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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78938 ***
+
+
+
+
+ OVER THE FALLS
+
+ ANNIE EDSON TAYLOR’S
+ STORY OF HER
+ LIFE
+
+ HOW THE HORSESHOE FALL WAS CONQUERED
+
+ [Illustration]
+
+ Copyright July 15, 1902, by Annie Edson Taylor
+
+ Published by
+ Mrs. Annie Edson Taylor
+ June, 190
+
+ [Illustration: The lines on this photo show the direction Mrs. Taylor
+ and her barrel took on her frightful plunge over the Horseshoe.]
+
+
+
+
+ Preface
+
+
+Despite the thrilling nature of the story of which this book is
+designed to be an accurate record, no attempt has been made to
+embellish it with sensational statements. It is a plain recital of
+fact. Annie Edson Taylor is the only human being who has ever gone over
+the Falls of Niagara and lived to tell the story of her experience.
+Even in its plain way, this little book has the distinguishing feature
+of being a story thoroughly original; a story which no other one of
+the million of people on this earth can truthfully tell as Annie Edson
+Taylor has told it.
+
+In the face of her wonderful accomplishment of having conquered the
+greatest waterfall in existence, Mrs. Taylor is not unmindful of the
+history of Niagara, and so it is her wish that this book be dedicated
+to the memory of the Indian maidens whose lives were sacrificed, as the
+legends of old tell us, in the days gone by, when it was the custom of
+the tribes to offer up their fairest daughters to the Great Spirit. As
+the world has progressed science and invention have demonstrated where
+mistakes were made in many fields, and it remained for Mrs. Taylor to
+show that the mistake of the Indian maidens was in trying to conquer
+Niagara in birch bark canoes instead of in barrels of Kentucky oak. We
+live to learn.
+
+
+
+
+ Niagara’s Voyagers
+
+
+Ever since the early part of the nineteenth century Niagara has been
+the scene of perilous feats. Perhaps the earliest of these performances
+was the leap of Sam Patch in 1829. From that time on, at various
+intervals, men and women have journeyed to Niagara to win fame and
+fortune by doing some deed they hoped would make them an unusual
+attraction in the several fields they elected to enter to gain a living.
+
+The most popular feat at Niagara for many years was to voyage through
+the Whirlpool Rapids in a boat or barrel or protected only by a life
+preserver. Possibly the feat of Joel Robinson of June 6, 1861, set
+the pace in this field of adventure. It was Robinson who piloted the
+steamer Maid of the Mist through the marvelous Niagara canyon and its
+rough waters to the more placid portion of the stream at Queenston.
+
+The intrepid Capt. Matthew Webb, a man who had successfully swam across
+the English Channel, had the daring to try and pass through the wild,
+tumultuous, tossing waters of the Whirlpool Rapids unprotected, but
+instead of being a trip to fame, his was a trip to eternity. After
+Webb came many others, and it was then that the barrel voyager of the
+Niagara came into prominence. Protected by barrels several have made
+trips through the Whirlpool Rapids and Whirlpool, in fact this voyage
+long ago became lacking in interest.
+
+These circumstances and conditions led several to look about Niagara
+in hopes of discovering some other route to golden fame. Of course,
+there was the Falls, that stupendous downpour of water that drops
+the overflow of Lake Erie to the stream that runs so swiftly on to
+“Old Ontario.” The Falls of Niagara were there, and had been there
+for centuries, but even the ambitious men and women who desired to
+link their names forever with Niagara and its wonders, looked upon
+it as too great a proposition for them to trifle with; they wanted
+fame, they wanted dollars, but none of them sought death. And it was
+written all about Niagara, on the tongues and faces of the oldest and
+youngest residents, that whoever dare try and conquer this noble and
+sublime Cataract would surely go down to the grave--a grave marked by a
+monument bearing a statement of the occupant’s foolishness in presuming
+to pass over the precipice of Niagara and live.
+
+When Annie Edson Taylor journeyed to Niagara and announced an
+intention of going over the Falls, the announcement commanded but
+little attention. Everybody looked upon it as a ridiculous ambition--a
+foolish idea--and the knowing ones guessed that when she had studied
+the chaotic nature of the waters in the three-quarter mile stretch of
+rapids above the Horseshoe, she would quickly conclude that her home
+was a more peaceful place in which to end her days. Nobody believed
+that a woman would require but a glance at the awful plunge over the
+Falls to convince her that death lurked in those waters, eager to
+continue the unbroken record of fatalities on the list of those who had
+involuntarily been caught in the suction of the upper rapids and swept
+over the frightful brink into the chasm below.
+
+But Annie Edson Taylor lingered at Niagara. The date of her announced
+trip arrived. The wind was too high to allow the boatmen to reach the
+current necessary to escape the rocky reefs and to be swept over the
+Horseshoe, and the world was amazed by the statement sent out from
+Niagara that night that Annie Edson Taylor was still determined to
+conquer the Horseshoe Fall of Niagara or die. It was then that the
+people of the locality got serious on the matter. Previous to this time
+there had been a vast amount of joking, all at Mrs. Taylor’s expense,
+but this woman’s will was terribly set, and even the Coroner of Niagara
+concluded that it was time for him to interfere in his official
+capacity.
+
+On October 24, 1901, Annie Edson Taylor and her barrel were again taken
+out on the Upper Niagara, and the story that follows tells that she
+is the only person who has ever voluntarily made the frightful trip
+through the Upper Rapids of the Niagara, plunged over the Horseshoe
+Fall and floated on the foam-lashed, whirling waters of the Lower
+Niagara. When it was announced that Mrs. Taylor had successfully made
+the awful trip, the terrible drop into the gorge, the world was amazed,
+but none more so than the people who had passed their lives close by
+the Mighty Cataract, and who had come to believe that no human being
+could pass over it and live.
+
+In the lines that follow Mrs. Taylor has herself told in a plain manner
+the story of her life and her victory at Niagara. Her deed singles her
+out from all the world, in that she has done what no other man or woman
+ever before attempted. How she became impressed with the belief that
+she could conquer Niagara is a mystery, but conquer it she did.
