1895
Forty years ago an Old Bailey practitioner who wore a beard was summoned to attend a meeting of the bar and charged with "violating the honorable traditions of the profession." He sought acquittal on the ground that a serious affection of the throat compelled his transgression of the unwritten ordinances of the bar, but his judges declined to accept his defense and sent him to Coventry. Times, The Law Journal, points out, have changed now. "Half of the ordinary members of the court of appeals now wear beards, Lord Justice Lopes, Lord Justice Rigby and now Lord Justice Kay having departed from the traditions of the bench. The only other judges who wear beards are Lord Watson and Sir Francis Jeune."
Another terrible instance of departure from ancient precedent was deplored last night by the lord chief justice in his amusing speech to the Hardwicke society. The "eminently judicial" habit of taking snuff was, he regretted to say, falling into almost complete desuetude. He remembered Sir James Bacon telling him on one occasion that when he was a junior there was not a single man in the court, from the judge on the bench to the usher, who did not carry a snuffbox, and he ended by saying, "Here I am, the only man left with a snuffbox." And now the only man left is the chief himself, but all that one man can do he does. — Westminster Gazette.
Antique humor and clippings, randomly discovered ephemera and interesting things! A lot of the things here are from before 1950, maybe way before. There will be things not politically correct today, ethnic humor, and enemies called names. The past is very messy.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Sir Henry Layard.
1895
The late Sir Henry Layard was a man to whose abilities, achievements and personal qualities but scant justice was done in the obituary notices which appeared at the time of his death.
He did not "wear his heart upon his sleeve," and those who had only a slight acquaintance with him may perhaps be excused for not perceiving the stanch and genuine kindness of that heart — a kindness which none of his friends could fail to experience, but his achievements and his career are written large in the history of the nineteenth century, and the impetus which his researches and discoveries gave to the study of archaeology — to say nothing of the inestimable value of the light they throw on the Old Testament narrative — will never be forgotten or underrated by those whose opinions on such subjects is worth having. Sir Henry Layard's later years were chiefly devoted to historical, archaeological and artistic research, and during his residence in Venice, where he spent a considerable part of every year, he came to be regarded almost as an unaccredited representative of his country in that city. — John Murray in Good Words.
The late Sir Henry Layard was a man to whose abilities, achievements and personal qualities but scant justice was done in the obituary notices which appeared at the time of his death.
He did not "wear his heart upon his sleeve," and those who had only a slight acquaintance with him may perhaps be excused for not perceiving the stanch and genuine kindness of that heart — a kindness which none of his friends could fail to experience, but his achievements and his career are written large in the history of the nineteenth century, and the impetus which his researches and discoveries gave to the study of archaeology — to say nothing of the inestimable value of the light they throw on the Old Testament narrative — will never be forgotten or underrated by those whose opinions on such subjects is worth having. Sir Henry Layard's later years were chiefly devoted to historical, archaeological and artistic research, and during his residence in Venice, where he spent a considerable part of every year, he came to be regarded almost as an unaccredited representative of his country in that city. — John Murray in Good Words.
Where Love Is Secondary.
1895
A conspicuous difference between the English and Chinese dramas is explained by the fact that, whereas in the former love holds a leading part, in the latter it is relegated to a secondary place. In England it is a passion, in China a sentiment only; hence the thousand intrigues love gives rise to are, in the latter country, either thrown into the shade or tabooed entirely. Without their ardent passions many of our theatrical productions would lose their interest and most of their merit. An English, or, to use a wider term, a European playgoer, requires a due quantum of love.
In China, on the other hand, this demand finds little echo, since love there is not the chief theme of bard and painter. Convention and the strength of parental authority have crushed in a great measure those amorous longings which exist in the human heart, and as love, courtship and matrimony are even more prosaic in the far east than in our part of the world the first of these feelings, if handled as a passion, cannot powerfully arrest the attention of the multitude. — Nineteenth Century.
A conspicuous difference between the English and Chinese dramas is explained by the fact that, whereas in the former love holds a leading part, in the latter it is relegated to a secondary place. In England it is a passion, in China a sentiment only; hence the thousand intrigues love gives rise to are, in the latter country, either thrown into the shade or tabooed entirely. Without their ardent passions many of our theatrical productions would lose their interest and most of their merit. An English, or, to use a wider term, a European playgoer, requires a due quantum of love.
In China, on the other hand, this demand finds little echo, since love there is not the chief theme of bard and painter. Convention and the strength of parental authority have crushed in a great measure those amorous longings which exist in the human heart, and as love, courtship and matrimony are even more prosaic in the far east than in our part of the world the first of these feelings, if handled as a passion, cannot powerfully arrest the attention of the multitude. — Nineteenth Century.
The Deep Breath Habit.
1895
Cultivate the habit of breathing through the nose and taking deep breaths. If this habit was universal, there is little doubt that pulmonary affections would be decreased one-half. An English physician calls attention to the fact that deep and forced respiration will keep the entire body in a glow in the coldest weather, no matter how thinly one may be clad. He was himself half frozen to death one night and began taking deep breaths and keeping the air in his lungs as long as possible. The result was that he was thoroughly comfortable in a few minutes. The deep respirations, he says, stimulate the blood currents by direct muscular exertion and cause the entire system to become pervaded with the rapidly generated heat. — Philadelphia Times.
Cultivate the habit of breathing through the nose and taking deep breaths. If this habit was universal, there is little doubt that pulmonary affections would be decreased one-half. An English physician calls attention to the fact that deep and forced respiration will keep the entire body in a glow in the coldest weather, no matter how thinly one may be clad. He was himself half frozen to death one night and began taking deep breaths and keeping the air in his lungs as long as possible. The result was that he was thoroughly comfortable in a few minutes. The deep respirations, he says, stimulate the blood currents by direct muscular exertion and cause the entire system to become pervaded with the rapidly generated heat. — Philadelphia Times.
Ownership of Farms.
1895
The statistics show that Ohio has the largest number of farms of any state in the Union, 256,264; Illinois comes second, 252,953; then Missouri, 250,832; Texas, 248,782; New York, 226,632; Pennsylvania, 211,472; Iowa, 205,435; Indiana, 205,331. No other state has more than 200,000. The percentage of ownership in farms is largest in the north and west, as is the percentage of homes also.
Like Some Shoes.
"They say that the paving brick is only 8 inches long."
"I always knew that it was under the foot." — Syracuse Post.
The statistics show that Ohio has the largest number of farms of any state in the Union, 256,264; Illinois comes second, 252,953; then Missouri, 250,832; Texas, 248,782; New York, 226,632; Pennsylvania, 211,472; Iowa, 205,435; Indiana, 205,331. No other state has more than 200,000. The percentage of ownership in farms is largest in the north and west, as is the percentage of homes also.
Like Some Shoes.
"They say that the paving brick is only 8 inches long."
"I always knew that it was under the foot." — Syracuse Post.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
TROLLOPE'S RAPID WRITING.
1895
His Work Produced With Astonishing Speed Regardless of His Surroundings.
I remember a characteristic discussion about their mode of writing between Trollope and George Eliot at a little dinner party at her house.
"Why," said Anthony, "I sit down every morning at 5:30, with my watch on my desk, and for three hours I regularly produce 250 words every quarter of an hour."
George Eliot positively quivered with horror at the thought — she who could write only when she felt in the vein, who wrote, rewrote and destroyed her manuscript two or three times, and as often as not sat at her table without writing at all.
"There are days and days together," she groaned out, "when I cannot write a line."
"Yes," said Trollope, "with imaginative work like yours that is quite natural, but with my mechanical stuff it's a sheer matter of industry. It's not the head that does it. It's the cobbler's wax on the seat and the sticking to my chair."
In his "Autobiography" he has elaborately explained this process — how he wrote day by day, including Sundays, whatever his duties, his amusements or the place, measuring out every page, counting the words and exacting the given quantity hour by hour. He wrote continuously 2,500 words in each day and at times more than 25,000 words in a week. He wrote while engaged in severe professional drudgery, while hunting thrice a week and in the whirl of London society. He wrote in railway trains, on a sea voyage and in a town clubroom. Whether he was on a journey, or pressed with office reports, or visiting friends, he wrote just the same. — Frederick Harrison in Forum.
His Work Produced With Astonishing Speed Regardless of His Surroundings.
I remember a characteristic discussion about their mode of writing between Trollope and George Eliot at a little dinner party at her house.
"Why," said Anthony, "I sit down every morning at 5:30, with my watch on my desk, and for three hours I regularly produce 250 words every quarter of an hour."
George Eliot positively quivered with horror at the thought — she who could write only when she felt in the vein, who wrote, rewrote and destroyed her manuscript two or three times, and as often as not sat at her table without writing at all.
"There are days and days together," she groaned out, "when I cannot write a line."
"Yes," said Trollope, "with imaginative work like yours that is quite natural, but with my mechanical stuff it's a sheer matter of industry. It's not the head that does it. It's the cobbler's wax on the seat and the sticking to my chair."
In his "Autobiography" he has elaborately explained this process — how he wrote day by day, including Sundays, whatever his duties, his amusements or the place, measuring out every page, counting the words and exacting the given quantity hour by hour. He wrote continuously 2,500 words in each day and at times more than 25,000 words in a week. He wrote while engaged in severe professional drudgery, while hunting thrice a week and in the whirl of London society. He wrote in railway trains, on a sea voyage and in a town clubroom. Whether he was on a journey, or pressed with office reports, or visiting friends, he wrote just the same. — Frederick Harrison in Forum.
HORSE TORTURE.
1895
Slitting the Nostrils Still Practiced In Some Parts of the World.
Slitting a horse's nostrils is still practiced in some parts of the world, as in Persia, Mongolia and even in northern Africa, and ponies with slit nostrils are often seen in the Himalayas and in Afghanistan. This mutilation is resorted to in the erroneous belief that the horse can inhale more air when going at a fast pace, and also that it prevents neighing, a disqualification of much importance during war, or when it is desirable to travel as silently as possible. It was practiced in Hungary not long ago, if we are to accept as evidence the copy of a finished sketch of a horse's head, by the celebrated Zoffani, given in Colonel Hamilton's work on horses. It is rather surprising that the fashion was not renewed in England, for two or three centuries ago, to prevent a horse neighing, it was recommended to tie a woolen band around the tongue. Markham says:
"If either when you are in service in the wars and would not be discovered, or when upon any other occasion you would not have your horse to neigh or make a noise, you shall take a lyste (band) of woolen cloth and tye it fast in many folds about the middle of your horse's tongue, and believe it, so long as the tongue is so tyed, so long the horse can by no means neigh or make any extraordinary noise with his voice, as hath often been tried and approved of."
A very barbarous and useless operation for the prevention of stumbling in horses was fashionable toward the end of the seventeenth and beginning of the eighteenth centuries. This was the exposure of the tendon of a muscle that assists in dilating the nostrils and twisting it round two or three times, when it was divided. "In doing this you shall see the horse bring his hinder legs to his fore legs almost, when you have thus pulled and turned the sinew two or three times." Such a statement will give some idea of the pain the animal experienced during the senseless operation. — Nineteenth Century.
Slitting the Nostrils Still Practiced In Some Parts of the World.
Slitting a horse's nostrils is still practiced in some parts of the world, as in Persia, Mongolia and even in northern Africa, and ponies with slit nostrils are often seen in the Himalayas and in Afghanistan. This mutilation is resorted to in the erroneous belief that the horse can inhale more air when going at a fast pace, and also that it prevents neighing, a disqualification of much importance during war, or when it is desirable to travel as silently as possible. It was practiced in Hungary not long ago, if we are to accept as evidence the copy of a finished sketch of a horse's head, by the celebrated Zoffani, given in Colonel Hamilton's work on horses. It is rather surprising that the fashion was not renewed in England, for two or three centuries ago, to prevent a horse neighing, it was recommended to tie a woolen band around the tongue. Markham says:
"If either when you are in service in the wars and would not be discovered, or when upon any other occasion you would not have your horse to neigh or make a noise, you shall take a lyste (band) of woolen cloth and tye it fast in many folds about the middle of your horse's tongue, and believe it, so long as the tongue is so tyed, so long the horse can by no means neigh or make any extraordinary noise with his voice, as hath often been tried and approved of."
