Ah'd just lax to ask 20 one CUES.
ton, sub Are you the son Of DR.. Heflin?'
And when he had received an affirma-
tive response from the speaker of the
day. the old darby continued:
well, den, All just wants to tell yo'
one thing. All never took dat wheel
back to yo' father. All just kept post
ponin' it and postponin' it and All guess
Anil never see yo' father again in dis
world an he'll never see dat wheel. But
Aim going to tell yo' now. dis old man
and his three sons is a-goin' to cast their
votes for yo'"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

dore is employed and Will trot pand
down three or four flights Of stairs with
the greatest ease.
The apartment or tenement houses were
frequently palaces or hospitals in the time
of Spanish rule. and are now regular hui
man beehives. the great chambers being
subdivided into tenements of four or five
rooms
These places are like little villages all
within themselves, sheltering shoemakers,
cabinetmakers, dressmakers, weavers.
carpenters and any other workmen one
may have need of. even to an evangelista.
or public letter writer, all plying their
trades in this building and using the
large patio as a social center for man
and beast
1t is here the occupants assemble to
hear the news or gossip a bit about a
new arrival. Every one takes a pride in
the flowers in the patio. and every avail
able space is used in which to set tin
Towering plants will grow. And they do
grow luxuriantly and help to hide the
squalor of the surroundings.
In the richer parts of the towns this
courtyard will be SO gay with flowers
that it will look like a painted Jezebel
Haunting her splendors in the face Of
the cool green palms and ferns, and on
moonlit nights is like fairyland.
X
A family of seven will occupy a room
less than eighteen feet square in one of
these tenement houses. and the father of
the family will carry on his trade there
So there is little space left for entertain
ing company; hence the patio is also the
counting parlor for those given to the
tender passion-for to play the bear"
which IS counting in Mexico, is only in
dulged in by the more fortunate middle
class.
Young Mexican women of the better
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07
A Misreading.
4 DETECTIVE said to a reporter ap

A DETECTIVE said to a reporter apro-
IA pos of celebrated case:
Here our friends misread the evidence.
1t is easy to misread evidence. you know.
For instance:
y IA farmer the other day met a tramp
carrying pftchfork.
Holy smoke. Weary the farmer said.
I congratulate you! You're carrying a
pitchfork. That's sure evidence that
you're going to work at last
me work? Not on yer Life the tramp
replied. with a good-natured laugh. 4
bQrrted to hyile a slice. O. ham ons
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

lord, and Epcurus has nothing on him.
These markets are practically the same
today that they were in the time when
that quaint sixteenth century writer, Ber-
nal Diaz. described them. Then as now
low piazzas of solid stone inclosed the
market square, and were occupied by
small shops and ground floor stalls: the
central part or courtyard is open to the
sky, and it is there takes place the sale
of burros, sheep and other animals on
foot
This delightful historian says: 1.-The
meat markets were stocked with fowl,
game and dogs" He adds: Vegetables,
fruits, articles of food ready dressed, salt,
bread honey and sweet pastry are sold.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07
Probably.

The rule Of de-
b a t e, oftentimes
applied in the
House. limiting a
speakers time to
five minutes. does
not meet with the
approval OF Repre-
sentative Walsh Of
New Jersey. who
thinks such a
short-time speech
utterly valueless.
"It is impossible
for a man to say
anything W or t h
while on any sub
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07
No Use!

r g pr 9 sentative
Sisson Of Missis-
sippi tells a tale Of
the days when to
some members of
the d e m o c r a tic
party it seemed
they would never
come into power
again.
An educator of
note. so the tale
runs, visited one of
the schools in Mr..
Sisson's n a ii v e
state and endeav-
ored to inspire the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

the people that they rose up, fell upon
Alberoni and his attendants. drove them
out of the church and made them
scamper down the steep mountain ike
sheep.
Pope Benedict himself. when he heard
OF the affair, commended the conduct
of the people of San Marine. and SAID
that Alberoni was like glutton who:
after having eaten large salmon, couio
not refrain from casting wistful eye
at a minnow." The ''minnow" has NOT
grown since Alberoni's time. but it has
escaped being devoured by any greater
fish
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07
"Bread Upon Waters"

