davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
THEY PRODUCED RAIN.
THE GOVERNMENT EXPERIMENTS
IN TEXAS A SUCCESS.
A Widespread Rain-storm Which Insures
Winter CROSS Rewards Their e.
forts-The Experiments to Be
Continued Next Week.
From the st. Louis Reuublic,

MIDLAND, Tex, Aug. 19.-Your
correspondent has just reached this
point after driving twenty-five
miles through mud and water from
the Morris ranch, where the Gov
ernment rainfall expedition is
located. General Dyrenforth and
his party have again achieved sue.
cess in their efforts to produce rain
fall by artificial means, and all this
region is rejoicing in heavy and
widespread rain-storm, which in
sures winter grass and averts the
distress which few weeks more of
dry weather would have brought.
This is the second heavy rain On
the Morris ranch which has fallen
inside of eight days, besides sew
eral light showers, and there seems
to be no reasonable doubt that the
rain-makers deserve considerable
credit for the copiousness ofthe fall.
Ten days ago the experimenters
began operations, and they have
kept up a continual skirmish since
that time. Some of the most pow
erful apparatus has not been used
to great extent, but large quanti-
ties of rock-a-rock mixture, dyna-
mite and oxyhydrogen gas have
been exploded on the ground, from
kites and in balloons. The read.
ings of the instruments which Prof.
Curtis, of the Smithsonian Insti.
tute, brought from the Weather
Bureau atWashington clearly show
that the operations have had mark
ed effects upon meteorological con-
ditions and have produced definite
and practical results. The con-
tinued series of explosions last
week resulted Monday night il an
unsettled condition of the atmos-
phere, light broken clouds foated
overhead and the moonlight shone
brightly between them. A heavy
charge of rock-a-rock was fred for
more than fifty spectators, and
forty seconds after the explosion
followed the observers were treated
20 the rare sight OF a beautiful lunar
rainbow. This operation was re-
peated four times during the even
ing, when light cloud came di-
rectly overhead and in every case
the rain fell in from twelve to for
ty seconds. The firing was re-
doubled Tuesday and the clouds
gathered and formed steadily all
day until 6 p. m. the rain again
began to fall. Before 10 O'Clock
this whole region was drenched
and soaked.
Still more effective apparatus
will be brought into operation to-
morrow, and the rain-makers ex-
pect to see third storm over the
arid Llano Estacado before the
week is out. If so, the prairie
dogs will get a drowning out, which
has been almost unprecedented.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

The Moberly Monitor says: Col.
Bass Runkle, of the Mexico LED
GER, passed through the city to-day
en- route to the Paris fair. He has
been absent from home for over 8
week in the interests of the paper.
He gets twenty to thirty subscri-
bers at every station. Bass is no
relation to the man in Mexico who
can drink out of a jug and whistle
at the same time.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

The Barths leave next Monday
on their eastern pilgrimage after
goods. They will combine forces
as usual and will return with bar.
gains of all sorts. They promise
their patrons some surprising low
prices this fall.-Colunsbia Herald.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

CAPT. K. G. MATHEsoN, Com
mandant of the Missouri Military
Academy, is home from success
full tour of the Southern States in
the interest of that institution.
Capt. Matheson is one of the best
equipped men for the place he oc-
cupies that we know of in the
United States.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Now we have another flying
machine. This one is known as q
"sky-bicycle," and it will doubt
less make wonderfully rapid tran
sit when it is drawn around the
country on the fast freight trains.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
Gen. John M, Palmer tickles u

Gen. John M. Palmer tickles US
muchly when he keeps saying :
"This thing of asking aid from the
Government for every imaginable
i'll reminds me-" said Gen. Palmer,
'of the gruff old fellow who On con-
tributing 10 cents to the missionary
collection added a dollar to get the
dime to the heather. If the Gov
eminent helps US to the extent of
10 cents it will cost the people 81
to pay the expense"
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