A very barbarous and useless operation for the prevention of stumbling in horses was fashionable toward the end of the seventeenth and beginning of the eighteenth centuries. This was the exposure of the tendon of a muscle that assists in dilating the nostrils and twisting it round two or three times, when it was divided. "In doing this you shall see the horse bring his hinder legs to his fore legs almost, when you have thus pulled and turned the sinew two or three times." Such a statement will give some idea of the pain the animal experienced during the senseless operation. — Nineteenth Century.
A Wonder of Relationship.
1895
In an old scrapbook which contains a number of clippings without date I find the following: "William Harman, who committed suicide at Titusville, Pa., a short time since, did so because some one had convinced him that he was his own grandfather! Here is a copy of the singular letter he left: 'I married a widow who had a grownup daughter. My father visited us often, fell in love with my stepdaughter and married her. Thus he became my son-in-law, and my stepdaughter became my mother, because she was my father's wife. Soon after this my wife gave birth to a son, which, of course, was my father's brother-in-law, and my uncle, for he was the brother of my stepmother. My father's wife also became the mother of a son. He was, of course, my brother, and also my grandchild, for he was the son of my daughter. Accordingly my wife was my grandmother, because she was may mother's mother. I was my wife's husband and grandchild at one and the same time. And, as the husband of a person's grandmother is his grandfather, I was my own grandfather!" Was it any wonder that the poor man rid himself of such tangled relationship? — St. Louis Republic.
In an old scrapbook which contains a number of clippings without date I find the following: "William Harman, who committed suicide at Titusville, Pa., a short time since, did so because some one had convinced him that he was his own grandfather! Here is a copy of the singular letter he left: 'I married a widow who had a grownup daughter. My father visited us often, fell in love with my stepdaughter and married her. Thus he became my son-in-law, and my stepdaughter became my mother, because she was my father's wife. Soon after this my wife gave birth to a son, which, of course, was my father's brother-in-law, and my uncle, for he was the brother of my stepmother. My father's wife also became the mother of a son. He was, of course, my brother, and also my grandchild, for he was the son of my daughter. Accordingly my wife was my grandmother, because she was may mother's mother. I was my wife's husband and grandchild at one and the same time. And, as the husband of a person's grandmother is his grandfather, I was my own grandfather!" Was it any wonder that the poor man rid himself of such tangled relationship? — St. Louis Republic.
The Still, Small Voice.
1895
The mother and grandmother of small Susan were "talking her over," and in small Susan's presence. "Have you taught her anything yet about the still, small voice?" asked the grandmother. "No," replied the mother, "she is too young. I'll teach her about the still, small voice when she's able to understand it." A day or two after this small Susan's mother heard the most dreadful howls and yells coming from the nursery. Rushing there she found small Susan prone upon the floor.
"What is the matter, my darling?" cried the affrighted mother. Whereat small Susan picked herself up deliberately and replied, serenely enough, "That, mamma, is the still, small voice." — New York Sun.
The mother and grandmother of small Susan were "talking her over," and in small Susan's presence. "Have you taught her anything yet about the still, small voice?" asked the grandmother. "No," replied the mother, "she is too young. I'll teach her about the still, small voice when she's able to understand it." A day or two after this small Susan's mother heard the most dreadful howls and yells coming from the nursery. Rushing there she found small Susan prone upon the floor.
"What is the matter, my darling?" cried the affrighted mother. Whereat small Susan picked herself up deliberately and replied, serenely enough, "That, mamma, is the still, small voice." — New York Sun.
Ismail and Ferry.
1895
On one occasion, the late Ismail Pasha was advised by Jules Ferry, the prime minister, to visit London in order to enlist the support of the British government in his scheme to oust his son Tewfik at Cairo. He showed a new high hat to a friend, with the remark: "Ferry says I should not go to London in a fez; it's too oriental. He recommended me to his hatter, and the pig has charged me 40 francs for this thing. I suspect Ferry has a commission on it."
Intimation.
"So the insolent fellow refused to pay his rent?"
"He did not say so in words, but he intimated it."
"How so?"
"He kicked me down stairs." — Figaro.
Trivia
The angelica plant is native to Europe. It grows wild in most of the northern parts of that continent, being also found in the Alps, the Carpathian and the Ural mountains.
By distilling it at a very high heat wood may be made to yield a good article of gas.
On one occasion, the late Ismail Pasha was advised by Jules Ferry, the prime minister, to visit London in order to enlist the support of the British government in his scheme to oust his son Tewfik at Cairo. He showed a new high hat to a friend, with the remark: "Ferry says I should not go to London in a fez; it's too oriental. He recommended me to his hatter, and the pig has charged me 40 francs for this thing. I suspect Ferry has a commission on it."
Intimation.
"So the insolent fellow refused to pay his rent?"
"He did not say so in words, but he intimated it."
"How so?"
"He kicked me down stairs." — Figaro.
Trivia
The angelica plant is native to Europe. It grows wild in most of the northern parts of that continent, being also found in the Alps, the Carpathian and the Ural mountains.
By distilling it at a very high heat wood may be made to yield a good article of gas.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Reward for Stolen Clothing.
New York, 1895
John Quincy Adams, of Riverhead, whose daughters, Nettie and Sadie, aged 19 and 16, respectively, had their clothes stolen while bathing at Wildwood lake, posted the following notice:
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
John Quincy Adams, of Riverhead, whose daughters, Nettie and Sadie, aged 19 and 16, respectively, had their clothes stolen while bathing at Wildwood lake, posted the following notice:
$100 reward is offered for evidence that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the party who stole clothing belonging to my children while in bathing at the great pond, Riverhead, June 1895. JOHN Q. ADAMS.The theft is believed to have been the work of a practical joker. The clothes have not been recovered.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
Upset the Dinner Table.
New York, 1895
James Hall, of Flushing, invited Michael Edwards, a neighbor, to his house Sunday morning to play cards. Several pints of ale were disposed of. Edwards accused Hall of cheating. Hall put Edwards out and then sat down to read. In a few minutes Edwards returned and commenced throwing stones through Hall's windows. Hall escaped, and Edwards entered the house, found the table set for dinner, took hold of the end of the cloth and pulled all the dishes and dinner off on the floor.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
James Hall, of Flushing, invited Michael Edwards, a neighbor, to his house Sunday morning to play cards. Several pints of ale were disposed of. Edwards accused Hall of cheating. Hall put Edwards out and then sat down to read. In a few minutes Edwards returned and commenced throwing stones through Hall's windows. Hall escaped, and Edwards entered the house, found the table set for dinner, took hold of the end of the cloth and pulled all the dishes and dinner off on the floor.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
MAY BE A MURDER.
New York, 1895
Poles and Germans Fight and Two Get Stabbed.
A stabbing affray occurred at Flushing at an early hour Monday morning in which one man was seriously injured and another wounded so badly that his life is despaired of. One of them is lying in the Flushing hospital, and he may die. A number of Poles, who are employed on various farms at Blackstump, on the Jamaica road, Monday decided to have a picnic among themselves. They bought a keg of beer and repaired to the residence of Joseph Czeeski, where they drained its contents and became hilariously drunk.
At about 11 o'clock Monday night two Germans and a Pole intruded and tried to break up the festivities. When ordered off the premises they refused to go and a fight ensued. Joseph Buschofski, one of the picnicers, was stabbed in the left shoulder and it is believed that the knife penetrated the man's lungs. Another Pole named Tommasso Stofflaski was cut in the back.
Coroner Corey took the wounded man's ante mortem statement. Captain Allen and Constable Slavin arrested five Poles on the suspicion of being implicated in the affair. They were taken to the hospital to be identified by the injured man and he named Felix Bushnoski as the man who stabbed him.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
Poles and Germans Fight and Two Get Stabbed.
A stabbing affray occurred at Flushing at an early hour Monday morning in which one man was seriously injured and another wounded so badly that his life is despaired of. One of them is lying in the Flushing hospital, and he may die. A number of Poles, who are employed on various farms at Blackstump, on the Jamaica road, Monday decided to have a picnic among themselves. They bought a keg of beer and repaired to the residence of Joseph Czeeski, where they drained its contents and became hilariously drunk.
At about 11 o'clock Monday night two Germans and a Pole intruded and tried to break up the festivities. When ordered off the premises they refused to go and a fight ensued. Joseph Buschofski, one of the picnicers, was stabbed in the left shoulder and it is believed that the knife penetrated the man's lungs. Another Pole named Tommasso Stofflaski was cut in the back.
Coroner Corey took the wounded man's ante mortem statement. Captain Allen and Constable Slavin arrested five Poles on the suspicion of being implicated in the affair. They were taken to the hospital to be identified by the injured man and he named Felix Bushnoski as the man who stabbed him.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
THE BODGES IN COURT.
New York, 1895
No Refusal on the Part of the Husband to Support His Wife.
Yesterday Judge Hendrickson, of Jamaica, heard testimony in the case of the people against John J. Bodge, of Dunton, who is charged by his wife with failing to support her. Mrs. Bodge came to court attended by Mrs. Benemiller, who seems to exercise an hypnotic influence over her. Counselors Stanford of Jamaica and Mahoney of Brooklyn appeared for the wife, and Counselor Fleming appeared for Mr. Bodge, who is a very gentlemanly looking person.
Mrs. Bodge was a widow with one child when she met Mr. Bodge. They were married in December, 1893, and Mrs. Bodge left him in June, 1894, and has since been living with Mrs. Benemiller. Before action was brought for abandonment, Mr. Fleming sent a letter to Mrs. Bodge's attorney in answer to one from him, and this letter constituted part of Mrs. Bodge's cross examination.
She said she received Mr. Fleming's letter and remembered its contents. The letter, she said, stated that Mr. Bodge would not support her, as she had left his home without provocation. The letter itself is as follows:
JAMAICA, N. Y., June 8th, 1895.
Peter Mahoney, Esq.:
DEAR SIR — Your letter of June 5th to Mr. John J. Bodge has been handed to me by him, I appearing for him as attorney in the matters referred to in your communication. He instructs me to say that he has never refused or declined to maintain and support his wife, and that her withdrawal from her home is entirely voluntary upon her part and without justification. Yours truly.
JOHN FLEMING.
The case was going on in the afternoon when THE FARMER went to press.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
No Refusal on the Part of the Husband to Support His Wife.
Yesterday Judge Hendrickson, of Jamaica, heard testimony in the case of the people against John J. Bodge, of Dunton, who is charged by his wife with failing to support her. Mrs. Bodge came to court attended by Mrs. Benemiller, who seems to exercise an hypnotic influence over her. Counselors Stanford of Jamaica and Mahoney of Brooklyn appeared for the wife, and Counselor Fleming appeared for Mr. Bodge, who is a very gentlemanly looking person.
Mrs. Bodge was a widow with one child when she met Mr. Bodge. They were married in December, 1893, and Mrs. Bodge left him in June, 1894, and has since been living with Mrs. Benemiller. Before action was brought for abandonment, Mr. Fleming sent a letter to Mrs. Bodge's attorney in answer to one from him, and this letter constituted part of Mrs. Bodge's cross examination.
She said she received Mr. Fleming's letter and remembered its contents. The letter, she said, stated that Mr. Bodge would not support her, as she had left his home without provocation. The letter itself is as follows:
JAMAICA, N. Y., June 8th, 1895.
