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USGenWeb Archives for Alabama


Vernon Clipper 6 Feb 1880

Microfilm Ref Call #373 Microfilm Order #M1992.4466 from The Alabama Department of Archives and History

THE VERNON CLIPPER

VOLUME I. VERNON, LAMAR CO., ALABAMA FEBRUARY 6, 1880 NUMBER 49

WHAT IS IT What is it that every fibre thrills, That every sense of being fills, That memory robs of other things, What is it that makes the strong man weak That makes the robust pine and peak, That makes the ruddy face turn pale, That makes the heart of bravest quail? That makes the knees together beat? What makes one limp from head to feet? What makes one writhe in sore distress, And bends him up like letter S? What causes groans with every breath? What is it that makes the baby weep? What is it that visits him in sleep And prints the semblance of a smile Upon his lips, that doth beguile The women folk – queer, foolish things And make them talk of angel wings, Of cherubim and seraphim – These creatures of that old wife’s whim, That when in sleep a baby smiles The angels whisper it mean whiles? What wakes that baby from his dream Awake with calliopic scream? What makes that precious baby wake? Good friends, it is the stomach ache.

STORIES AND SKETCHES

A HEART OF STONE The old clock in the wall rang out five melodious chimes, as Cora Smith softly closed the kitchen door, and ran to the little bedroom for her blue scarf. “Five o’clock,” she said, as the last stroke died away. “He is wondering why I don’t come and I must haste. Madge, little Madge, are you coming with me tonight? I am all ready.” Little Madge, the twelve-year-old sister came flying through the hall. “Auntie says you have forgotten to get the potatoes for breakfast, and we must prepare them before you go. Never mind if he does have to wait a little for you. You’ve waited for him many a time. Come quickly and I will help you.” So sweet-tempered Cora Smith untied the blue scarf, and tripped away to the forgotten task as merrily as her little sister, albeit her heart beat like an imprisoned bird’s at the delay. The West was all aflame with the autumn sunset ere the sisters closed the cottage door behind them, and ran down the garden path toward the stile, where he was waiting – in other words, where hazel-eyed, sweet-faced Cora Smith’s city lover was waiting for his lady love, as she had many a night waited for him. Almost every evening they met there at the stile – their “trysting place” he said, just half-way between her home and his boardinghouse. He had proposed it, and she was nothing loath to accede- it was so pretty and romantic. Then, Auntie Smith was not at all pleased with this dark-eyed young stranger, and though she had not forbidden him the house, both lovers knew she preferred “his room to his company.” And so, always with dear little Madge at her side, she daily tripped down the path through the leafy woods to the halfway trysting place where she met her handsome, dark-eyed lover, Neil Rowan. How her heart fluttered tonight as she thought of him! And the warm love-light deepened and darkened the soft brown eyes! “Neil, Neil” she said, almost unconsciously, aloud; and little Madge clasped her sister’s hand closer, and looked up in her face. ‘Do you love him so very much sister Cora?” A swift, hot color came into the girl’s cheeks, and then she paused suddenly, holding the hands of little Madge in a fervent grasp. “Love him! Love Him! Madge? Better than all the world – Better than my youth, my life – aye, sometimes better than my hope of heaven! And I want to be his wife, little Madge, this good man'’ wife, when the beautiful Spring comes. I shall leave you, and Auntie and Uncle to be his. But this is out secret, little sister, and only you can share it.” And then her hands relaxed their hold, and drawing the light scarf over her shoulder, the pair tripped slightly on. They were almost there 0 nearing the edge of the wood, and the stile was but a step away. Another step forward, and then Madge held her sister back. “Wait!” she whispered; “I can see two men on the seat, Cora. We do not want to see strangers there.” “No,” she said drawing back in the wood. “It is Neil’s friend, Willis Dean. We will wait until he goes for I do not like to meet him.” Even as she spoke the figure arose, and the sound of the voice came on the twilight air, distinct and clear. “And what of this love affair, friend, Neil? When is it to end, and how? Are you really in earnest, and do you mean to marry the girl?” Cora Smith’s hand closed upon the arm of Madge till she shrank in pain while they waited for the answer. Neil Rowan laughed softly. “Marry her!” he repeated. “She is just the subject for a grand flirtation, and I assure you I have don’t the thing well. But for anything further – bah! I am going back to town tomorrow, and this is our last meeting; so be off old fellow, for I expect her every moment.” Just for one moment Madge Smith’s heart stood still in awful fear, for she thought that Cora was dying. That white, ghastly face there in the twilight, that motionless figure, those tightly-locked hands, it surely was not the fair sweet maiden of a moment before. But the spasm passed off, and without a word, she arose, and glided noiselessly away, and Madge followed her in silence. Neil Rowan waited until the light had all died out in the West, and the dew lay like summer rain on the grass at his feet. His cigar was smoked down to ashes, and his lazy reverie was broken by the cry of the whip-poor-will. “She isn’t coming tonight” he said mentally. “That is certain. The scheming auntie up yonder managed to prevent it this time. Oh, well, it saves a scene. I will drop a loving farewell note, and so it ends – a summer’s amusement. Ha! Hum!” and Neil Rowan strolled homeward, singing half unconsciously “I won’t have her, I know – I won’t have her, I know – I don’t care a straw who has her, I know.” The farewell note came to Cora Smith the following night, but the fever-bright eyes never rested on the creamy page, for, ere the insane light gave place to reason again, death sealed the white lids. To such natures as this girl’s love is life; and the rude blow that woke her from the one bright dream of her youth, snapped the tender cord that bound her frail spirit to earth, and out of the depths of her awful grief, the kindly hand of death led her. Day by day, week by week, months, so sped the time until eight years were counted. Eight times the grass had grown over the little grave in the lonely country graveyard, and again the October winds rustled the scarlet leaves over the narrow mound. Wonderful changes had the eight years brought. Side by side with this grave were two others, and the headstones bore the names of good Auntie and Uncle Smith. They had rested there six years; and every summer beautiful Madge Smith came down from her city mansion, and lingered in the old home a week, trimming the grasses and planing bright flowers on the mounds. Bright, beautiful Madge Smith, the heiress of all Uncle Smith’s hidden wealth, the wealth he guarded so well during that toil-worn weary life. Three years before, Madge Smith left school, to reign queen of society. Beautiful, strangely beautiful, with that cold, white, high-bred face, those wide, fathomless, glittering amber eyes, a figure matchless in summetry and grace, accomplished, polished, and the heiress of great wealth, no wonder that lovers old and young, knelt at Madge Smith’s shrine. A strange wonder the world said, that all were scorned – not gently and with words of pity and apology, but spurned from her very feet with scornful lips and blazing eyes. Aye, Madge Smith was an enigma and mystery to all who knew her. No warmer friend, no brighter companion did those of her own sex seek for. But never were those lips seen to smile, or those wonderful eyes to soften, in response to any lover’s; no glacier more frigid than she to all men. All, did I say? Nay, Dame Rumor had plenty of gossip just now. Only a few weeks since a new rival appeared on the scene of action. Neil Rowan, merchant and millionaire, entered the list of Madge Smith’s adorers – not for wealth, surely Madame Grundy acknowledged graciously. He had enough of his own. It was genuine love that this blasé man of society felt for beautiful Madge. And a wonderful change had come over the fair lady since his appearance. Bright before, she was brilliant now – sparkling witty, bewildering; and the world looked on in amazement to see the flush stain her cheek, and the bright smile that lighted her eyes at his approach. And did he not recognize her, you are wondering? Nay, how should he? Sweet Cora Smith and the summer in the country were forgotten things with this man. He had broken half a dozen silly hearts since then, and left them all with time, the great healer. He had flirted with society’s queens, and village maidens, innumerable, and left the past all behind him. And now he came and laid the first pure, real love of his lifetime at this woman’s feet. So he told her, one autumn night, in the grand parlor of her stately home. How her hands trembled and her eyes shone as she listened. “Wait,” she said, “I will give you my answer tomorrow night. It is my birthnight, and I shall give an entertainment. You will come. I will answer you then. Be in the library at ten, and you shall hear my answer.” And the night came and he was there waiting. He paced the room impatiently. Would she come, this girl that was dearer to him than life? Aye, she was life to him. The world had seemed old, stale, favorless, until he met her, the woman who, alone of all her sex, had ever stirred the slumbering passions of his heart. How bright the future seemed! He was so sure of her answer; had not she given it in so many words? “My beautiful, my queen!” he said, softly. And just then he heard the light ripple of a woman’s laugh in the adjoining room. Her laugh; he knew it among a thousand; and her voice; she was speaking loud and clear. “There, Guardie; you must let me go now. Mr. Rowan is waiting for me in the library. You know I am to give him his answer tonight.” And the guardian’s voice, speaking tenderly, said: “And this answer, I can guess it, little Madge. You are going to marry this man, and leave us all.” She laughed softly. “Marry him? No, indeed, sir? He is just the subject for a grand flirtation and I assure you I have acted my part well; but for anything further – bah! But he is expecting me, so by-by till I come again,” and she tripped lightly though the half-open door, ere the amazed guardian could utter a syllable. A white, ghastly, shivering figure stood by the window. “For God’s sake, Madge Smith, tell me you were but jesting!” he cried, as brilliantly, glowingly, beautiful, she glided into the room. “Not so, my friend,” she answered, lightly. “I spoke the truth. If you overheard my words, I need not repeat them. It is my answer.” “But you gave me hope; you led me on; you have given me reason to think you loved me” he cried, passionately. “It is the one love of my life! I have centered every hope and thought in you, Madge Smith, and, for my sake, for God’s sake, do not wreck my life!” She was pale now, and her eyes were black and glistening. “Neil Rowan,” she said slowly, “I have prayed for this hour for eight years; but never in my wildest dreams did I think my prayer would be so fully answered. When I saw the hue of death, the white agony on my only sister’s cheek – when I saw he writhe in speechless agony at the words she heard eight years ago tonight, I vowed to avenge her. Again, when I heard the thud of the earth upon her coffin, I vowed that vow. It has been brought about, even sooner, more complete, than I had thought. If I have given you one hour of such agony as she suffered, I am content. If you could live and suffer it for countless ages, I should be better contented. My work is ended. Goodnight!” Two hours afterward, the sharp ring of a pistol rang with startling distinctness through the crowded drawing room. All sprang to their feet, save Madge Smith. Perhaps her cheek pales a little – I cannot tell; but the light of her eye never changed, her smiling lips never relaxed, as she gazed upon the blood-stained corpse in the library. Neil Rowan had taken his own life, and Cora Smith was avenged.

