davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Fergus County argus., 1888-03-29
iaPOHVa.T csc:SIOl.
secretary Villas Decides That Home
steadrr May Leave Ills Claim at
Intervals 80 Earn Money to
Prove Up.

The secretary OF the interior has
rendered the following important de-
cision, involving the question OF resi-
dence upon homestead entries prior
to making final proof:
To the Commissioncr OF the General
Land Office: Sir-i have considered the
appeal Of William Thompson. from your
office decision of duly -, 1856, respecting
his final proof for land, therein mentioned.
| think this man is entitled to his patent.
lie made his dcclaratury statement April
2G, 1883. alleging settlement "a week before,
and showed that he made il. II appears
that he was absent during most oi the foi-
lowing summer; that he WAS ON the Ia nd
from fall until the following spring; absent
again during the succcedins summer: again
upon the land from fall until spring. and
not absent six months at any one time;
that he applied the proceeds of his labor
during the two seasons when he was ahsant
To the building of his house and making
improvements ON his land. now valued
altogether at $500; that lie was "a poor
man, aud his absence was for the purpose
of earning the means to improve hi, land.
and that he devoted all the fruits oi h-
earnings with fidelity to that purpose. In
| the spring of the third year he left again,
| and remained until the following January,
his purpose being to earn money to pay for
his land. The amount necessary WAS $500
| Il considerable sum Tor laborer 10 SAVE
from his wages during u year, in addition
| to the necessary lees and expenses
lie appears to have done il. and not
withdrawing he was not personally present
upon his land during the last six month";
preceding the completion of his entry, th'
TACT canno, deny his right. He made set
Element in person on his land; he hai
erected n dwelling thereon; he has i'm
proved the land and has inhabited il il
good faith. When it is considered tina
| this tract was situated many miles frou
ordinary highways, remote from settle
n,ent- generally that IL j. ,liIii,ult ofaccr--
and yet that he has per-is:ently ciui'- tn !
for three years, applying All the results G
his labor to its Improvement and It's puf
chase, it is difficult to discern n case inoi
worthy OF being found marked with goo
faith. His inhabitance Of the land is no
impeached after his residence was one
secured by going abroad to Procure TIL
means to bring back 80 improve IL and {
obtain title to it. | must reverse you
decision. and direct that u patcnt issue I
the claimant.
WA. L. Villas, Secretary.
Fergus County argus., 1888-03-29

The Dependent Pension bill passed
by the senate recently. grants II pen
sion Of Sl2 per month to all persons
who served three months or more in
the military OF naval service of the
United states during the late war oi
therebellion. and who have been honor
ably discharged therefrom, and who
are now or may hereafter be. suffering
from mental or physical disability,
not the result OF their own vicious
habits, which totally ncapacitate
them for the performance OF manual
labor, the pension to date from the
filing of the application IN thc pension
office. Ii any invalid pensioner has
died. or shall hereafter die. leaving "A
widow, minor child or children under
eighteen year, OF a.r. or IN case there
be no widow or minor child or chill
dren. a dependent father OF mother,
such widow. minor child or children.
or father or moi her, shall he placed
upon the pension roll at the rates
established by law for such. without
regard to the catise of death oi such
pcnsioner; provided that tine cause oi
death OF such pensicurr Was not ANA
is not due to - violation ot ciNu or
military laws, or the results oi vicious
habits. and provided, further. that
said widow was married to tledeceas-
ed pensioner prior to the passage ot
this act. That the incls Sc pensions
for minor children shall be n; the rate
oi 81 per month instead of S2 per
month. az now provitl,-i by law. aud
in case.as minor child Is insane, idiotic
or otherwise helpless, The pension
shall continue during the life of said
child, or during the period OF such dis
ability. The fee oi claim agents Is
! limited to $40, and fine not exceed.
ing $500, or imprisonment 1T hard
labor for not more than two years, OF
both, is the penalty prescribed foi
Withholding from "a pensioncr rorclalm
ant the Whole or any part oi the pen
sion due.
Fergus County argus., 1888-03-29