Peter Mahoney, Esq.:
DEAR SIR — Your letter of June 5th to Mr. John J. Bodge has been handed to me by him, I appearing for him as attorney in the matters referred to in your communication. He instructs me to say that he has never refused or declined to maintain and support his wife, and that her withdrawal from her home is entirely voluntary upon her part and without justification. Yours truly.
JOHN FLEMING.
The case was going on in the afternoon when THE FARMER went to press.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
Fire at Hicksville.
New York, 1895
The cottage of the Rev. Henry Grandleinard at Hicksville caught fire Saturday night and was damaged $500. The family claim that the fire was started by rats and matches.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
The cottage of the Rev. Henry Grandleinard at Hicksville caught fire Saturday night and was damaged $500. The family claim that the fire was started by rats and matches.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
A Seven Foot Adder.
New York, 1895
John G. Barker, a painter of Northport, went into his woodshed to secure his basket that he takes with him fishing, and was startled to find a large snake coiled up in the basket asleep. He killed the snake, which proved to be a flat-headed adder measuring seven feet long.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
John G. Barker, a painter of Northport, went into his woodshed to secure his basket that he takes with him fishing, and was startled to find a large snake coiled up in the basket asleep. He killed the snake, which proved to be a flat-headed adder measuring seven feet long.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
Beer, but No Drinkers.
New York, 1895
New York's dry Sunday did not increase the usual crowd who seek pleasure and beer in Long Island Sunday resorts. The crowd was smaller Sunday than it has been for many Sundays. Few people went to Rockaway Beach, and there was a big falling off in the usual gathering at North Beach. Trains of empty cars were run on the Steinway electric hallway in Long Island City waiting for the rush of thirsty New Yorkers, who failed to appear. Every saloon in Long Island City was wide open.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
New York's dry Sunday did not increase the usual crowd who seek pleasure and beer in Long Island Sunday resorts. The crowd was smaller Sunday than it has been for many Sundays. Few people went to Rockaway Beach, and there was a big falling off in the usual gathering at North Beach. Trains of empty cars were run on the Steinway electric hallway in Long Island City waiting for the rush of thirsty New Yorkers, who failed to appear. Every saloon in Long Island City was wide open.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
The First Train to Montauk.
New York, 1895
The first passenger train for Montauk passed over the new track across Napeague Beach Friday evening with President Corbin's son and a party bound for Montauk Point.
The last spike was driven at 6:45 o'clock Friday evening and a few minutes later an engine, drawing a special car, which had reached Amagansett attached to the 6 o'clock express, passed over the newly laid rails. William A. Hedges met the party at the Nominicks, the Indian name for the highlands, a few miles west of Fort Pond, where the terminal point is now located, and drove the party to Mr. Stratton's house. The track will be extended to Fort Pond bay during the summer.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
The first passenger train for Montauk passed over the new track across Napeague Beach Friday evening with President Corbin's son and a party bound for Montauk Point.
The last spike was driven at 6:45 o'clock Friday evening and a few minutes later an engine, drawing a special car, which had reached Amagansett attached to the 6 o'clock express, passed over the newly laid rails. William A. Hedges met the party at the Nominicks, the Indian name for the highlands, a few miles west of Fort Pond, where the terminal point is now located, and drove the party to Mr. Stratton's house. The track will be extended to Fort Pond bay during the summer.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
Graves Only Two Feet Deep.
New York, 1895
The town trustees of Flushing, who have been inquiring into the condition of the town cemetery have at last decided to put John Turner in charge. Mr. Turner was before the board and swore that he saw two dogs scampering about the cemetery. He watched them for a while and they commenced to dig. He saw them uncover a coffin, the lid of which had been broken, and eat the remains of a man who had been buried.
The coffin, Turner said, was only a few inches below the ground. Turner swore that he saw graves dug only two feet deep.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
The town trustees of Flushing, who have been inquiring into the condition of the town cemetery have at last decided to put John Turner in charge. Mr. Turner was before the board and swore that he saw two dogs scampering about the cemetery. He watched them for a while and they commenced to dig. He saw them uncover a coffin, the lid of which had been broken, and eat the remains of a man who had been buried.
The coffin, Turner said, was only a few inches below the ground. Turner swore that he saw graves dug only two feet deep.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
Schwab with Burglars' Tools
New York, 1895
Newtown News Notes.
Karl Schwab has been held for the grand jury on a charge of having burglars' tools in his possession.
Justice Monteverde held John and William Beckman for the grand jury for carting garbage into the town.
The woman's Christian temperance union of Maspeth is about to erect a trough and drinking fountain at Flushing avenue and Grand street.
Judge Garretson has reversed the decision whereby five of the proprietors of places of amusement at Bowery Bay beach were adjudged guilty of violating Sunday laws. The arrests were made without warrants.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
Newtown News Notes.
Karl Schwab has been held for the grand jury on a charge of having burglars' tools in his possession.
Justice Monteverde held John and William Beckman for the grand jury for carting garbage into the town.
The woman's Christian temperance union of Maspeth is about to erect a trough and drinking fountain at Flushing avenue and Grand street.
Judge Garretson has reversed the decision whereby five of the proprietors of places of amusement at Bowery Bay beach were adjudged guilty of violating Sunday laws. The arrests were made without warrants.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, July 5, 1895, p. 1.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Four-Year-Old Sets Fire to House
New York, 1895
News in Brief.
The Long Island railroad company has opened the new station called Edgemere between Far Rockaway and Arverne.
President Corbin of the Long Island railroad visited Montauk on Tuesday and inspected his recent purchase of 4,000 acres of land.
A 4 year old grandson of William T. Rider of East Rockaway set fire to the house Tuesday through playing with matches. The interior of the house was burned out.
The people living in the vicinity of Bowne's mills, near Flushing, have appealed to the state board of health to prevent the dumping of garbage and manure there.
A post office has been established at Washington Square, near Hempstead, under the name of Munson. Miss Daisy Stringham has been appointed postmistress.
Antonio Carrara, who was a staff officer to Garibaldi, died at the home of his brother-in law at College Point Saturday night, the result of an operation performed on his throat. He was a banker.
Two deaths from lockjaw occured in Flushing Wednesday. One was Mary Treadwell, infant of Samuel Treadwell, of Little Neck, and the other a daughter of Henry Zobel of Bayside.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 2.
News in Brief.
The Long Island railroad company has opened the new station called Edgemere between Far Rockaway and Arverne.
President Corbin of the Long Island railroad visited Montauk on Tuesday and inspected his recent purchase of 4,000 acres of land.
A 4 year old grandson of William T. Rider of East Rockaway set fire to the house Tuesday through playing with matches. The interior of the house was burned out.
The people living in the vicinity of Bowne's mills, near Flushing, have appealed to the state board of health to prevent the dumping of garbage and manure there.
A post office has been established at Washington Square, near Hempstead, under the name of Munson. Miss Daisy Stringham has been appointed postmistress.
Antonio Carrara, who was a staff officer to Garibaldi, died at the home of his brother-in law at College Point Saturday night, the result of an operation performed on his throat. He was a banker.
Two deaths from lockjaw occured in Flushing Wednesday. One was Mary Treadwell, infant of Samuel Treadwell, of Little Neck, and the other a daughter of Henry Zobel of Bayside.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 2.
Was He from Baltimore?
New York, 1895
The body of a man was found floating in Flushing Creek Monday afternoon. It is so badly decomposed that it is unrecognizable and had evidently been in the water about six months. The body was in dark clothes of good material. In the pockets were found a match box with the name "J. G. McShane" engraved on it, and a business card with the name "R. Stuart Littlepage, with Henry McShane manufacturing company, Baltimore, Md."
Tuesday the remains were identified as those of R. S. Littlepage, a traveling salesman for the McShane company of Baltimore, who mysteriously disappeared February 5. He was last seen on the morning of that day on the deck of the steamboat New Hampshire of the Stonington line, on the way down Long Island sound to New York. When the steamboat reached her dock in New York it was discovered that Littlepage was not then among the passengers. His coat was found in his stateroom, with a five dollar bill and letters in one of his pockets. All his other clothing was gone, together with his satchel. Two weeks previously Mr. Littlepage had left Baltimore on a trip to New England. He was returning home when he disappeared.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 2.
The body of a man was found floating in Flushing Creek Monday afternoon. It is so badly decomposed that it is unrecognizable and had evidently been in the water about six months. The body was in dark clothes of good material. In the pockets were found a match box with the name "J. G. McShane" engraved on it, and a business card with the name "R. Stuart Littlepage, with Henry McShane manufacturing company, Baltimore, Md."
Tuesday the remains were identified as those of R. S. Littlepage, a traveling salesman for the McShane company of Baltimore, who mysteriously disappeared February 5. He was last seen on the morning of that day on the deck of the steamboat New Hampshire of the Stonington line, on the way down Long Island sound to New York. When the steamboat reached her dock in New York it was discovered that Littlepage was not then among the passengers. His coat was found in his stateroom, with a five dollar bill and letters in one of his pockets. All his other clothing was gone, together with his satchel. Two weeks previously Mr. Littlepage had left Baltimore on a trip to New England. He was returning home when he disappeared.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 2.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
McKenna Gets His Liberty.
New York, 1895
John McKenna, in jail at Riverhead awaiting the action of the grand jury on a charge of abducting Agnes McGraw, 15 years old, of Bayport, was discharged from custody by Judge Smith on a writ of certiorari. The evidence was insufficient to warrant holding the defendant.
Hicksville Odd-Fellows' Election.
The semi-annual election of officers of Primrose lodge, I. O. O. F., of Hicksville, resulted as follows: Noble grand, August Hauser; vice-grand, John Baumschbach; secretary, Henry J. Nickolaus; treasurer, Henry Nickolaus; representative to grand lodge, Andrew B. Heberer.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
John McKenna, in jail at Riverhead awaiting the action of the grand jury on a charge of abducting Agnes McGraw, 15 years old, of Bayport, was discharged from custody by Judge Smith on a writ of certiorari. The evidence was insufficient to warrant holding the defendant.
Hicksville Odd-Fellows' Election.
The semi-annual election of officers of Primrose lodge, I. O. O. F., of Hicksville, resulted as follows: Noble grand, August Hauser; vice-grand, John Baumschbach; secretary, Henry J. Nickolaus; treasurer, Henry Nickolaus; representative to grand lodge, Andrew B. Heberer.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
Married to Escape the Jail.
New York, 1895
John Kaissen, a Bohemian, who has been wanted at Islip for some time to answer to the charge of breach of promise preferred against him by Mary Stranarce, a Bohemian lass, was arrested and brought before Justice Griffith on Saturday. The couple left the court room man and wife.
Sold to Satisfy Judgments.
The property of the Amityville agricultural fair and driving park association was sold by Sheriff O'Brien to satisfy judgments amounting to about $4,200. There was only one bidder, S. P. Hildreth, who secured the property for $525. He acted in behalf of a syndicate.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
John Kaissen, a Bohemian, who has been wanted at Islip for some time to answer to the charge of breach of promise preferred against him by Mary Stranarce, a Bohemian lass, was arrested and brought before Justice Griffith on Saturday. The couple left the court room man and wife.
Sold to Satisfy Judgments.
The property of the Amityville agricultural fair and driving park association was sold by Sheriff O'Brien to satisfy judgments amounting to about $4,200. There was only one bidder, S. P. Hildreth, who secured the property for $525. He acted in behalf of a syndicate.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
Bicycle Races at the Fair.
New York, 1895
The board of managers of the Agricultural society are going to make bicycle racing a prominent feature of the fall fair. The one mile novice race, open to class A residents of Long Island, prizes worth $25, $15 and $10, will take place on Wednesday, September 25. The one mile handicap, open only to residents of Queens county, prizes worth $25, $15 and $10, will be run on Thursday, September 26, and the two mile handicap, open to all class A riders, prizes worth $50, $25, $15 and $10, will be run on Friday. Races will be run under League of American Wheelmen rules and sanction.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
The board of managers of the Agricultural society are going to make bicycle racing a prominent feature of the fall fair. The one mile novice race, open to class A residents of Long Island, prizes worth $25, $15 and $10, will take place on Wednesday, September 25. The one mile handicap, open only to residents of Queens county, prizes worth $25, $15 and $10, will be run on Thursday, September 26, and the two mile handicap, open to all class A riders, prizes worth $50, $25, $15 and $10, will be run on Friday. Races will be run under League of American Wheelmen rules and sanction.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
UPSET IN LITTLE HELL GATE.