THE GREAT BRIDGE – [Boston Transcript] Work on the great East River Bridge, New York is continued vigorously, about nine hundred men being employed at the present time. The work upon the superstructure will be continued through the winter, except in the most severe weather. One thousand tons of steel are to be delivered this winter. The first suspenders for the support of the roadway were placed in position last week. All those for the Brooklyn side will be in position within a week, and after that hose on the New York side will be placed. There will be thirteen suspenders on each of the four cables on each side of both towers, making 204, all of which will be put up during the winter. The longest measure 128 feet. These suspenders are of steel wire rope, 1 ¾ inches in diameter, with a socket at each end. The upper socket is fastened by means of a bolt 1 7/8 inches in diameter to a band of wrought iron five inches wide and five-eighths of an inch thick, which is bolted to the cable. At the lower end of the suspenders are two bolts 1 ½ inches in diameter, through cast-iron sockets, by which to attach the beams to the suspenders. After the beams are in place the trusses will be erected. The thirteen suspenders to be placed this winter will extend nearly one hundred feet from the piers. The cables are to be swayed thirteen feet nearer together than they are now, the outer ones being brought six and one-half nearer the center. A strain of twenty-two tons will be required to draw them together. They will then be connected at intervals with wire rope stays. This will secure strong lateral bracing for the whole structure, and add immensely to its ability to resist the winds. Sixty or seventy men will be employed during the winter. If all the work that is now laid out is accomplished, about one hundred feet of the superstructure on each side of both piers will be completed by spring, except the flooring plank. Four thousand tons of steel will be used next summer, in addition to the thousand tons to be used this winter.

A CONDUCTOR’S ROMANCE The Chicago Daily News publishes an interesting little romance in the prosaic life of a Chicago street car conductor. John O'Brien, a handsome young conductor on the Ogden Avenue line, had among his daily passengers Miss Fannie Farlin, the adopted daughter of L. P. Chase, a beautiful and accomplished young lady of twenty-two years, heir to a considerable property in Minneapolis, attending Scammons High School. He fell in love with her, and to the most casual observer it was apparent his affections were reciprocated. His suit was opposed by the Chase family, whose social position is more exalted than O’Brien’s. He visited her clandestinely. She always waited for his car would ride out of her way with him, and when his run for the day was ended they would have a little promenaded together in spite of Mr. Chase’s objections. Chase went to Superintendent Lake of the West Side Railway Company and had O’Brien suspended by reporting that he was passing Miss Farlin and other girls free on his car. O’Brien told Lake that he had passed no one free, but paid Miss Farlin’s fare and meant to marry her. Mr. Lake, encouraged him, and said if he succeeded he should have his car again. The Chases being in the country on Monday evening, O’Brien took Miss Farlin to Father Cashman’s church and they were married. Now he has his car again, and all his brother conductors are congratulating him. It is believed that the Chases will gracefully accept the situation when they return to the city.

A GRANDSON OF DOM PEDRO is to marry a daughter of Dr. Ayer, the pill man (see advertisement of Ayer’s pills.) They young woman is worth $5,000,000, part of which is paid to us quarterly for the aforesaid advertisement. – [Peek’s Sun]

LADIES BESIEGING THE PRUSSIAN HEADSMAN In the Kleine Journal, a daily newspaper recently started in Berlin buy the Prussian railway king, Dr. Strousberg, is published an interview recently granted to the writer by Brauts, the state executioner, who beheaded Hoedel last summer. While “Monsieur de Berlin” was chatting pleasantly with his visitor about the decapitation of the would-be regicide – Krauts’ first performance as a headsman – a knock was heard at the door and a footman in splendid livery entered the room with the request that the Scharfrichter would be pleased to speak with him for a moment in the passage. Krauts went out with the lackey, and after a brief interchange of sentences in an undertone, was heard to say aloud: “Tell her Excellency the lady Countess that I am very sorry; but I cannot, dare not, do it.” Interrogated upon his return by his visitor with respect to the mission of the mysterious man-servant, he replied with a smile: “Oh, it was only a request from one of my ‘sympathizers’ such as reach me several times a week. You may often see the handsomest equipages in Berlin standing at the corner of Mulack-Strausse. They bring me lady visitors, young and old, pretty and ugly. Yes, yes; many ladies of our highest aristocracy have called upon me and insisted upon seeing my wife when I was not at home.” “And what did these ladies want?” “The merest rubbish. Hair cuttings of criminals, for instance – a blood-stained pocket-handkerchief, a morsel of bread from the headsman’s breakfast table, or one of my gloves.” Krauts himself is a fine young fellow, decorated with the Iron Cross for valor in the field. Like most subordinate functionaries in Prussia he was a noncommissioned officer in the army, and received his present appointment upon his discharge as a reward for faithful and gallant service. He is married and the proud father of a fine little boy, the heir-apparent to his important office. With a touch of quaint piety he introduced this lad to his visitor’s notice as “his successor, please God?” and observed that though he had passed an uneasy night before the morning fixed for Hoedel’s execution, when he looked into his “client’s “impudent, sneering face he “thanked God for making his business so easy to him!”

THINGS HARD TO UNDERSTAND Why an endless procession of drinkers from a public dipper will, without exception, drink close to the handle. Why half the human race was not born without hearing and the other half without speech. Then the talkers might talk on in uninterrupted flow, and the hearers exercise their especial gift without their present prurience to speak. Why people will go into society to get bored, when they can get bored just as well at home. Why the young lady who will eagerly chew boarding house mince pie will carefully eschew boarding house mince-meat. Why a man’s stomach will be so everlastingly squeamish at home, and at the eating house display a faith like a grain of mustard seed. Why a woman will make excuses for her bread when she knows it is the best she ever made, and knows her “company” knows it. Why a “young gentleman” swears so much louder and more copiously when stranger ladies are within ear-shot; or in other words, Why the desire to make a fool of one’s self springs eternal in the human breast. Why we are so much angrier against him who shows us our error than him who leads us therein. Why everybody is so prompt to answer “How do you do?” when you ask that inevitable question. And, Why you seem to be perfectly satisfied with the information contained in this echo. Why one’s piety strengthens as his health weakens. Why people will get married when courtship is so sweet. Why a man who claims to have found marrying a delusion will again embrace that delusion upon the first convenient opportunity. Why cold weather comes during the season when it is least agreeable. Why it is so much easier to be polite to people whom we shall probably never see again than to those whose good opinion we have reason to cultivate.

CALLS HIMSELF A CHRISTIAN – [New Lisbon Patriot] There is a very pious man in town who rents a miserable old log house and a small lot to a very poor man with a large family for the modest sum of $5 per month, or $60 per annum. The house and lot are reasonably worth $100, and no more. This may be charity from which we want to keep aloof. This same man prays every night and morning, and directs the Lord how he should manage this great universe. If you should ask him about his prospects for heaven, he would tell you he just awaits the coming of the Lord to be gathered to his fathers.