+
+
+
+
+ The Story of Her Life
+
+
+[Illustration: Photo of Annie Edson Taylor standing next to her barrel.]
+
+Mrs. Annie Edson Taylor, born October 24, 1855, near Auburn, N. Y., on
+the bank of Owasco Lake, the country seat of her father, Merrick Edson,
+who was of English descent, born in Massachusetts. Her mother, Lucretia
+Warren, was born in Albany, N. Y., and was connected with some of the
+oldest and best families of that day. Merick Edson owned large milling
+interests on Owasco River, which runs through the city of Auburn. In
+winter the family lived in the city, in summer on the farm, where
+little Annie went to the district school, and in winter to the city
+school. She was of a dreamy, imaginative disposition, fond of out-door
+sports and of books, especially those which run on adventures, such as
+“Life in Australia,” historical novels, and at the age when most girls
+were thinking of lovers, was reading Roman History and Plutarch’s lives.
+
+Merick Edson, her father, died when Annie was about 10 years of age.
+From that time up to 14 life was uneventful. At that age she and two
+older brothers were sent by their guardian to Charlottville, Schoharie
+County, to a seminary for boys and girls. This was an excellent school,
+discipline rigid, under the auspices of 24 selected teachers. There
+friendships were formed which changed the current of Annie’s whole
+life. Among the older girls was a Miss Jennie Taylor, a fine and
+accomplished scholar, who was chosen as a room mate for Annie.
+
+
+ Married at Eighteen
+
+Later on she made the acquaintance of D. S. Taylor, who at the age of
+18 became her husband. The marriage was blessed with one child, who
+died in a few days. Her husband died in a little over two years. Then
+it was that Annie realized the imperfections of her education and the
+folly of a too early marriage. In a few months she entered the Normal
+State School at Albany and became an indefatigable student, and at the
+close of three years graduated, taking her vacation with a married
+sister near Auburn. Among the many schoolmates to whom Annie became
+attached were two lovely Southern girls, the Misses Kate and Mary
+Kingsbury. The latter was of Annie’s age, and most intimate friend.
+Annie was invited to spend a year at their Southern home.
+
+But, in the meantime, Miss Kate Kingsbury had contracted a most
+brilliant marriage with her cousin, and had gone to the faraway city
+of San Antonio, Texas. Annie concluded to go there for a year. After
+much opposition from her family and friends, one stormy day in October,
+1880, she took ship from New York for Cuba, and after a month’s stay
+went from there to Galveston, and from Galveston by rail to Austin,
+the capital; thence by stage through to San Antonio. After meeting
+her friends, the Kingsburys, Annie took a position as teacher in the
+High School. During vacation she went to New Mexico with a party of
+officers and their families, taking the overland route, where Capt.
+Nolan had a detail of soldiers guarding the building of railroads
+in the Shasta Mountains, and where every day the lives of the party
+were in jeopardy from Indians. On return to Texas, while rooming in
+Kingsbury Street, one night was chloroformed and her room searched
+for $3,000, which had been taken in for rents by Mrs. Taylor, who was
+acting as agent for the Kingsburys (who at that time were away).
+
+
+ Held Up by Robbers
+
+On return North the stage was held up by a gang of robbers. In all,
+$3,000 dollars was taken from the male passengers. Mrs. Taylor had $800
+concealed in the folds of her gown, on the robbers pressing a loaded
+pistol to her temple and demanding the money she had, said, “Blow
+away, I would as soon be without brains as without money.” They spared
+her life. This occurred between San Antonio and Austin, in a forest.
+After a year’s course in New York City, under the best instructors in
+dancing and physical culture, Mrs. Taylor went to Asheville, N. C., and
+immediately engaged in teaching those branches.
+
+Just previous to that time she was in Chattanooga, Tenn., where I
+loaned $1,700 and it was lost in the boom in progress at that time,
+she was also burned out, losing all her household goods, holding no
+insurance.
+
+Returning from Asheville, she spent a winter teaching in Washington, D.
+C. Returning to Auburn she spent the summer and autumn, and then went
+to Indianapolis. She taught dancing in La Fayette, Ind., in a young
+ladies’ school.
+
+
+ Shaken by an Earthquake
+
+While in Asheville she visited Charleston, S. C., and was there
+during the earthquake felt there. She then went to Bay City, Mich.
+She spent one summer at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., teaching a system of
+piano music. A year later she returned to San Antonio, Texas, going
+from there to Mexico City, where she spent the month of December, then
+returned to San Antonio. Assisted by Rev. Walter Richardson, rector of
+St. Paul’s Church, and an eminent and cultured woman, a member of the
+church, Mrs. J. J. Stevens, she opened classes in physical culture,
+returning to Bay City the last of April, where she had been keeping
+house. She remained there until October 4, 1900, when she came to
+Niagara Falls.
+
+
+ How She Came to Go Over Niagara
+
+The manner in which Mrs. Taylor got the inspiration to go over the
+Falls of Niagara, to perform a feat never before attempted by a human
+being, is best told by her in the following words:
+
+For two years I had been constantly studying, when not occupied in
+teaching, what I could do to make money--to make it honestly and
+quickly. All kinds of schemes ran riot through my brain. Reading in a
+New York paper about people going to the Pan-American Exposition, and
+from there to Niagara Falls, the idea came to me like a flash of light,
+“Go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. No one has ever accomplished this
+feat.” I did not think it wrong, as there was nothing immodest in the
+act, nor did it involve the life of anyone but myself. I believe in
+prayer, and that God will answer if only there is faith. As my motive
+was not a selfish one, but to succor two friends, one who has little
+children, the other in delicate health, and to aid myself financially,
+I believed I would live. I was determined to live, to vindicate to the
+world God’s mercy and goodness.
+
+
+ Her Desire Was to Help Others
+
+I frankly avowed what my purpose was, viz.: To aid two friends, raise
+money to help me pay a few small debts, and to enable me to sell some
+Texas land. Just how this was to be done I did not know, but thought a
+crowd would gather and a collection could be taken up. My great mistake
+was in selecting a manager, F. M. Russell of Bay City, who was well
+recommended, but who proved in every way unworthy the trust reposed in
+him.
