Passport Tale Shows Value of Passports
A humorous tale from Ruaaia tells how Prince Metchersky, a journalist, used a passport to cross borders and travel five months in Russia. An official, unable to read Romanian well, stamped the document as proof of passage, revealing the governor’s comeback that the description labeled the prince as a black sow with a torn ear.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ruaaia
Prince Metchersky
Czar
Roumaia
of Teial
Httie
Moscow
Russia
European plan hotel inquiry and breakfast scene
Mrs Brown asks about the European plan while Mr Brown declines hunger and asks for a varied breakfast. The waiter is instructed to bring an omelet shad mutton chops bacon baked potatoes rolls coffee griddle cakes and syrup.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mrs. Brown
Mr. Brown
Mrs. B
Mr. B
Irs. B
Candid plea uncovers wealth in a bachelor uncle
Milmard's plea to cure a cold leads to a confession of poverty. He admits he and his father are poor, but reveals an aged rich bachelor uncle who is an invalid and may soon die. The woman responds with hopeful warmth and asks for an introduction.
Aspiring Writer Seeks Story to Spark Interest
A budding author describes sending manuscripts and letters of introduction from a vicar and teacher, plus a local paper paragraph about starting a literary career. The editor replies that all he needs is one strong short story.
No disgraceful record for million-dollar offense
A source quotes someone noting the individual served a term in prison not for a minor crime but for an offense involving a million dollars or more, arguing the act was not socially shameful. The speaker emphasizes the misdeed was financially significant yet not personally disgraceful.
The Character of His Excellence at the Concert Hall
Two men debate envy after a singer performs with a weak voice yet strong nerve. One argues envy is for a self starter and bold talent, not mere vocal power, while the other downplays the singer’s voice and praises his drive.
Knew Him Well and the Neighborhood
An old gentleman advertised for a coachman who must know the neighborhood well. He received no applications. A livery stable hostler questions the ad and reveals that anyone who knows the neighborhood also knows the advertiser, explaining the failure to attract applicants.
Arctic Explorer's Tale Ends With Culinary Joke
Sir Leopold McClintock recounts an ice field journey where his dogs failed at a critical moment. A listener notes the Askimo dogs were tireless, and the explorer quips that he speaks in a culinary sense, miss.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sir Leopold McClintock
Sir Leopold
Morning's Surprise on Shipboard Tight Quarters
Simeon Easy, after sixty years on a fare, finds shipboard space cramped. He solves it by stowing his trousers and shoes in a round cupboard by his bed. At seven a.m. startling disclosures reveal a steward asking where his clothes went, noting the cubby-hole is actually a port-hole.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Simeon Easy
French dancer described as slender stage figure
A visitor from the interior describes Mlle Gaby Deslys as exceedingly slender in stage attire, and one eye closed would make her resemble a needle, illustrating her art.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mlle
Gaby Deslys
Missing cashier valued at $12,000 short
The chief of detectives seeks details about a missing cashier. The man’s height is unknown and the urgent concern is that he was short by $12,000, prompting inquiries into his disappearance.
Exercise in the Open Air as Stomach Health Tonic
The article extols outdoor activity for health, noting sedentary work harms digestion. It recommends Parmelee's Vegetable Pills to regulate the stomach and liver and restore healthy action, advising readers to keep a packet on hand.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Parmelee
Willie's Threat Over Nightgown Fit At Aunt's House
An eight year old boy Willie complains he will run away rather than wear a lace trimmed nightgown lent by his aunt's family. He argues the garment is girly and insists he will not sleep sleepless in it. His mother and aunt contend with the protest.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Willie
Deborah
Mor'n the dog you must know to train him
A country physician questions a rustic dog trainer about teaching tricks. The trainer replies that success comes from knowing more than the dog, implying insight beyond simple instruction.
Farm Scenes Inspire Scientist Praise
A farmer discusses hiring a photographer to capture farm life and laborers in motion, praising science and progress in agricultural work.
Hospitality And Africa Trip Questioned By Major
The major recalls his African journey and comments on local people saying they were kind-hearted and invited him to dinner, noting no hostility and a warm reception despite earlier concerns.
Must Chew the Pill Confronts a Failing Courtship
A dialogue about curing a woman’s infatuation with a man. One speaker suggests a pill like remedy, while the other doubts its feasibility and notes it might block marriage. The exchange centers on ending the relationship without marriage.
Reading and Learning Leapfrogged by Unexpected Mentors
A humorous piece contrasts a man who learned to read and write in two years for a woman with a sharper jab at a self proclaimed scholar. The wit pivots on education as a social currency, noting dramatic personal growth or lack thereof in a short span.