HE WAS WEARY ON THE DAY OF GRANT’S reception – completely tired out. He crawled out from a box in the rear of a San Francisco saloon, and, seeing the flags flying in every direction, looked upon the scene with horror and exclaimed: “My God! What have I come to. Here is the 4th of July – nine months drunk! I am going to Bodie to brace up.” He arrived this morning and immediately sent a postal card back to his friends dated the 8th of July, 1880. – [Bodie (Nev.) Standard]

A FLOWER THAT LURES THE ALPINE TOURISTS TO DESTRUCTION – [Swiss Continent] Every traveler in Switzerland is familiar with the tender star-shaped flowers of this curios plant, whose sage-green blossoms are stuck into the hat of every guide, and are collected with rare ingenuity by the importunate little rascals who race the carriages on the road, or start out like rabbits from the bushes as the pedestrian begins his solitary climb. The plant is scarce and very partial. It is found in the ------.’ seldom in the Bernese Oberland, and has particular corners and mountains that it loves to effect. This scarcity and partiality gave to the Edelweiss a somewhat unhealthy notoriety. The rarer it became the more ambitious were the excursionists to obtain a spring. Some years ago every cockney hat was adorned with the curious bloom, feathered, as its botanical name implies, like an old man’s beard, and it was no longer a sign of patience and endurance to wear this pretty badge that hitherto had denoted a long climb and patient search. When tourists began to brand the alpenstocks down in the valley with the name of a mountain whose base they touched, but whose tops they never attempted to reach, then was Edelweiss sold by the handful at Interlaken, Chamouni, and Grindelwald, and the guides, porters and boys were tempted to rifle the mountains of their peerless flowers. When the rage for art greens came upon us in full force, aesthetic young ladies flattered themselves that a wreath of the soft petals would look becoming in the hair, and some went so far as to appear at fancy balls in the character of The Alps smothered in Edelweiss. As for the flower itself, it was not so courteous and graceful as the Indian plant of beauty that raises up its head and opens at the approach of a woman. On the contrary, it refused to be in any way gracious at the touch of the female botanist, and sternly declined to be transplanted. The more obstinate was the Edelweiss, the more determined became the ladies, and they purchased it by the root, carefully tended it during the journey home, nursed it across the sea, watched it at every railway station, and handed it to the family gardener, in order to hear in a few days that the plant, sickening and sighing for its mountain home, had refused to exist in England with the aid of any artificial process. There have been only one or two very rare and exceptional cases where the Edelweiss was induced to live and give forth flowers in England, and then the result was only obtained by a system of nursing that would have worn out the majority of botanists. At last the Swiss Government determined to put down by law the wholesale destruction of this popular flower. It was rapidly disappearing altogether from the country, when an enactment made it penal to take a plant up by the roots. The dignity and importance of legislation gave a new impetus to the interest that was attached to the plant, and going in search of the Edelweiss become as attractive a source of danger as any to be found in Switzerland. Unaccompanied by guides and straying from the beaten tracks, more than one tourist has risked his life, and several have been already killed, in the quest.

AN ENGLISH BETTING MAN – [London Truth] A story has often been told of the late Mr. Davies which, unluckily, would not apply to any book-maker of the present day. At the close of a Derby race while settling an item of 500 pounds on the losing side of his book a bet remained unclaimed. On making inquiry he found that this particular creditor had died. “What am I to do with the money then?” he asked of the person who gave him the news. “Keep it, to be sure.” “Has he no relatives?” “Yes he has left a widow and children.” “You must be a blockhead to suggest such a thing,” he answered, and he did not rest until he had paid the widow the money. It would be well for the turf if we heard nowadays of such sentiments and such actions. There was no pettifogging about Davies. He at once offered a fair price when approached by a backer, and neither haggled himself nor permitted it in others. No one ver before laid such bets, and most certainly no one ever will again. He laid D’Orsay Clark 100,000 pounds to 1,000 pounds against Vandermulin for the Derby, the horse stating at six to one. He was always ready to meet his liabilities at the earliest moment, and at the same time expected and insisted upon prompt and full payment from his debtors. He never permitted the disgraceful compromises which now take place almost weekly, and, better still, he suffered no man to bet in the ring who owed him money. It would be well if this excellent rule were revived and enforced in these day s of plunging, lying, and thieving.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT M. VICTOR MEYER, of Zurich, had decomposed chlorine, must be received with some caution, as he himself does not appear to be altogether convinced, and the discovery has not yet been confirmed. It is certain, however, that when chlorine heated to 1,200 deg. C. and more, undergoes some change implying that it is a compound body.

THERE NEVER WAS such a prospect for a terribly hard winter. The goose bone is black clear through; the corn husks are thick enough for shingles; New Zealand is asking for more missionaries, and boarding houses are cutting their pies in nine pieces.

A BACHELOR’S GROWL – [Somerville Journal] What is’t you say to me, sir? What! Me marry! Become a Benedict, sir me? – and may be In future be obliged at night to carry Across an icy floor a squalling baby Or be roused up from sleep by son or daughter With, “Paps, please, I want a drink of water!”

Or, what is worse than that, some winter morning Be awakened from my sleep – O fate most dire! When frosted trees the windows are adorning With, “John, get up at once and make the fire!” And learn – Oh, no, I don’t think I’ll begin To dodge a flat iron or rolling pin!

Get married! When I know that ever y woman Will have the last word, be she old or young And be obliged, whene’er a storm is coming To leave the house, or sit and hold my tongue? Or be obliged, whenever I provoke her, To dodge the wood-ax or the kitchen poker?

Let those who love such exercises marry; But I in single life still mean to tarry.

CLIPPED PARAGRAPHS

The fashionable society wedding is described as being stiffer than a printing office towel.

If merchants would employ girls for collectors there would be fewer unpaid bills in the land – [Modern Arao.]

Take care of your minutes; ours will take care of themselves – [Puck] Who seconds this? [Boston Post] That strikes one as pretty good. Time.

Children taught to believe that God will give them anything they ask for, with a hand-sled waiting to answer their prayer for a sled, will grow up to think lightly of God – [Golden Rule]

“Whenever I see a real hansum woman engaged in the woman’s rights bizziness, I am going to take off mi hat and jine the processhun.” – [Josh Billings]

The new governess – “Now, I suppose you know that there are three times as much water as land upon the surface of the earth? Tommy – “I should think so, indeed! Look at the puddles!” – [Punch]

If Jacob’s ladder was now to be placed against the entrance of Heaven you couldn’t induce anybody to ascend it. An opposition elevator would get all the passenger traffic – [Philadelphia Day]

He that giveth good advice builds with one hand; he that gives good counsel and example builds the other; but he that gives good admonition and bad example builds with one hand and pulls down with the other.

You can train the eye to see all the bright places in your life, and so lip over the hard ones with surprising ease. You can also train the eye to rest on the gloomy spots, in utter forgetfulness of all that is bright and beautiful.

The study of literature nourishes youth, entertains old age, adorns prosperity, solaces adversity, is delightful at home, unobtrusive abroad, deserts us not by day nor by night, in journeying nor in refinement.

We do not like to find fault with Father Noah. We believe he did the very best he could under the circumstances. But his posterity would have been just as wells satisfied had he pushed off and left a pair of rats on the wharf. – [Middletown Transcript]

By a virtuous emulation, the spirit of a man is exalted within him. He formeth good designs, and rejoiceth in the execution thereof. But the heart of the envious man is gall and bitterness. His tongue spitteth venom. The success of his neighbor breaketh his rest.

The Sandwich Island alphabet has 12 letters; the Burmese 21, the Hebrew, Syriac, Chaldee and the Samaritan 22 each; the French 23, the Greek 23, the Latin 25, the German, Dutch, and English 26 each, the Spanish 27, the Arabic 28, the Persian 32, the Russian 41, the Sanscrit 50, the Ethiopic 202.

The British ship City of Bristol, belonging to the Inman Line, went through the jetties at New Orleans on the 21st of October, drawing twenty-four feet seven inches of water. The tide was four inches below the average. Since that date the largest cargo of cotton ever shipped at New Orleans safely passed outward.

Accounts from Australia announce the appearance of the phylloxera among the vines. The Beedigo journals advise the government to purchase the vineyards of Geelong and have then destroyed. The New South Wales and South Australian Governments have been asked to join in this movement. The sum estimated for the purpose is about 30,000 lbs.

A bold bad burglar recently broke into the house of an editor in the watches of the night. The editor awakened and questioned the intruder: “What do you here? What look you for?” Said the burglar gruffly, “Money: “Hold on a minute” quoth the editor, “and I will help you. I’ve been looking myself for it ten years, but perhaps the two of us may have better luck.” Then was the burglar disgusted, but the editor called it a joke and insisted that the burglar ought to set’em up.

Why is a handsome woman like a locomotive? No- you’re wrong. It is not because she sometimes draws a long train; it is not because she indulges in “sparks”; it is not because she has something to do with a switch; it is not because she transports the males; it is not because she may have a head light; it – in fact, a handsome woman is not like a locomotive – not even when she is a little “fast” and blows up her husband. – [Norristown Herald]

PAGE 2

THE VERNON CLIPPER ALEXANDER COBB, Editor & Proprietor ALEX. A. WALL, Publisher $1.50 per annum FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1880

The only vow that a young lady in Marion County, Fla., made on the opening of the new year that before the year ended she would get married, by jingo.

