Amusing Tales From Wit and History
A collection of humorous anecdotes and brief tales. It includes a London quip about a warped hat, a witty grandmother's reply to a rat, and Mr. M’s defiant remark on near execution. It also covers Booker T. Washington’s political ambitions among Black voters and a Paris Figaro note about a petition to the King of Rome in Compiegne.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bean Nash
4Heim
London
Tobit
Nash
Mr. Beech
Andrew Lang
Longman’s Magazine
Mr. M
George the Second
Ele
Paris Figaro
Compiegne
Rome
Baglet
Ife
Napoleon
Frioul
Self Discipline at Folsom Prison Promotes Order
The article describes a discipline system at Folsom Prison California with three meal levels based on behavior. Exemplary inmates receive excellent food while those who misbehave face ordinary fare or limited bread and water. Convicts strive to reach the first class, rarely returning to lower levels.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Folsom
California
Hens Eggs Used as Coin in Peru Market
In Jauja Peru hens eggs circulate as small currency with forty eight or fifty eggs equaling one dollar. Indians use these brittle eggs for many purchases in markets and shops. Eggs are packed by traders and sent to Lima, with thousands of loads forwarded annually from Jauja.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Peru
Jauja
Lima
How He Felt
A Western state Chief Justice avoided admitting illness, speaking through oblique phrasing. The State Librarian inquired about his health, and the judge replied with evasive, self-contradictory words, claiming he was improving though not well.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Supreme Court
Westeh
William
Ah Nodusly
Were They Toltecs Archaeology Tale From Colorado Caves
Archaeologist Leopoldo Batres returns from Colorado caves claiming cliff dwellers equate Toltecs and locating Suetlapaila the red city in the caves. He cites artifacts, a 300 room palace, and Nahuatl glyphs. Note, a Caucasian tragedy of kidnapping and murder is described in Katubagan.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Leopoldo Batres
Mexico
Mancos
Colo
Mr. Batres
Suetlapaila
Red City
Anahuac
Colorado
Mexico Herald
Central’s Express
Huehuetoca
Batres
United States
Muetlapalla
Miltla
Toltec
Huctlapalla
China
Moses Hallett
New York
Chicago
Swan-upping in England a royal swan marking rite
The article describes the medieval ceremony of swan-upping on the Thames from Southwark Bridge to Windsor, where owners mark the young swans with their symbols. The king grants royal license to London guilds to possess swans, the progeny belong to the parents, and the young must be marked or revert to the crown. Keepers then mark beaks with knives and twine.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Russia
Katubagan
Iswail O'sei
Rries
Wen Shear
Ismail
Philadelphia
London Daily Mail
South’ Work Bridge
Solomon's Hatch
Father Thames
City of London
Thames
London
Elenley
Palace of Windsor
Where Courtship Is Grim in the Caucasus Customs
A fragment discusses enduring Caucasus traditions of kidnapping and murder, noting that local manners and customs persist despite external changes. It outlines grim courtship practices still observed in the region.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Caucasus
Duties of the Secretary of State Are Largely Ceremonial
The article outlines the Secretary of State’s ceremonial duties including presenting the diplomatic corps at New Year, hosting dignitaries at lunch, introducing new diplomats to the President, weekly receptions for ministers, and handling condolence and congratulatory messages on royal births or deaths. It notes clerks copy these letters on gilt-edge paper and the Secretary seals them with the great seal before the President signs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
State Department
White House
Secretary of State
The
United States
Ladies’ Home Journal
Pangenesis Gemmules and Microscopic Inheritance
London Science Gossip discusses Darwin's Pangenesis theory with gemmules forming nuclei for a second cell series. It imagines microscopic impressions in blas tema and notes the need for strong microscopes to reveal such images. It also mentions red corpuscles and atom-scale measurements in water.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London Science Gossip
The Art of Skipping A London Pilot Passage
