"
At the first glance one is inclined to wonder who the "brutal character"
was, whose violent death is thus referred to. On consideration, however,
it is possible to arrive at the conclusion that no particular character
is pointed at, but only a murder designated as brutal.
It is a way with newspaper correspondents to characterize some murders
as brutal, with the view, probably, of distinguishing them from
benignant murders, which, everybody knows, are of such frequent
occurrence.
* * * * *
[Illustration: A RURAL VIEW OF THE CENSUS.
_Farmer's Wife. (Who mistakes our Artist for a Census-taker.)_ "LOOK A'
HERE, MISTER, IF YOU'VE COME ALONG TO TAKE THE _senses_ OUT OF ME AND MY
OLD MAN, I'LL SET THE BULL-DORG ON TER YER!"]
* * * * *
WESTERN NOMENCLATURE.
Closely allied to the study of history is that of the origin of names,
and there is in it a wonderful fascination. The following brief
statements will show from what a trifling incident a name may be
derived--especially a Western name.
Previous to 1831 there was nothing on the site where Chicago now stands
but an Indian post, which was driven into the ground at the corner of
Madison and Dearborn streets. The present post-office marks the spot and
commemorates the old name. About the year 1740 a party of adventurous
young ladies, belonging to a Michigan boarding-school, came across the
lake on an enormous raft. When they had bathed in the pellucid stream
that now pours its crystal waters into the lake, they started to return,
when a bad chief known as LONGJON referred to the departing maids as a
She-cargo.
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