just "a little year ago.
You were all to me:
Even yet, ! scarcely know
How such things can be.
Did you mean IL all the time?
We're you false or true?
L. it change of place or cline
That has altered you?
Did you think to love me still?
Did your fancy stray?
Did you change against your will,
When you went away?
Do you still remember this,
Many miles apart?
All. you left your careless Kiss
Printed on my heart.
Little did my soul divine
That the year would see
Your dear heart. close knit to mine.
Drift away from me.
Yet ] dream you brave and true;
Through the Inists Of pain,
Still stretch my hands to you
Till We meet again.
just little year ago!
All! my eyes are wet
Cruel love. do you not know
l can ne'cr forget?
Chambers Journal.
Fergus County argus., 1888-03-29
6laiHe Will Return In June.

James G.. Blaine, in a private letter
written from Florence, states that he
will visit London in May and reach
New York about the end Of June.
His return to America, he says, has
no political significance whatever, and
he will under no circumstances person
ally participate in the coming presi-
Dental canvass.
Fergus County argus., 1888-03-29

Nebraska StateJournal: "IIave you
seen my last poem?"
'No, haven't
"Be>t thing ! ever wrote"
What is it callcd?"
The spirit OF the storm"
about the borean blast and all
that sort of things. suppose
NO; its about my vile.
Fergus County argus., 1888-03-29
kppi ca ";ath,..a,,ss

Miss A.-rhe woddlug vH- rs sad a.
a funeral.
Mr. Bcne,lict-Why Shouldn't it be-
Both have the same result. IN one
rI>t two are made one: ~ tue other.
one - made upthin- pls le-- each
tiur .i.Hr
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12
4 NOTEWORTHY ENDORSEMENT.

Among the many persons Of unquestiOned
intellectually and sound judgment who
have taken all interest in ''prison news
paper" is James Parton whose name as an
author is known wherever the English
language is spoken. The following is an
extract from letter received from him a
few days since:
enclose one dollar for which please re-
new my subscription to your excellent jour-
nal, THE PRISON MIRROR, which l read
with increasing interest. 1t confirms me in
an old opinion that term of imprison-
ment beyond two years cannot exert re-
fOrmatory influence. and ought not to be
imposed upon any one unless his freedom
would be a peril to the peace and safety of
others. Old drunkards who cannot abstain,
professional criminals who mean to continue
such, and violent men who kill and MAIN
innocent people, have no right to liberty.
Other offenders may be greatly benefited
by moderate term OF Imprisonment, but
after year or two of what benefit can it be
to them or to the community? Go on, my
dear sirS. in your good work.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12
TO THE PUBLIC.

THE PRISON MIRROR is edited and published
by the inmates OF the prison. All matter pub.
Ished in its columns is contributed by the inmates,
except that properly credited to others. All sup.
port must come from the subscribers and adver.
Users outside and copy is furnished to each in.
mate free of charge. All surplus money over the
cost of publication is devoted to the library fund.
All exchanges given out to the inmates as
soon as examined by the editor. Any one except
the inmates may subscribe for THE MIRROR and
it will be sent to any address receipt of SUBJ
scription price: slOO per year. 6Oc for six months.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12

the object OF THE MIRROR to fight person
al battles and if controversies arise, the
disputants will be confined to the rules usu-
ally governing debates and newspaper dis
cussions. All should bear in mind that the
paper is the medium through which we may
benz fit ourselves and fellow unfOrtunates in
many ways. as we'll as permanently benefit
society by gradual change OF sentiment
through the channels of popular education.
The general ignorance of society at large,
accounts in marked degree for the increase
of crime. 1t lies within our power to assist
penOlOgists in their efforts for the true prn-
cipleS and purposes of Imprisonment. There
is wide gulf between the popular idea of
cation and training away from wrong doing
to the peaceful pursuits of life. The form
er is as old as civilization and has never
accomplished it's purpose; the latter is the
product of the nineteenth century. Let us
all bear in mind that our ideas are different.
in common with all mankind. By healthy
exchange of sentiment we convey to the
outer world our real natures and DISPOSE
tions and enable men to see us as we are
only part of the human family neither
better nor worse as Individuals but worse.
perhaps, as class, than those without the
walls. One man cannot be judged by what
another does, who by chance, or the opera
ton of human laws. is classed with him.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12