W. S. TOMAS, who resides near Elizabethtown, Tenn., has two sons, one thirteen years old and weighing 351 pounds, the other seven years old and weighing 173 pounds.

Two young men out riding were passing a far house where a farmer was trying to harness a mule – “Won’t he draw?” asked one of the horsemen. “Of course he will” said the farmer. “He draws the attention of every fool that passes this way.” The young men drove on.

J. R. HOLLOWAY, of Marion County, Tenn., grew 1,500 bushels of peanuts last year, and considered it a very profitable crop. Everything about the peanut can be utilized. The vines and leaves make a most excellent fodder, and are eaten by all kinds of cattle with evident relish.

The steamer Charmer, plying between New Orleans and Shreveport, was destroyed by fire last Sunday. She had a large cargo, consisting of 2,105 bales of cotton, 60 bushels of molasses, and sundry soil or articles, all of which were destroyed. She had on board 104 passengers, all of whom were saved. Seven of the boat hands were lost. The cargo was valued at $120,000.

Here is another piece of ancient weather wisdom applicable to the present year. It is from the “Husbandman’s Practice or Prognostications for Ever as teacheth Albert, Alkind, Haly and Ptolemy” a rare old book published in 1865. This particular prognostication is from the day of the week on which Christmas falls: If it falls on Thursday the winter shall be very good with rain; and Lent windy; a very good summer, and a misty harvest with rain and cold; and there shall be much corn, fruit, and all things shall abound on earth, and wine with oil, and tallow shall be plenty, but yet very little honey. The allusion to wine and oil suggest a Continental or Eastern origin for this saw; but whenever it came from the mild and rainy weather has made a good start toward its fulfillment.

THE CASE OF THE STATE against Dr. PALMER, charged with the murder of Col. SALISBURY, which was tried in Russell Circuit Court last week was submitted to the jury at 10 ½ o’clock Saturday night and a verdict of “not guilty” was returned into the Court at 10 o’clock Sunday morning. There were material contradictions in the testimony for the State, and the issues were so confused that there was but little expectation that the defendant would be convicted. The killing of Col. SALISBURY constitutes a dark record in the criminal annals of the State and we trust we may not again be called upon to chronicle so deplorable an occurrence – [Tuskegee News]

The Demopolis News says: A negro named LEWIS GREEN, secreted himself in the store of MESSRS. J. MARX & Co., last Tuesday night, and carried off a lot of goods through the back door which he opened from the inside. Marshal Monnier found the goods the nest morning at the house of FRANCIS MARKHAM, colored. There are too many about this place who depend upon making a living without work, and these idlers are bound to come to grief. LEWIS will probably get a term in the penitentiary, and others in his line of business should take warning.

THE USES OF THE POTATO In France the farina is largely used for culinary purposes. The famous gravies, sauces, and soups of France are largely indebted for their excellence to that source, and the bread and pastry equally so, while a great deal of the so-called cognac, imported into England from France, is distilled from the potato. Throughout Germany the same uses are common. In Poland the manufacture of spirits from the potato is a most excellent trade. “Setting brandy,” well known in commerce, is largely imported into England, and is sent from thence to many of our foreign possessions as the produce of the grape, and is placed on many a table of England as the same; while the fair ladies of our country perfume themselves with the spirit of potato under the designation of “eau de Cologne.” But there are other uses which this esculent is turned to abroad. After extracting the farina, the pulp is manufactured into ornamental articles, such a s picture frames, snuff boxes, and several descriptions of toys, and water that runs from it in the process of manufacture is a most valuable scourer. For perfectly cleansing woolens and such like articles, it is the housewife’s panacia; and if the washerwoman happens to have chilblains she becomes cured by the operation. Few persons are aware of the great demand for potato flour, and of the almost unlimited extent of the market that can be found for this product, which is simply the dry evaporated pulp of the ordinary potato – the whiter and more free from black specks the better. It is used for sizing and other manufacturing purposes, and by precipitation and with the aid of acid is turned into starch. In Europe it meets with large and increasing demand in its primitive state, as potato flour, and in Lancanshire alone 20,000 tons ware sold annually, and as many more would be taken if put on the market. When calcines it is used largely for silk dressing and other purposes. At present the quotation for potato flour in Liverpool is nearly double that of wheat flour. Consignments to Liverpool are solicited by the brokers there, who promise to take all that can be furnished. During the Franco-German war the French Government purchased all the farina it could secure and mixed it with wheaten flour in “potato cakes” for the army. farina at that time rose to 40 pounds a ton, and even the supply fell far short of the demand. Since then an increased amount of farina has been regularly consumed. In France, and farina mils have correspondingly multiplied in that country. The manufacture of potato flour is so simple, and the results so methodical, that it requires very little experience to reach a satisfactory issue. The potatoes are steeped in water from six to twelve hours to soften the dirt and other matter adhering after which they are thoroughly washed by mechanical means with the aid of either steam or water power. They are then reduced to a pulp by a rasping or grinding process in a properly constructed mill. A small stream of water is caused to flow on the upper surface of the rasp or grinder, to keep it clean of accumulation of pulp. From the grinder the pulp falls into a washing machine, through which the farina is forced by revolving brushes, the coarser pulp being thrown out at lateral openings. The granules of farina pass into a trough, and are conducted to vats, where the farina is permitted to deposit. After the proper number of filtrations, and depositions have occurred, until the last deposit, which is pure white farina, the latter becomes of sufficient consistency to cut into lumps, and place, either unsupported or in conical wire cases to dry. The drying process can be accomplished in a building supplied with shelves, and capable of being heated from 60 degrees, at which the farina begins to dry, up to 212 degrees, which is as high a temperature as it will require. The heating apparatus may be such as is most convenient. In Europe the farina is packed in 200 to 212 pound fine sacks, but flour barrels are said to be preferable, as the wood protects it from damage, and allows it to get transported safely to the most distant regions. – [The Journal of Applied Science]

PIKEVILLE ITEMS

It is not probable that any of the public land in this section will find a purchaser at the land sales, which commence at Huntsville, on the 17th of February. It cannot be sold for less than $1.25 per acre, and nobody will give so much for it. For the information of those who purpose entering land, we will state that no applications for entry under the Homestead law will be received during the continuance of the sales, which will last two weeks. After that time entries will be resumed as heretofore.

The Pikeville saloon men have reduces the price of whisky to five cents a glass, and still many of our people are not happy.

ELISHA VICKERY, our accommodating and efficient County Superintendent of Education, has been reappointed to that office by the State Superintendent. MR. BOX has put the right man in the right place.

Pikeville will soon have a daily mail from Aberdeen.

RILEY S. BOTTOMS, Esq., has been appointed a Notary Public and ex-officio Justice of the Peace in the Hackelburg Beat. MR. BOTTOMS will make a good officer.

MR. ALEXANDER HUEY, a very worthy citizen who lived in the neighborhood of the Toll Gate in this county, died suddenly on the 25th of January. He was in the woods with some neighbors chopping, and after hauling, sat on a log for awhile to rest, he complained of being thirsty, and rose from his seat, when he fell on his face and expired instantly. Deceased was a brother of MR. WM. HUEY, of Lamar County. - J.

DON’T CUT THE STRING Said one of the most successful merchants of Cleveland, Ohio, a day or two since, to a lad who was opening a parcel: “Young man, untie those strings – don’t cut them.” It was the first remark he had made to a new employee. It was the first lesson the lad had to learn, and it involved the principles of success or failure in a business career. Pointing to a well-dressed man behind the counter, he said: “There is a man who always whips out his scissors and cuts the strings off the package in three or four places. He is a good salesman, but will never be anything more. I presume he lives from hand to mouth, and presume is more or less in debt. The trouble with him is that he was never taught to save. I told the boy just now to untie the string not so much for the value of the string as to teach him that everything is to be saved and nothing wasted. If the idea can be firmly impressed upon the mind of a beginning in life that nothing was made to be wasted, you have laid the foundation of success. The moral of this little incident is self-evident. A young man well brought up with a fair education, seeks employment in a business house. The habit of waste in little things is noticeable, and becomes a drawback on his value and usefulness to his employer. The disregard of saving strings and paper develops into a careless ness that runs through all his habits. He does not get on in the world because he is wasteful. Small sums of money slip through his fingers almost unconsciously because they are small. He wastes time by the minute, without a thought of the old adage, “Take care of the minutes and those hours will take care of themselves.” Sitting in the counting room of one of Cleveland’s oldest and most successful merchants the other day, we noticed that he cut off the blank sheet of the letters he was engaged in filling. The name of this man is synonym of charity and benevolence and his liberality in all good works is almost unbounded. His attention being called to what seemed an unusual proceeding, he said: “Yes, it may strike you as singular to save these half-sheets of paper, but I began life a poor boy in a country store and this was one of the first lessons in saving little things that was taught me by my employer. He has been nearly half a century under the sod, but I never do this without thinking of the good old man. I believe it was the secret of my success in life.” This saving of little things does not imply stinginess or meanness. It is simply the habit of saving instead of wasting. It is embodied in the motto, “Waste not, want not.” Therefore we say, don’t cut the string!”

