davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24
cAurch G,opth in Large Cities.

The apostles of free thought in the
religious domain are fond of asserting
that Christianity is on the decline-that
it is losing its hold upon civilized ma
tons. Statistics do not bear out this
claim so far as the United States are
concerned, as it is easily shown that the
increase Of church communicates in this
country is in greater ratio than in 5he
increase in population. The statistics
OF the great Protestant bodies show un-
usual activity in church building and
evangelization, and there never was
time when the young were more gener-
ally or systematically trained in the
principles of Christianity than now
through the medium of the Sunday
schools. 1t is probable, however, that
in the great cities, which are the centers
of population madly intent on the ma
terial gain Of the present life the claim
that religion is on the decline in propor-
ton to population will not tend to be
warranted by the facts. The figures
showing the relative growth of the var
ious religious bodies in New York dur
ing that period are interesting. The
Protestant Episcopal Church heads the
list, both in total membership and in
ratio OF increase. The total number Of
communicates is placed at 33,eO3 and
the ratio OF increase during five years at
3l.74 per cent, ratio twice as great as
that OF the increase in population. #
all the other denominations could make
as good showing the prospect of evan
gehzlng the population Of the CITY would
very hopeful. The Presbvterians
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24
THE CHILDREN.
Persian Legend Of a
Little Boy and the
Robbers.
FUNNY FACTS AND FANCYES.
A Story of Alice Weeks, and How She
Became a Gentle, Lcvable, and
Useful Girl.
A Persian Legend.

1t is related of Persian mother, Oh
giving her son forty pieces of silver as
his portion, that she made him swea,
never to tell lie, and said: Go, my
son, consign thee to God; and we shall
not meet here again till the day OF
judgment"
The youth went away, and the party
he travelled with were assaulted by rob-
bers. One fellow asked the boy what
he had, and he answered with candor
that surprised his questioner:
Forty dinars are sewed in my gar
ments.'
The robber laughed, thinking the
boy tested. Another asked him the
same question and received the same
answer At last the chief called him
and asked him what he had. The boy
replied:
Il have told two of your people al
ready that 1 have forty dinars sewed up
in my clothes"
The chief ordered his clothes to be
ripped open, and the money was found.
"And how came you to tell this ?"
Because" replied the boy, Il would
not be false to my mother, whom I SOL
emily promised never to tell u lie"
Child" said the chief, "art thou so
mindful of thy duty to thy mother,
while I am insensible, at my age, of the
duty I owe to God? Give me thy hand,
that 1 may swear repentance on it.. He
did so and his followers were struck
with the scene.
You have been our leader in guilt"
they said to the chief; "be the same in
the paths of virtue" And taking the
boys hand, they took the oath Of re-
llantance on it.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24
What Shall We Do sritA Theme.

There are many persons who are pre-
pared to accept large part of the doc
trines of Christianity, but not the whole;
and there is reason to believe that their
number is on the increase. The, rela-
ton of the church to this class is, often
a problem presenting serious difficulties.
Peter and John had to be led
into the truth gradually. If, In the be-
ginning, the Gospel in all it's fullness
had been presented, and an u11condi-
tional acceptance or rejection O. it's
teachings had been demanded. could
they at once have understood or be-
ieved the whole? Even when Jesus
left His disciples He told them that He
had many things yet to say unto, them,
but they could not bear them. It is
evident that they were trained step by
step, and that by this process they grad
ual1y grew into one truth after another.
From the known they were led to the
unknown. AS they had received Jesus
Christ the Lord at any particular time,
so they walked in Him. And this gives
hint as to how to deal with the nu-
-merous cases mentioned above. These
persons must be taught and trained.
Instead of robbing them of whatever
they have received of Christ and thus
thrusting them into the world, they are
to be dealt with in the spirit of Christ.
The faith which is small as a grain of
mustard seed is to be developed by Civ
ing it the peculiar direction and nour-
ishment needed. -Homi1itic Revier.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24
Month Making Note OF.

