Webster and the chaise tale of a Fourth of July notables
A historical reminiscence recounts Daniel Webster in Boston during the 1800s. He sought a celebratory carriage for the Fourth of July parade, facing a delay when the shopkeeper demanded payment. Webster learned the tale's ruse but later paid for the chaise. The piece also discusses surname origins linking Higgins to Isaac/Hikke forms and other name derivations.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Higgins
St. Hyginus
St Yeyn
Isaac
Ikke
Lke
Langland
Isaacs
Isaacson
Hicks
Higgs
Hickson
Higson
Humor and Philosophy on the Soldier at the Front
UNCAN M. SMITH muses on the soldier behind the trigger. The piece contrasts bravado with fear and humanity beneath war’s powder and fire. It ends with a quip about a foe having a gun and a joke about pepper.
Smuggling Tales and Oddities at the Border
The piece satirically notes imaginary border gaps between the United States and Canada enabling Chinaman smuggling and laundry inquiries. It jokes about sealskin tricks on cats and hidden migrants in sacks, claiming newcomer appearances mask true origins within a day.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Canada
Detroit
When It Runs to Football
A brief dialogue hints at college training for football players, juxtaposing education with athletic preparation and light humor about training the feet.
Paid In Kind Tainted Money Turns Sour for Butcher
A man accepts tainted money and tainted meat from a butcher leading to a sharp sting of regret. The verse paints a cautionary scene of bad ethics and spoiled exchanges in a small street setting.
Servants In Germany Security Of Job Contracts
A Harper's Bazar excerpt contrasts job certainty for German maids with American domestic hires. A Hausfrau pays Hedwig three marks as a pledge, binding her to appear at the agreed time and place or face criminal prosecution if she breaches and returns the money after 24 hours. Breach is said to be rare.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Germany
America
Hedwig
Harper’s Bazar
The Folly of Systems in Betting
Douglas Blackburn argues that systematic gambling is mathematically irrational and doomed to loss. He cites past tests and a failed manuscript, noting luck and human folly drive betting despite odds. The piece reflects a London Review stance on risk, probability, and gambler psychology.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Douglas Blackburn
London Review
Two Peers Debate Adressing The House Of Lords
London News recalls a 1884 incident where Earl Granville and Lord Cairns spoke simultaneously, refusing to yield. The chancellor could not restrain them, but Lord Beauchamp and Lord Cork forced a ruling, Granville winning by one vote in a fifty three member house.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Goldsmith
Earl Granville
Lord Cairns
Granville
Cairns
Lord Selborne
Lord Beauchamp
House of Lords
Lord Cork
Lord Granville
London News
The Swift Procession Of The Passing Year
A poetic reflection on the old year fading and the new year arriving, described as a swift procession that slides away while the fresh year arrives on light wings. The verse notes how time moves in cycles, with each year departing as another begins, and the sense of change and continuity across seasons.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Daye
Nickel for Two Waves Moral Dilemma On A Subway
A New York press column recalls a subway scene where a woman offers a nickel to a girl needing change for a dollar bill refusing to take fare, arguing she has ridden long and principles prevent collecting from the conductor. The tale contrasts generosity with obligation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York Press
A Bad Rec Scene at Registry Office
A bridegroom jokes about past marriages and prefers a simple registry ceremony. He scratches out a field of regret as he mutters about future remarriage, while his bride narrows her eyes at the improvised line.
Dust Folly Spurs Windfall Talk in London Tit-Bits
In a quip from London Tit-Bits a playful exchange features Rich Aunt and Tommy debating biting the dust. The punchline promises a £20009 windfall following the act, attributed to Thecol papa. The exchange plays on class and fortune with a humorous twist.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tommy
London
Royal Epicures Across Eras And Nations
A survey of royal culinary tastes highlights Henry de Valos Catherine de Medici and Louis XIV shaping cuisines with sauces ice and liquors. Frederick the Great Charles V and Stanislaus Leszczynski influenced menus with richly seasoned meats fruits and novel dishes, while odd meals and desserts reveal historic epicurean daring. Citizens protest eleven days wage deductions amid a broad parliamentary act on feast days rents and apprenticeships.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Henry de Valos
Catherine de’ Medici
France
Italy
Louis XIV
Charles V
Spain
Frederick the Great
Duc d’Escars
Louis XVIII
M. le Duc
Stanislaus Leszinski
Lis
Grandpa and Baby Then Fli Bist Exchange
The piece contrasts a grandchild’s care and the family circle with growth leading to upheaval as a baby arrives. It shifts to a dialogue about bad news involving John Jones’s bankruptcy and potential recovery of debts by creditors.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Webster
Orlende
Joshua Sewut
Woburn
Boston
Lie
New Hatiapshire
Poston
Wester
Asa
Mae
Sargent
Seward
Tom
Ereigs
Mr Webster
Daniel
Lhen
By ‘Uncan M. Smith
Royal Eficures
ST Lovis
Columbus
Josie
Solid West Ik Uled Trai
John M. Beall
Ozle
Ion
Morley Lemon Elixir Company
Drs. Blackshear, Cooper
Blackshear
R. D. Blackshear
G. H. Cooper
W. J. Blackshear
St.louis, MO
Bady
Papa
Grandpa
John Jones
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