MILLVILLE ITEMS

Detroit Male and Female School in fine headway under the control of our much esteemed PROF. J. F. WHITE. Many young men and ladies in attendance from a distance.

J. F. WHITE & CO., are doing fine mercantile business, are now receiving new goods and have many more on the way.

DAVIDSON & CO., have ordered a large stock of goods, will soon as received have a general assortment.

CANTRELL & NORTHINGTON, a new firm just opened have a well selected stock of groceries and dry goods. Both business young men and will add much to our town.

Our doctors say it is distressingly healthy now, which we hope will be no disadvantage.

Our farmers are wide awake, gone to work clearing up and making ready for the planting of another crop.

We had a very heavy wind on Thursday night, the 22d inst., no damage except unroofed the barn and stables of JOHN H. HAMILTON in this place. - S.

A FOLDED LEAF A folded page, old, stained and blurred I found within your book last night, I did not read the dim dark word I saw in the slow-waning light So put it back, and left it there, As if, in truth, I did not care.

Ah, We all have a folded leaf That in Times’ book of long ago We leave; a half-relief Falls on us when we hide it so, We fold it down, then turn away, And who may read that page today?

Not you, my child. nor you, my wife, Who sit beside my study chair For all have something in their life That they, and they alone, may bear A trifling lie, a deadly sin, And something bought they did not win.

My folded leaf! How blue eyes gleam, Blot the dark-brown eyes I see And golden curls at evening beam Above the black locks at my knee Ah me! That leaf is folded down, And aye for me the locks are brown.

And yet I love them who sit by, By best and dearest – dearest now, They many not know for what I sigh, What brings the shadow at my brow. Ghosts at the best, so let them be, Nor come between my life and me!

They only rise at twilight hour So light the lamp and close the blind Small perfume lingers in the flower That sleeps that folded page behind So let it ever folded lie “Twill be unfolded when I die!

Many persons know it, but some do not, that a pretty and easily grown window plant may be obtained by soaking a round piece of coarse sponge in warm water until it is thoroughly expanded. After squeezing it about half dry, place in the openings millet, red clover, and barley grass seeds, rice, and oats. Hang the sponge in a window where the sun shines a part of the day, and sprinkle it lightly with water every morning for a week. Soon tender leaves will shoot out, and growing rapidly, will form a drooping mass of living green. If regularly sprinkled, it will later be dotted with the blossoms of the clover –[Scientific American]

BURRIS & BRO. No. 49 Main Street Columbus, Miss. We have now in store a full stock of general merchandise which we offer for sale very low, for the cash. Thankful for the liberal patronage heretofore extended to us, we hope by selling our goods much lower than in the past to be able to add largely to our already numerous list of patrons. Call and see our mammoth stock.

SHELL & BURDINE, Wholesale and retail druggist’s, Aberdeen, Mississippi. Are daily receiving at their Drug Store a very large stock of fresh goods of all kinds usually kept in a first class drug house, and will sell at bottom prices, for cash. All we ask is to give us a trial and we guarantee you will not go away dissatisfied for we are determined to sell goods so low that it will astonish you.

JOHN D. MORGAN. Wholesale and retail dealer in dry goods, staple and fancy groceries, hardware, wooden ware, willow ware, crockery ware, and tin ware. Boots and shoes, hats and caps. Plantation supplies, etc. would announce to his friends and patrons of Lamar and Fayette Counties, that he has in store, and is daily receiving one of the largest and best selected stocks of goods in the city, and invites everybody to call before buying elsewhere and examine his immense stock. It is no trouble to show goods, and when you look, you will be sure to buy for he keeps none but first class goods, and will not be under sold by any home in the city. Columbus, Miss. July 11th, 1879. J. S. ROBERTSON is with the above house, and would be pleased to serve his many friends at anytime.

DR. J. D. RUSH, with ERVIN AND BILLUPS, successors to M. W. HATCH; dealers in drugs, medicines, whiskey, tobacco, cigars, &c. Corner Main and Market Street. Columbus, Mississippi.

NATHAN BROTHERS dealers in whiskies, brandies, wines, cigars, tobaccos and pipes. Our Motto: Quick Sales and Small Profits. Columbus, Mississippi.

(engraving of possibly Santa Claus with huge ELGIN watch) BUDER BROTHERS, watch makers, and manufacturing jewelers, and dealers in diamonds, fine watches, jewelry and silverware. Repairing done neatly and warranted. Under Gilmer Hotel, No. 43 Main ST, Columbus, Miss.

PAGE 3

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1880

For Rent or sale. Good farm of two hundred and ten acres, about seventy acres cleared; good dwellings, stables, well and spring. Good fences with little improving, in two miles of Vernon. A bargain will be given. For terms apply to the editor of this paper.

Married. At the residence of the bride’s father in Monroe County, Miss., Jan. 29th, by Rev. J. J. CROW, MR. CHARLES A. BOOKER to MISS SAVANNAH SPRINGFIELD.

PROF. RICHARDSON’S school is still prospering, several students from abroad have swelled the ranks of pupils to fifty.

We were pleased to see our handsome friend, JOHN RAY of Millville in town Monday last.

Winter ahs at last put in an appearance, and for three mornings we have seen his frosty mantle over-spreading the face of nature.

CAPT. S. J. SHIELDS will speak at Brock’s store on Saturday the 14th inst.

We regret to learn that DR. W. A. BROWN is quite sick, hope he soon recover.

As an evidence of returning prosperity to our town it is a significant fact that every dwelling house will soon be occupied.

Saturday last was a lively day for the “B’ys’ and a lucrative one for the city treasury.

MR. JAMES GRANT, a wealthy, childless citizen of Iowa, has brought up in his house, educated, and set up in business fifteen orphan boys.

A man named SEAY, in Montague County, Texas, after killing NEWTON LADD, and MR. TUBBS, killed himself.

MISS LIZZIE HAMMOND, a pretty white girl of eighteen years has been sentenced to the Virginia Penitentiary for horse stealing.

Sixty-seven convicts were discharged from the Kentucky Penitentiary on Friday, on account of ill-health and the bad sanitary conditions of that institution.

For the celebrated Jamaica Cotton Seed, call on COL. K. T. BROWN, at DR. W. A. BROWN’S office. Prince in pint packages 50 cents.

The remains of HON. JOHNTHAN BLISS, who died up North last Summer, were carried through Eutaw last week en route for Gainsville.

MR. JAS. MACE has moved into the Gillum House.

A good boot and shoemaker is needed in town.

NEW EDITION. Webster’s Unabridged. 1328 pages, 3000 engravings. four pages colored plates. New added, a supplement of over 4600 new words and meaning, including such as have come into use during the past fifteen years – many of which have never before found a place in any English dictionary. Also added, a new Biographical Dictionary of over 9700 names of noted persons, ancient and modern, including many now living, giving name, pronunciation, nationality, profession and date of each. Get the latest. New edition contains a supplement of over 4600 new words and meaning. Each new word in supplement has been selected and defined with great care. With Biographical Dictionary, now added of over 9700 names of noted persons. Get the best. Edition of the best dictionary of the English Language ever published. Definitions have always been conceded to be better than in any other dictionary. Illustrations. 3,000, about three times as many of in any other dictionary. The dict’y recommended by State Sup’ts of 35 states, and 50 College Pres’ts. In schools – about 32,000 have been placed in public schools in the U. S. Only English Dictionary containing a biographical dictionary – this gives the name with pronunciation and date of over 9700 persons. Published by G. & C. Merriam, Springfield, Mo. Also Webster’s National Pictorial Dictionary. 1040 pages Octave, 600 Engravings.

The citizens of Huntsville and Madison County propose to publish a pamphlet of about 25 or 30 pages describing the lands, minerals, water power manufacturing facilities, markets, climate and social advantages, and everything pertaining to the interests of Madison County.

Senator-elect MAHONE, of Virginia, was famous for his daring as a Confederate leader. He never wore a sword while in command, always forgot his pistol, and went into action with nothing in his hands or in his pockets, wearing generally a loose blouse of gray flannel which his soldiers called his “fighting jacket.”