1--WE favor the enactment of prison laws"
says the republican platform adopted at
Saratoga OH Friday. (which, while provid-
ing for the employment of prisoners, shall
prevent the product Of their labor from COM
peting with that of wage-workers." With
this unequivocal statement of opinion we
fully agree-with this explanations: that
the statement would be more complete and
clear it something like this were to follow
while providing for the use of wood. shall
prevent the cutting down of trees, and we
furthermore believe that it will be fine
day tomorrow if it doesn't rain."-The
Summary.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12

L. NJ. withdraws from the controversy as
he states elsewhere in this issue. The
many opponents to the contract system and
a greater number opposing idleness. with a
few, among them l.. NJ, recreating with
the shovelers, brings the labor question to
an uncertain status. The boys do not care
to return to &c a day. they do not like to
can be provided, other than shoveling
dirt and only this at lengthy intervals. The
legislature does not meet for several months
and what are we going to about it? Saw
wood?
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12
FROM GERMANY.
Extracts From the Frankfort, Kleine
Press.


Press.
A step in the right direction. in the way
of prison reform, was taken by the inmates
of the Minnesota state prison, that is. the
publication of a weekly newspaper. which
is composed, edited and printed by the in
mates of said prison. The public in general
who no doubt at first had a very poor opin-
ion of a paper which originated in prison,
must after seeing and reading this very
neat and nicely printed sheet, very soon
have changed its opinion, as the articles
contained therein are equal, and sometimes
superior, to those to be found in most
papers, and the same can be read in any
family. THE MIRROR is not under control
OF the prison officials, but entirely under
that of the prisoners. The editor of cOulse
does not say anything against the system in
vogue there. 1t seems, on the contrary,
that the officials and prisoners are one step
nearer through this paper, and that the for
mer seem willing to act upon suggestions
made by the latter. l at first supposed that
the prisoners would have this opportunity
to openly proclaim their innocence, but
have seen nothing of that kind in the COL
umns of that paper up to date. They re-
late their experiences, describe some happy
events. and give the public the benefit in
relating the causes which led them into
crime, and their views of how to prevent
the increase of criminals. Its pages also
contain poems, humorous stories, and local
items, as we'll as advertisements; the latter
cannot be looked upon merely as presents
to assist THE MIRROR, as the same has
wide circulation.
The money that the prisoners earn in that
prison enables them to buy suit of clothes
and to pay their board for short time after
their release, until they are able to procure
work. But very often they are compelled
to start their new life with lie on their
lips, that is in regard to their last occupa-
ton, as verv many do not like the idea of
engaging man knowing him to be an ex-
convict. If they are found out, few
months afterwards. perhaps, they very like
ly will be compelled to seek a different
situation. which sometimes ends with the
same result. until at last they become des-
perate and are driven back by their fellow
men to where they came from. We hope
The PRISON MIRROR Will exist for many
years to come, and may benefit the inmates.
so that they will be able at their release to
commence life with fresh hope and energy,
and redeem their lost characters and names.
Translated by G. NJ.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12

William r. Merriman is the republican
candidate for Governor of Minnesota. Eu-
gene M. Wilson is the democratic candidate,
and the contest promises to be lively one.
The labor element and prohibitionists
will make their influence felt as never be-
fore in the politics of Minnesota.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12

The Queen City Chair company have
brought suit against the managers of the
New York State Reformatory at Elmira
for SIG, 900 for breach of contract. This
claim is made OF, account of the abolition
of the state while contract was in force
between the parties.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12
The condition of the penal institutions OF

The condition of the penal institutions of
our neighboring state, Iowa. promises a
gradual but certain decrease in numbers.
The decrease during the year last past
amounts to eighty-fve. At this rate few
years will solve the prison problem in that
state, and who will deserve the credit?
Surely not the dispenser of liquid tightening
the agent of Hades.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12
AN AVERAGE JUDGMENT.

