davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-12-01
Look Forward.

Well, dear MIRROR, Thanksgiving
has come and gone. AS all things else
in this mortal world of changes and
chances, the day was all too short-long
enough for us, you will say, and yet it
will never come again to any of us.
What sad thought! How many more
Thanksgiving days are there left to us !?
One, two, five, twenty at the best, per-
haps, and then what? How many of
us have seriously thought of it? But
1 am drifting into too serious vein
for your gentle readers; surely must
be bilious; and that reminds me, what
a gorgeous dinner, and the cherOots af
ter. Here is one who is truly thankful
for it all.
Now then comes our part-IS there
no way we can show our appreciation
of these favOrs? Yes, by applying our
selves diligently and faithfully to the
work allotted us; by living up to the
rules and regulations marked out for
us in an intelligent, manly, and straight
forward manner, Obeying the spirit as
well as the letter of those same laws.
Remembering always that we are here
to suffer for our misdeeds, and if sat
upon rather hard sometimes, yet, as
Secretary Hart aptly said, no one wants
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-12-01
FallaciOuS Critics.

There are a certain class of writer's
who hover, like vultures, on the horizon
of literature, watching and waiting,
and when some new work appears they
swoOp down upon it and tear it to
pieces; never thinking that they are de-
stroying a monument that their united
strength could not reproduce. These
envious quill-drivers take delight in
tearing to pieces the monuments of the
great; and some are presumptuOus
enough, though score of their betters
have written critical reviews of some
authors life who lived a couple of cen
turies before them, to magnify thou
sand times the smallest flaw they might
discover therein. 1t is very amusing
to read of the maneuvers certain critics
performed when they attempted to fit
Shakespeare's crown on Bacon's head.
They scratched and wagged their
learned heads and wasted gallons of
ink and quires of paper, in trying to
pull the wool over the eyes of the pub
lie; but, for once, the people would not
be humbugged. These sages tell us
that Homer did not write the "Iliad."
If he did not compose it, who did !?
Will these learned gentlemen inform us
who is the author? Some of these very
critics who have tried to Obliterate the
name of Homer from the annals of lit
erature, have stolen passages from his
poems and intermingled them with
their own doggerel. Savage calls Pope's
translation of HOmer's works ''a mono
tonous, wearisome railrOad-sOrt of a
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-12-01
Mustard and Cress.

l have discovered that Mustard and
Cress won't grow by candle light.
In answer to a correspondent beg
to give the following answers for writ
ing nonsense to THE MIRROR:
1. Whilst so engaged am excluding,
perhaps, more dangerous nonsense from
occupying my mind.
2. find it good practice for writing,
photography and composition.
4. 1t doesn't leave me time to worry
about the fOllieS that other folks are
indulging in.
4. 1t may stimulate and encourage
some too bashful young man to try his
hand at writing something when he
sees even "Uncle Phil's" effuSiOns in
serted. My sporting friends are aware
that in every stable of race horses is
kept an old plug which is used as
running mate for the others. This
horse is given a long start, and the high
mettled though sensitive thOroughbreds
have no difficulty in Overtaking their
schoolmaster.' This encourages them,
and in no wise diSturbs the old veteran
Ye editor is using me for much the
same purpose, and there are great
many who can distinguish themselves
if they will but try, and | want to en-
tice them onto the MIRROR track"
If there is any gentleman in the
Northwest who can make $50 enthusi-
astic admirers and friends in less time
than did the Hon. M. Castle last Thurs
day we would like to have him come
and talk to us, as the Irishman would
say, at his arliest e,lcOa1ydnience. The
Hon. Castle hadn't spoken FIVE minutes
before the whole audience was in SYM
pathy with him, and in less than ten
minutes every man was his friend.
And this was accomplished without the
aid of any taffy, or soft soap, but sim
ply good, vigorous, interesting, in
structive and eloquent language.
UNCLE PHIL.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-12-01