The Galloway Gazette says Edi-
tor White, of the Mexico LEDGER,
who dosen't know as much about
the hicks in hoss teeth as he does
about the hicks in brewer, has
purchased a colt q years OF age,
he is trying to get out of it by pre-
tending that he values him on &C.
count of his "staying'' power.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

MEXICO people have a peculiar
way of showing their appreciation
for the large turnouts which always
visit Mexico on every public oc-
casion from the east end of the
county. Barely one-half a dozen
people attended the Tariff Reform
picnic at Vandalia from Mexico,
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

The white house has been refit.
ted and sumptuously decorated un.
der the Harrison direction and the
public are interested IN learning
whether this is a generous act of
forethought on Mr.. Harrison's part
or only the indulgence of a selfish
and sybaritic taste.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Ayers Hambletonian, belonging
to Wood Maddox, trotted third in
the 2:35 trot at Ssdalia. Time,
2:35 IL, 2:34 3-4 and 2:36. Honesty
won the 2:1S pace and Romeo the
0.93 trot
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

The st. Louis Chronicle says:
There was an immense patch OF
Canada thistles along a highway in
Audrain county, and q pailanthro-
pic farmer, living five miles from
the pestilence, drew a load of coarse
salt and scattered it among them
and not q thistle now survives.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

DR.. W. A. Levin, tho celebrated
optician, we'll known in Mexico,
writes to the LEDGER that he will
be here about August 81, to remain
a week or ten days. He says this
will be his last visit to Mexico for
some time, as he is going to Europe
in the spring.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
Lost.

A reliable rumor from Laddonia,
Mo-, says that ex.County Recorder
T. T. Torreyson went to the ex.
Confederate reunion at Kansas
City. Just as reliable q rumor
from Kansas City says that ex-
County Recorder T. T. Torreyson
did not attend the reunion. The
question which now agitates the
minds of the public in this part of
the great commonwealth is, where
is T. T. T.? If he did not go to
Kansas City, where did he go?
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
A Card.


To the Editor OF the Ledger.
MEXICO, Mo-, August 21.-DEAR
SIR: I have just noticed a new
edition of G. L. Benefits false
hoods. You know they are the
genuine article from the label
which I will get you to place on
them without numbering them
or mentioning any one of them in
particular, for his article abounds
with them of the most spurious
character. l close, therefore, by
labelling his entire article with the
following label, to-wit: unmixed
falsehood. s. L. Woody.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Geo. Adams, Jr., while loading
lumber in Mexico this week, had
a rubber coat stolen. George says
that he don't care anything about
the price of the coat, but would
like to know the thief for his own
satisfaction,
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

An investigation of the affairs of
the defunct Citizens bank at Ne
vada does not afford groand for be-
lief that the depositors will re-
cover any of their money. They
hope, though, to put three of the
officers in the penItentisry.-Kan-
sas City Star.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
The Wire Nail.

The twisted wire nail-a CROSS
between a screw and the ordinary
plain wire Nails said to be work
ing it's way into popular favor, and
is believed to represent as great an
improvement upon the plain wire
nail as that useful invention is over
the old cut nail. The twisted wire
nail not only crushes the fibers of
the wood less than the two other
forms of nail, but by its screw shape
possesses a much greater holding
power than the other forms.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

]. N. BAsKETT, of this city, who
has q we'll deserved reputation
among the Metropolitan papers of
the East as a fine literary scholar
and able writer, has a splendid
article in the Scientific American
this week, which gives q vivid ac-
count of the tornado, which devas-
tated the northern portion of this
county last spring. Mr.. Baskets
writings are all of q high character
and worthy Of close reading.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
LEVI CHuRBucK Secretarv n,

LEVI CHuBBUcK, Secretary of
the State Board of Agriculture,
writes to the editor OF this paper
that arrangements are being made
to have q convention of road over
seers in Mexico on the same dates
that the road grader contest takes
place. There will be mass meet
ings in each county in the State on
September 9th, to elect delegates,
each county being entitled to five
representatives.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
Rules for Visitors,

Sir Walter Scott said that three
days were the most that anyone
should stay anywhere as an in
vited guest. "One day to rest; one
day to be dressed, and one day to
be pressed"-to stay longer. But
the rule hardly applies to a visitor
to the penitentiarY.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
No Sale for Lemons.