Every time I refuse drink of liquor
I am improving my manhood.
Every time 1 spend dollar foolishly
lam opening pauper's grave.
Every time pay rent I am taking SO
muchaway from u home of my own.
Every time speak a Kind word . am
adding g brick to my temple of man
hood.
Every time i buy an article I am en-
couraging the manufacture or producer.
Every time I pay debt I am doing
right and helping toput money in Cir
culation.
Every time I refrain from speaking
in defense Of friend [ prove that I am
not q friend.
Every time I speak cross and impetu-
ously I'm weakening my nerve power
and adding to the misery Of others.
Those who place their hope in another
world have in great measure conquered
dread of death and unreasonable love of
life.
Here joys that endure forever fresh
and in vigor, are opposed to satisfac-
lions that are attended with safety and
surfeits, and fatter in the very tasting.
The fortitude of a Christian consists
in patience, not in enterprises which the
poets call heroic, and which are COM
monty the effects of interest, pride, and
worldly honor.-Dry- Goods Chronicle.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24

come next n the list with 23o1e
bers, but with q ratio Of increase ~ - alen'
$50 per cent. The Baptists ars th my
with 1857 members and ratio ' INN
crease of but 5.06 per cent. Nert H.
the Methodists. usually the most aca uons
i've of all the denominations, VIII 3a,e is
9s1 members and q ratio of incre.s
but 1.12percent. The'Reformed Du t VI
the Oldest Of all the New York cbns sa
organizations, reports 1881 MENU ea
with s per cent. increase. Will :,
Congregationalists report but . s e,'e
members, and show an actual loss ~ g.
years of 5.7s'per cent. It would hn i've
teresting to know how much of ~ ~
growth in the Episcopal Church l. a tI's
to conversions from infdelity and b Hue
much to s,,btractions from other deno NV"
nations. Is the increase from amou
the poor or middle class Or chiefly froas
among the wealthy and fashionah lu =
Is the slow growth of the other denna,
nations due to'lack of aggressive yitali4r
or is part of it accounted for by the ny
moval of their own members to- snl,,,.
ban towns, in which they help to swo1,
and sustain new congregations and n..t
of it by transitions to the Episcona,
Church? The figures do reveal har wv
ever, to the dullest mind the fact that
New York furnishes an ample missionary
field for all its denominations, and that
those which make the most careful st,,dv
of existing conditions, and adapt them
selves most nearly to those condition,
will have the greatest success.-Philo.
delphia Times.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24
FATTENING aBOY on FLIES.

A strange case of perverted taste is
reported from Indian Creek, in the
vicinity Of Martins Mills, Georgia. A
boy of about ten years of age has ac-
quired mania for eating flies, and will
turn away from the daintiest dishes for
this. his favorite diet.
The family have no idea how he con-
tracted this disgusting habit, and all
efforts to break him of it have proved in
vain, says the Clifton Times. He eats
them, he says, because he loves them,
and resorts to all kinds of schemes to
catch them.
He says his little brother likes them
as we'll as he does, but is too lazy to
catch them.
The boy is a bright little fellow, keeps
well and hearty, and can't be brought to
see how lothsome and sickening the
matter is to others.
The bare idea of swallowing q fiv
gives one the nausea, but to know that a
human being, for no other purpose than
to eat them, catches them by the whole
sale, brushes them in his hands and
ticks them off his fingers. Ugh!
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24
ME for social success and advisable to