New York, 1895
One of Four Persons Drowned — Another Swam Ashore.
Edward Doehn and William Madden of New York went out rowing in the sound Sunday with Thomas Dalton and James Smith, who live on an ice boat. Their boat had two sets of oars, and each took one oar. On their return through Little Hell Gate the tide was against them. When they were in the second eddy their boat drifted against a rock and upset.
The four men got on the upturned boat. Doehn slipped off finally, and was drowned. Smith swam to Randall's Island. The other two men were picked up by a boat.
Patrick J. Casey of Long Island City fell into the Harlem river Sunday. His back struck on a spile, and this incapacitated him from swimming. George Darling jumped in to rescue him, and Policeman Calhane got a rope and pulled them both out.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
One of Four Persons Drowned — Another Swam Ashore.
Edward Doehn and William Madden of New York went out rowing in the sound Sunday with Thomas Dalton and James Smith, who live on an ice boat. Their boat had two sets of oars, and each took one oar. On their return through Little Hell Gate the tide was against them. When they were in the second eddy their boat drifted against a rock and upset.
The four men got on the upturned boat. Doehn slipped off finally, and was drowned. Smith swam to Randall's Island. The other two men were picked up by a boat.
Patrick J. Casey of Long Island City fell into the Harlem river Sunday. His back struck on a spile, and this incapacitated him from swimming. George Darling jumped in to rescue him, and Policeman Calhane got a rope and pulled them both out.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
THE DEVIL AMONG THEM.
New York, 1895
Big Row in the Temperance Division at Bay Side.
The Bay Side division of Sons of Temperance is about to disband. Several of the chief officers have been doing wrong. One of the most active members made a speech at the meeting Thursday night, in which he charged drunkenness and immorality, and said it was no credit to belong to such an organization.
The Bayside chapter is one of the results of the work of the Rev. Arthur Crossley, former pastor of the M. E. Church. A number of young men were induced to take the pledge and several drunkards were reclaimed. One of the reclaimed men was made worthy patriot. He showed such enthusiasm in his work that he has been re-elected twice. This man was the prime mover in getting up the petition against Shrell, the illicit distiller.
Lately he had some domestic trouble, and ever since has been on a protracted spree. He has, however, shown no inclination to relinquish the position he holds in the society.
The crisis came when, under the head of "good of the order," Frank Bouse said that with one of the officers continually drunk, another an adulterer, and another in an interesting condition, he didn't think it was much honor to belong to it.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
Big Row in the Temperance Division at Bay Side.
The Bay Side division of Sons of Temperance is about to disband. Several of the chief officers have been doing wrong. One of the most active members made a speech at the meeting Thursday night, in which he charged drunkenness and immorality, and said it was no credit to belong to such an organization.
The Bayside chapter is one of the results of the work of the Rev. Arthur Crossley, former pastor of the M. E. Church. A number of young men were induced to take the pledge and several drunkards were reclaimed. One of the reclaimed men was made worthy patriot. He showed such enthusiasm in his work that he has been re-elected twice. This man was the prime mover in getting up the petition against Shrell, the illicit distiller.
Lately he had some domestic trouble, and ever since has been on a protracted spree. He has, however, shown no inclination to relinquish the position he holds in the society.
The crisis came when, under the head of "good of the order," Frank Bouse said that with one of the officers continually drunk, another an adulterer, and another in an interesting condition, he didn't think it was much honor to belong to it.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
PUSHED OVERBOARD AND DROWNED.
New York, 1895
Charles Davis the Victim of an Unmerciful Captain.
William Adamson, Captain of a barge owned by William A. Price of New York, is locked up in the Town Hall at Flushing, charged with responsibility for the death of Charles Davis, 18 years old, who was drowned from the barge Monday afternoon.
Capt. Adamson tied up at the dye works dock Monday morning with a load of coal for the dye works. He hired Charles Davis and Pleasant Harris to assist in unloading the coal. After working several hours the young men got overheated and decided to take a bath. They sat down on the edge of the barge to rest. The Captain walked up behind the young men, and with the, remark "If you're going to take a swim, why don't you do it?" pushed Davis overboard. He sank instantly.
Harris called on the captain to save the youth's life, but, with a laugh, the captain went back to his work. Harris ran ashore and asked Capt. Hance to arrest Adamson. Hance thought the youth was fooling and paid no attention.
Deputy Sheriff Methven went immediately to the dock and arrested Capt. Adamson. The creek was dragged, and the body of Davis was recovered.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
Charles Davis the Victim of an Unmerciful Captain.
William Adamson, Captain of a barge owned by William A. Price of New York, is locked up in the Town Hall at Flushing, charged with responsibility for the death of Charles Davis, 18 years old, who was drowned from the barge Monday afternoon.
Capt. Adamson tied up at the dye works dock Monday morning with a load of coal for the dye works. He hired Charles Davis and Pleasant Harris to assist in unloading the coal. After working several hours the young men got overheated and decided to take a bath. They sat down on the edge of the barge to rest. The Captain walked up behind the young men, and with the, remark "If you're going to take a swim, why don't you do it?" pushed Davis overboard. He sank instantly.
Harris called on the captain to save the youth's life, but, with a laugh, the captain went back to his work. Harris ran ashore and asked Capt. Hance to arrest Adamson. Hance thought the youth was fooling and paid no attention.
Deputy Sheriff Methven went immediately to the dock and arrested Capt. Adamson. The creek was dragged, and the body of Davis was recovered.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
No Picnics at Whitestone.
New York, 1895
Everything was as quiet as a graveyard at Whitestone on Sunday. Three men patrolled the shore all day on the lookout for picnic parties, but none attempted to land. The crusade of the Good Government club has had its effect. Since the arrest on Monday of Proprietor Stimmel of one of the picnic pavilions there has been a great change. It is said that Proprietor Knabb, of another pavilion, has refunded a deposit and notified a picnic party that he would be unable to entertain them.
The People of Hempstead Aroused.
The people of Hempstead are rising in their might against the toll road company which controls the Hempstead turnpike and propose to petition the attorney general to bring a suit to oust the company from possession of the road, upon the ground that the corporation, which is now under indictment by the grand jury for maintaining a nuisance, has failed to comply with the terms of its charter.
Silk Mills Seized by the Sheriff.
The property of the East River Silk Company in Long Island City was attached by Sheriff Doht, in behalf of the Bank of America, of New York, on Thursday afternoon. The bank has lost about $40,000 by discounting notes which were forged by A. S. Moore, secretary and treasurer of the company. The Union Bank, of New York, which holds about $4,000 of Moore's forged paper, also placed an attachment in the hands of Sheriff Doht.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
Everything was as quiet as a graveyard at Whitestone on Sunday. Three men patrolled the shore all day on the lookout for picnic parties, but none attempted to land. The crusade of the Good Government club has had its effect. Since the arrest on Monday of Proprietor Stimmel of one of the picnic pavilions there has been a great change. It is said that Proprietor Knabb, of another pavilion, has refunded a deposit and notified a picnic party that he would be unable to entertain them.
The People of Hempstead Aroused.
The people of Hempstead are rising in their might against the toll road company which controls the Hempstead turnpike and propose to petition the attorney general to bring a suit to oust the company from possession of the road, upon the ground that the corporation, which is now under indictment by the grand jury for maintaining a nuisance, has failed to comply with the terms of its charter.
Silk Mills Seized by the Sheriff.
The property of the East River Silk Company in Long Island City was attached by Sheriff Doht, in behalf of the Bank of America, of New York, on Thursday afternoon. The bank has lost about $40,000 by discounting notes which were forged by A. S. Moore, secretary and treasurer of the company. The Union Bank, of New York, which holds about $4,000 of Moore's forged paper, also placed an attachment in the hands of Sheriff Doht.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
She Paid Damages and Costs.
New York, 1895
Mrs. John Kelly, stepmother of Post-Master John Kelly, Jr., of Kings Park, who was arrested for destroying his property at midnight on June 5, was called for trial at Northport before Justice Strawson Thursday afternoon. She decided to settle, paying damages and costs, amounting to about $150.
Woodside Florists Losing Heavily.
The dry weather is causing great damage to florists in Woodside and Winfield. Hundreds of dollars' worth of plants are dying in the ground. One florist at Woodside says that $500 would not cover his losses.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
Mrs. John Kelly, stepmother of Post-Master John Kelly, Jr., of Kings Park, who was arrested for destroying his property at midnight on June 5, was called for trial at Northport before Justice Strawson Thursday afternoon. She decided to settle, paying damages and costs, amounting to about $150.
Woodside Florists Losing Heavily.
The dry weather is causing great damage to florists in Woodside and Winfield. Hundreds of dollars' worth of plants are dying in the ground. One florist at Woodside says that $500 would not cover his losses.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.
Monday, September 8, 2008
King Lobengula's House.
1895
Of Lobengula's house nothing but a low heap of bricks remains. It is very pathetic to see the great deserted kraal, once so populous and now tenanted only by a few screaming plovers flying round and round over it. One or two miserable looking blacks were squatted among the ashes, grubbing for a few glass beads. Far away — the only thing that breaks the monotony of the horizon — you see Thabas Induna, the hill where Lobengula won his first victory. In spite of all his cruelties one cannot help being rather sorry for the old king. I think that feeling is held by most of the people engaged in the war.
The Matabili seem absolutely quiet and have no sense of the ignominy of defeat. But their insolence before the war is almost beyond belief. They would enter an Englishman's wagon, unbidden, pull the book he was reading out of his hand and throw it on the floor again and again, spit into his water bottle, snatch off his hat, and if he tried to recover it chuck a knobkerrie (club or knotted stick) under his chin so as almost to shatter his teeth. These insults had to be borne in silence, as resistance would only have ended in murder by overwhelming numbers. But the forbearance and self restraints of the white men when their turn came seem to have been marvelous after such provocation. — National Review.
A Dainty Sprinkler.
O'Kief — Doesn't Miss Flipsley make a pretty picture as she sprinkles her flowers?
McEll — Yes, and judging by the way she is holding her skirt she seems anxious to let the neighbors see that she uses nothing but the best quality of hose. — Brooklyn Eagle.
Of Lobengula's house nothing but a low heap of bricks remains. It is very pathetic to see the great deserted kraal, once so populous and now tenanted only by a few screaming plovers flying round and round over it. One or two miserable looking blacks were squatted among the ashes, grubbing for a few glass beads. Far away — the only thing that breaks the monotony of the horizon — you see Thabas Induna, the hill where Lobengula won his first victory. In spite of all his cruelties one cannot help being rather sorry for the old king. I think that feeling is held by most of the people engaged in the war.
The Matabili seem absolutely quiet and have no sense of the ignominy of defeat. But their insolence before the war is almost beyond belief. They would enter an Englishman's wagon, unbidden, pull the book he was reading out of his hand and throw it on the floor again and again, spit into his water bottle, snatch off his hat, and if he tried to recover it chuck a knobkerrie (club or knotted stick) under his chin so as almost to shatter his teeth. These insults had to be borne in silence, as resistance would only have ended in murder by overwhelming numbers. But the forbearance and self restraints of the white men when their turn came seem to have been marvelous after such provocation. — National Review.
A Dainty Sprinkler.
O'Kief — Doesn't Miss Flipsley make a pretty picture as she sprinkles her flowers?
McEll — Yes, and judging by the way she is holding her skirt she seems anxious to let the neighbors see that she uses nothing but the best quality of hose. — Brooklyn Eagle.