A glut in the lemon market has
been brought on by immense i'm
portations. One hundred and fifty
thousand boxes were sold at o loss
of $500, 600 to the growers. There
are now in this port three steamers
with 1000 Noxes aboard and no
sale for any of them.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

+. 8. RAIDER, editor of theBruns-
wick Bruasaoicker has writthn and
published a complete and acurate
history ofMissouri to be used in the
public schools. Mr.. RAIDER is a
clear and forcible writer posted on
the work he has just finished.
There is no question but what this
is fair and unbiased history and Just
sucha book AS has long been needed.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

The LEDGER secured large
number of subscribers at the Van
dalia picnic this week. The sun
never shown on better people than
those who live around Vandalia
and they know a good newspaper
when they see it,
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Rev. M. Kraft has engaged Miss
Carrie Sproul to assist in his bus
mess college. Miss Carrie is a
graduate OF Hardin College and q
teacher of experience. She is q
fine scholar and q good teacher.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

lie says by a prolonged pull the
Mexico papers have made Audrain
county the horse centre of the
State. All of which is very COR
rect, but if those interested in hav-
ing the county honored with such
distinction, do not bestir them
selves and give the stock men a
better track, they will soon find
their business waning. Whoop
'em up, boys.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

PRESIDENT A. K. Yancy, OF
Harden College is meeting with
splendid success in his canvass for
this institution. Texas alone will
have all the way from Is to 25
young ladies in attendance at this
school next session.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
Mark Twain.s Tobacco.

Mark Twain's tobacco account
must be large one, for he consum,
es over 5000 cigars in year 1t is
said that he allows himself 800
cigars a month that he cannot
work well without continuous smo-
king /; and when at the age of 81, he
made a determined effort and left
off the habit for year and half,
he realized that "a weedless life
would not be worth living.'
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

A CARD in to-day's LEDGER from
s. L. Woody closes the Bennett
Woody controversy as far as the
LEDGER is concerned. unless these
gentlemen furnish US an item
which one-or the other would not
have an opportunity to read.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

WHEAT is selling at so cents a
bushel in Laddonia. Tom Yates
raised splendid crop of wheat and
is getting that price for it. Tom
has also been offered SIS an acre
FOR his corn in the field.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

THE ex-Confederate Home at
Higginsville, Mo-, is now an es-
tablished fact. The bills are all
paid and an endowment fund ex-
lists of over $4,000 which will
likely be 100000 inside of one
wear,
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Joe Pratt is improving his resi-
dence property by putting several
hundred dollars on it. When he
gets through he will have one of
the cosiest homes in the city.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

The Kansas City Star says: An
Audrain county man sold a span of
muIee the other day for 1915. Is
the scepter departing from the
kingdom of Galloway.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

On Saturday Aug. 29th. there
will be a big picnic given by the
Rush Hill Union. This picnic
promises to be largely attended and
some splendid speakers will be
preSent
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

T. II. Blanton, ofnear Youngers,
has calf out of short horned
COW, that at birth weighed 1S4
pounqs. Who can beat it?-Guard
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Moore & Howell, as agents for
John M. Meneiee, to-day sold to
Christ Mates, 1865 acres of land
near Rush Hill for S3,712.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

The Louisiana, Mo-, Press is 10
years old and one of the brightest
and newsiest papers published in
Missouri which is saying a great
deal.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

The new $500 organ just put'
chased by the Presbyterian Church
has arrived and was placed In po.
sition Saturday.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

A negro by tho name of Price,
claiming Mexico, Mo. as his hone,
was shot and killed at Atchison,
Kas., the first of the week.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