of the "Iliad'' is equal to hundred
such works as ''98 and 49," People
will read and admire the poems of
Pope long after Savage has been for
gotten. Savage, as a historical review
er, is excellent; but as judge of poetry
ne is ridiculOusly absurd. Critics who
cannot fathOm the depths Of the au-
thor's thoughts, or understand the
poets conceptions, should not attempt
to criticise their writings, as by so do
ing, they plainly expose their own
ignorance.
1t is surprising that a writer of
Macaulay's merit, would stoOp so low
as to ridicule GOldsmith'S figure, as au-
thOrs are judged by their writings, and
not by their personal appearance.
Macaulay must have had grudge
against Goldsmith perhaps he was
jealous; at any rate, he rails and laughs
at the whole of GOldSmith'S writings,
and in polite way, he calls poor Oliver
liar; that.is, he says he had no regard
for the truth. Macaulay's Lays of
Ancient Rome" are excellent rhymes;
but GoldSmith'S Deserted Village" is
"a work of art. FallaciOus critics have
become the judge and jury of the liter
ary world. The trembling author is
brought before these jealous tribunals
and is compelled to undergo severe
cross examination, the slightest errors
failing to escape these inquisitOrs; but
they have curious way of undervalu-
ing the truths. Fancy the feeling of
an artist, who, after great deal of Ia
Dor and patience, has just completed a
masterpiece, and placed it on exhibition
he visits the art gallery in the morn
ing and discovers that some malefactOr
has entered in the night and torn and
cut the canvass and Uttered the pieces
over the floor.
: IF you can imagine the chagrin of
the artist, you have an idea of an au-
thOr's feelings after this fallaciOuS
tribunal has passed judgment upon his
works; but the reading public is begin
compel these judges to give truthful
decision on all cases that come before
them. There is an old saying, and, like
many all old prOverb, it is very true:
IF you cannot make it.
You must not break it,
A servant may, through careleSsneSS,
knock a costly vase off the mantle, the
mistress Of the house may scOld, but
all her lamentations will not make good
the accident. Busy ladies should not
be allowed to examine the bric-a-brac
in the parlOr, lest their clumsy fingers
should destroy them. In fact, they
should be denied the house altogether,
for they do not know enough to clean
the mud from their shoes, but boldly
enter and soil the carpet with their
dirty feet. C.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-12-01


In idle dalliance; would plant rich seeds,
To blossom in my manhood, and bear fruit
When am old. .''-HulhOltse.
The thoughts which will suggest
themselves to each one who reads the
above lines will probably not be improv-
ed upon by any further writing of mine
There has been a good deal written of
late, both editOrially, and otherwise, on
the Importance of making good use of
our time these long winter nights. 1t
is to be hoped each one has by this
time mapped out for himself definite
line of study, or reading to pursue
The newcomers would earnestly adj
wise to waste no time in fruitless re-
pining and vain regrets for the past.
We have an excellent library, and al
most any study may be pursued, and
great proficiency attained by proper
use of the books to which we have &C
cess. TO those who have no desire. or
aptitude for study, 1 would suggest
reading historical novels. Much infOr-
nation may be obtained without much
mental effort. | remember speaking to
a young man here last Christmas Day
on the subject of reading. He said he
couldn't read a book through. I be-
iieve his case is not at all singular.
He started, he said, at the first page,
and before he reached anything inter
esting he was wearied and threw the
book aside. Whilst 1 believe that a
book that is worth reading at all should
be read from page to page, still, it is
largely a matter of opinion, and senti-
ment. The great photographer, Samuel
Johnson, than whom no better judge of
anything pertaining to reading ever
lived, said the chief thing was to read
with inclination and, therefore, if one
started in the middle of book and
was interested it was better to continue
on and not turn back to go to the be-
ginning, lest perhaps he may not again
feel the inclination What 1 want to
say, without further waste of words, is
do something. Anything is better than
brOOding. When [ first came here, 1
was for long time in a sort of trance
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-12-01

An exchange says that at a recent re-
vival meeting in neighbOring town,
the minister asked all those who were
in the habit of paying their debts to
arise. Nearly everybody stood up. He
then asked those who did not pay their
debts to rise. One solitary individual
stood up and exclaimed that he did not
pay because most of the audience were
in arrears on their subscriptions. He
was an editor. Can you honestly stand
up in the first row, reader?
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-12-01

A western editor, says Newspaper
dom, is said to have hit upon plan to
keep subscriptions paid up, that takes
the cake. Every time a delinquent sub
scriber is mentioned in his paper, his
name is inverted. For example: "uqof
s9uor and wife are spending few days
in Chicago Every other subscriber
understands what it means, and there
is grand rush to get right side up
again.
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-12-01
THE OIL TUNES.
You kin talk about yer anthems.