ELECTRIC FIRE ALARMS.
1895
Their Advantage In the Time When Immediate Help Is Most Needed.
The first few moments after the outbreak of a fire is the critical time in deciding whether or not it can be got under control, and upon the prompt arrival of the apparatus often depends the salvation or the destruction of the entire plant. While a watchman may be thoroughly conscientious and alert and do everything in his power under the trying circumstances which confront him the appliances at hand are necessarily limited, and one man is seldom enough for the emergency. If, after doing all he can, he finds the fire too much for him to handle and must then leave it to send in an alarm, much valuable time is lost, and when the apparatus finally arrives the blaze has obtained a vantage ground which often means the destruction of the property.
With the splendidly developed electric fire alarm systems which are on the market at the present day, affording every possible means of protection and at the same time reducing the insurance premiums very materially, it seems a decidedly short sighted policy to pass them by and still depend on the by no means infallible vigilance of a human machine, which, however good it may be, still has weaknesses which the other is not heir to.
The automatic fire alarm companies have made immense strides in the improvement of their systems during the past few years, and as their business has increased through the gradual appreciation of its merits they have kept abreast of the requirements presented and meet them at every point. The insurance companies have not been slow to recognize the additional protection to themselves as well as to the manufacturers, and have offered inducements in the shape of reduced premiums on plants so equipped.
The manufacturer whose plant is destroyed by fire, even though he be insured, suffers a loss which can hardly be estimated at the time, and from which it may take him years to recover, and though it is a peculiarity of human nature to look on such a contingency as applicable to everybody but himself the sensible man is the one who leaves no dangerous point unguarded, especially against so ruthless an enemy as fire. — Electrical Review.
Their Advantage In the Time When Immediate Help Is Most Needed.
The first few moments after the outbreak of a fire is the critical time in deciding whether or not it can be got under control, and upon the prompt arrival of the apparatus often depends the salvation or the destruction of the entire plant. While a watchman may be thoroughly conscientious and alert and do everything in his power under the trying circumstances which confront him the appliances at hand are necessarily limited, and one man is seldom enough for the emergency. If, after doing all he can, he finds the fire too much for him to handle and must then leave it to send in an alarm, much valuable time is lost, and when the apparatus finally arrives the blaze has obtained a vantage ground which often means the destruction of the property.
With the splendidly developed electric fire alarm systems which are on the market at the present day, affording every possible means of protection and at the same time reducing the insurance premiums very materially, it seems a decidedly short sighted policy to pass them by and still depend on the by no means infallible vigilance of a human machine, which, however good it may be, still has weaknesses which the other is not heir to.
The automatic fire alarm companies have made immense strides in the improvement of their systems during the past few years, and as their business has increased through the gradual appreciation of its merits they have kept abreast of the requirements presented and meet them at every point. The insurance companies have not been slow to recognize the additional protection to themselves as well as to the manufacturers, and have offered inducements in the shape of reduced premiums on plants so equipped.
The manufacturer whose plant is destroyed by fire, even though he be insured, suffers a loss which can hardly be estimated at the time, and from which it may take him years to recover, and though it is a peculiarity of human nature to look on such a contingency as applicable to everybody but himself the sensible man is the one who leaves no dangerous point unguarded, especially against so ruthless an enemy as fire. — Electrical Review.
No Reduction Accepted.
1895
The count came near and whispered softly.
"I am ready," he said, "to make a sacrifice for you."
She gestured deprecatingly.
"Sacrifice?" she repeated. "No, Reginald, I am able to pay the regular price."
She smiled, as in the consciousness of power. — Detroit Tribune.
Trivia
An unjust acquisition is like a barbed arrow, which must be drawn backward with horrible anguish, or else will be your destruction. — Jeremy Taylor.
The clove is the dried and unexpended bud of a tree technically known to botanists as the Caryophyllus aromaticus.
Belgium took its name from the Belgae, a warlike tribe which inhabited it before the time of Christ.
The early Egyptian lamps were of granite, alabaster and terra cotta.
The count came near and whispered softly.
"I am ready," he said, "to make a sacrifice for you."
She gestured deprecatingly.
"Sacrifice?" she repeated. "No, Reginald, I am able to pay the regular price."
She smiled, as in the consciousness of power. — Detroit Tribune.
Trivia
An unjust acquisition is like a barbed arrow, which must be drawn backward with horrible anguish, or else will be your destruction. — Jeremy Taylor.
The clove is the dried and unexpended bud of a tree technically known to botanists as the Caryophyllus aromaticus.
Belgium took its name from the Belgae, a warlike tribe which inhabited it before the time of Christ.
The early Egyptian lamps were of granite, alabaster and terra cotta.
A Puzzled Husband.
1895
Patient Man — Suppose a woman makes it so hot for her husband that he can't live with her and he leaves her. What can she do?
Lawyer — Sue him for support.
"Suppose she has run him so heavily into debt that he can't support her, because his creditors grab every penny as quick as he gets it?"
"If for any reason he fails to pay her the amount ordered, he will be sent to jail for contempt of court."
"Suppose she drives him out of the house with a flatiron and he's afraid to go back?" "She can sue him for desertion."
"Well, I don't see anything for me to do but go and hang myself."
"It's against the law to commit suicide, and if you are caught attempting it you'll be imprisoned. Thirteen and fourpence, please. Good day!" — Tit-Bits.
Irish In Ireland.
Irish is spreading in the schools of Ireland — 1,051 candidates presented themselves for examination in their native tongue last year as compared with 831 the year before. The number of schoolmasters who obtained certificates to teach Irish doubled. Irish was taught in 11 new board schools, and the sale of books of the Society For the Preservation of the Irish Language was greatly increased. — Philadelphia Ledger.
Patient Man — Suppose a woman makes it so hot for her husband that he can't live with her and he leaves her. What can she do?
Lawyer — Sue him for support.
"Suppose she has run him so heavily into debt that he can't support her, because his creditors grab every penny as quick as he gets it?"
"If for any reason he fails to pay her the amount ordered, he will be sent to jail for contempt of court."
"Suppose she drives him out of the house with a flatiron and he's afraid to go back?" "She can sue him for desertion."
"Well, I don't see anything for me to do but go and hang myself."
"It's against the law to commit suicide, and if you are caught attempting it you'll be imprisoned. Thirteen and fourpence, please. Good day!" — Tit-Bits.
Irish In Ireland.
Irish is spreading in the schools of Ireland — 1,051 candidates presented themselves for examination in their native tongue last year as compared with 831 the year before. The number of schoolmasters who obtained certificates to teach Irish doubled. Irish was taught in 11 new board schools, and the sale of books of the Society For the Preservation of the Irish Language was greatly increased. — Philadelphia Ledger.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Pleasures of the Table.
1895
Heliogabalus surpassed Vitellius as far as Vitellius surpassed Lucullus in the art of expending vast sums upon the pleasures of the table. According to Lampridius, he cost the government for each of his dinners more than $180,000 in our money! This statement almost transcends belief. At one of his banquets was served an entree consisting of the brains of 600,000 ostriches, quickly followed by another of broiled heels of an incalculable number of tender young camels!
In the days of Shakespeare good digestion probably waited on appetite. Dining was a matter of fact business, and dinners were so lacking in the variety of dishes that an appetite was a necessity. In these days, as in the days of Vitellius, an appetite is a superfluity. Among the high livers it is satiated, dull, dead, worn out. Special dishes are invented to tickle and awaken it.
Lucullus, Vitellius and Heliogabalus are among the great departed, but their memory lives, and even in this day and generation they have their imitators. — New York Press.
Heliogabalus surpassed Vitellius as far as Vitellius surpassed Lucullus in the art of expending vast sums upon the pleasures of the table. According to Lampridius, he cost the government for each of his dinners more than $180,000 in our money! This statement almost transcends belief. At one of his banquets was served an entree consisting of the brains of 600,000 ostriches, quickly followed by another of broiled heels of an incalculable number of tender young camels!
In the days of Shakespeare good digestion probably waited on appetite. Dining was a matter of fact business, and dinners were so lacking in the variety of dishes that an appetite was a necessity. In these days, as in the days of Vitellius, an appetite is a superfluity. Among the high livers it is satiated, dull, dead, worn out. Special dishes are invented to tickle and awaken it.
Lucullus, Vitellius and Heliogabalus are among the great departed, but their memory lives, and even in this day and generation they have their imitators. — New York Press.
A DEAL IN CUT RATE TICKETS.
1895
Two Theater Goers of Unequal Purses Accommodated by a Broker.
A young man entered a shop which displayed the sign, "Theater tickets at cut rates," on a Saturday afternoon about 2 o'clock and said to the ticket broker:
"What have you for matinee at Palmer's?"
"Dollar an 'af orchestry for $1," replied the proprietor, a sharp looking man, with a large diamond stud in his shirt.
"Haven't you a 50 cent admission? I only want to spend a quarter."
"Nope. Give you that orchestry for 75 cents."
"No," said the young man as he scanned the blackboard on which were chalked the attractions at the different theaters.
"Say," argued the speculator, "how much you got in yer jeans?"
"Fifty cents," was the reply after a little hesitation.
"All right," came back from the cage. "I'll go you. You just wait here for a pardner."
The young man walked nervously up and down the shop anxiously watching the clock, the door and the proprietor. Whenever a customer came in he listened attentively to the conversation. On the other hand, the speculator didn't seem in the least impatient.
At 20 minutes past 2 a tall man stalked in and asked:
"Have you an orchestra chair for Palmer's?"
A look of hope spread over the young man's face as the proprietor answered in the affirmative, and the tall man asked the price. But his look turned to consternation as the speculator answered:
"One dollar."
"Why, I thought you said 50 cents," the young man blurted out.
The speculator gave the young man a wink that would have done credit to a devil fish.
"Oh, I thought you meant those others," the young man stammered as he comprehended the meaning of the feat of facial contortion.
The tall man was satisfied and took the ticket and was told to go with the young man, as the ticket admitted two and couldn't be separated. Then the speculator took the dollar bill of the tall man in his left hand, while with his right he dextrously received and concealed the young man's two quarters.
As they hastened to the theater the tall man remarked in a patronizing way:
"I tell you what, it's a great thing to know all the ropes."
And it was with a smile that the young man assented to the proposition. — New York Sun.
Two Theater Goers of Unequal Purses Accommodated by a Broker.
A young man entered a shop which displayed the sign, "Theater tickets at cut rates," on a Saturday afternoon about 2 o'clock and said to the ticket broker:
"What have you for matinee at Palmer's?"
"Dollar an 'af orchestry for $1," replied the proprietor, a sharp looking man, with a large diamond stud in his shirt.
"Haven't you a 50 cent admission? I only want to spend a quarter."
"Nope. Give you that orchestry for 75 cents."
"No," said the young man as he scanned the blackboard on which were chalked the attractions at the different theaters.
"Say," argued the speculator, "how much you got in yer jeans?"
"Fifty cents," was the reply after a little hesitation.
"All right," came back from the cage. "I'll go you. You just wait here for a pardner."
The young man walked nervously up and down the shop anxiously watching the clock, the door and the proprietor. Whenever a customer came in he listened attentively to the conversation. On the other hand, the speculator didn't seem in the least impatient.
At 20 minutes past 2 a tall man stalked in and asked:
"Have you an orchestra chair for Palmer's?"
A look of hope spread over the young man's face as the proprietor answered in the affirmative, and the tall man asked the price. But his look turned to consternation as the speculator answered:
"One dollar."
"Why, I thought you said 50 cents," the young man blurted out.
The speculator gave the young man a wink that would have done credit to a devil fish.
"Oh, I thought you meant those others," the young man stammered as he comprehended the meaning of the feat of facial contortion.