+
+
+ She Designed Her Barrel
+
+The idea came to me in August. I immediately set to work to shape a
+barrel, which I did, cutting it out of paper and sewing it together
+with twine. The dimensions were: 12 in. head, 34 in. middle, 15 in.
+foot. The barrel was 4½ ft. high, weight 160 lbs. It was made of white
+Kentucky oak, with ten hoops, each riveted every four inches. The
+barrel was made by Bocenchia of West Bay City.
+
+
+ Her Trip Over the Falls
+
+October 24, 1901, I left the shore from Buffalo Avenue in a boat, and
+was rowed by two men to Grass Island. I then took off my hat, street
+skirt and coat, and entered the barrel, the barrel being placed in the
+water. I then adjusted a woven strap around my waist, and a strap from
+the back went through an eye in the foot of the barrel, fastened to
+a buckle in front to my belt. This was to keep my head from violent
+contact with the barrel. I placed two cushions on my person extending
+down to the knees--one in the bottom of the barrel. When all was in
+readiness, the head of the barrel was screwed down perfectly tight. A
+tube inserted in the chines I held in my hand, and an air-pump was used
+to fill the barrel with fresh air. I then put a cork in the end of the
+tube I held in my hand. All was now ready, and the boatmen towed the
+barrel out to the current, which they thought would carry me over the
+_center_ of the Horseshoe.
+
+I did not say, like Dante, on entering the barrel, “Who enters here
+leaves all hope behind,” but as I faced the inevitable, life or a
+horrible death in 50 minutes, my courage rose.
+
+
+ Cast Adrift
+
+Thus, as the rap came on the barrel which told me I was cut loose, and
+no human power could avail me, for I was started on a trip no traveler
+had ever taken, my heart swelled, and for some moments I felt as though
+I were being suffocated, but I determined to be brave. By a supreme
+effort of will I calmed myself at once, and began earnestly to pray--if
+it was God’s will to spare my life, if not to give me an easy death.
+
+The trip through the Rapids was nothing but a pleasant sensation. I
+could feel the barrel toss and often turning partly over, until I
+come to first _drop_ over a reef, when the bottom caught for a
+moment. The barrel swerved, and for a moment I thought I would go head
+first, but with a jerk it loosened, turned foot down, and plunged to
+the bottom. I felt the water close over my head, but was not hurt. The
+barrel rose to the surface instantly, and pursued its course.
+
+
+ Toward the Mighty Cataract
+
+Again the barrel swerved to the left, and I knew instinctively that
+should it pursue its course it would be dashed to atoms on the giant
+rocks near the Canadian shore. But God was good. The barrel paused,
+raised slowly on its head, then turned over on a rock and pursued its
+course down to the Brink of the Precipice. I tore the cushion from my
+head, placed it quickly under my knees, and dropped to the bottom of
+the barrel.
+
+As I reached the brink the barrel did what I predicted it would do,
+paused for a moment and then
+
+
+ Made the Awful Plunge
+
+of 158 feet to the boiling cauldron below. I thought for a moment my
+senses were lost. The feeling was one of absolute horror, but still I
+knew when I struck the water of the lower river. The shock was not so
+great, but I went down, down until the momentum had spent itself.
+
+Below the surface _all was still_. Not a sound reached me. Slowly
+I arose, but unfortunately on coming to the surface I came under the
+falling of water and was carried back of the sheet that tumbles over
+the precipice. It was then I began to suffer. The barrel was whirled
+like a dasher in a churn; lifted, I should think, four or five feet
+clear of the water, and thrown violently about, at the same time turned
+around and around with the greatest velocity, struck on the rocks, and
+each moment water was forcing itself in at the point where the anvil at
+the bottom had been imperfectly put on. As the barrel turned violently
+around and around the sensation was terrible.
+
+
+ Afloat on the Lower River
+
+The barrel then shot out from the Cataract like an arrow from a bow,
+giving me a frightful lurch. After a short time I felt the barrel being
+drawn up to a rock. It was none too soon, however, as my strength was
+spent. When I realized I had been rescued my senses immediately left
+me. Like a person falling to sleep, I became unconscious.
+
+Through the kindness of John Ross, chief engineer of the “Maid of the
+Mist,” and Mr. Williams of Canada, a wrench was brought, the barrel
+opened, and the fresh air struck me.
+
+A man’s voice exclaimed:
+
+
+ “The Woman is Alive!”
+
+I answered, “Yes, she is, though much hurt and confused.” I was carried
+to my boarding house, and after suffering great pain was restored to my
+normal condition. The greater part of my life that remains to me will
+be devoted to doing good to others, for a woman, be she a true woman,
+can bless and glorify the lowest grade of humanity.
+
+ ANNIE EDSON TAYLOR.
+
+
+ Newspaper Men Were Witnesses
+
+TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
+
+This is to certify that Mrs. Annie Edson Taylor passed over the
+Canadian, otherwise known as the Horseshoe Falls, on October 24, 1901,
+and further that we were eyewitnesses of the fact having been present
+when she entered the barrel as well as when she was taken from it after
+having successfully made the trip.
+
+ CHARLES E. PERIGO,
+ City Editor, Cataract-Journal.
+ N. F. MADDEVER,
+ City Editor, Gazette.
+
+
+ Mayor Butler Certifies to the Trip
+
+ NIAGARA FALLS, N. Y., April 1, 1902.
+
+TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
+
+This is to certify that on October 24, 1901, Mrs. Annie Edson Taylor
+went over the Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls in a barrel and survived.
+
+ MIGHELLS B. BUTLER,
+ Mayor.
+
+
+ Took Her From the Barrel
+
+ STEAMER “MAID OF THE MIST,”
+ NIAGARA FALLS, N. Y., June 3, 1902
+
+TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
+
+I, the undersigned, certify that on the afternoon of Thursday, the 24th
+day of October, 1901, I personally, opened the barrel that had come
+over the Falls and found a woman inside in a fainting condition but
+after the admission of air she shortly revived. With the assistance of
+Harry Williams, proprietor of the Lafayette Hotel, and John Dunn, I
+took her out of the barrel and put her in a row boat and took her to
+the Canadian dock, where she was placed in a carriage and taken away. I
+have seen the woman known as Mrs. Taylor on two occasions since and can
+positively say she is the same person who was taken from the barrel at
+Bass rock eddy, on the shore of the Niagara River, below the Horseshoe
+Falls of Niagara.