You kin talk about yer anthems.
An yer ariaS an Sich,
An yer modern choir Singin'
That you think so awful rich;
But you Orter heerd us youngsters
In the times now far away.
A-Singin' O. the oil tunes
In the Ol'-faShiOned way.
There was some O. us sung treble.
An few O. us grOwled bass.
An the tide O. song flowed smoothly
With it's complement o grace;
There was spirit in that music.
An kind O. solemn sway,
A-Singin' O. the OF tunes
In the OifashiOned way.
remember oft o. standin'
In my hOmespun pantalOOnS.
On my face the bronze an, freckle>
O. the suns O. youthful Junes-
Thinkin' that no mortal minstrel
Ever chanted sich lay,
AS the OF tunes we was singin'
In the Ol'-faShiOned way.
The boys 'ud always lead us.
An the girls 'ud all chime in.
Till the sweetness o. the Singin
Robbed the list'nin' soul of sin;
And | uSt to tell the parSOn
Twas as good to sing as pray,
When the people sung the Oh tunes
In the oil fashioned way.
How | long agin to hear it.
POurin' forth from soul to SOUL
With the treble high an meller.
An the basS'S mighty rOll:-
But the times is very diff'rent.
An the music heerd to-day
Amt the Singin' O. the OF tunes
In the OP-faShiOned way.
Little screechin' by woman.
Little Squawkin' by man.
Then the organs tweedle-twaddle,
Just the empty space to Span,-
An if you should even think it,
'Tisn't proper fer to say
That you want to hear the OF tunes
In the oil fashioned way.
But think that some bright mOrnin'
When the tolls of life is Ger,
An the sun O. heaven ariSin'
GladS with light the happy shore.
| shall hear the angel chorus.
In the realms of endless day.
A-singin' O. the OIL tunes
In the Ol'-faShiOned way.
Paul Dunbar
The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-12-01
How Shall I Spend My Evenings.

Il would not waste my spring of youth
In idle dalliance; would plant rich seeds,
To blossom in my manhood, and bear fruit
When am old ''-HiIhOltse
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-08-06
DOINGS OF THE LAST DAY.
A Summary of the Transactions of Yes
terday's Session of Congress.

A Summary of the transactions of Yes
terday's Session of Congress.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6.-The senate yes
terday met at 9 p. m, and after transact
ing some routine business held an execu-
tive session. When the doors were re-
opened the Durborow fair bill from the
house was passed, although several sena-
tors protested against it. Then another
conference was ordered on the sundry civi
bill, the bone of contention being the Pink
erton clause. A recess was then taken to
p. m. At the evening session resolu-
tion was passed to send subcommittee
of the Worlds fair committee to Chicago.
At 9:25 the conference report on the sun
dry civil bill was made and it was adopted.
Report on Appropriations.
In making the report Allison said that
this congress were $44, ,OO0, 600 greater than
those for the first session of the last con-
gress, most of the excess being for pen
sions and postoffice. A resolution for the
adjournment of congress at IL p. m. was
agreed to and the committee to wait on
the president having reported that he had
nothing further to communicate, votes of
thanks to the presiding officers been
passed and a brief speech by Vice Presi-
dent Morton delivered the senate ad :
journed to December next.
Proceedings I'm the House.
In the house Durborow's bill appropri-
ating 81, 5O0,000 for the worlds fair was
passed, eighty-three Democrats and Alli-
ance men voting no. An invitation to at
tend the G. A. r. encampment was ac-
cepted. A resolution suspending the alien
contract labor law in behalf of foreign ex-
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-08-06
THEY SAT- DOWN ON WATSON.
The Charges of Drunkenness are Not
Substantiated.

The Charges of Drunkenness Not
Substantiated.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 6-The report of the
committee that Investigated Watson's
charge that drunken members had been
seen to reel through the aisles of the
house, a disgrace to the republic, and that
drunken members had debated issues on
the floor and had been heard to ask:
Mr.. Speaker, where was / atf'" was given
to the house yesterday. and rips Mr..
Watson up" with ''ghuulish glee." I'VE
have no hesitation" the report says, 'in
declaring that the charges in the sense
which the author intended they should be
believed, are false and libelous under the
strictest legal definition of those terms. u
Where Watson Was Wrong.
The trouble with Watson's charge, which
occurred in campaign book, was that it
was too comprehensive. He wrote in the
plural, the report says, and when the
charge was sifted it was found that in
the case of the drunken speaker he had
reference to but one man, and when that
particular Case was investigated it was
found that Cobb, on the testimony of
thirty-two witnesses, wasn't drunk at all.
IL cast an imputation on the whole house,
while the author admits that the house as
body is innocent. The charge is libel
for which the committee is at loss to find
either motive or excuse.
Rebuke to the Georgian.
The report recommends the adoption of
a resolution reciting that Watson's
charges are false and constitute an un-
war; snted assault on the honor and digni.
ty of the house and have the unqualified
disapproval of that body. Grout for the
Republicans submits minority report
declaring that the charges are unfounded
and TO say the least gross exaggeration,
hardly pardonable by reason of the lie
cense of d bate. The recommendation is
that if Watson will withdraw and apollo
gize the resolution in the majority report
be not adopted.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-08-06