hte for social success and advisable to
brow
She gets her white capped and
Sproned maid to assist at rehearsals,
and then practices the proper curves of
limbs, body, and arms until she can
:ssry Reg parasol a la noiltaire or be-
witch fer best beau by climbing the
garden trellis with serpentine graceful
Hess
Ideal summer gowns are not much
trimmed The material and outlines
arc desirably varied, and little en-
'bmidexy or Il few knots of ribbon are
depended upon to complete the desired
:results-
Indeed, it is great mistake at all
times to over triam gown. Slender
ladies can stand a good many extra
foEtls, and fullness Of drapery is per-
nnlsslble, but gewgaws are apt to prove
aistracfing to an eye of good taste.
1t was never less necessary than this
season, as the designs Of most of the
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24
LATEST FASHIONS
Stylish Adornments for the
Feminine Form d.
zine.
S0ME LATE DEGREES OF FASH.
ION.
RAs1 70 Feor and How to Wear r.
S.sAss IN Costumes. Hats, Bonnets,
Jewelry. ETC., Etc.
Ey ANNIE f. MYERS.

Theatrical managers tell us that the
hrnt2ern sx,eicty belle takes naturally to
The stage
III the first place, the society melo-
dramas and comedies are peculiarly
susceptible of introducing real society
ra;naners, In other words, the stage is
often osre part of society surrounded by
footllghts IN front and painted canvas
at fine back, at which another part comes
sssf SITS Ell cnshioued seats and gazes
tslnn.
In the second place, the society
wan1an does not think herself ready
fox butterfly missions in life until after
she has gune through much the same
training oHr best actresses subject
fhsmseiscs to. Each goes to teacher
tsa hsacn TO stand and walk, how to cor
rectyy enter and leave room, and how
tts manage Il trained dress and sit down.
AZ This ~ AS religiously studied as are
tfse latest steps in dancing and the
newest fads III fashions All the knowl-
edge fhus acquired is SO much capital
inr theatrical career.
En- illustrating three modish toilets
we at the same time give faint idea of
the many positions young lady maxi
lng the ssayety rounds will find availa-
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24
TIE THING NE C1EL. CIVILIZI-
TT1R

Every since the conditions of the free
ing of the slaves in Brazil has been
made known, thoughtful people are
heard asking how it happens that q
country Of which so little was known as
Brazil happened to be SO far advanced
in thought and humanity. She seems
to have done an act that leaves the peo-
pie who have been boasting of their ad-
vanced civilization away behind as a
matter Of contrast. Perhaps we will
discover by and by that the thing We
call civilization admits of many inter
pretations other than those we are most
prone to think Of. Another interesting
feature in the great Brazil movement is
the important part played in it by Dom
Pedro's daughter, the Princess Isabella,
who has acted in her fathers stead. Ho"
happens this feminine comprehensive
ness of view and craftsmanship in
land whence no clamor about "rights
and higher education" reach u.s.
Boston Advertiser.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24

prctty summer gowns are uncommonly
varied and attractive
Take, for example, the princess cos
tulne In our second illustration. First,
the best Gobelin blue Henrietta cloth is
used Smooth, rich, and elegant is it's
effect. Then the smooth, straight back
Is d model OF style in it's fit. The
-hole front is fall of soft India
silk reaching from the collar to the
shoe tips made over close-fitting prin-
Gesx lining. The soft fullness is held
IN graceful lines by girdle-like bands
formed as a part of the coat The out
lines are peculiarly unique. This style
bf front has been called the Bernhardt,
and <Sat actress much affected just
auch outlines when last playing in the
United States. .Her :; Fedora dresses
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24

with jaunty revers reaching to the
waist, a sash tied just before the right
hip, will create CONSERVATION and ad-
miration when its wearer steps on
board for sail. Instead of the round
hat of the common sailor, my lady has
also adapted for her own dedication,
and trimmed up with feathers and
ribbons, the captains own head-cover-
ing, the visored cap. Nothing is sacred
in her estimation when it comes to her
own personal adornment. No ono will
deny there is anything too good for a
pretty, stylish girl, good-natured and
jolly, with the thermometer IS degrees
in the shade,
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24