+
+ JOHN ROSS,
+ Chief Engineer,
+ S. S. “Maid of the Mist.”
+
+
+ Saw Her Come Over the Horseshoe
+
+ STEAMER “MAID OF THE MIST,”
+ NIAGARA FALLS, N. Y., June 3, 1902.
+
+TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
+
+We, the undersigned, master and mate of the Steamer “Maid of the Mist,”
+plying on the Niagara River immediately below the Falls of Niagara, do
+hereby certify that on the 24th day of October, 1901, about 4 o’clock
+p. m., we being on board our boat directly under the Horseshoe Falls,
+saw a barrel come over the brink and drift down the heavy current close
+to the Canadian shore, fetching up in Bass rock eddy, it being about a
+quarter of a mile below the Horseshoe Falls. We saw the barrel taken
+from the water and the person of a woman taken from the barrel, and who
+(contrary to our expectations) was alive, and we confidently believe
+her to be the only human being that ever went over the Falls of Niagara
+and lived, and we can certify that the woman known to us since as Mrs.
+A. E. Taylor was the person taken out of the barrel.
+
+ R. R. CARTER,
+ Master S. S. “Maid of the Mist.”
+ WILLIAM THOMAS,
+ Mate, “Maid of the Mist.”
+
+
+
+
+ Maid Of The Mist
+
+
+Of all the water trips in the world there is none that equals the
+voyage on the lower river in front of the
+
+ Falls of Niagara
+
+The staunch and pretty steamers leave the docks at the foot of the
+inclined railways in the great free parks and pass through the spray
+clouds to
+
+ Rainbow Land
+
+Passengers have the privilege of stop-over on the side opposite to
+their starting point and returning on any boat during the same day.
+Waterproof clothing is furnished as protection against the spray.
+The trip affords the most beautiful and unique views of the great
+Cataract, and no one who has not taken the trip has seen Niagara and
+its stupendous grandeur.
+
+
+ FARE, ROUND TRIP
+ INCLUDING WATERPROOF CLOTHING
+ 50 Cents
+
+ [Illustration]
+ FRANK LE BLOND, Manager
+
+
+
+
+ TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES
+
+
+In this text, small capitals have been represented by ALL CAPITALS.
+Words in italics have been marked by _underscores_.
+
+The date on the title page has been left as printed (“190 ”).
+
+Minor punctuation errors have been corrected without comment.
+
+Variant spellings of the same name have been retained as originally
+printed.
+
+Original spelling has been retained except for the following probable
+typographical errors:
+
+ Page 6:
+ “tumultous” changed to “tumultuous”
+ “...through the wild, tumultuous, tossing waters...”
+
+ Page 6:
+ “stupenduous” changed to “stupendous”
+ “...that stupendous downpour of water...”
+
+ Page 7:
+ “commended” changed to “commanded”
+ “...the announcement commanded but little attention.”
+
+ Page 7:
+ “choatic” changed to “chaotic”
+ “...she had studied the chaotic nature of the waters...”
+
+ Page 8:
+ “belive” changed to “believe”
+ “...who had come to believe that...”
+
+ Page 13:
+ “heigh” changed to “high”
+ “The barrel was 4½ ft. high, weight 160 lbs...”
+
+ Page 13:
+ “stap” changed to “strap”
+ “I then adjusted a woven strap around my waist...”
+
+ Page 15:
+ “Lkie” changed to “Like”
+ “Like a person falling to sleep...”
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78938 ***
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+</head>
+
+<body>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78938 ***</div>
+
+
+<!-- B O O K C O V E R -->
+<div class="chapter center">
+<img class="cover" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="Book cover showing Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls.">
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true">
+
+<!-- T I T L E P A G E -->
+<div class="chapter">
+<h1>
+OVER THE FALLS
+</h1>
+
+<p class="center p4">
+ ANNIE EDSON TAYLOR’S<br>
+ STORY OF HER<br>
+ LIFE
+</p>
+
+<p class="center p4">
+ HOW THE HORSESHOE FALL WAS CONQUERED
+</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+ <img class="deco" src="images/do.jpg" alt="">
+</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+ Copyright July 15, 1902, by Annie Edson Taylor
+</p>
+<p class="center p4">
+ Published by<br>
+ Mrs. Annie Edson Taylor<br>
+ June, 190
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true">
+
+<main>
+
+<!-- F R O N T I S P I E C E -->
+<div class="chapter">
+<figure class="frontis">
+ <img src="images/i_04.jpg"
+ alt="Mrs. Taylor's route over Horseshoe Falls.">
+ <figcaption>
+ The lines on this photo show the direction Mrs. Taylor and her
+ barrel took on her frightful plunge over the Horseshoe.
+ </figcaption>
+</figure>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true">
+
+<!-- P R E F A C E -->
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum">5</span>
+ <h2 class="nobreak">
+ Preface
+ </h2>
+<p>Despite the thrilling nature of the story of which this book
+is designed to be an accurate record, no attempt has been made to
+embellish it with sensational statements. It is a plain recital of
+fact. Annie Edson Taylor is the only human being who has ever gone over
+the Falls of Niagara and lived to tell the story of her experience.