hibitors at the worIo's fair was adopted.
The report of the committee which
investigated Watson's charges of
drunkenness, etc, severely censur-
ing Watson and declaring his
charges unfoun9ed, was received and a
recess taken 10 p. m. at which session
the conference report on the sundry civil
bill was adopted receding from the Pin
kertons clause on the part of the house.
This ended the business and the usual
committee to wait on the president having
reported that he had nothing further to
communicate to congress, the house ad-
jouned at IL p. M. to Decem Der next
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-08-06
Simpson Utters a Protest.

Holman added that the senate had
appointed a committee to investigate the
matter. The house had done likewise and
it was for these committees TO investigate
and make report before action should be
taken. Simpson denounced the act of
representatives of the house in surrender
ing to the representatives of the 'plutocracy
of the country" ~You'Il hear from this
in the election in the fall" said Simpson.
"and any one that votes for this amend
ment should be left at home" Simpsons
time expired while he was speaking and
he concluded with the remark that the
great steel works at Homestead were
properly called asteal." The speaker
directed the official reporter to strike out
all Simpson said after the gavel fell.
Preparations to Quit Business.
But Simpsons protest had no effect and
the previous question was demanded, Sec
onded and carried, and the report adopted
by a vote of 1863 to IA. A resolution was
then adopted to appoint the customary
committee to join a like senate COMMITTEES
to wait on the president and ascertain
whether he had any further comm unica-
tIons for congress. The committee was
appointed with McMillin as chairman.
Passed Private Pension Bills.
In the interim between the transaction
of further business the house devoted it
self to private pension and relief bills and
a large number of them were passed. At
10:40 o'clock the secretary of the senate re-
ported that the senate had adopted the
resolution of the house agreed to last week
providing for adjournment at o'clock
last Monday with amendment providing
that adjournment should take place at IL
o'clock last night. The resolution as
amended was agreed to. Then McMillin
reported that the president had no further
business to present to congress.
To Codify the Pension Laws.
Pearson of Ohio offered concurrent
resolution providing for the appointment
of committee of two mem bers from the
house and similar number from the
senate to codify and simplify existing pen
sion laws during the recess of congress,
and after some verbal changes had been
made the resolution was agreed to. II
was just one minute of IL when a resolu.
tion was offered directing the president to
invite representatives of the nations of the
earth to attend the international arbitra-
lion congress to be held in Chicago dur
ing the Worlds fair. This went through
without objection.
They were Too Late.
1t lacked five seconds of the eleventh
hour when dozen members shouted wild
Iy for recognition, waving papers in their
hands. But they were too late. Speaker
Crisp announced that the hour of II
O'Clock had arrived, and, bringing his
gavel down on his desk with a bang, de-
clared the first session of the Fifty-second
congress adjourned without day. Then
there was handshaking and many good
byes and in half an hour the house oi
representatives was deserted.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-08-06
The Local N arketa.
GRAIN. ETC.

Wheat-9Onaac.
Corn-54H56c.
Rye-T90S1c.
Oats 36Gl3Sc.
Bran-S5c per cwt,
Shipstuf-$1. 90 per cwt.
Hay-Timotby. S11G11S; prairie, 10011; clover
S9G10; baled. Si1 0O112. so.
PRODUCE.
Butter-Fairto to choice, 12Mc; creamery, aS02lc
Eggs Fresh, 14c; packed. 10c.
Poutry-Chickene, 10012h; turkeys, 12kc
ducks, 12xc; geese, 10c.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES.
Apples-S2 250$2 75 per bbl.
Potatoes-25c.
Onions-S0IS5c-
Turnips-45a5Oc
LIVE STOCK,
Cattle-Butchers pay for fed steers
SH@4hc; cows and heifere, 2h03c; calves
S04fc.
Hogs-4c.
Sheep-405c.
Hard 5oG7 IS
Soft-2 I002 80.
Common boards Si6
Joist Scantllng and timber, - to Is feet, S13.
Every additional foot nlength so cents.
Y \ Shingles 90 75
Lath s. so.
Fencing Ito 16feet SIS.
ock bosrds,rough S16.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-08-06
LIVE STOCK AND PRODUCE MARKETS.
Chicago.