The tall man was satisfied and took the ticket and was told to go with the young man, as the ticket admitted two and couldn't be separated. Then the speculator took the dollar bill of the tall man in his left hand, while with his right he dextrously received and concealed the young man's two quarters.
As they hastened to the theater the tall man remarked in a patronizing way:
"I tell you what, it's a great thing to know all the ropes."
And it was with a smile that the young man assented to the proposition. — New York Sun.
Glassmaking.
1895
Much mystery has in times past attached to the art of glassmaking. It was formerly the custom for the workmen, in setting pots in the glass furnace, to protect themselves from the heat by dressing in the skins of wild animals from head to foot. To this queer garb were added glass goggle eyes, and thus the most hideous looking monsters were readily presented to the eye. Show was made of themselves in the neighborhood to the infinite alarm of children, old women and others. — Boston Herald.
In 1920.
Mrs. New Woman — Be calm, my dear. I think there's a woman under the bed!
Mr. New Woman — Oh, Maria, do be careful! If you shoot her, try not to hurt her very much. — Brooklyn Eagle.
Much mystery has in times past attached to the art of glassmaking. It was formerly the custom for the workmen, in setting pots in the glass furnace, to protect themselves from the heat by dressing in the skins of wild animals from head to foot. To this queer garb were added glass goggle eyes, and thus the most hideous looking monsters were readily presented to the eye. Show was made of themselves in the neighborhood to the infinite alarm of children, old women and others. — Boston Herald.
In 1920.
Mrs. New Woman — Be calm, my dear. I think there's a woman under the bed!
Mr. New Woman — Oh, Maria, do be careful! If you shoot her, try not to hurt her very much. — Brooklyn Eagle.
Ages.
1895
Isn't it odd what a fascination the subject of ages has for one's elderly relatives?
Not that you are seeking to conceal any facts, but once during each call or visit having discussed the matter and resigned yourself to having even the servants know that you were 29 or 31 last March, it does seem that the theme might he dropped.
No matter how craftily the conversation is veered off, back the old folks prance to the juicy topic, and you are hauled up again and again to prove the date of the birth of Amelia's Georgie by the fact that you were 11 when he was born, which makes him so old last October, and refreshes their minds as to the age of Mary's Ella, because you are 15 months her senior.
Somehow you are always older than anybody else. — Polly Pry in New York Recorder.
Isn't it odd what a fascination the subject of ages has for one's elderly relatives?
Not that you are seeking to conceal any facts, but once during each call or visit having discussed the matter and resigned yourself to having even the servants know that you were 29 or 31 last March, it does seem that the theme might he dropped.
No matter how craftily the conversation is veered off, back the old folks prance to the juicy topic, and you are hauled up again and again to prove the date of the birth of Amelia's Georgie by the fact that you were 11 when he was born, which makes him so old last October, and refreshes their minds as to the age of Mary's Ella, because you are 15 months her senior.
Somehow you are always older than anybody else. — Polly Pry in New York Recorder.
The British Crown.
1895
The crown which was used in the ceremonies attending the coronation of Queen Victoria was made by Rundell & Bridge, and is said to represent a money value of about £300,000. It weighs a fraction less than two pounds and is almost covered with the 3,000 precious stones which adorn it. The headband of this gorgeous insignia of royalty is made of gold, covered with a row of 129 pearls along its lower edge and 112 on the upper. Between the pearls in front is a large sapphire and behind a smaller one. Near each sapphire is a clustered ornament made up of 286 diamonds. Immediately above the headband is a row of eight sapphires, each surmounted by a magnificent diamond, and eight festoons, collectively containing 160 diamonds. The front of the crown is a Maltese cross, having in its center the most famous known ruby, that given to the Black Prince by Pedro, king of Castile.
Besides the above there are three other crosses containing 386 diamonds. Between the four crosses are four ornaments, containing, respectively, 84, 85, 86 and 87 diamonds. The arched top of the crown, which is in imitation oak leaves, contains 728 diamonds. Besides the above, there are 32 acorns, each composed of a single pearl, set in cups made of 54 diamonds each. The whole is surmounted by a mound of 548 diamonds and a cross of sapphires with arms of 108 small diamonds. — St. Louis Republic.
The crown which was used in the ceremonies attending the coronation of Queen Victoria was made by Rundell & Bridge, and is said to represent a money value of about £300,000. It weighs a fraction less than two pounds and is almost covered with the 3,000 precious stones which adorn it. The headband of this gorgeous insignia of royalty is made of gold, covered with a row of 129 pearls along its lower edge and 112 on the upper. Between the pearls in front is a large sapphire and behind a smaller one. Near each sapphire is a clustered ornament made up of 286 diamonds. Immediately above the headband is a row of eight sapphires, each surmounted by a magnificent diamond, and eight festoons, collectively containing 160 diamonds. The front of the crown is a Maltese cross, having in its center the most famous known ruby, that given to the Black Prince by Pedro, king of Castile.
Besides the above there are three other crosses containing 386 diamonds. Between the four crosses are four ornaments, containing, respectively, 84, 85, 86 and 87 diamonds. The arched top of the crown, which is in imitation oak leaves, contains 728 diamonds. Besides the above, there are 32 acorns, each composed of a single pearl, set in cups made of 54 diamonds each. The whole is surmounted by a mound of 548 diamonds and a cross of sapphires with arms of 108 small diamonds. — St. Louis Republic.
Friday, September 5, 2008
BISMARCK'S TRAITS.
1895
How the Old Chancellor Came Out Ahead of a Stupid Hotel Keeper.
Perhaps the chief trait of Bismarck's genius is to be found in his entire freedom from the preconceived notions, and in the limpidness of his mind, which refused to submit to accepted fallacies. This tendency in early age earned for him, of the dull pedantry and prime Philistines around him, the sobriquet of "Tolle Bismarck" — the mad Bismarck — but later on it resulted in the complete demolition of the old system of diplomacy. For equivocation and downright falsehood his powerful intellect substituted a kind of outrageous frankness which bewildered and outwitted his adversaries. Nothing, however, marks his strong personality more vividly than the intense hatreds and blind devotions with which he has surrounded himself. He had the courage to be himself, the power to rely upon himself and to look at things in the face, while the keen sense of humor enabled him to see clearly the vast array of sham and pompous pretense of public and private life.
Never had madness more method than is shown by the originality of this strange being, half Mephistopheles, half dragon, who, before subduing to his iron will the whole of European diplomacy, shocked and horrified the fogies of the old school with the innuendoes and insinuations, the sarcasms and stories, the gibes and jokes which he flung at their heads mercilessly and continually. The wigged and powdered pomp which covered diplomatic pretense and mendacity was torn aside the instant that Prince Bismarck got a grip of political realities, and his first appearance among the dignified excellencies of the German diet constituted a veritable revolution.
The incidents of his early relations with these empty headed "importants sans importance" offer perhaps the most racy of the many anecdotes — in Prince Bismarck's own words in many cases — in his Boswell, his faithful secretary, Dr. Moritz Busch. His first encounter at Frankfort was with his hostler, who, like all the good burghers of the free city at that time, was intensely anti-Prussian. The old hotel where he put up, as Prussian delegate to the diet, was not provided with a complete system of bells, and Bismarck asked for a hand bell at least, wherewith to communicate with his valet. But he was gruffly told there was none to spare, and that he must shift for himself. Early next morning the loud report of a pistol set all the guests in a panic, with the exemption of Bismarck's servant, who explained that, as no bell was forthcoming, his master had summoned him by pistol shot. Five minutes later the desired bell was placed within Bismarck's reach. — New York Post.
How the Old Chancellor Came Out Ahead of a Stupid Hotel Keeper.
Perhaps the chief trait of Bismarck's genius is to be found in his entire freedom from the preconceived notions, and in the limpidness of his mind, which refused to submit to accepted fallacies. This tendency in early age earned for him, of the dull pedantry and prime Philistines around him, the sobriquet of "Tolle Bismarck" — the mad Bismarck — but later on it resulted in the complete demolition of the old system of diplomacy. For equivocation and downright falsehood his powerful intellect substituted a kind of outrageous frankness which bewildered and outwitted his adversaries. Nothing, however, marks his strong personality more vividly than the intense hatreds and blind devotions with which he has surrounded himself. He had the courage to be himself, the power to rely upon himself and to look at things in the face, while the keen sense of humor enabled him to see clearly the vast array of sham and pompous pretense of public and private life.
Never had madness more method than is shown by the originality of this strange being, half Mephistopheles, half dragon, who, before subduing to his iron will the whole of European diplomacy, shocked and horrified the fogies of the old school with the innuendoes and insinuations, the sarcasms and stories, the gibes and jokes which he flung at their heads mercilessly and continually. The wigged and powdered pomp which covered diplomatic pretense and mendacity was torn aside the instant that Prince Bismarck got a grip of political realities, and his first appearance among the dignified excellencies of the German diet constituted a veritable revolution.
The incidents of his early relations with these empty headed "importants sans importance" offer perhaps the most racy of the many anecdotes — in Prince Bismarck's own words in many cases — in his Boswell, his faithful secretary, Dr. Moritz Busch. His first encounter at Frankfort was with his hostler, who, like all the good burghers of the free city at that time, was intensely anti-Prussian. The old hotel where he put up, as Prussian delegate to the diet, was not provided with a complete system of bells, and Bismarck asked for a hand bell at least, wherewith to communicate with his valet. But he was gruffly told there was none to spare, and that he must shift for himself. Early next morning the loud report of a pistol set all the guests in a panic, with the exemption of Bismarck's servant, who explained that, as no bell was forthcoming, his master had summoned him by pistol shot. Five minutes later the desired bell was placed within Bismarck's reach. — New York Post.
Origin of "Viz."
1895
The contraction "viz" is a curious instance of the universality of arbitrary signs. There are few writers who do not appreciate the fact that the little contraction may be used in "good form" writing of all kinds, but there are probably even fewer persons who have any idea of its origin. It is a corruption of the word videlicet, the terminal letter of which was formerly made in the shape of a "z," but was never intended to represent that letter, being simply used as a mark or sign of abbreviation. It is now always written and expressed as "z" and will doubtless continue to be so used as long as written language exists. It is, however, as we have said, one of the many arbitrary modes of expression used by the masses, who never give a thought as to their origin. — St. Louis Republic.
His Bad Habit.
"He is a fine young man," said Mabel's father. "I am surprised that you treat him so harshly."
"Perhaps you don't know him as well as I do, father?"
"I know him pretty well. He has no bad habits at all."
"He has one of which I disapprove very much."
"He has?"
"Yes; I can't break him of proposing to me." — Washington Star.
The contraction "viz" is a curious instance of the universality of arbitrary signs. There are few writers who do not appreciate the fact that the little contraction may be used in "good form" writing of all kinds, but there are probably even fewer persons who have any idea of its origin. It is a corruption of the word videlicet, the terminal letter of which was formerly made in the shape of a "z," but was never intended to represent that letter, being simply used as a mark or sign of abbreviation. It is now always written and expressed as "z" and will doubtless continue to be so used as long as written language exists. It is, however, as we have said, one of the many arbitrary modes of expression used by the masses, who never give a thought as to their origin. — St. Louis Republic.
His Bad Habit.
"He is a fine young man," said Mabel's father. "I am surprised that you treat him so harshly."
"Perhaps you don't know him as well as I do, father?"
"I know him pretty well. He has no bad habits at all."
"He has one of which I disapprove very much."
"He has?"
"Yes; I can't break him of proposing to me." — Washington Star.
Dean Stanley's Bad Handwriting.
1895
Dean Stanley's bad handwriting is a matter of common notoriety, and I have often been asked if it was true that the printers refused to set it up. The fact is, that when the "copy" for the "History of the Jewish Church" was sent in the printers reported that they would have to charge a special rate for composition, as no man could set up such manuscript on the ordinary terms. we accordingly had the work copied out by a skillful amanuensis before it was set in type, as this proved to be the least expensive way of meeting the difficulty.