+Even in its plain way, this little book has the distinguishing feature
+of being a story thoroughly original; a story which no other one of
+the million of people on this earth can truthfully tell as Annie Edson
+Taylor has told it.</p>
+
+<p>In the face of her wonderful accomplishment of having conquered the
+greatest waterfall in existence, Mrs. Taylor is not unmindful of the
+history of Niagara, and so it is her wish that this book be dedicated
+to the memory of the Indian maidens whose lives were sacrificed, as the
+legends of old tell us, in the days gone by, when it was the custom of
+the tribes to offer up their fairest daughters to the Great Spirit. As
+the world has progressed science and invention have demonstrated where
+mistakes were made in many fields, and it remained for Mrs. Taylor to
+show that the mistake of the Indian maidens was in trying to conquer
+Niagara in birch bark canoes instead of in barrels of Kentucky oak. We
+live to learn.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true">
+
+<!-- N I A G R A ' S V O Y A G E R S -->
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum">6</span>
+ <h2 class="nobreak">
+ Niagara’s Voyagers
+ </h2>
+<p>Ever since the early part of the nineteenth century Niagara has
+been the scene of perilous feats. Perhaps the earliest of these
+performances was the leap of Sam Patch in 1829. From that time on, at
+various intervals, men and women have journeyed to Niagara to win fame
+and fortune by doing some deed they hoped would make them an unusual
+attraction in the several fields they elected to enter to gain a
+living.</p>
+
+<p>The most popular feat at Niagara for many years was to voyage
+through the Whirlpool Rapids in a boat or barrel or protected only by a
+life preserver. Possibly the feat of Joel Robinson of June 6, 1861, set
+the pace in this field of adventure. It was Robinson who piloted the
+steamer Maid of the Mist through the marvelous Niagara canyon and its
+rough waters to the more placid portion of the stream at Queenston.</p>
+
+<p>The intrepid Capt. Matthew Webb, a man who had successfully swam
+across the English Channel, had the daring to try and pass through the
+wild, <a href="#6.0b" id="6.0a">tumultuous</a>, tossing waters of the
+Whirlpool Rapids unprotected, but instead of being a trip to fame, his
+was a trip to eternity. After Webb came many others, and it was then
+that the barrel voyager of the Niagara came into prominence. Protected
+by barrels several have made trips through the Whirlpool Rapids and
+Whirlpool, in fact this voyage long ago became lacking in interest.</p>
+
+<p>These circumstances and conditions led several to look about Niagara
+in hopes of discovering some other route to golden fame. Of course,
+there was the Falls, that <a href="#6b" id="6a">stupendous</a>
+downpour of water <span class="pagenum">7</span> that drops the
+overflow of Lake Erie to the stream that runs so swiftly on to “Old
+Ontario.” The Falls of Niagara were there, and had been there for
+centuries, but even the ambitious men and women who desired to link
+their names forever with Niagara and its wonders, looked upon it as
+too great a proposition for them to trifle with; they wanted fame,
+they wanted dollars, but none of them sought death. And it was written
+all about Niagara, on the tongues and faces of the oldest and youngest
+residents, that whoever dare try and conquer this noble and sublime
+Cataract would surely go down to the grave—a grave marked by a monument
+bearing a statement of the occupant’s foolishness in presuming to pass
+over the precipice of Niagara and live.</p>
+
+<p>When Annie Edson Taylor journeyed to Niagara and announced an
+intention of going over the Falls, the announcement <a href="#7.1b"
+id="7.1a">commanded</a> but little attention. Everybody looked upon it
+as a ridiculous ambition—a foolish idea—and the knowing ones guessed
+that when she had studied the <a href="#7.2b" id="7.2a">chaotic</a>
+nature of the waters in the three-quarter mile stretch of rapids
+above the Horseshoe, she would quickly conclude that her home was a
+more peaceful place in which to end her days. Nobody believed that a
+woman would require but a glance at the awful plunge over the Falls
+to convince her that death lurked in those waters, eager to continue
+the unbroken record of fatalities on the list of those who had
+involuntarily been caught in the suction of the upper rapids and swept
+over the frightful brink into the chasm below.</p>
+
+<p>But Annie Edson Taylor lingered at Niagara. The date of her
+announced trip arrived. The wind was too high to allow the boatmen to
+reach the current necessary to escape the rocky reefs and to be swept
+over the Horseshoe, <span class="pagenum">8</span> and the world was
+amazed by the statement sent out from Niagara that night that Annie
+Edson Taylor was still determined to conquer the Horseshoe Fall of
+Niagara or die. It was then that the people of the locality got serious
+on the matter. Previous to this time there had been a vast amount
+of joking, all at Mrs. Taylor’s expense, but this woman’s will was
+terribly set, and even the Coroner of Niagara concluded that it was
+time for him to interfere in his official capacity.</p>
+
+<p>On October 24, 1901, Annie Edson Taylor and her barrel were again
+taken out on the Upper Niagara, and the story that follows tells that
+she is the only person who has ever voluntarily made the frightful trip
+through the Upper Rapids of the Niagara, plunged over the Horseshoe
+Fall and floated on the foam-lashed, whirling waters of the Lower
+Niagara. When it was announced that Mrs. Taylor had successfully made
+the awful trip, the terrible drop into the gorge, the world was amazed,
+but none more so than the people who had passed their lives close by
+the Mighty Cataract, and who had come to <a href="#8b" id="8a">believe</a> that no human being
+could pass over it and live.</p>
+
+<p>In the lines that follow Mrs. Taylor has herself told in a plain
+manner the story of her life and her victory at Niagara. Her deed
+singles her out from all the world, in that she has done what no other
+man or woman ever before attempted. How she became impressed with the
+belief that she could conquer Niagara is a mystery, but conquer it she
+did.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum">9</span>
+ <h2 class="nobreak">
+ The Story of Her Life
+ </h2>
+
+<img class="figleft" src="images/i_09.jpg"
+ alt="Photo of Annie Edson Taylor standing next to her barrel.">
+
+<p>Mrs. Annie Edson Taylor, born October 24, 1855, near Auburn, N. Y.,
+on the bank of Owasco Lake, the country seat of her father, Merrick
+Edson, who was of English descent, born in Massachusetts. Her mother,
+Lucretia Warren, was born in Albany, N. Y., and was connected with
+some of the oldest and best families of that day. Merick Edson owned
+large milling interests on Owasco River, which runs through the city
+of Auburn. In winter the family lived in the city, in summer on the
+farm, where little Annie went to the district school, and in winter to
+the city school. She was of a dreamy, imaginative disposition, fond of
+out-door sports and of books, especially those which run on adventures,
+such as “Life in Australia,” historical novels, and at the age when
+most girls were thinking of lovers, was reading Roman History and
+Plutarch’s lives.</p>
+
+<p>Merick Edson, her father, died when Annie was about 10 years of
+age. From that time up to 14 life was uneventful. At that age she and
+two older brothers were sent by <span class="pagenum">10</span> their
+guardian to Charlottville, Schoharie County, to a seminary for boys
+and girls. This was an excellent school, discipline rigid, under the
+auspices of 24 selected teachers. There friendships were formed which
+changed the current of Annie’s whole life. Among the older girls was a
+Miss Jennie Taylor, a fine and accomplished scholar, who was chosen as
+a room mate for Annie.</p>
+
+<h3>Married at Eighteen</h3>
+
+<p>Later on she made the acquaintance of D. S. Taylor, who at the age
+of 18 became her husband. The marriage was blessed with one child, who
+died in a few days. Her husband died in a little over two years. Then
+it was that Annie realized the imperfections of her education and the
+folly of a too early marriage. In a few months she entered the Normal
+State School at Albany and became an indefatigable student, and at the
+close of three years graduated, taking her vacation with a married
+sister near Auburn. Among the many schoolmates to whom Annie became
+attached were two lovely Southern girls, the Misses Kate and Mary
+Kingsbury. The latter was of Annie’s age, and most intimate friend.