Laborer shortage prompts de tour around town
A reader notes employers in the next town are urgently seeking laborers and thanks a supervisor for warning. The speaker agrees to detour to follow the guidance and seek work opportunities.
Dr Chase's Nerve Food Aids Stroke Recovery Says Toronto Testimony
Mrs. R Bright of Toronto reports her husband recovered from a stroke after using Dr Chase's Nerve Food and Kidney-Liver Pills. The ad promotes the product at 50 cents a box or six for 2.50 with distribution through Edmason Bates & Co. Limited in Toronto.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chase
R. Bright
Booth Avenue
Toronto
Dr. Chase
Edmanson, Bates & Co., Limited
Bald Head and Bold Words in a Town Hall Row
A political speaker attacked the Government with venom while an audience member kept shouting You're wrong, sir. The speaker grew angrier but pressed on. The critic, standing, removed his hat and boasted his bald head would frighten the speaker with stories about the Government.
Photographers and irate client clash over portraits
A heated exchange unfolds as a woman condemns photos of herself and husband saying he resembles a baboon. The photographer retorts that the fault is not his and implies prior judgment was needed.
Doctor Advises One Glass Per Day But Husband Exceeds
A physician allows a husband one beer daily but after four weeks his wife reports he has saved up four weeks of allowances and is consuming more. The exchange highlights a misinterpretation of doctor’s orders and domestic tensions.
Turnabout Call Sparks Fan Uproar After Loss
A fan raged at the umpire calling him a thief after his team lost. He abused the umpire but reversed attitude when his home team then won the following game. The incident highlights volatile fan behavior in local sports.
Corroboration Echoes in Office Parley
In a crowded office an angry father berates his son home from Oxford calling him conceited and foolish. An acquaintance arrives and comments that Charlie resembles his father, a remark the son confirms.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Oxford
Charlie
Two of a Kind Sultor
An article notes a parent asserting clean habits for themselves and their daughter. The father states the daughter does not play or sing, while the speaker claims no use of tobacco or alcohol.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sultor
True Christians on Cannibal Isle Surprise Rescue
A lone traveller, claiming to be the sole shipwreck survivor, hid for three days in terror. He crept toward a bush clump and heard a voice asking, Why in hell did you play that card? He knelt, thanked God, and declared the natives Christians.
Epigram Notes on Rain Prayer and Waiting
A colorful remark recalls a colored philosopher’s quip that life is mostly praying for rain and wishing it would clear. The wry line reflects patience and irony in weather and circumstance.
Poodle Clothes Prompt Sparks Formal Notice
A short, oddly phrased notice warns against proceeding with a defective or improper garment for a poodle. The confession hints at a social clash over fashion items for a pet and a demand to halt any further work.
A Boston Man Shot by Burglar Saved by Baton
A Boston man was attacked by a burglar and grazed by a bullet. The wound was stopped by a baton used in defense, while Mrs. Spriggins remarks on the incident and the safe outcome.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mr. Spriggins
Boston
Neighbors' Ship Subsidy Dispute Cited by Local Men
Japhet and Ham discuss neighbors in hard luck blaming their failure on waiting for a subsidy rather than pursuing business, reflecting a nearby quarrel over maritime aid and entrepreneurial effort.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Japhet
Ham
The India Rubber Sole Remedy Mix-up
A man buys what he is told is an anti cold remedy, only to discover it is an india rubber solution used to treat shoe soles. He coughs and struggles to breathe as the confusion unfolds in a cold February day.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George Farmer
George
Joke quiz about February and weather
An Irishman and an Englishman trade a pun about wives and speaking. Paddy declares February is the month when his wife talks the least because it has the fewest days. The Englishman asks why and Paddy answers with the cold cause and voice loss as a punchline.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paddy
No Occasion Photographer Photograph Exchange
A humorous dialogue captures a photographer ordering a boy away as he insists on taking a portrait of a woman. The boy questions the request, highlighting a light domestic scene with a touch of irony.
Risky Builder's Row of Maple Grove Homes Collapse
A critical notice reports a row of Maple Grove houses built by a risky contractor have fallen. The builder allegedly removed scaffolding too soon before completing walls and wallpapering, causing structural collapse and potential danger to residents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Maple Grove
Waiting at the Church and a Telegram Mixup
A bridegroom-to-be misses his train after delays with friends and sends a telegram urging the bride to wait for his arrival. In a separate classroom moment a teacher asks for horned dangers and a child answers motor cars, prompting a playful exchange.