The Living Age cites Anthony Deane on skipping in prose and explains how a writer may retreat or skip ahead when reading a paragraph that starts with phrases urging retracing steps or delaying description. The piece uses vivid examples of clouded horizons and curious rooms to illustrate the technique.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Living Age
Anthony Deane
London Pilot
Benedictines and Assumptionists to Cross Channel for England Asylum
Paris correspondent reports Benedictines leaving France for England and Assumptionists preparing to cross the Channel after Cardinal Vaughan offers asylum in a London parish. A second parish is planned outside London. Sisters of Jesu Marie of Lyons from Rodez, with a large convent, also prepare to emigrate to England.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
France
England
Channel
Paris
Cardinal Vaughan
London
Jesu Marie of Lyons
Rodez
Had Another Engagement in Balloon Tale
An elderly deacon recalls rising high enough to hear angels sing and explains returning for supper rather than meeting angels. The Atlanta Constitution snippet ends with a plea about reputation being spotted and a defensive remark.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Atlanta Constitution
Pleasant Incidents Across the World and Local Amusements
The Brooklyn Eagle cites amusing exchanges on superstitions and dating customs where an apple peel throw on Hallowe'en is linked to fate and marriage. Penelope recalls a superstition about initials, while Constance notes her peel produced a dollar mark instead.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Penelope
Hallowe’en
Constance
Brooklyn Eagle
Preacher Probes Devotion at Odd City Wedding
The scene unfolds as a comic preacher asks if Bowery Pete will wed the woman beside him. Pete responds with a curious jab about leaving divorce for another day, creating a lighthearted moment in a city ceremony.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bowery
Detecting No Fraud in Round Steak Trade
Mrs Bridey complains the round steak sent up is misshapen, saying she tried it with compasses and found it far from correct in shape. The butcher replies affirming the cut, prompting her to consider trading at another stand.
Wagner Cited By Visitor In Quip On Favorite Composer
A visitor asks Frank Anaysia to name a favorite composer. Mr. Comrox suggests classical and answers Wagner. The remark praises Wagner for consistent rhythm and fair play, contrasting with other writers who lose tempo and distract.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Frank Anaysia
Mr. Comrox
Wagner
Washington Star
A Sop to Cerberus
A playful exchange from the Philadelphia Press quotes Mrs McCall and Mrs Swellman about a boy named Patrick McGlathery Swellman born in a flat. They discuss moving out and Mr Glathery being the janitor in the building.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cerberus
McCall
Swellman
Patrick McGlathery Swellman
McGlathery
Philadelphia Press
Smart Set Exchange Drinks Lucy Scandal Question
A reader and Grace discuss rumors about Lucy described as an awful scandal. The inquiry asks if there is any truth to the story while noting persistent repetition.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Grace
Lucy
Ain't Sam Thompson Jes' Swell Says Puck
In a witty quip from Puck, readers note how Sam Thompson appears carefree and polished on Sundays, provoking jokes that he would never have to work on Mondays. The cartoon caption captures light social humor and celebrity persona.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sam Thompson
Puck
What It Means Burglary Safe Quiz
A dialogue joke explains a burglar-proof safe. Willie-Pa asks what it is and Pa replies that it only proves burglars have been at it when the safe is found blown open. The exchange resembles a witty line from a Philadelphia Record piece.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Willie
Philadelphia Record
Smell In House Sparks Husband and Wife Exchange
In a light hearted exchange from the Ohio State Journal a husband notes a burning smell after lighting his pipe while the wife reveals she filled his tobacco jar with rose leaves and asks if the aroma is delicious.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ohio State Journal
Three Views of Life in Ally Sloper Comic Verse
A line from Ally Sloper reflects on emotion by contrasting happiness and sadness with madness. The wry commentary hints that intense feelings pale before the narrator's underlying frenzy.