+Annie was invited to spend a year at their Southern home.</p>
+
+<p>But, in the meantime, Miss Kate Kingsbury had contracted a most
+brilliant marriage with her cousin, and had gone to the faraway city
+of San Antonio, Texas. Annie concluded to go there for a year. After
+much opposition from her family and friends, one stormy day in October,
+1880, she took ship from New York for Cuba, and after a month’s stay
+went from there to Galveston, and from Galveston by rail to Austin,
+the capital; thence by stage through to San Antonio. After meeting
+her friends, the Kingsburys, Annie took a position as teacher in the
+High School. During vacation she went to New Mexico with a <span
+class="pagenum">11</span> party of officers and their families, taking
+the overland route, where Capt. Nolan had a detail of soldiers guarding
+the building of railroads in the Shasta Mountains, and where every day
+the lives of the party were in jeopardy from Indians. On return to
+Texas, while rooming in Kingsbury Street, one night was chloroformed
+and her room searched for $3,000, which had been taken in for rents by
+Mrs. Taylor, who was acting as agent for the Kingsburys (who at that
+time were away).</p>
+
+
+<h3>Held Up by Robbers</h3>
+
+<p>On return North the stage was held up by a gang of robbers. In all,
+$3,000 dollars was taken from the male passengers. Mrs. Taylor had $800
+concealed in the folds of her gown, on the robbers pressing a loaded
+pistol to her temple and demanding the money she had, said, “Blow
+away, I would as soon be without brains as without money.” They spared
+her life. This occurred between San Antonio and Austin, in a forest.
+After a year’s course in New York City, under the best instructors in
+dancing and physical culture, Mrs. Taylor went to Asheville, N. C., and
+immediately engaged in teaching those branches.</p>
+
+<p>Just previous to that time she was in Chattanooga, Tenn., where I
+loaned $1,700 and it was lost in the boom in progress at that time,
+she was also burned out, losing all her household goods, holding no
+insurance.</p>
+
+<p>Returning from Asheville, she spent a winter teaching in Washington,
+D. C. Returning to Auburn she spent the summer and autumn, and then
+went to Indianapolis. She taught dancing in La Fayette, Ind., in a
+young ladies’ school.</p>
+
+
+<h3>Shaken by an Earthquake</h3>
+
+<p>While in Asheville she visited Charleston, S. C., and <span
+class="pagenum">12</span> was there during the earthquake felt there.
+She then went to Bay City, Mich. She spent one summer at Sault Ste.
+Marie, Mich., teaching a system of piano music. A year later she
+returned to San Antonio, Texas, going from there to Mexico City, where
+she spent the month of December, then returned to San Antonio. Assisted
+by Rev. Walter Richardson, rector of St. Paul’s Church, and an eminent
+and cultured woman, a member of the church, Mrs. J. J. Stevens, she
+opened classes in physical culture, returning to Bay City the last
+of April, where she had been keeping house. She remained there until
+October 4, 1900, when she came to Niagara Falls.</p>
+
+
+<h3>How She Came to Go Over Niagara</h3>
+
+<p>The manner in which Mrs. Taylor got the inspiration to go over the
+Falls of Niagara, to perform a feat never before attempted by a human
+being, is best told by her in the following words:</p>
+
+<p>For two years I had been constantly studying, when not occupied
+in teaching, what I could do to make money—to make it honestly and
+quickly. All kinds of schemes ran riot through my brain. Reading in a
+New York paper about people going to the Pan-American Exposition, and
+from there to Niagara Falls, the idea came to me like a flash of light,
+“Go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. No one has ever accomplished this
+feat.” I did not think it wrong, as there was nothing immodest in the
+act, nor did it involve the life of anyone but myself. I believe in
+prayer, and that God will answer if only there is faith. As my motive
+was not a selfish one, but to succor two friends, one who has little
+children, the other in delicate health, and to aid myself financially,
+I believed I would live. I was determined to live, to vindicate to the
+world God’s mercy and goodness. <span class="pagenum">13</span></p>
+
+<h3>Her Desire Was to Help Others</h3>
+
+<p>I frankly avowed what my purpose was, viz.: To aid two friends,
+raise money to help me pay a few small debts, and to enable me to sell
+some Texas land. Just how this was to be done I did not know, but
+thought a crowd would gather and a collection could be taken up. My
+great mistake was in selecting a manager, F. M. Russell of Bay City,
+who was well recommended, but who proved in every way unworthy the
+trust reposed in him.</p>
+
+<h3>She Designed Her Barrel</h3>
+
+<p>The idea came to me in August. I immediately set to work to shape
+a barrel, which I did, cutting it out of paper and sewing it together
+with twine. The dimensions were: 12 in. head, 34 in. middle, 15 in.