Writer's Cramp as Metaphor for Money Woes
An old-fashioned dialogue defines writer's cramp as being cramped for money, a common hardship noted as afflicting all writers. The exchange frames financial need as the core cause and consequence of creative bottlenecks.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Son
Critic and Composer Debate Passage in Final Piece
A critic comments on a composer’s last work noting a chilling passage the wanderer hears as a hotel bill is served. The exchange hints at mystery surrounding the hotel scene and the wanderer’s fate within the narrative.
Holloway’s Corn Cure Kills Roots of Corns and Warts
The remedy cited kills the roots when applied to a corn or wart and causes the callosity to come away without harming the surrounding flesh.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Holloway
Alarm Clock Inquiry for Discreet Wakeup Device
A customer asks for an alarm clock that arouses a girl without waking the family. The clerk admits no such device exists and offers only ordinary clocks that wake everyone. The exchange spins a humorous note on privacy and practicality in daily life.
Spoiling the Visit to Stratford by a Visitor
An American visitor recalls a visit to Stratford-on-Avon where Shakespeare's tomb was so closely guarded that no souvenir could be taken or even a name written, while the Amiarle woman asks if the trip was enjoyable.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Stratford-on-Avon
Oxford Station Stranger Queries Town Character
A brief dialogue at Oxford Station reveals a native describing the town as a university town and noting that non students stay for the same reason students attend, highlighting local perception of university influence.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Oxford Station
Laughing Student Reveals Sleeved Joke Twist
A teacher confronts a student who admits to laughing in class. The pupil says he hid the laugh up his sleeve but claims a hole in his elbow caused the mishap, leaving the room in surprised amusement.
1911 Tuberculosis Death Toll in the United States
In 1911 the United States recorded 94 203 deaths from tuberculosis. The text notes a distinction between hero worship and self-esteem, implying a critical view of elevating heroism as a substitute for personal worth.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Epsom Salts Mistaken Sailors At Epsom Downs
A distinguished foreign visitor at Epsom Downs, in Thackeray's company, saw many men dressed as sailors. He asked if they were British tars. Thackeray replied they were not mariners but Epsom salts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Epsom Downs
Thackeray
Epsom
Shabby Office Coat Sparks Employer Reply
The employer notes John’s shabby office coat and the clerk candidly explains he bought it with the last raise he received. The exchange highlights wage-related pride and workplace frugality.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
John
Dr Williams Pink Pills claim to cure blood health issues
The ad argues Dr Williams Pink Pills restore rich red blood to treat a wide list of ailments caused by thin impure blood. It cites rheumatism anaemia digestion nerve nourishment paralysis and locomotor ataxia, promising relief and renewed health to sufferers nationwide. Sold in Canada by The Dr Williams Co Brockville Ontario.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Williams
Dr. Williams
Canada
Teacher-Now Side Example in Mental Arithmetic
A classroom joke asks how old a person born in 1875 would be today. A pupil counters with a question about the birth person's gender, prompting a light classroom laugh.
Railway Journey Confusion At Station
An elderly traveler plans a first railway trip and asks a porter where to buy a ticket. He directs her to the booking office via the pigeonhole, sparking her confusion and mounting frustration as she objects to a pigeonhole path.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Capane
Pigeot
Monuments and a Quarrelsome Tombstone Joke
A couple debates epitaphs as the husband asks what stone he will be given after death. The wife replies Brimstone in a witty exchange about tombstones.
Had Tried It Old Gentleman-Young Man Wagon to a Star
Reggie admits attempting it and says his father cut off his allowances as a result. The fragmentary lines hint at a family dispute and failed effort to reach a goal.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Reggie
Scientific farming of the woodlot offers bigger returns
The July Canadian Forestry Journal features silvicultural expert B. R. Morton urging woodland owners to improve woodlot value. He outlines three practical steps: select crops for value, thin to refine crown space, and exclude cattle after cutting to ensure regeneration.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Canadian Forestry Journal
B. R. Morton
Ottawa
Canada
McFca
From Rags to Riches Autobiographical Reflections
A speaker recalls starting life by walking and crawling, contrasting early hardship with later wealth and a self owned motor car. He tells a young man that fortune favors the fortunate, noting the long journey to learn to walk before reaching success.
Also Mentioned on This Page
ROYAL
DUCES
E. W. Gillett CO. Ltd
Toronto, Ont
Winnipeg
Montreal
Milmard
Young Jones
Marine Eye Remedy Co
Chicago
WN. U
Minard
Dr. Chace
Mose
Baptist Church
Yaas
William
Jennie Jones
Toei
Dr. Morse
Indiana
Remington
Remington Arms-Union Metallic Cartridge Co
Windsor
Onteris
Epsom Salts
Fernow
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