r e pr e sentative
Heflin of Alabama
is a great believer
in the return of
bread" cast upon the
waters" and in
proof thereof re-
lates a story of the
time when he had
first entered poll
tics.
1t seems that
about five miles
from the Hef1in
home a negro juhi-
lee of some sort
was in progress
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

babes in arms. children. dogs, cats. dom
keys, all go and make a day of it.
The charcoal brazier is taken along,
and the family meal is cooked right there,
making with his neighbors one large din
ner party. The menu, consisting of one
or two of the three hundred varieties OF
peppers, frfjoles or black beans, to which
If he hail from the state of Tabasco, he
will give additional piquancy by dash
of that famous sauce.
Then If he is fortunate enough he will
wash all this down with a measure of
puluue-say two days old, and will feel
that he has dined like the proverbial
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

and some with either demi-toiletS or none
at all.
The stage setting is perfection, and
though the atmosphere is not all that
could be Enthusiastically through the
TERRA caliente, the hot lands to be trav-
ersed-it would be a poor traveller into the
interior who would allow this to interfere
with his enjoyment of the interesting
types on every side.
~
Here one sees the true child of nature
who has never known the restraint of
clothes, shoes or stockings. The author
of "Sartor Resartus' would find no food
for thought here, and nothing on which
to hang his philosophy. for while the ex-
trenely decollete dress of the grown-ups
would make the ball gown of one Of our
society bellies seem a Puritan costume by
comparison, the babies and children pose
in the altogether.
Emerging from the hot country into the
foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains
with the snow-tipped peak of Orizaba in
the distance. cool breeze is felt; re-
freshing mountain streams rush like a
swift torrent, or peacefully meander
through the landscape, adding beauty to
the scene and furnishing a laundry and
bathing place for the Indian family whose
adobe or reed hut is on its banks.
The peon does not go to bed while his
clothes are being washed, but simply
takes an air bath while they are drying
on the bushes, and joins his family for
a social hour
If there are a few maguey plants on
the banks Of this stream, 1t is bliss in
describable to him, for he can extract
the pulque from these for his nigStcap or
morning constitutional, and wars and
runors of wars do not rob him of mo-
ments rest.
1t matters not if one be artist, sociolo-
gist, soldier of fortune, or simply globe
trotter on pleasure bent, he will find
enough and to spare of every variety of
climate, scenery and peoples in travelling
through this country.
So little have the centuries changed it
that il Gen. Winfield Scott were alive
and could lead the way TO Mexico City
he would enjoy some improvements. but
find few changes. and would encounter
the same mode of life that he found when
he marched through it in 1S47 and that
Cortes found when he took the same
route, nearly 400 years ago.
Now. as in the time of the Spanish con-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

children with high ambitions. Long and
fascinatingly he talked Of official life
and how great it was to be President. At
the conclusion of his address he turned
to the boys and asked:
"Now. boys, how many Of you would
like to become President?"
Every boy in the room except ore
jumped to his feet. The educator felt
rather .Asappointed,- to think thal after
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

In the markets of Mexico it Is not diff
cult to get in on the ground floor on
everything but the price of the article de-
sired. But here the American will find
an adversary worthy his steel. and the
Aztec will take plenty of time. too. to
make the bargain, for he is not in a
hurry to get home-as he carries his
home with him to the market
There for the time being is his social
life, as well as business. for when he
leaves home in the morning he takes all
Of his household with. hips inolpdipE
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

ish blood, and is usually debonair
showly dressed chap who knows where
most of the crowd is likely to assemble.
and when there is sufficient audience
he takes his paper and. comfortably seat
ing himself. begins to read.
First the latest news about a bull fight,
little about the war and then some IN
teresting local items. After this comes
an exciting human interest story, the
reading of which he accompanies with
suitable action, and when he gets to the
most exciting place in the narrative he
will stop and pass his hat. If the amount
received is what he thinks it should be,
he will proceed.
But il it falls short of his expectations
he quietly folds his paper. pockets the
money and saunters away-leaving Curl
Gus. gaping crowd behind-with the as
sured feeling that If there are any more
centavos they will follow him to hear the
climax.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07
A STORY OF. SAN MARINO

suite, and w4s received at the door of
the cathedral by the priests and CHIEF
citizens and thence conducted to his seat
under a canopy to hear a high mass
and a te deum sung. Unfortunately for
AIberoni and his schemes, the ceremony
began with the word "hbertaS'-hoerty.
mis- one word had such an effect upon
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07
Playing Guide.