+foot. The barrel was 4½ ft. <a href="#13.1b" id="13.1a">high</a>, weight
+160 lbs. It was made of white Kentucky oak, with ten hoops, each
+riveted every four inches. The barrel was made by Bocenchia of West Bay
+City.</p>
+
+<h3>Her Trip Over the Falls</h3>
+
+<p>October 24, 1901, I left the shore from Buffalo Avenue in a
+boat, and was rowed by two men to Grass Island. I then took off
+my hat, street skirt and coat, and entered the barrel, the barrel
+being placed in the water. I then adjusted a woven <a href="#13.2b"
+id="13.2a">strap</a> around my waist, and a strap from the back went
+through an eye in the foot of the barrel, fastened to a buckle in
+front to my belt. This was to keep my head from violent contact with
+the barrel. I placed two cushions on my person extending down to the
+knees—one in the bottom of the barrel. When all was in readiness, the
+head of the barrel was screwed down perfectly tight. A tube inserted
+in the chines I held in my hand, and an air-pump was used to fill the
+barrel with fresh air. I then put a cork in the end of the tube I held
+in my hand. <span class="pagenum">14</span> All was now ready, and the
+boatmen towed the barrel out to the current, which they thought would
+carry me over the <i>center</i> of the Horseshoe.</p>
+
+<p>I did not say, like Dante, on entering the barrel, “Who enters here
+leaves all hope behind,” but as I faced the inevitable, life or a
+horrible death in 50 minutes, my courage rose.</p>
+
+
+<h3>Cast Adrift</h3>
+
+<p>Thus, as the rap came on the barrel which told me I was cut loose,
+and no human power could avail me, for I was started on a trip no
+traveler had ever taken, my heart swelled, and for some moments I felt
+as though I were being suffocated, but I determined to be brave. By a
+supreme effort of will I calmed myself at once, and began earnestly to
+pray—if it was God’s will to spare my life, if not to give me an easy
+death.</p>
+
+<p>The trip through the Rapids was nothing but a pleasant sensation.
+I could feel the barrel toss and often turning partly over, until I
+come to first <i>drop</i> over a reef, when the bottom caught for a
+moment. The barrel swerved, and for a moment I thought I would go head
+first, but with a jerk it loosened, turned foot down, and plunged to
+the bottom. I felt the water close over my head, but was not hurt. The
+barrel rose to the surface instantly, and pursued its course.</p>
+
+<h3>Toward the Mighty Cataract</h3>
+
+<p>Again the barrel swerved to the left, and I knew instinctively that
+should it pursue its course it would be dashed to atoms on the giant
+rocks near the Canadian shore. But God was good. The barrel paused,
+raised slowly on its head, then turned over on a rock and pursued
+its course down to the Brink of the Precipice. I tore the <span
+class="pagenum">15</span> cushion from my head, placed it quickly under
+my knees, and dropped to the bottom of the barrel.</p>
+
+<p>As I reached the brink the barrel did what I predicted it would do,
+paused for a moment and then</p>
+
+<h3>Made the Awful Plunge</h3>
+
+<p>of 158 feet to the boiling cauldron below. I thought for a moment my
+senses were lost. The feeling was one of absolute horror, but still I
+knew when I struck the water of the lower river. The shock was not so
+great, but I went down, down until the momentum had spent itself.</p>
+
+<p>Below the surface <i>all was still</i>. Not a sound reached me.
+Slowly I arose, but unfortunately on coming to the surface I came under
+the falling of water and was carried back of the sheet that tumbles
+over the precipice. It was then I began to suffer. The barrel was
+whirled like a dasher in a churn; lifted, I should think, four or five
+feet clear of the water, and thrown violently about, at the same time
+turned around and around with the greatest velocity, struck on the
+rocks, and each moment water was forcing itself in at the point where
+the anvil at the bottom had been imperfectly put on. As the barrel
+turned violently around and around the sensation was terrible.</p>
+
+<h3>Afloat on the Lower River</h3>
+
+<p>The barrel then shot out from the Cataract like an arrow from a bow,
+giving me a frightful lurch. After a short time I felt the barrel being
+drawn up to a rock. It was none too soon, however, as my strength was
+spent. When I realized I had been rescued my senses immediately left
+me. <a href="#15b" id="15a">Like</a> a person falling to sleep, I became unconscious.</p>
+
+<p>Through the kindness of John Ross, chief engineer of the
+“Maid of the Mist,” and Mr. Williams of Canada, a <span
+class="pagenum">16</span> wrench was brought, the barrel opened, and
+the fresh air struck me.</p>
+
+<p>A man’s voice exclaimed:</p>
+
+<h3>“The Woman is Alive!”</h3>
+
+<p>I answered, “Yes, she is, though much hurt and confused.” I was
+carried to my boarding house, and after suffering great pain was
+restored to my normal condition. The greater part of my life that
+remains to me will be devoted to doing good to others, for a woman,
+be she a true woman, can bless and glorify the lowest grade of
+humanity.</p>
+
+<p class="right">ANNIE EDSON TAYLOR.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true">
+
+<!-- W I T N E S S E S -->
+<div class="chapter">
+<h4 class="nobreak">
+ Newspaper Men Were Witnesses
+</h4>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">To Whom it may Concern</span>:</p>
+
+<p>This is to certify that Mrs. Annie Edson Taylor passed over the
+Canadian, otherwise known as the Horseshoe Falls, on October 24, 1901,
+and further that we were eyewitnesses of the fact having been present
+when she entered the barrel as well as when she was taken from it after
+having successfully made the trip.
+</p>
+
+<p class="cc">
+ CHARLES E. PERIGO,<br>
+ <span class="indent2">City Editor, Cataract-Journal.</span><br>
+ N. F. MADDEVER,<br>
+ <span class="indent2">City Editor, Gazette.</span>
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<h4 class="nobreak">
+ Mayor Butler Certifies to the Trip
+</h4>
+
+<p class="right">
+ <span class="smcap">Niagara Falls</span>, N. Y., April 1, 1902.