Disturbed Dream and Voice from Shore Echo Tension
In a Chicago News vignette a distressed speaker pleas while a shore voice reminds a companion a boat costs a dollar per hour and for two hours. Reginald urges help pulling ashore as an oar is handed over to aid the rescuer.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Reginald
Chicago News
Notable Gossip Sparks Speculation Over Wealth
A Philadelphia Record item notes rumors about Blobbs-Wigwaxz and Slobbs and suggests he may earn more than his wife Iam speed. The brief hints at income comparisons within a celebrity couple.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wigwaxz
Iam
Philadelphia
The Very King Delights in Saddle-Rock Oysters
A fragmentary note shows Mr. Hunker inviting Miss die Ketts to a supper after a horse show. The exchange includes a line about saddle-rock oysters with a dish, hinting at a local Philadelphia setting in a humorous or social vignette.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mr. Hunker
Philadelphia
Northmericau
World Queered It and the Graft Prophecy
In a San Francisco Bulletin excerpt Totterdon Ragges admits a graft is a sure enough good graft. He explains that if a graft becomes a winning proposition you must work it to make it work.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Totterdon Ragges
San Francisco Bulletin
Madness and motives in a dog attack case
A Philadelphia North American excerpt recalls a dog bite dispute where witnesses question the animal's madness as the owner insists the dog acted in self defense. The exchange highlights tension over cause and responsibility in a notorious incident.
Cheated Again Optimist and Jessimist Exchange
Detroit Free Press exchange quotes an Optimist asking about joy in Europe and a Jessimist replying they faced fewer disappointments than expected, highlighting wry travel commentary.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Europe
Jessimist
Detroit Free Press
Lit Timed Pleasantries and Cheery Dissent
A Detroit Free Press item notes cheerful talk as a pitfall when bills aren’t paid. It suggests light humor can annoy the creditor, reflecting social advice on handling debt and tone.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Detroit Free Press
Coolin Theory Details Carper Experiment on Farm
A snippet describes Carper's experimental work on his amateur farm. It notes he blind grafted a sour apple tree and attempted to graft fruit by using tissue from a sugar maple, illustrating early horticultural curiosity.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Coolin
Carper
America
Senator Sorghan Accuses Rival of Deceit Over Votes
A Washington Star remark captures Senator Sorghan defending himself against claims he buys votes with speeches rather than cash. The exchange features a friend warning against deception and Sorghan’s indignant response denying such tactics.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senator Sorghan
Washington Star
Proofreader Says His Girl Loves Him Proof in Her Eyes
A witty quip from the Philadelphia Bulletin notes the proofreader believes his girlfriend loves him because he can read the proof in her eyes. The joke plays on a pun about proofs and eyes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Philadelphia Bulletin
Stranger Exchange Sparks Benign Gossip at Event
A brief chat about a spouse becomes a witty exchange with light humor. The remarks reveal a playful social moment rather than any serious dispute.
Not Popular View On Golf As Cure
A brief quip cites Cawker saying golf is no cure and Cumso adding the remedy is worse than the disease in a Philadelphia North American note.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cawker
Cumso
Philadelphia
Puzzle loving reader explores newspaper poetry
A playful note from the Philadelphia Record remarks on Wigg-Bjones and Wagey-Yes who enjoy studying newspaper puzzles and even reading magazine poetry aloud.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bjones
Wagey
Philadelphia Record
Old Man in Love Sparks Unlikely Romance
A quizzical exchange from Detroit Free press notes an elderly man's affection for a younger woman, reflecting social norms of romance across generations and prompting commentary on age and desire.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Detroit Free Press
A Scene of Bare Beauty headline slips through
This Somerville Journal note reports a proofreading error where the desk editor’s attempted bold headline for a ball story was published as A Scene of Bare Beauty. The item highlights editorial mishap and the newsroom’s quick reaction.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sommerville Journal
Well Known Dobson-Lend You Ten Dollars
A brief quip from the Detroit Free Press depicts a wary borrower asking an acquaintance for money. The lender responds with distrust, noting that only strangers lend him money. The exchange highlights social caution in lending within the era.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dobson
Detroit Free Press
Yazoo Delta Becomes Negroes Mecca In Mississippi