The Peoria Journal in a comment upon
Warden McClaughry's recent appointment
as superintendent of the Huntington pa. }
reformatory. after speaking on the War
denis luck, and favor at the hands of the
gods. says:
1t is probable that he will 60 to Pennsyl-
vania because that institution is on a line
with the work he has been advocating for
long time that is. the reformation of
criminals between the ages of fifteen and
twenty five years. This is a very taking
idea. The truth is. however, that criminals
are as much the result of heredity as any
other class and they are not to be changed
in their nature suddenly and by means Of a
few good words. They are all right so
long as they are in a refOrmatOry, where
they can't do wrong If they wish. but no
sooner are they allowed their freedom than
they suffer relapse. This was known in
old times. For the scriptural phrase says:
"Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the
leopard his spOts?" However. the major is
an expert in these matters and he may re-
duce the whole thing to science.
This is all average Judgment. While not
saying it in so many words the inference is
30 strong that it cannot be escaped, that an
innate of reformatory and criminal are
)ne and the same thing, viz: one guilty of
crime. No degree of criminality being rec
Ognized; no chance for ever living Alright
possible after once committing crime; all
inmates criminals, all criminality eternal,
unchanging. because the result of heredity.
Applying the scriptural quotation, it is
quite probable that no effort will be made
to change the color of the skin. or hair, or
shape of the ears, in the refOrmatory re-
ferred to; but that young men may violate
a law, or even live criminal lives in the
truest sense of the word, and still be re-
stored to society. useful members of any
community. cannot be questioned by any
one who has given the subject proper in
vestigation. Major McClaughry knows
this. the Peoria philosopher to the contrary,
notwithstanding. 1t is this hasty. selfish,
don,ineering Judgment pronounced upon
every man the moment he is found to have
violated law which is denominated a
crime, that raises the barriers between the
law-breaker and the rest of mankind, and
man as unfit for society. regardless of
the moral condition of said society," A lit
tie of the spirit of common sense and for
giveneSs on the line of the teaching of
Jesus Christ would result advantage
Ously to the law breaker, as we'll as COM
munity at large The Peoria gentleman
can see no farther than that terminals
are not to be changed in their natures sud-
denly and by means of a few good words"
He is dealing with question, without the
exercise of reason, that has received the
lifetime labors of some of the most talented
men of the century, and his conclusion is
opposite to theirs, but identical. with that
reached by great many people who pass
for good citizens in world of cold indif.
ference to every thing in life outside of
their own narrow, selfish existence.
No personalities will be published in these
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12

The most valuable, pure, useful aud du-
rable of all metals is tried gold; so is tried
faith among all the christian virtues.-J.
W. Jackson.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12

No personalities will be published in these
columns without the consent of 1.-THE other
fellow" This applies especially to contro-
verSies between inmates. 1t is no part of
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12
Carl PretZelss Philosophy

A mole on der ground vas more worth as four
on der complexion.
Dot time has f1ewed when a Teller Good sold his
rich frows tresses und lif on der money he got for
dot.
Der reason Why dhere many Zig fools in
der vorldt vas because efery Teller thinks he a
Solomon.
1t dnod vas der Teller dot shpends der most gelt
for his church pew dot gets der softest seat
in der church above.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12

The power behind the thrown is the
horse over whose head he was thrown
Park Region Pioneer.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12

You never hear the bee complain,
Nor hear it weep nor wall;
But if you wish it can unfold
A very painful tail.
Washington Critic.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12

What an object of pity man is whose
extreme dignity will not allow him 70 have
any fun i'm this wOrld.-Texas Siftings.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-12

7wgsaszRA A large number of SUBJ
@ scriptions to THE MIRROR
&&zJ expired with the last issue.
AS we have no outside agent. those who
wish their paper discontinued will confer a
favor by notifying us, by mail or otherwise.
While it would be gratifying to us to have
all our old patrons continue on our list, we
do not wish to force The MIRROR upon
any one. Failing to receive notice to dis
continue we shall take it for granted that a
continuance is desired.
Waco evening news. (Waco, Tex.) 1888-1889, 1888-12-14
ALL SORTS.