+</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">To Whom it may Concern</span>:</p>
+
+<p>This is to certify that on October 24, 1901, Mrs. Annie Edson
+Taylor went over the Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls in a barrel and
+survived.</p>
+
+<p class="cc">
+ MIGHELLS B. BUTLER,<br>
+ <span class="indent2">Mayor.</span>
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<h4>Took Her From the Barrel<span class="pagenum">17</span></h4>
+
+<p class="right">
+ <span class="smcap">Steamer “Maid of the Mist,”</span><br>
+ <span class="smcap">Niagara Falls, N. Y.</span>, June 3, 1902
+</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">To Whom it may Concern</span>:</p>
+
+<p>I, the undersigned, certify that on the afternoon of Thursday, the
+24th day of October, 1901, I personally, opened the barrel that had
+come over the Falls and found a woman inside in a fainting condition
+but after the admission of air she shortly revived. With the assistance
+of Harry Williams, proprietor of the Lafayette Hotel, and John Dunn, I
+took her out of the barrel and put her in a row boat and took her to
+the Canadian dock, where she was placed in a carriage and taken away. I
+have seen the woman known as Mrs. Taylor on two occasions since and can
+positively say she is the same person who was taken from the barrel at
+Bass rock eddy, on the shore of the Niagara River, below the Horseshoe
+Falls of Niagara.</p>
+
+<p class="cc">
+ JOHN ROSS,<br>
+ <span class="indent2">Chief Engineer,</span><br>
+ <span class="indent2">S. S. “Maid of the Mist.”</span>
+</p>
+
+<hr>
+
+<h4>Saw Her Come Over the Horseshoe</h4>
+
+<p class="right">
+ <span class="smcap">Steamer “Maid of the Mist,”</span><br>
+ <span class="smcap">Niagara Falls</span>, N. Y., June 3, 1902.
+</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">To Whom it may Concern</span>:</p>
+
+<p>We, the undersigned, master and mate of the Steamer “Maid of the
+Mist,” plying on the Niagara River immediately below the Falls of
+Niagara, do hereby certify that on the 24th day of October, 1901,
+about 4 o’clock p. m., we being on board our boat directly under the
+Horseshoe Falls, saw a barrel come over the brink and drift down the
+heavy current close to the Canadian shore, fetching up in Bass rock
+eddy, it being about a quarter of a mile below the Horseshoe Falls. We
+saw the barrel taken from the water and the person of a woman taken
+from the barrel, and who (contrary to our expectations) was alive, and
+we confidently believe her to be the only human being that ever went
+over the Falls of Niagara and lived, and we can certify that the woman
+known to us since as Mrs. A. E. Taylor was the person taken out of the
+barrel.</p>
+
+<p class="cc">
+ R. R. CARTER,<br>
+ <span class="indent2">Master S. S. “Maid of the Mist.”</span><br>
+ WILLIAM THOMAS,<br>
+ <span class="indent2">Mate, “Maid of the Mist.”</span>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true">
+
+<!-- A D V E R T I S M E N T -->
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum">18</span>
+<h2 class="nobreak">
+ Maid Of The Mist
+</h2>
+
+<p>Of all the water trips in the world there is none that equals the
+voyage on the lower river in front of the</p>
+
+<p class="s3">Falls of Niagara</p>
+
+<p>The staunch and pretty steamers leave the docks at the foot of the
+inclined railways in the great free parks and pass through the spray
+clouds to</p>
+
+<p class="s3">Rainbow Land</p>
+
+<p>Passengers have the privilege of stop-over on the side opposite to
+their starting point and returning on any boat during the same day.
+Waterproof clothing is furnished as protection against the spray.
+The trip affords the most beautiful and unique views of the great
+Cataract, and no one who has not taken the trip has seen Niagara and
+its stupendous grandeur.</p>
+
+<p class="center p2">
+ FARE, ROUND TRIP<br>
+ INCLUDING WATERPROOF CLOTHING<br>
+ 50 Cents
+</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+ <img class="deco" src="images/do.jpg" alt=""><br>
+ FRANK LE BLOND, Manager
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" aria-hidden="true">
+
+<!-- T R A N S C R I B E R ' S N O T E S -->
+
+<div class="chapter transnote">
+<p class="s3">TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</p>
+<p>The date on the title page has been left as printed (“190 ”).</p>
+
+<p>Minor punctuation errors have been corrected without comment.</p>
+
+<p>Variant spellings of the same name have been retained as originally
+printed.</p>
+
+<p>Original spelling has been retained except for the following
+probable typographical errors:</p>
+
+<ul>
+<li>
+<p>Page 6:<br>
+“tumultous” changed to “tumultuous”<br>
+“...through the wild, <a href="#6.0a" id="6.0b">tumultuous</a>, tossing
+waters...”
+</p>
+</li><li>
+<p>Page 6:<br>
+“stupenduous” changed to “stupendous”<br>
+“...that <a href="#6a" id="6b">stupendous</a> downpour of water...”
+</p>
+</li><li>
+<p>Page 7:<br>
+“commended” changed to “commanded”<br>
+“...the announcement <a href="#7.1a" id="7.1b">commanded</a>
+but little attention.”
+</p>
+</li><li>
+<p>Page 7:<br>
+“choatic” changed to “chaotic”<br>
+“...she had studied the <a href="#7.2a" id="7.2b">chaotic</a> nature of
+the waters...”
+</p>
+</li><li>
+<p>Page 8:<br>
+“belive” changed to “believe”<br>
+“...who had come to <a href="#8a" id="8b">believe</a> that...”
+</p>
+</li><li>
+<p>Page 13:<br>
+“heigh” changed to “high”<br>
+“The barrel was 4½ ft. <a href="#13.1a" id="13.1b">high</a>, weight 160
+lbs...”
+</p>
+</li><li>
+<p>Page 13:<br>
+“stap” changed to “strap”<br>
+“I then adjusted a woven <a href="#13.2a" id="13.2b">strap</a> around
+my waist...”
+</p>
+</li><li>
+<p>Page 15:
+“Lkie” changed to “Like”<br>
+“<a href="#15a" id="15b">Like</a> a person falling to sleep...”
+</p>
+</li>
+</ul>
+
+<p>
+New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the
+public domain.
+</p>
+</div>
+</main>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78938 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
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+[Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for eBook [#78938](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/78938)