The Yazoo delta attracts many African Americans from hill counties and neighboring states as protection from overflow boosts settlement there. The influx could shift population concentration, potentially whitening other parts of Mississippi. The note ends with a seasonal sales pitch about buying goods cheaply.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Yazoo
Mecca
Mississippi
Alabama
Georgia
Carolinas
Yazoo Delta
New Orleans Times-Democrat
TOS AND WOMEN AND AMERICAN PROGRESS REFLECTION
The article extols U S advantages in early marriages and high wages while noting falling costs of living and efficient production. It cites Cyrus C Adams and a passage on mothers fearing outcomes as printed in Woman's Home Companion, attributing views to periodical commentary.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Nir
Cyrus C. Adams
Ainslee
What Not to Wear in Winter Fashion Rules from Leslie's Weekly
A compact list of fashion cautions advising against tan shoes in midwinter cheap lace or jewelry insinuating fads. Warns about conspicuous bicycle outfits gaudy colors and untidy outfits for various daily settings. Emphasizes neatness and fit with specific notes on footwear belts hats and gloves.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Street Sui
Ronan
Leslie’s Weekly
A Woman's Role on the Farm and Household Duties
A Nebraska Farmer excerpt urges a daughter's steady, independent role in farm and home life, capable of managing household and outdoor tasks. emphasizes learning, harmony, and tasteful domestic improvement. Also notes a new self indexing desk ornament avoiding paste, with pockets and fancy finishes, and warns buyers to avoid flimsy sewing tools and to seek reliable silversmiths.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Nebraska
Morocco
Mothers Who Year and the Fearful Household
An excerpt discusses a mother's lifelong torment from nervous fears and asserts mental suggestion shapes an atmosphere within the home. It cautions that a mother overwhelmed by pervasive worry can influence her family’s emotional environment.
Flexible gold busks headline jeweled corset stays
The piece describes luxury flexible gold busks used as stays replacing kid coverings. Cabochon jewels set the hooking part while the stay hook features diamond inlays around principal stones matching corset colors like turquoise rose ruby blue sapphire and emeralds. The ornate fashion is warned as financially risky yet alluring.
A Japanese Woman Studies Dress Reform in America
A Japanese woman of rank visits the United States to study dress reform. The piece notes the exchange of fashion ideas between East and West and questions the influence of Parisian styles on Japanese court attire.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
Japan
Hair Fashion Notes on Debutante Styles and Changes
A guide outlines how girls vary hair parts and decorations from center parts with flowers and bows to Regency curls. It notes debutantes may switch from high or tied styles to loose hair during holidays, praising change as beneficial to hair health and appearance.
Fault Finding Harms Effort And Career Growth
Fault finding and pessimistic remarks depress others and block progress. Chronic fault-finders gain no favor with employers or colleagues and are unlikely to be advanced. Talking failure reinforces defeat, while a gloomy disposition slows life progress. change habits to foster hope and effort.
Children’s Rights and Parental Duties
Florence Hull Winterburo argues in Woman's Home Companion that children need opportunity to learn and grow through experience. Parents must be consistently kind, tender, patient, and protective, guarding the child's natural gifts in an atmosphere of love.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Marshal Saxe
Florence Hull Winterburo
Women to Work on Prussian State Railways
The Prussian state railway head announced future employment of women in suitable posts. Women will work in ticket offices telegraph and telephone clerks counting offices and goods offices as more women already hold government posts and new openings are created annually.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Prussia
How to Cleanse Veils by Steaming for Freshness
To cleanse veils steam them by wrapping around a broom handle or roller and suspending over boiling water for about a quarter hour. Let the veil dry on the wood. Crape responds best to this steam method, gaining stiffness and removing dirt and dust.
Cautionary Soap Advice From Autumn to Winter
A short note urges care in choosing soap during autumn and winter. It warns that pure soaps like palm, olive oil, and white castile are safest, while brighter, gayer soaps are deemed dangerous. It advises buying plain soaps without lace paper or gaudy labels.
Substitute Mahogany In Expensive Home Furnishings
Article discusses an affordable alternative for mahogany in household furnishings. It advises using a slenderly budget friendly material that imitates the look of genuine mahogany, referencing old models and artful shapes as satisfactory substitutes.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Hexicam Archaeologiet
Hie
the Thames
Bayinga
Diin’'s
Ally Sloper
Ult
Cincinnati Enquirer
North American
Minnick
Henpeck
Lewin
Iver
Bazar
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