Once he wrote to my father a letter on an important matter, but there were some passages in it which, in spite of every effort, proved undecipherable. My father was consequently compelled to underline these sentences and to return the letter, with a request that they might be rewritten. In due course the dean replied, "If you cannot read my writing, I am sure I cannot do so, but I think I meant to say" so and so, and the sentence was rewritten in a form scarcely more legible than before. — John Murray in Good Words.
Dean Stanley's bad handwriting is a matter of common notoriety, and I have often been asked if it was true that the printers refused to set it up. The fact is, that when the "copy" for the "History of the Jewish Church" was sent in the printers reported that they would have to charge a special rate for composition, as no man could set up such manuscript on the ordinary terms. we accordingly had the work copied out by a skillful amanuensis before it was set in type, as this proved to be the least expensive way of meeting the difficulty.
Once he wrote to my father a letter on an important matter, but there were some passages in it which, in spite of every effort, proved undecipherable. My father was consequently compelled to underline these sentences and to return the letter, with a request that they might be rewritten. In due course the dean replied, "If you cannot read my writing, I am sure I cannot do so, but I think I meant to say" so and so, and the sentence was rewritten in a form scarcely more legible than before. — John Murray in Good Words.
Dictionary of Discontent.
1895
Science, dear Lady Betty, has diminished hope, knowledge has destroyed our illusions, and experience has deprived us of interest. Here, then, is the authorized dictionary of discontent:
What is creation? A failure.
What is life? A bore.
What is man? A fraud.
What is woman? Both a fraud and a bore.
What is beauty? A deception.
What is love? A disease.
What is marriage? A mistake.
What is a wife? A trial.
What is a child? A nuisance.
What is the devil? A fable.
What is good? Hypocrisy.
What is evil? Detection.
What is wisdom? Selfishness.
What is happiness? A delusion.
What is friendship? Humbug.
What is generosity? Imbecility.
What is money? Everything.
And what is everything? Nothing.
Were we perhaps not happier when we were monkeys? — London Truth.
Science, dear Lady Betty, has diminished hope, knowledge has destroyed our illusions, and experience has deprived us of interest. Here, then, is the authorized dictionary of discontent:
What is creation? A failure.
What is life? A bore.
What is man? A fraud.
What is woman? Both a fraud and a bore.
What is beauty? A deception.
What is love? A disease.
What is marriage? A mistake.
What is a wife? A trial.
What is a child? A nuisance.
What is the devil? A fable.
What is good? Hypocrisy.
What is evil? Detection.
What is wisdom? Selfishness.
What is happiness? A delusion.
What is friendship? Humbug.
What is generosity? Imbecility.
What is money? Everything.
And what is everything? Nothing.
Were we perhaps not happier when we were monkeys? — London Truth.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Eight Years for Postmaster Hegeman.
New York, 1895
Ex-Postmaster Joseph Hegeman, of Bayville, was on Friday sentenced by Judge Benedict, in the United States court, to eight years' imprisonment in the Kings county penitentiary. Hegeman was convicted of embezzling the funds of his office, and the amounts of his embezzling were found to be $1,291, which amount was placed against him as a fine, in addition to the imprisonment.
Threatened to Kill His Brother.
Willie Jones, the 12 year old son of James Jones, of Patchogue, while in a temporary fit of dementia attempted to kill his little brother with a knife. The children were playing together when suddenly Willie caught his brother by the hair and brandishing the knife over the child's head threatened to cut him if he cried out. The child was saved by the sudden appearance of the mother.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Ex-Postmaster Joseph Hegeman, of Bayville, was on Friday sentenced by Judge Benedict, in the United States court, to eight years' imprisonment in the Kings county penitentiary. Hegeman was convicted of embezzling the funds of his office, and the amounts of his embezzling were found to be $1,291, which amount was placed against him as a fine, in addition to the imprisonment.
Threatened to Kill His Brother.
Willie Jones, the 12 year old son of James Jones, of Patchogue, while in a temporary fit of dementia attempted to kill his little brother with a knife. The children were playing together when suddenly Willie caught his brother by the hair and brandishing the knife over the child's head threatened to cut him if he cried out. The child was saved by the sudden appearance of the mother.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Getting Even With Their Rival.
New York, 1895
A big crowd of hack drivers helped Road Commissioner Pearsall's men to tear up the tracks of the horse car line near the depot at Far Rockaway. The horse car line to the beach ruined the hackmen's business. This year the line has not been running, and an examination of its franchise shows that it had no right to lay its tracks on the block connecting it with the depot. The hackmen, seeing the work going on, imagined that the whole line was to be destroyed, and turned in to help.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
A big crowd of hack drivers helped Road Commissioner Pearsall's men to tear up the tracks of the horse car line near the depot at Far Rockaway. The horse car line to the beach ruined the hackmen's business. This year the line has not been running, and an examination of its franchise shows that it had no right to lay its tracks on the block connecting it with the depot. The hackmen, seeing the work going on, imagined that the whole line was to be destroyed, and turned in to help.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Jolly Coterie Boys Getting Ready.
New York, 1895
The jolly boys of the Springfield Coterie are getting ready for their annual festival. August 7th is the day fixed upon, and Phillips' Sea Side Pavilion is the place. Get your bibs and tuckers ready, girls. Special train and clambake, dancing all day, and a moonlight ride. Make a note of the date — August 7.
Militiamen on Bicycles.
Capt. Frank N. Bell, of the Seventeenth Separate Company of the National Guard, of Flushing, has a squad of thirty of his men mounted on bicycles. Drills are held every week. Bugler Charles Mowler executes the different calls.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
The jolly boys of the Springfield Coterie are getting ready for their annual festival. August 7th is the day fixed upon, and Phillips' Sea Side Pavilion is the place. Get your bibs and tuckers ready, girls. Special train and clambake, dancing all day, and a moonlight ride. Make a note of the date — August 7.
Militiamen on Bicycles.
Capt. Frank N. Bell, of the Seventeenth Separate Company of the National Guard, of Flushing, has a squad of thirty of his men mounted on bicycles. Drills are held every week. Bugler Charles Mowler executes the different calls.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Stole the Girls' Clothing.
New York, 1895
Three young and pretty girls went out to Wildwood lake, Riverhead, Tuesday afternoon to bathe. After they had taken their dip they found that some person had stolen their clothing. After waiting until dark they walked through the woods in their bathing suits to the house of Benjamin Terrell, about a mile and a quarter distant. As Mr. Terrell has no girls in his family the unfortunates had to keep on to the next neighbor, who fitted them out with temporary costumes, and they returned home.
Held Up a Telephone Girl.
Michael Hardy of Port Jefferson held up Miss Lizzie C. Lawrence, the Western Union operator, on Monday and frightened her into giving him money. When the follow repeated his demands the terrified girl succeeded in attracting the attention of a passerby and Hardy was made a prisoner. He was sent up for thirty days.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Three young and pretty girls went out to Wildwood lake, Riverhead, Tuesday afternoon to bathe. After they had taken their dip they found that some person had stolen their clothing. After waiting until dark they walked through the woods in their bathing suits to the house of Benjamin Terrell, about a mile and a quarter distant. As Mr. Terrell has no girls in his family the unfortunates had to keep on to the next neighbor, who fitted them out with temporary costumes, and they returned home.
Held Up a Telephone Girl.
Michael Hardy of Port Jefferson held up Miss Lizzie C. Lawrence, the Western Union operator, on Monday and frightened her into giving him money. When the follow repeated his demands the terrified girl succeeded in attracting the attention of a passerby and Hardy was made a prisoner. He was sent up for thirty days.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Accident to Mr. De Bevoise.
New York, 1895
Charles De Bevoise, of New York avenue, Jamaica, when returning home from market on Friday stopped in Brooklyn to make some purchases. While he was in the store his team started to run away. He caught them by the head and was thrown down, one of the animals stepping on his right hand and breaking the finger bones.
Locust Post Thieves Sentenced.
August Weibker was sentenced by Justice Hendrickson of Jamaica to six months' imprisonment in the county jail and $50 fine, and Matthew Funck to six months in the county jail for stealing locust posts from the premises of Garret Van Siclen at Black Stump.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Charles De Bevoise, of New York avenue, Jamaica, when returning home from market on Friday stopped in Brooklyn to make some purchases. While he was in the store his team started to run away. He caught them by the head and was thrown down, one of the animals stepping on his right hand and breaking the finger bones.
Locust Post Thieves Sentenced.
August Weibker was sentenced by Justice Hendrickson of Jamaica to six months' imprisonment in the county jail and $50 fine, and Matthew Funck to six months in the county jail for stealing locust posts from the premises of Garret Van Siclen at Black Stump.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Knocked His Wagon to Pieces.
New York, 1895
William Carey, the express driver of the Long Island railroad company at Southold, narrowly escaped being killed Tuesday night by a locomotive running extra to Greenport. Carey was driving across the track when the locomotive struck the wagon and smashed it into a hundred pieces. Carey jumped from the back of the wagon and escaped injury. The horse was not injured.
Ten Thousand Railroad Ties.
The British tramp steamer Delta arrived in New York Friday morning from Bay Chaleur, Quebec, with a cargo of 10,000 white cedar railroad ties, consigned to the Long Island railroad company.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
William Carey, the express driver of the Long Island railroad company at Southold, narrowly escaped being killed Tuesday night by a locomotive running extra to Greenport. Carey was driving across the track when the locomotive struck the wagon and smashed it into a hundred pieces. Carey jumped from the back of the wagon and escaped injury. The horse was not injured.
Ten Thousand Railroad Ties.
The British tramp steamer Delta arrived in New York Friday morning from Bay Chaleur, Quebec, with a cargo of 10,000 white cedar railroad ties, consigned to the Long Island railroad company.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Brush Bitten By Dog
New York, 1895
Jamaica Brevities.
Charles Brush of Union avenue was on Monday bitten several times on the left hand by his pet dog.
The Bailey property on Union avenue has been purchased by Mr. Hogan, of New York City, for $4,500.
The cellar has been dug for the house for Dr. Flynn on Hardenbrook avenue. Valentine Bangert has the contract.
James McNamara, for several years conductor on the Atlantic avenue division of the Long Island railroad has been appointed station master at Jamaica.
The room in the old trustees hall on Union avenue, now being fitted up for the use of the trustees will be ready for them July 5.
Michael Welsh was found Tuesday night sleeping on the porch of the Presbyterian chapel. Justice Hendrickson sent him to the county jail for 30 days.
Contractor George Marshall has completed the work of filling in the excavations on the Town Hall property and grading the ground and made a good job of it. The plot will be fenced and the ground laid out in lawns and flower beds.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Jamaica Brevities.
Charles Brush of Union avenue was on Monday bitten several times on the left hand by his pet dog.
The Bailey property on Union avenue has been purchased by Mr. Hogan, of New York City, for $4,500.
The cellar has been dug for the house for Dr. Flynn on Hardenbrook avenue. Valentine Bangert has the contract.
James McNamara, for several years conductor on the Atlantic avenue division of the Long Island railroad has been appointed station master at Jamaica.
The room in the old trustees hall on Union avenue, now being fitted up for the use of the trustees will be ready for them July 5.
Michael Welsh was found Tuesday night sleeping on the porch of the Presbyterian chapel. Justice Hendrickson sent him to the county jail for 30 days.
Contractor George Marshall has completed the work of filling in the excavations on the Town Hall property and grading the ground and made a good job of it. The plot will be fenced and the ground laid out in lawns and flower beds.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
KILLED BY AN ELEVATOR.
New York, 1895
Reckenbach Caught Under a Descending Car and Crushed.
Charles Reckenbach, a 19 year-old boy, who worked in the Lalance & Grosjean factory at Woodhaven, was crushed to death in the elevator shaft on Friday. Reckenbach wanted to go to an upper story and leaned over a guard rail to see if the car was coming up. The elevator was coming down at the time and struck Reckenbach upon the head.