Dadesville Democrat: There is a lady in Eufaula Beat whose name is DUPRIEST, the mother of F. M. SMITH, who is a well known gentleman. She is now 97 years old, and is yet able to do her house affairs. She can cook a meal’s victuals, or walk two or three miles to see a neighbor. Her mother lived in Virginia at the time of the Revolutionary War. She was a grown young woman, engaged to be married, at that time. She died at 120 years old, since the last war, about 1868. She could remember well all about the Revolutionary War, and tell many of its scenes and trials, and was perfect healthy until her death, and even when she died, was not at all sick, made no complaint, but was found dead in her bed.

CITATION NOTICE The State of Alabama, Lamar County In Chancery. At Vernon, Alabama 9th District, Western Chancery Division ANNA WALKER, by next friend, ELIJAH WOLSTONHOMES, Complaint vs GREEN WALKER, Defendant In this cause, it is made to appear to the Register by the affidavit of D. J. MCCLUSKY, Solicitor for complainant that the defendant GREEN WALKER is a non resident of this State, and post office is unknown to complainant or her solicitor, and further, that, in the belief of said affiant, the defendant is over the age of twenty-one years. It is therefore ordered, by the Register, that publication be made in the Vernon Clipper a newspaper published in the county of Lamar once a week for four consecutive weeks, requiring him the said GREEN WALKER to plead, answer or demur to the bill of complaint in this cause by the 4th day of March A. D. 1880 or, in thirty days thereafter, a decree pro confesso may be taken against him. Done at office, in vacation this 4th day of February 1880. JAS. M. MORTON, Register

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We are authorized to announce D. V. LAWRENCE a candidate for re-election to the office of County Treasurer, at the August election in 1880.

Under the following considerations I declare myself a candidate for Sheriff, &c. of Lamar County at the ensuing election. 1st. I was born and raised a freeman in this county. 2nd. By standing in defense of my country I was mangled by the enemies missiles. 3rd. I was incarcerated in prison under false charges preferred against and finally ruined. 4th. I am willing to submit my claims to a Convention of the Democratic Party. Respectfully. J. A. DARR

We are authorized to announce B. H. WILKERSON a candidate for the office of Sheriff and Tax Collector of Lamar County at the ensuing August election, subject to the action of the Democratic party.

Hotel. The undersigned is prepared to accommodate boarders, either by day or the month at very reasonable rates. Strict attention given to transient customers. L. M. WIMBERLEY, Proprietor, Vernon, Ala.

PIANOS & ORGANS. From Factory to Purchaser, every man his own agent. Ludder & Bates Grand Introduction….(Too small to read)

Pictures made in cloudy and rainy as well as clear weather at ECHARD’S Photograph Headquarters at his gallery, Columbus, Miss. 8 Card Ferrotypes, for $1.00. 1 doz. Card Photographs for $2.50. Special attention given to Family Groups and copying Old pictures to any size.

ADMINISTRATORS SALE By virtue of an order of the Probate Court of Lamar County, Alabama made on the 7th day of January 1880, I as the administrator of WILLIAM WALKER deceased will sell at the late residence of said WILLIAM WALKER the following tract of land to wit: 20 acres on north end of NE ¼ of SE ¼ and NE ¼ and NW ¼ of SE ½, Sec. 35 and SW ¼ of NW ¼, Sec. 26 T 17, R16. Sale will be on the 7th day of February next, and will be sold on a credit of twelve months from the day of sale, and will be subject to the widows dower. Parties purchasing will be required to give note and good security for the purchase money, and lien will be retained on the land until the purchase money is paid. This 9th day of January, 1880. JOHN D. WALKER, Admr.

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Cuban Chill Tonic is the great Chill King. It cures Chills and Fever of every type, from the shaking Agues of the North to the burning Fevers of the Torrid Zone. It is the great standard. It cures Billiousness and liver Complaint and roots out diseases. Try it – if you suffer it will cure you and give you health. Sold by your druggists. W. L. MORTON & BRO.

MALE AND FEMALE SCHOOL – Detroit, Lamar County, Ala., will commence, Jan. 19th 1880 and continue eight months. Tuition per month of 20 days, $1.50, $2.00, $2.50, $3.00. Board can be obtained with private families at $7 per month. For particulars, address J. F. WHITE, Principal.

Remember when you visit Aberdeen, to go to the house of Louis Roy and examine his stock. That popular house has a great name for integrity and honesty, and never uses humbug. Every article of dry goods shoes and boots, clothing, hats, and fancy goods is fresh, and warranted to give satisfaction.

PARENTS READ THIS. Nine-tenths of the sickness of childhood is caused by worms. Thousands of children die yearly from worms in the stomach that could have been saved by the timely use of Parker’s Santonine Worm Lozenges. They save thousands of children. They drive out the worms without pain. They cleanse the stomach, and make the little ones bloom and blossom as the rose. The are the finest and best medicine ever made. Thousands of parents all over the land use nothing but Parker’s Lozenges. Buy nothing but Parker’s. Give no other Worm Medicine to children but Parker’s Lozenges. They are the cheapest, best, and safest. Sold by your druggists, W. L. Morton & Bro.

$5 to $20 per day at home. Sample worth $5 free. Address Stinson & Co., Portland, Maine.

GUARDIAN SETTLEMENT State of Alabama, Lamar County Probate Court, Special Term, January 13, 1880 In the matter of the guardianship of PELINA E. WILLIAMS, this day came THOMAS MOLLOY and filed his account and vouchers in final settlement of his guardianship of said minor’s estate, whereupon it is ordered by the court that the 6th day of February next be a day set for making said settlement, when and where all parties interested can contest the same if they think proper. ALEXANDER COBB, Judge of Probate

ANNUAL SETTLEMENT State of Alabama, Lamar County Probate Court, ----20th, 1880 In the matter of the estate of SAMUEL J. MORDICAI, deceased, this day came MARTHA L. MORDICAI, administratrix of said estate and filed her account and vouchers in annual settlement of her administration when the 3rd day of February next was set for passing upon said account, when and where all parties interested can contest the same is they think proper. ALEXANDER COBB, Judge of Probate

J. L. RANSOM, of North Alabama with Settle & Kainnaird, manufacturers of and wholesale dealers in boots and shoes, Nashville, Tenn. Orders solicited and carefully filled.

GEO. W. RUSH with N. GROSS & CO., Columbus, Miss. Wholesale and retail dealers in fancy dress, and staple dry goods & ready made clothing, boots, shoes, hats, notions, etc. Will be glad to see his old friends and all new ones who may be pleased to call upon him. No trouble to show goods, on the contrary, it will be a pleasure, whether you buy or not. Satisfaction guaranteed, as to articles bought and prices.

BILL HAMILTON with ROY & BRO., wholesale and retail dealer in dry goods, notions, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, &c. Aberdeen, Miss. Highest price paid for cotton.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF U. S. MAILS The Columbus Mail by way of Caledonia arrives Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays at 11 o’clock a.m. Leave same days at 1 p.m. FAYETTE MAIL Arrived on Wednesday and Saturday at 12 p.m. and leaves same days at 1 p.m. MOUNT CALM MAIL Leaves Wednesday at 7 a.m. arrives Thursday at 2 p.m. PIKEVILLE MAIL Arrives Fridays at 6 p.m., leaves Saturdays at 6 a.m. SCHEDULE OF MOBILE & OHIO R. R. Train leaves 6:30 am Train arrives 9:30 am Train leaves 3:20 pm Train arrives 6:30 pm Train goes through to Starkville on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Leaves Aberdeen going South at 4 o’clock p.m., returns at 8 p.m. Leaves Aberdeen going North at 7 o’clock a.m., return at 11 o’clock a.m.

MCQUISTON & HEISEN, Cotton Factors and Commission Merchants 96 & 98 Commerce St., Aberdeen, Miss. Farmers will make money by letting MCQUISSTON & HEISEN sell their cotton when they come to the city.

R. A. HONEA & SON, Wholesale and retail dealers in staple and fancy groceries, Aberdeen, Miss. We would respectfully inform our friends, and the public generally, that we are at our old Stand next door to J. W. ECKFORD & Bro. (Old Presbyterian Block) and have in store and will keep constantly on hand a large and well selected stock of staple and fancy groceries. Bagging and ties, corn, oats, wheat bran, &c., which we will sell at rock bottom figures for cash. R. F. RAY, of Detroit, Ala. is salesman.

MEDICAL M. W. MORTON. W. L. MORTON. DR. W. L. MORTON & BRO., Physicians & Surgeons. Vernon, Lamar Co, Ala. Tender their professional services to the citizens of Lamar and adjacent country. Thankful for patronage heretofore extended, we hope to merit a respectable share in the future. Drug Store.

DR. G. C. BURNS, Vernon, Ala. Offers his professional services to the citizens of Vernon and vicinity.

Masonic: Vernon, Lodge No. 389, meets on the 1st Saturday of each month, at 7 p.m.

PROFESSIONAL CARDS. FRANCIS JUSTICE, Attorney at Law and Solicitor in Chancery, Pikeville, Marion Co., Alabama Will practice in all the Courts of the 3rd Judicial District.