r e pr e sentative
]. Hampton Moore,
who succeeded John
Dalzeu on the
ways and means
committee, while
hailing from Phil
adelphia, knows his
Washington like a
native. During the
visit of a party of
home friends to the
Capitol, Mr.. Moore
was showing them
the sights of the
city and, while
coming from the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

knows something about beans, but il he
should go to one of these markets his
knowledge would pale into insignificance
and the Boston bean-pot would look like
a tidbit.
We who buy a bushel, peck. half or
quarter peck measure at Z. time gaze in
wonder at the small patchwork Of vege-
tables displayed; pint cup Of potatoes
or onions, two or three tomatoes, a tea
cup of peppers, and other like vegetables.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

quistador. cargadores are used to trans
fer luggage. household effects and take
supplies over the mountains, where 1t is
difficult for even burro to go.
On landing in Vera Cruz the traveller is
quickly surrounded by these little lean
looking brown menA-and women, too
wildly gesticulatins and soliciting patron
near at hand. but the cargadore is taken
II for no other reason than to eliminate
one Of the dozen hanging at ones heels
They carry. on their backs anything
from a large-sized dress trunk to the en-
tire furnishings Of small American
apartment, their load frequently SO en-
yeloping them that as they run along
winding in and out among the traffic of
a crowded street. all that visible is a
pair of thin muscular legs and feet seem
ingly pinned to the bottom of a trunk or
box.
These cargadores, messengers and aqua
dores in Mexico have dynamics down to
such a fine point that they could wind
in and out of crowd at Broadway and
34th street in a way that would make a
New York policeman's hair stand on end.
And an aguadore. or water carrier, can
go through a crowded thoroughfare with
two large open-mouthed water jugs filed
to the brim and attached to either END
of a yoke and another large jugful on his
head and never spill a drop.
Moving day in Mexico Is filed with in
terest to the tourist, and particularly so
II the event takes place in one of the vi
viendas. or tenement houses. Instead of
. moysuGzYansoGa =hapdcartat haA caEEae
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

and many gewgaws for the adornment
of the savage person.
The wares are spread out on white
cloths on the cobblestones of the mar
ket, and there will be found peppers, to-
matoes beans-or, to be more accurate.
there will be a sea of beans Of all kinds
Black beans. white beans. brown beans
and yellow beans; all with a different fla
vor.
The man from Boston may think he
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

all his talking he had failed to convert
every youngster.
why. my boy said he. what's the
matter? Don't you want to become
President some day."
Yes" answered the boy in a sad
tone, but 'taint no use, cause I'm
democrat"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

EYOND Vera Cruz,
toward Mexico City,
every type of ma
tive is seen from a
full-blooded Aztec to
a dashing: Spanish
caballero. There Is
music as plaintive
and weird as any
ever heard on a
midway plaisance:
people in costumes
of all descriptions,
t1tlz%- ~ -nn1
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07
THE PUBLIC LETTER WRITER.

class are not allowed to go in the streets
unattended, nor to receive visits from
men except in the presence of the family
consequently surreptitious lovemaking is
INDUCED in through the iron gratings of
a window, and this is called playing the
bear"
But with the maiden of the tenement
the grated window is often lacking. SO
other means must be resorted to. AS love
knows neither age nor condition, If the
enamored one has not had the opportu-
nifty to take advantage Of the rule Of
three, he or she seeks the public letter
writer. who will put the love message
on paper.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07

He is comfortably ensconced in Sc
cluded corner of one Of these patios. or
in some quiet corner of the market. 1t is
delightful to watch this custodian OF
love secrets from distance. for he
seems to put as much interest and ex-
preston into one of these billets-doux as
though 1t were his own affair: and though
the secret is safe with him, 1t is always
wise to look about for eavesdroppers
and teasing youngsters before confiding
to him the name and address Of the
adored one.
The public newspaper reader is equally
interesting, and more exciting. With the
exception of the far east these two con-
veniences are no longer found. The pub
lie reader has all the shrewdness and
cunning OF his mixed Indian and zSpaac
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-06-07
Peon at Home-Bur-
den Bearers - The
Public Letter Writer.
Cupid in Mexico.
Reading the News
to the Ignorant - In
the Markets Public
Laundries.

Special Correspondence o. The Star.
VERA CRUZ, Nav %.