1t is remarkable fact that the caree,
of four of the most renowned characters
that ever lived closed with, some violent
or mournful death.
Alexander. after having climbed thu
dizzy heights of his ambition, and with
temples bound! with chaplets dipped in
the blood of: countless nations looked
down upon a, conquered world, and went
that there was not another one for him
to conquer, set a city on fire, nd,diedin
scene of debauch..
Hannibal, after having, to tile aston
ishment and consideration of Rome,
passed the Alps; after having put to
flight the armies OF; the mistress of the
world, and stripped three bushels Of
gold rings from the fingers of her
slaughtered knights, and made her very
foundation quake;. fed from his native
country, and died.at last by poison, ad.
ministered by his own hands, unla.
mented and unwept, in a foreign land.
Cesar, after having conquered 800
cities, and dyed his hands in the blood
of 1000, 900 of his foes and after having
pursued to death the only rivalle had
on earth, was miserably assassinated by
those considered his nearest friends, and
in that very place the attainment Of
which had been his greatest ambition
Bonaparte, whose mandate kings and
emperors obeyed, after having filled the
earth with the. terror of his name, del.
ugedi it with tears and blood, and
clothed the world with sackcloth, closed
his days in lonely banishment almost
literally exiled from the world, vet
where he could sometimes see his coun-
try's banner waving over the deep, but
which could not or would not bring him
aid.
Thus; four men, WHO seemed to stand
as the representatives Of those whom the
world called great, those four who, each
in turn, made the earth tremble to its
very center by their simple tread,
severally died; one by intoxication, or,
as some suppose, by poison mingled in
his wine; one suicide; one murdered
by his old friend, and one lonely exile.
-Ney York Ledger.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24
Hov Alice Learned to Help.

One cold day in April, Alice Weeks
sat quietly reading in the front parlor.
The other children had gone to the
sugar camp in the maple orchard.
When wild little Alice said, II am go
ing to stay at home and finish my book"
Hal had laughed, and this made Alice
feel very dignifed. SO she walked
straight to the front parlor, where, curled
up in a large chair, she soon became
absorbed in her story.
Mrs. Weeks and Aunt Kate, sitting in
the back parlor, never dreamed of this.
So they talked together very confidently,
as mammas and aunties usually talk
when they think themselves quite alone.
1t was not until Alice stopped to turn q
leaf that she noticed what they were
saying. The she heard Aunt Kate say:
Il wish you would let Jenny go home
with me. 1 will take the entire care of
her clothing for the summer"
eff you will take Alice instead of
Jenny, l will willingly consent" replied
Mrs. Weeks, with sigh Alice dis
tinctly heard.
Aunt Kate hesitated.
'Alice is dear little girl" continued
mamma, "but she is very wild. Jenny
is help to me. I hardly know what I
should do without her."
WELL" replied Aunt Kate, not en-
Enthusiastically, Il will take Alice"
Alice left her chair very quietly, but
before she reached the hall she heard
mamma say:
"She will give you trouble, I fear.
Her mending is quite an item in my
work. She is very careless"
Alice could hardly control her sobs
until she reached her room. How could
mamma say such things of her? Nobody
loved her, mamma wanted to send her
away, and Aunt Kate didn't want her!
She wouldn't go with Aunt Kate-no,
indeed
Alice's tears flowed freely for time;
but soon her sensible little head con-
quered, and she felt that mamma was
right. She remembered the new dress
that she tore at school, the cloak, apron,
and stockings that mamma mended only
yesterday; and she knew why mamma
sighed. She would 60 with Aunt Kate
but she would not be trouble. Il
won't tell mamma now that I heard
what she said; I'll wait until [ come
home; but I'll never, never be trouble
to her again." declared Alice as she
wiped away her tears.
When Aunt Kate asked her if she
would go home with her and be her
little girl for the summer, Alice gave
ready consent.
you don't seem bit glad" said Hal
You can't look into my heart" she
replied; but her pleasure was indeed
lessened by the thought that she was
not her aunts choice.
"Auntie, she asked, shortly after her
arrival at her aunt's house, "will you
teach me to mend and darn while I am
here?"
Mend and darn! Why, yes child"
replied Aunt Kate.
Il want to learn to do all kinds Of
mending - stockings, boys clothes,
white aprons, -1d everything"
"A very sensible idea. What has put
it into your little head, my dear?" asked
Aunt Kate.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24
ONE ADVANTAGE OF BENG "EDI'
C1TED."