"Old Hutch" says that wheat is
going to $3.50 a bushel. sold
Hu.ch'' generally knows what he
is talking about.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
THE yANDALIA PICNIC.
A Large Crowd and a Grand Social
Time Enjoyed By People of
Four Counties.

always, and when it comes to pic
mics is away up in G. The annual
social gathering of Audrain, Rails,
bike and Montgomery counties was
held there Thursday with from 81
600 to 1900 people in attendance.
Rain prevented the crowd from
numbering twice that many. The
picnic was held in Uncle Aaron
McPike's maple grove, adjacent to
town, a most beautiful spot. The
pleasant affair was gotten up by
several enterprising citizens of
Vandalia, and the town reaped a
rich reward in every respect. The
people down there manage picnics
like they do everything else, sue
cessfally. Everybody threw care
aside and went in for enjoyment.
Not great many were present in
the forenoon, but after dinner the
crowd dropped in all at once, as if
from the clouds. Hon. Richard
Dalton, Rails county's distinguish
ed son and orator, was the chief
speaker. Mr.. Dalton entertained
his hearers for an hour on the
political issues of the day, making
rattling good speech. A balloon
ascension was feature of the day.
| The great air ship swayed to. and
fro for forty minutes while being
inflated and was finally cut loose.
The aeronaut assembled swinging to
bar and when at great distance
cut his parachute from the balloon
and gradually and gracefully de-
cended, alighting east of town.
The baby show brought out num-
Der of pretty children. The prize
was awarded to Mr.. and Mrs. Jami-
sons baby. The fat mans race
was won by Pat Cullen, of the
Leader, with Willard Potts, of this
city, second. Atnight the ladies of
the Presbyterian Church gave an
ice cream festival in Laird's large
hall, which was extensively patron.
lied. The ball at Watkins & Brat
toms Opera House was a success
socially and financially, being one
of the largest attended ever held
in Vandalia. The music for the
picnic was made by Men. MayhalI's
silver cornet band of New London,
and was frst-class. 1t is as good
little band as there is in this State.
Their instruments are all new and
were donated by the generous citi-
zens of New London. 1t was real
ly surprising to listen to the diff
cult music executed without a dis
cordant note by Mr.. .Mayhall's band.
The LEDeER's Brigadier-G General
and Lieutenant-C Colonel mixed with
the throng and without any special
effort picked up twenty-six new
subscribers, the best men in that
end of the county, to be added onto
the biggest subscription list of any
papar IN this section of Missouri.
It is a way the LEDGER has,
dontcher know, of circulating around
among its patrons and friends.
Long live Vandalia, her good
people and her big picnics.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
Cooling.

From the Marshall Progress.
Ever abreast of the times the
Mexico LEDGER publishes long
article on Show TO Get to the
North Pole" The topic is cool
and refreshing lust now.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

THE price of wheat is becoming
very steady, with the prospect OF
being higher. Wheat should be
worth 81 a bushel in the field.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Mrs. ]. L. Andrews is very i'll
with neuralgia of the heart at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. c. l..
Myers, st. Louis.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

PEOPLE who are trying to name
the next Governor of Missouri
should not overlook Col. Stone, of
Nevada, and Judge James Gibson,
of Kansas CITY.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

If Mexico had a mile track at
the Fair Grounds there would be
from so to 100 horses located here
the wear round for training.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Lakenan d Barnes to-day sold
their so acre farm,l IL miles north
of Rush Hill, to Sarah A. Wood
son, of Lincoln county, for 50, 600.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Harrison Bros. have their trot-
ting horse, Dick Smith, out on ths
farm at present.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

THE Blame boom appears to be
spreading and deepening. Penn
sylvania is solid for the ''sick
man."
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

THE Fayette (Mo.) Advertiser,
referring 10 the necessity Of mile
track in Mexico, says: The Repa6.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Hon. GEORGE T. DUNN, of Lin
coin county, is prominently men
toned for State Senator from this
district.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