The car continued its descent, and the youth's body was lifted two foot from the floor. When the car first struck him Reckenbach gave a series of frightened screams. When his body was taken from the shafting the neck was found to be broken. Frank Dominge, who was running the elevator, says he saw Reckenbach, but could not stop the car.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Reckenbach Caught Under a Descending Car and Crushed.
Charles Reckenbach, a 19 year-old boy, who worked in the Lalance & Grosjean factory at Woodhaven, was crushed to death in the elevator shaft on Friday. Reckenbach wanted to go to an upper story and leaned over a guard rail to see if the car was coming up. The elevator was coming down at the time and struck Reckenbach upon the head.
The car continued its descent, and the youth's body was lifted two foot from the floor. When the car first struck him Reckenbach gave a series of frightened screams. When his body was taken from the shafting the neck was found to be broken. Frank Dominge, who was running the elevator, says he saw Reckenbach, but could not stop the car.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Fire at Brooklyn Hills.
New York, 1895
Shortly after midnight Sunday fire broke out in the large three story building of H. W. Lange, corner of Union Place and the Jamaica road, Brooklyn Hills. The fire was discovered on the second floor, which was unoccupied. Lange occupies the lower floor for a grocery, and a family resided on the top floor. The firemen, after an hour's hard work, extinguished the flames. The damage to the building by fire and stock in the store will not fall short of $1,000.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Shortly after midnight Sunday fire broke out in the large three story building of H. W. Lange, corner of Union Place and the Jamaica road, Brooklyn Hills. The fire was discovered on the second floor, which was unoccupied. Lange occupies the lower floor for a grocery, and a family resided on the top floor. The firemen, after an hour's hard work, extinguished the flames. The damage to the building by fire and stock in the store will not fall short of $1,000.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Trestle Fire Case Ended
New York, 1895
Justice Hendrickson's Court.
Lucien Huadberg, of Woodhaven, aged 15, who was arrested for setting fire to the trestle work of the Long Island railroad at Woodhaven Junction, was discharged by Justice Hendrickson on Friday. He came to the conclusion that the boy had no intention of setting fire to the structure.
August Bycott and Henry Miller were arrested on Sunday by Game Constable Philips for fishing in Way's pond on the Flushing road. They were charged with violating the Sunday law. They were arraigned before Justice Hendrickson, who discharged them with a warning.
Note: In an earlier article, his name was spelled Lucien Haurdberg.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Justice Hendrickson's Court.
Lucien Huadberg, of Woodhaven, aged 15, who was arrested for setting fire to the trestle work of the Long Island railroad at Woodhaven Junction, was discharged by Justice Hendrickson on Friday. He came to the conclusion that the boy had no intention of setting fire to the structure.
August Bycott and Henry Miller were arrested on Sunday by Game Constable Philips for fishing in Way's pond on the Flushing road. They were charged with violating the Sunday law. They were arraigned before Justice Hendrickson, who discharged them with a warning.
Note: In an earlier article, his name was spelled Lucien Haurdberg.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Keep Your Horses off the Streets.
New York, 1895
Officer Fogarty, of Jamaica, found three horses roaming over the highways Saturday morning and put them in the pound. Louis Palo claimed two of the animals. Appearing before the police justice he was fined $10 for having his horses loose. He demurred at paying the $10, but thought better of it in the evening, and tendered the fine to the justice. But three meals for the two animals, amounting to $1.50, was demanded before the horses could be released, and then Palo vowed he would not pay at all.
The charges not having been paid the justice served a summons on Palo directing him to show cause why the horses should not be sold to pay the penalty and costs, returnable on July 1. So far no one has claimed the third horse.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Officer Fogarty, of Jamaica, found three horses roaming over the highways Saturday morning and put them in the pound. Louis Palo claimed two of the animals. Appearing before the police justice he was fined $10 for having his horses loose. He demurred at paying the $10, but thought better of it in the evening, and tendered the fine to the justice. But three meals for the two animals, amounting to $1.50, was demanded before the horses could be released, and then Palo vowed he would not pay at all.
The charges not having been paid the justice served a summons on Palo directing him to show cause why the horses should not be sold to pay the penalty and costs, returnable on July 1. So far no one has claimed the third horse.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Burglars Raid Four Houses.
New York, 1895
Burglars paid a visit to the village of Jamaica Tuesday night. They effected an entrance to the residence of George Crawford, corner of Ray and Grove streets, where they were disturbed in their operations and made their escape, securing only a silk waist.
At the residence of Henry S. Midgley, on Shelton avenue, Mrs. Midgley saw the two burglars in her room and gave an alarm. They fled before they secured any booty.
They also broke into the residence of Mr. Schielin, corner of Flushing and Shelton avenues, where they stole $13.
An attempt was made to break into the residence of Walter Dunham, on Herriman avenue.
At each place entrance was gained through one of the lower windows, the burglars boreing a hole through the window sash, then with a wire forcing back the lock.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Burglars paid a visit to the village of Jamaica Tuesday night. They effected an entrance to the residence of George Crawford, corner of Ray and Grove streets, where they were disturbed in their operations and made their escape, securing only a silk waist.
At the residence of Henry S. Midgley, on Shelton avenue, Mrs. Midgley saw the two burglars in her room and gave an alarm. They fled before they secured any booty.
They also broke into the residence of Mr. Schielin, corner of Flushing and Shelton avenues, where they stole $13.
An attempt was made to break into the residence of Walter Dunham, on Herriman avenue.
At each place entrance was gained through one of the lower windows, the burglars boreing a hole through the window sash, then with a wire forcing back the lock.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Mrs. Golder Ill
New York, 1895
News from Springfield.
Mrs. Daniel Golder is very ill at the home of Smith Watts.
The seven-year-old child of Mrs. John Stehler died on Wednesday from convulsions.
Rev. Mr. Bowdish of the M. E. Church preached a sermon on temperance last Sunday evening.
Ephraim Baylis, who has been ill has so far recovered as to be able to attend to his business.
Samuel Jennings of Hoboken spent a few days last week with Isaac Mulligan of Grand avenue.
Wright P. Higbie had a quantity of cabbage plants stolen on Friday night from his hot bed.
Charles Styles has sold his meat business to his brother George, who will take charge July 1.
The ladies of the Presbyterian church held a sociable on Monday in the church and a delightful time was had.
Horace Wells graduated from Pratt's institute last Friday. He intends to enter Cornell University in the fall.
Court Springfield of Forresters will hold athletic games on their grounds on the Fourth of July, at 2 o'clock, P. M.
The ladies of the M. E. Church will hold a festival and lawn party in the church yard on Fourth of July, afternoon and evening.
Cornelius Stoothoff on Monday afternoon, while putting a market wagon away was struck on the head with the pole and knocked senseless. It was found necessary to put four stitches in his head.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
News from Springfield.
Mrs. Daniel Golder is very ill at the home of Smith Watts.
The seven-year-old child of Mrs. John Stehler died on Wednesday from convulsions.
Rev. Mr. Bowdish of the M. E. Church preached a sermon on temperance last Sunday evening.
Ephraim Baylis, who has been ill has so far recovered as to be able to attend to his business.
Samuel Jennings of Hoboken spent a few days last week with Isaac Mulligan of Grand avenue.
Wright P. Higbie had a quantity of cabbage plants stolen on Friday night from his hot bed.
Charles Styles has sold his meat business to his brother George, who will take charge July 1.
The ladies of the Presbyterian church held a sociable on Monday in the church and a delightful time was had.
Horace Wells graduated from Pratt's institute last Friday. He intends to enter Cornell University in the fall.
Court Springfield of Forresters will hold athletic games on their grounds on the Fourth of July, at 2 o'clock, P. M.
The ladies of the M. E. Church will hold a festival and lawn party in the church yard on Fourth of July, afternoon and evening.
Cornelius Stoothoff on Monday afternoon, while putting a market wagon away was struck on the head with the pole and knocked senseless. It was found necessary to put four stitches in his head.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
Hoople's Estate
New York, 1895
The News of Queens.
The late William H. Hoople left an estate valued at $442,500.
Miss Phebe Hendrickson gave a sociable to her friends on Wednesday evening.
The Queens bicycle club had their initial run of the season on Sunday to Rockaway Beach.
Highway Commissioner Frank J. Lott gave a supper to The Penochle club at Barb's hotel on Wednesday evening.
The Queens field club and the Crystals of Mott Haven will play a game of base ball on the Athletic grounds on Saturday afternoon.
Miss Mary Graff, daughter of Anthony Graff, and John Stumpler were married at the residence of the bride's parents at Creedmoor on Wednesday evening.
The public school closed for the summer months last Friday. It is rumored that Miss Tallman and Mr. Hallock, teachers at the school will not return.
The Rev. J. S. N. Demarest, of the Reformed church, and the Rev. Charles P. Tinker of the Floral Park Methodist church, exchanged pulpits Sunday morning.
The Kaffe Klatsch club, composed of the lady residents of Queens, Mrs. George Haubitzer, president, held a meeting at the residence of Mrs. Richard Duryea in Brooklyn on Wednesday.
The field sports at the Athletic grounds on July 4th for the benefit of Thomas Lloyd, owner of the grounds, will consist of throwing the ball, and running bases by members of the Field Club, bicycle races, potato race and a game of base ball between the Field Club and the Floral Park nine. There will be a display of fireworks in the evening.
The statement in THE FARMER last week, that the Reformed church had contributed $258.99 to benevolence during the year, did not do the church justice. The sum stated was all that the church treasurer put in his annual report, but the total of the gifts to benevolence, Mr. Demarest says, was $573.08.
The game of baseball on Saturday between the Coronas and the Field club was a splendid exhibition of scientific playing by amateurs. The Queens boys won the game in the fifth inning by bunching their hits, bringing home four runs. The features of the game were a difficult one hand stop by Nichols, and the pitching of Darman and Richardson. The score was 9 to 8.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.
The News of Queens.
The late William H. Hoople left an estate valued at $442,500.
Miss Phebe Hendrickson gave a sociable to her friends on Wednesday evening.
The Queens bicycle club had their initial run of the season on Sunday to Rockaway Beach.
Highway Commissioner Frank J. Lott gave a supper to The Penochle club at Barb's hotel on Wednesday evening.
The Queens field club and the Crystals of Mott Haven will play a game of base ball on the Athletic grounds on Saturday afternoon.
Miss Mary Graff, daughter of Anthony Graff, and John Stumpler were married at the residence of the bride's parents at Creedmoor on Wednesday evening.
The public school closed for the summer months last Friday. It is rumored that Miss Tallman and Mr. Hallock, teachers at the school will not return.
The Rev. J. S. N. Demarest, of the Reformed church, and the Rev. Charles P. Tinker of the Floral Park Methodist church, exchanged pulpits Sunday morning.
The Kaffe Klatsch club, composed of the lady residents of Queens, Mrs. George Haubitzer, president, held a meeting at the residence of Mrs. Richard Duryea in Brooklyn on Wednesday.
The field sports at the Athletic grounds on July 4th for the benefit of Thomas Lloyd, owner of the grounds, will consist of throwing the ball, and running bases by members of the Field Club, bicycle races, potato race and a game of base ball between the Field Club and the Floral Park nine. There will be a display of fireworks in the evening.
The statement in THE FARMER last week, that the Reformed church had contributed $258.99 to benevolence during the year, did not do the church justice. The sum stated was all that the church treasurer put in his annual report, but the total of the gifts to benevolence, Mr. Demarest says, was $573.08.
The game of baseball on Saturday between the Coronas and the Field club was a splendid exhibition of scientific playing by amateurs. The Queens boys won the game in the fifth inning by bunching their hits, bringing home four runs. The features of the game were a difficult one hand stop by Nichols, and the pitching of Darman and Richardson. The score was 9 to 8.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 8.