"That boy of ours is getting to be a
terrible story teller" said Mr.. Charity.
"Yes," assented his wife, che tells
fibs on the slightest prevarication." =
Puck.
Mistress Ito Bridget, who is clean
ing window in the second story: Ger
aldine, man has just rang the base
ment bell. Bridgett--"Ask him up to
the parlor and till him Oil be down
in jiffy." Time.
Bella: "What are you making
grimaces in the glass for, my dear?"
Della: I'm trying to practice look of
establishment. Some Of my friends
are going to give me surprise party
to-night." Town Topics.
"George, dear, what beautiful dia-
mond butterfly, it looks ready to fly"
81 don't see why it wants to Ay,"
growled George, "Heaven knows it's
high enough now. The roll-plate
counter is at the other end of the
store. Come on. "---Jeweler's Weekly.
A Practical Education Glen, to
Uncle Rastus: Gam 20 gibbin dat
boy oh yours on education, Uncle Ras.
tus2" Uucle Rastus: swell, dom
SEN him to school yit, but he kin tell
a Philadelfy spring chicken in de dark
quicker nor I can; dat's practikle edi-
cation. Time huff fer him ter git into
de classicks."
After their return: The Baronet-- :.
81 see there has been q great fire in
New York" The Lady Frances
'In New York; Fancy We cav
New York, didn't WEI" The Baronet
---"Why, Of course, my dear. We
were there week. Don't you re-
member an enormous town with ash.
barrels and garbage in front Of the
houses?" life.
Alfonso de Beriot: "You say you
are not superstitious; but would you
dare to be married Friday?" Marie
"Whatl Next Friday? Why dear AL
fonse, you are SO sudden and so un.
conventional" "You quite misunder
stand me; l protest---I didn't propose
"That's all right, Alfonso, you didn'
propose as they usually do, but l lik,
it just the same. Yes, dear, it shall
! be Friday" Alfonso swoons.- Car
toon.
Waco evening news. (Waco, Tex.) 1888-1889, 1888-12-14

A syndicate, consisting of the Ed.
son Electric company, Messrs. Nc.
nan and Conway, engineers, and sever.
al Montreal capitalists, have purchas-
ed from the Matthews estate for 500.
900 the Isle au Heron, which is stu.
ated right in the center Of the La.
chine Rapids. 1t is stated that the
syndicate purposes utilizing the mag.
nifcent water power, which can be OBJ.
tanned by deepening the natural chan.
mel by which the island is intersected,
and by directing large body Of water
through it by means of breakwaterl
and dams. The company proposes
rendering for the lighting Of the city
of Montreal by electricity, as we'll al
furnishing private houses, manufacto'
ries and other establishments with tn.
light.
Waco evening news. (Waco, Tex.) 1888-1889, 1888-12-14

Mrs. James G. Blanc, Jr., has on
nounced that she will carry out the
plan which her marriage interrupted,
OF becoming professional actress. She
was ready for the experiment, and had
engaged herself in manner with Mod
jeska, when several weeks lawn tennis
Irritation with young Blaine at Long
Branch diverted her from the project
She has never done any acting public
ly, although she had trained for tn.
purpose before her unfortunate we'd
lock. since her recent recovery from
serious illness, and her final separation
from her husband, she has assumed
practice with a dramatic teacher.
week ago, partly by way Of trial Of he
skill, she recited at reception at Az
gust Belmont's.
Waco evening news. (Waco, Tex.) 1888-1889, 1888-12-14

Montreal has been having gas
plague. which correspondent thus
describes: As soon as the gas was lit
in room sulphuric vapor arose in
the room which produced burning
and suffocating sensation in the
throat and sick headaches, aud many
cases of actual prostration reported.
The hotels where gas is burned have
been uninhabitable, guests being
forced to leave their rooms and walk
the streets to breathe fresh air. In
the stores and workshops where gas
is absolutely necessary all the doors
and windows have to be kept opon,
Notwithstanding the cold in order To
get relief from the intolerable stencil
In houses furnished with gas stoves il
is impossible to live, and the food has
to be cooked by the neighbors. In
the streets not lighted by electricity
the very air seems permeated by thu
poisonous gas. The superintendent
said the trouble was due to new re
torts and would soon be over.