Freedwoman Lizzie, a good servant,
was married to an unworthy husband
and made complaint Of his unkindness'
One of the young ladies of the family
in which she served, DESTROYS of know
ing how she happened to be so married,
asked her about their love-making ana
courtship.
Lizzie, what on earth did Watt say
to you to make you marry him."
Law! Miss Sallie," answered Llzzle'
you know couldn't make no answer"
Watt when he come co'tin' Of me, cause
Watts edicated." with guileful WIS
dom of words he "come co'tin' OF her
And, " she continued, she got some On
his words out de joaty and some ens 10
dtcshatna,y. And co'se, you kno"'
Miss Sallie, I couldn't make no Sl''
ance to Watt. Editors Dq'aWef, Z"
Ha17er's Magazine.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-24

Then Alice told her OF the converse
ton she had overheard.
II didn't mean to listen, auntie; 1 went
out very soon; but | think 1 shall not
make YOU so much trouble as mamma
thought" said Alice, tearfully.
Aunt Kate kissed her and called her
a dear child, assuring her that she
would not have liked Jenny Better; and
Alice was comforted. The lessons in
mending began Immediately. 1t was
very tiresome at first, but Alice soon
felt pride in joining together Sits cut in
cotton or wool for purposes of practice,
and if by chance rent was made in
dress or apron, Alice noted the fact with
a;,parant satisfaction.
She enjoyed her summer; and when
her aunt said, I'm sorry to lose you,
my darling; you have been real COM
fort to me-" Alice felt sure she had not
been trouble.
Mamma thought her little girl greatly
improved by the visit. The children
were wild in their delight in herreturn;
and Alice was in danger of drifting into
her old thoughtless, careless habits.
mamma" said Hal, one morning,
"Tve torn my jacket on a nail i'll the
barn. Sect"
The jacket held up for inspection dis
played rent that drew from mamma a
weary sigh, as she said: "Put it on the
sewing Hal. I will mend it
this evening"
Now was Alice's opportunity. NIX
ing the jacket from the sewing-room,
she went to her own room, where, with
door safely locked, she began her task.
Her little work-basket, presented by
Aunt Kate, and stocked for an emer-
gency, was there; and Alice patiently
matched the jagged edges, fastening
them with tiny stitches of fine silk,
sponging and pressing the rough seam
as Aunt Kate had taught, until she felt
almost satisfied with her work.
"I'm glad it isn't his best one," said
Alice, as she viewed it critically.
When mamma brought the jacket to
the sitting-room that evening, Alice for
moment almost regretted her work.
"Where is the rent, Hal?" she in
quired. Il find none"
Hal took the jacket, but was not
more successful than his mother. Mrs.
Weeks finally discovered the neat mend
ing, and with much surprise inquired
who had anticipated her work.
SITS Alice's work, cried Hal. "Look
at her!" Alice hid her face in her
mothers lap.
"Aunt Kate taught me, I wanted to
surprise you," she explained.
You have surprised u.s." replied her
mother; and the praise bestowed upon
her work more than satisfied wild little
Alice.
Il want to help you all I can, mamma,
besides doing my own mending. Aunt
Kate says I can be trusted"
"Alice is great help to me-" wrote
Mrs. Weeks to her sister. 81 am very
grateful to you for the care you have
given her."
But Aunt Kate insists that Alice gave
no trouble, and that it was pleasure to
teach one so DESTROYS of learning and SO
patient in mastering the details of such
homely work.-Zio7l's Herald.