SAMUEL J. SHIELDS, Attorney at Law and Solicitor in Chancery, Vernon, Ala., Will practice in the counties of Lamar, Fayette, Marion, and the Courts of the 3rd Judicial District.

JNO. D. MCCLUSKY, Attorney at Law and Solicitor in Chancery, Vernon, Ala. Will practice in the counties of Lamar, Fayette, Marion, and the Courts of the 3rd Judicial Circuit. Special attention given to the collection of claims, and matters of administration.

EARNEST & EARNEST. W. S. EARNEST GEO. S. EARNEST. Attorneys at Law and Solicitors in Chancery, Birmingham & Vernon, Ala. Will practice in the Counties of this Judicial Circuit.

NESMITH & SANFORD. T. B. NESMITH, Vernon, Ala. JOHN B. SANFORD, Fayette C. H. Attorneys at Law. Partners in the Civil practice in the counties of Fayette and Lamar. Will practice separately in the adjoining counties. THOS. B. NESMITH. Solicitor for the 3rd Judicial Circuit. Vernon, Lamar Co., Ala.

ALEXANDER COBB & SON, Dealers in ready made clothing, dress goods, jeans, domestics, calicoes, silks, satins, millinery, embroidery, notice, &c. Hats, caps, boots, shoes, saddles, bridles, leather, &c. Tin, wooden, Hard and glass wares, crockery, &c. Salt, flour, meal, bacon, lard, soda, coffee, molasses, &c.

LAMAR DIRECTORY County Court – Meets on the 1st Monday in each month. Probate Court - Meets on 2nd Monday in each month. Commissioner’s Court – Meets on the 2nd Monday in February, April, July, and November.

REPRESENTATIVES W. A. MUSGROVE and I. H. SANDERS

COUNTY OFFICERS ALEXANDER COBB – Judge of Probate D. J. LACY, Sheriff and Tax Collector W. G. MIDDLETON, Circuit Clerk JAMES M. MORTON, Register in Chancery D. V. LAWRENCE, Treasurer J. E. PENNINGTON, Tax Assessor W. T. MARLER, Coroner

COMMISSIONERS W. G. RICHARDS W. M. STONE J. J. BRANYAN J. A. COLLINS

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION One copy one year $1.50 One copy six months $1.00 Rates of Advertising One inch, one insertion $1.00 One inch, each subsequent insertion .50 One inch, twelve months 10.00 One inch, six months 7.00 One inch, three months 5.00 Two inches, twelve months 15.00 Two inches, six months 10.00 Two inches, three months 7.00 Quarter Column 12 months 35.00 Half Column 12 months 60.00 One Column, 12 months 100.00 One Column, 3 months 35.00 One Column, 6 months 60.00 Professional Cards $10.00 Special advertisements in local columns will be charged double rates. Advertisements collectable after first insertion. Local notices 10 cents per line. Obituaries, tributes of respect, etc. making over ten lines, charged advertising rates.

$72 a week, $12 a day at home easily made. Costly outfit free. Address True & Co., Augusta, Maine.

Bring your job printing to the CLIPPER. We print all kinds of blanks, deeds, mortgages, law briefs, cards, tags, circulars, bill heads, letter heads, note heads, statements, poster work. We propose to do all kinds of job printing as neat and as cheap as any city, either North or South, and our work is equal to any. When you want any kind of job printing done, please don’t fail to examine our specimens before going elsewhere. Blank Waive Notes for sale at this Office.

The Light Running New Home (picture of sewing machine). A model of simplicity, Strength and Beauty, Never gets out of order. A pattern of perfection. Makes no noise. Does not fatigue the operator. Latest. Improved. Best. Agents wanted. Johnson, Clarke, & o., 30 Union Square, New York City. Orange, Mass.

PAGE 4

THE SOUTHERN FARMER

TOPICS FOR THE FARM

Give the potato ashes, lime, superphosphat, bone, flour or plaster.

See to it that your sheep are properly cared for, lest you have cold wether on your farms.

A new kind of sweet potato is cultivated in Kern County, Cal, picked specimens of which weight from fifteen to eighteen and twenty-two pounds.

For the first crop it is often supposed that soluble phosphate (i.e. super-phosphate or bone or mineral phosphate dissolved in sulphuric acid) is nearly twice the value to a crop that insoluble phosphate it. During the past three years this question has been the subject of a very thorough investigation in Aberdeenshire, as we learn from the London Gazette, and the results are by no means in accordance with the above supposition. On comparing the dissolved without the undissolved phosphates, the superiority of the former has been found to be “only slight” and not maintained at all the stations where this series of experiments has been carried on. The importance of a fine state of division is strikingly illustrated by the differences shown in the crops grown by bone powder and bone flour. The first crop form the flour is heavier by about a fourth than that grown by the powder, though the first contained the same quantity of phosphates as and rather less nitrogen that the later. It would appear from these experiments that the costly process of dissolving is for some soils, at least, altogether unnecessary. It is very hard to get at the “true inwardness” of the action of concentrated fertilizers. – [Rural New Yorker]

LIME AS MANURE. – In answer whether lime can be used as a manure, a writer on the subject says: No. Lime cannot be compared with barnyard manure. It fills the same place in regard to manure as condiment does to food. It supplies, to some extent, a needed element in the soil, although it is very rarely that soils are deficient in lime, but its greatest effect is to help the soil to digest the manure, so to speak. It is, in short, a stimulant which requires solid food to be taken with it to prevent injurious reaction. The two cannot, therefore, be compared in the way suggested in the inquiry. Lime is a very useful and effective application to the soil when judiciously used, and its effects are more apparent upon manured than upon worn soils. Because it must have something to work upon to produce its effect. It is used in a good system of farming, once in five years, at the rate of 40 or 50 bushels per acre, at the same time with the manure and generally for wheat or rye seeded to grass and clover. When used on a summer fallow and without manure, it can only act injuriously by decomposing and making immediately available whatever vegetable matter exists in the soil, and by liberating part of whatever potash may remain in it undeveloped. In this case it acts as a stimulant altogether and really helps to impoverish the soil more quickly than would otherwise be done. If the land is foul with weeds and needs some vigorous treatment to improve it, and then it might be advisable to summer-fallow it and apply from 20 to 450 bushels of lime per acre, in proportion to its present condition of poverty or goodness. But unless barnyard manure is applied very soon after the benefit will only be temporary.

A farmer writes: Weeds eat up the farmer’s substance. The truth of this ought to be apparent to every one who would figure up the cost of eradicating them from the crops. And yet it is not an enemy who hath done this. The farmer himself the one to blame. Just now the fields are white with daisies and white-weed. The stubbles are green with rag-wed. The roadsides are clothed with golden rods, thistles or creeping briers. The door yards and nooks and corners of the farm bear their burdens, and these nurseries of weeds are neglected with the greatest care. Timothy cut for seed is gathered with the daisies. Clover is collected with rag-weed or thistle down, and the seeds are sent abroad for sale, thus polluted with foul weeds which are spread far and wide. The thought of this fact recently came home to me in a leading seed store as I examined a bag of Hungarian grass seed, of which one-fourth, at least, consisted of seeds of weeds. The truth is, we rarely sow seeds of plants desired for crops without sowing with them many kinds of weeds. And if we should ask ourselves: “Whence came these weeds?” we should, in truth, reply, “Sown by our own hands!” The ground is more than sufficiently stocked t o give us work enough to keep down weeds for the term of our natural lives, but that we should negligently sow fresh seeds or permit weeds to ripen their seeds, is a monstrous mistake. There is time now to avoid this the present season, in great part. Numerous pestiferous weeds are constantly maturing. These could be gathered and burned, and we could easily remedy the other mistake by ordering only clean seed, and refusing to accept any other. If this were always done, the seedsmen would be chary of purchasing foul seeds, and would avoid supplying them to their customers.

TOPICS FOR THE HOUSEHOLD

TO WHITEN IVORY – Boil in lime water.

TO CLEAN ZINC – Rub on fresh lard with a cloth and wipe dry.

A MIXTURE OF oil and ink is good to clean kid boots with; the first softens and the latter blackens them.

TO GIVE STOVES A GOOD POLISH – Rub them with a piece of Brussels carpet after blackening them.

OLD POTATOES may be freshened up by plunging them into cold water before cooking them.

NEVER put a pudding that is to be steamed in anything else than a dry mould.

PAINT splashes upon window glass can be easily removed by a strong solution of soda.

The water used in mixing bread must be tepid. If it is too hot the loaves will be full of holes.

Two ounces of permanganate of potash thrown into a cistern will render the foulest water sweet and pure.

A Flannel cloth dipped in warm soap suds, then into whiting, and applied to paint, will instantly remove all grease.

TO CLEAN RAISINS – Wipe them with a dry towel. Never wash them, for it will make cakes or puddings heavy.