The 7-year-old son of Mr.. and
Mrs. James Bunton fell from tree
Thursday, and broke his arm.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

F. M. Johns, the contractor, is
back in Mexico to stay and has
opened a shop.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

MARTINsBURG is asking for a new
bank, and from what we know OF
that city it would be we'll patron
i1od
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

The Hannibal Journal is one of
the best country dailies we know of
anywhere.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Born, to Mr.. and Mrs. w. Hulen,
South Mexico. Aug. Goth, a daugh-
ter,
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Candidates for county Offices
have already begun deadening tim
ber.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Nearly all the teachers who at
tended theAudrainC County Teachers
Institute secured certificates.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

The city jail at present contains
five prisoners. Business unusually
good.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
Hard Wood Lumber,

Hard oak lumber at Wholesale
and retail. Sawed to order. Ap.
ply to G. G. Wilburn, saw mill !,
Mexico, Mo-, d e. W If.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
SAMPLE Cory FREE.
GROVER CLEVELAND is the man

VANDALIA knows how to run a
picnic, rains or shine.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

DR.. J. s. Potts has our thanks
for late California papers.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

Hold your wheat and you will
get 81, for it,
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27

THERE is no better country In
the world than that surrounding
Vandalia, Audrain county, Mo.
Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1891-08-27
Well Borer Wanted.

Any party who has machinery
for boring wells will please apply
to J. z. johnson, Mexico, Mo.
The White Pine news. [volume] (Treasure City, Nev.) 1868-1906, 1891-02-28
Our Own Opinion

Now that the subject of calling a
Constitutional Convention has been
finally disposed of by the vote of the
Senate on the 18th instant, and as we
have given the views expressed by
the advocates of the measure and
would gladly have given the reasons
put forth by its opponents, but we
have seen none, except that stolid
roll CALLS to Git may not be out
OF place to record our own hum bic
opinion OH the subject.
Aud to- begin with, we are not OF
those who intimate that every Sena-
tor who voted "no" did so from sell
fish motives against the public veal.
They are our fellow citizens, and
many Of them have as much interest
In the welfare and prosperity of the
State as those who voted saye." We
believe the motives that actuated the
majority-while in conflict with pub
lie sentiment and republican institn-
tions-is purely one of public econ
omy. There Is no question but a
Constitutional Convention would cost
the people in the neighborhood of
100000, with probability that when
its work were sub mitted to the people
for ratification they would reject it..
For this, and other reasons, hereto
fore given in these columns, we voted
against Convention last November
and see no good reason to change that
opinion now. We believe the major
ity in the Senate look at The matter
in tho same light.
But, were we member of the Leg
islature, our personal antagonism to
a Convention could not for a moment
lead us to sit down on very simple
method of ascertaining the will of the
people as expressed at the ballot-box.
And when We did find out what the
people wanted, their will would be :.
come our duty. AS we look at it, the
question is, "Does the end justify the
means" adopted by the Senate? We
believe it does not.
The White Pine news. [volume] (Treasure City, Nev.) 1868-1906, 1891-02-28
The Free Coinage Bill Buried.

On the Goth instant, the House
Coinage Committee, by a vote OF
eight to four, decided to report the
Senate Free Coinage bill adversely,
with recommendation that it do n OF
pass.
The four members in the minority
were Carter, Bartine, Bland, Williams.
The two first named are Republicans
and the two last are Democrats. The
majority was Wickham, Walker,
Comstock, Knapp and Taylor, Re-
publicans, and Tracy, Wilcox and
Vaux, Democrats.
When the free coinage men found
they were defeated in the Senate Fret
Coinage bill, Carter moved as sub.
stitute to the first, bill for the free
coinage OF the American product, and
the next one for the purchase OF ten
millians of silver for three months
and six millions each month there.
after. Both were defeated. Only
Carter, Bartine and Bland voted for
the first and Carter and Bartine fol-
the second proposition.
Thus ends the gigantic struggle
made for free coinage in the fifty-firsl
Congress.