To boil potatoes so they will be dry and mealy, when the skins break, pour off the water and let them finish cooking in their own steam.

In making a crust of any kind do not melt the shortening. Let it be as cold as possible and knead it through the flour. Melting it injures the crust.

TO BROWN SUGAR FOR PUDDIGNS – Put the sugar in a perfectly dry pan. If the pan is the least wet, the sugar will burn and spoil both it and the pan.

TO MAKE A CLOTHES LINE PLIABLE – Boil it an hour or two before using it. Let it dry in a warm room and do not allow it to “kink”

NEW linen may be embroidered more easily by rubbing it over with fine white soap. It prevents the threads from cracking.

TO REMOVE GREASE FROM WALL PAPER – Lay several folds of blotting paper on the spot, and hold a hot iron near it until the grease is absorbed.

TO TAKE INK SPOTS OUT OF LINEN – Dip the ink spot in pure melted tallow, then wash out the tallow and the ink will come out with it. This is said to be unfailing.

TO CLEAN BRASS – Immerse or wash it several times in sour milk or whey. This will brighten it without scouring. It may then be scoured with a woolen cloth dipped in ashes.

TI CRYSTALIZE GRASSSES – One pound best alum, powdered; half gallon of soft water; boil until dissolved. Dip the grass in the solution, and allow it to remain six or seven hours. Remove and dry in the sun. This is a reliable recipe.

OIL CLOTH can be kept like new if washed once a month in skim milk and water, equal quantities of each. Rub them once in three months with linseed oil. Put on very little, rub it in well, and polish with an old silk cloth, and they will keep for years.

ECTRAVAGANCE OF AMERCIAN HOUSEKEEPERS. – Mr. Delmonico, talking about entrees, says that Americans ought to copy “the French method of utilizing small bits of raw meats and fowls, and of recooking all kinds of cold joints and pieces of cooked meat which remain dry be day from every dinner in almost every family. The success of such dishes depends mainly on the sauce, which is best made from broth. The following is his recipe for sauce: Take an ounce of ham or bacon, cut it up in small pieces and fry in hot fat. Add an onion and carrot, cut up, thicken with flour, then add a pint or quart of broth, according to quantity desired. Season with pepper and salt and any spice or herb that is relished (better though without the spice) and let simmer for an hour, skim carefully and strain. A wine glass of any wine may be added if liked. Cold roast or boiled beef or mutton may be cut into small squares, fried brown in butter, and then gently stewed in the sauce above described. M. Delmonico describes croquettes as the attractive French substitute for American has, and tells how to make them: “Veal, mutton, lamb, sweetbreads, almost any of the lighter meats, besides cold chicken and turkey, can be most deliciously turned into croquettes. Chop the meat very fine. Chop up an onion, fry it in an ounce of butter, add a tablespoonful of flour. Stir well and then add the chopped meat and a little broth, salt, pepper, little nutmeg. Stir for two or three minutes, then add the yolks of two eggs, and turn the whole mixture into a dish to cool. When cold mix well together again, divide up into parts for the croquettes. Roll into the desired shape in bread crumbs, dip in beaten egg, then into bread crumbs again, and fry crisp, a bright golden color. Any of these croquettes may be served plain, or with tomato sauce or garniture of vegetables.

SAVE THE RAGS! “A penny saved is a penny got,” is an axiom as true as it is old. And there is many a neglected opportunity in almost every household by which pennies that are otherwise allowed to go to waste might be saved to the family. Take the one item of rags. How few housewives think of saving the little scraps of calico, of linen, and the old, worn-out clothes, and selling them to the paper manufacturer? Thousands upon thousands of dollars are thus wasted every year that ought to go into the family coffers. If housewives and their children and helpmates would carefully save all the rags through the year, and lay aside the receipts from the sales, they would be astonished when the holidays came around, at the size of the fund accumulated from this source. The recent rapid advance in the price of rags renders it doubly important that the matter should be attended to. Rags are now selling in the Chicago market at 3 ½ cents a pound, and before spring will probably go a good deal higher. If the “gude wife” don’t feel like bothering her head and hands with the matter, then let her encourage the children in the work. It will pay to save the rags. Don’t neglect it.

MISTOOK THE ANIMAL’S AGE E. T. HAPPERSATT, a farmer residing near Plain City, Ohio, who is near sighted, went into his barnyard and seeing what he presumed to be a favorite yearling pet bull, approached and took it by the horns. Mr. Happersatt was mistaken two years in the age of the animal he approached, and was badly gored in the hip and cut about the face before a farm hand came and corrected his error by dragging him out of the yard.

THE “CAT” IN THE BRITISH ARMY Archibald Forbes, the famous war correspondent, declares that he was saved by the “cat” which it is now proposed to abolish from the British Army. Twenty years ago he enlisted in a cavalry regiment. Young, full of spirits, and not destitute of money, he was scandalously often in trouble. At length an escapade got him placed for a month in the Sheffield Provost. He was not cured however. Again, brought before his commanding officer, he was asked if he knew he was a second class man. No, he knew nothing about it. “Well,” said he, “you are, as such, liable to be flogged, and the next time you come before me I’ll flog you.” Mr. Forbes never again came before him, and is now so full of love for the “cat” that he pleads for its retention. The PILOT reports that its editor, John Boyle O’Reilly, had an almost similar experience. At eighteen years of age, he enlisted in a huzzar regiment, and in the strength and wildness of youth, began a reckless course. One day a friendly old Sergeant said to him, as he was marched to the guard room: “You’ll destroy yourself, youngster, if you don’t stop. The next time the Colonel’s in bad humor he’ll court-marital you, and you’ll be flogged.” The word clung to O’Reilly’s mind and appalled him into steadiness. But, unlike the English brother in literature, he regards the “cat” with horror, and considers its use more degrading and demoralizing on soldiers who witness it than would be the death of the defaulter.

LOOK TO YOUR MOUTH. (NOTE: ARTICLE HAS BEEN PARTIALLY CUT OUT) The mouth is the frankest ----of the face. It can the lest con-----feeligns. we can neither hid----per with it nor good. We ---- sect what we please, but the ---tion will not help uys. In a wrong-----it will only make our observer---the endeavor to impose upon the ---- mouth should be of good natural----sions, as well as plump in ------When the ancients, among their----ties, made mention of small ---and lips, they meant only small only -----posed to an excess the other way.----sayings in favor of a small-------which have been the ruin of ----pretty looks, are very absurd.----must be an excess eith way,----better be the liberal one. ---pursed up mouth is fit for nothing----to be left to it complacency.----mouths are oftener found in ---with generous dispositions than---small ones. Beauty should have----but a reasonable look of openness and delicacy.

A VALUABLE INVESTMENT When JAMES BUCHANAN was United States Minister to England he came very near buying the London DAILY TELEGRAPH. COL. SLEIGH was then editor, but it was doing poorly in a business way, and Buchanan’s attention was attracted by one or two able editorials on American politics. He and his friends thought it would be nice to have a Democratic organ in London, and they offered Sleigh $20,000 for it. Sleigh wanted $24,000 and soon afterward wrote an article ridiculing the class of American Ministers delegated to the European Courts. Buchanan withdrew his proposal, and the present owners brought the TELEGRAPH for about $8,000. The proprietor, Lawson, who recently died, left $4,5000,000, principally derived from the profits of his $8,000 purchase.

A FEMALE SOLDIER – [Roman Correspondence London Times] A soldier named Marioti of the Eleventh Battalion of the Italian Bersaflieri, though long confined to the room by illness, refused to be carried to the hospital. Ultimately, on being forcibly removed thither, the soldier was discovered to be a woman. She joined the army during the war of 1866, to enable her brother to remain with his wife and six children. She had previously, being very strong worked in the mines. At Custozza she won a medal for bravery. The King has now conferred on her a decoration and sent her home with a pension of 300 lire.

There is not time to be lost when a cough attack one, in adopting means of prevention against consumption and bronchitis. A cough may, with perfect truth, be termed the incipient stage of those destructive maladies, and it is the height of folly to disregard it. If neglected, it will assuredly culminate in some dangerous pulmonary infection, but it Dr. Wm. Hall’s Balsam for the lungs be use, the complaints speedily vanquished and all danger averted. There is no pulmonic comparable to this great specific. Sold by druggist.

Neglected coughs and colds – Few are aware of the importance of checking a cough or common cold in its first stage; that which in the beginning would yield to “Brown’s Bronchial Troches” if neglected often works upon the lungs.

Everyone who thinks of having an organ should read a circular headed “Useful Information for Purchasers of Parlor or Cabinet Organs.” A postal card addressed to the Mason & Hamlin Organ Co. will bring one free.

Tell your neighbor if he uses Lyon’s Patent Metallic Heel Stiffener he will keep his boots straight. Sold by shoe and hardware dealers. MORE ADS – WILL COME BACK AND TRANSCRIBE LATER. – NO NEW ADS

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