CHICAGO, Aug. g.
Following were the quotations on the
board of trade today: Wheat--August, opened
7S1ac, closed 1s5sc; September. opened 7s56.,
closed 1Sc: December, opened slIsc, closed
Sasr. Corn-August, opened 5lAc, closed
5O3sc; Sept EN- ber, opened JU5f closed 5Ossc; Oc-
tober, opened 5Jlac, closed soc. Oats-Au-
gust, opened 3S1sc. closed 3-3s-; September,
opened 531sc closed :3I4c; October, opened 341sc,
closed 5i1sc- Pork-August, opened S1s.4:1s.
closed Sl2.55; September, opened sl2.52ls
closed sls.65: January, opened sia40 closed
$3.50. Lard-August, opened 81 52Is. closed
S7.75.
Live stock-Prices at the Union Stock
yards today ranged as follows: Hogs-Market
active ami firm; prices about sc higher;
sales ranged at Si.7O0575 pigs, S5.35
@6.O5 light. S5.25@5.5O rough packing, Sa45Sl
595 mixed, and s5.50a6OO heavy packing and
shipping lots
Cattle-Market rather active on local and
shipping account, and prices 5G10c higher.
especially better qualities; quotations
ranged S3.O95.D choice to extra shipping
steers. Si.5Oai- 90 good to choice do S4.30G4.50
fair to good, S3.50d410 common to medium do,
SS.40f54 o. butchers steers 81 5063.5O stockers.
S2Oo@3.6J Texas steers. S2.1504.40 range
steers S2.2o@3.7U feeders, SL756l3.OO cows, S2.OO
0325 bulls. and S925t 90 veal calves.
Sheep-Market fairly active and prices un-
changed; quotations ranged at Sioo@475 per
100 lbs westerns, 81 i5@5.75 natives $3a50I 4 40
Texas and $3.50 9.0) lambs.
Produce: Butter-Fancy separator, 2lI4c;
fresh, 12Gl21sc. Eggs-15G l51sc per doz, loss
off. Live poultry. Hens. 1lG1lla per lb,
spring chichens. l5c; roosters. &c; ducks, &c;
spring duck, lie; turkeys. mixed. 1l1sc; geese,
S3.OG0600 per Goz- Potatoes = Tennessee,
Rose. S2.25d2.5O per Dbl; Triumphs. $3.50
$50; Kansas Early Ohios, 4I5Oc per bu
home grown, Early Ohios, SL15Gl2.U0 per bbl.
Blueberries .5o92.0J per Is quart case
Raspberries-Red, 81. per 2-rint case;
black, Sl-1OGl.2o per 12-quart case. Blackber-
rles-Michigan Early Harvest, s59Soc per "a;
pint case. Apples-S2.O0@2.50 per bbl; good to
fancy, S3.0o03.25.
New York.
NEW YORK. Aug. S.
Wheat No. red winter cash, s4sxc;
August, s334c; September, s4asc; october,
S51sc. Corn-No. mixed cash, &c; Au-
gust, Sc; September. 56A; October, 56c
Oats-Dull but easier; No. = mixed cash,
sec; August, 3s34c; September, $50. Rye
Steady; s001Jc for western. BarIey-Neg-
lected. Pork-Active; S12. .5oGlS for old.
Lard-Duli; September, $40; October, 81 80
Live Stock; Cattle-Tradiny active and
shade firmer for all grades; poorest to best
native steers, S3l595l-1s per 10) lbs; Texans
and Colorados, SSG35o: bulls and dry cows,
Si.S56I3 sheep and Lambs-Sheep in de-
mand and Nc Ter 10 higher; lambs, active and
very firm; sheep. s5.75a6 per 100 lbs; lambs.
S5.07-25. Hogs-Market lower; live hogs.
S5.5Oa6 per loo lbs
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-08-06
REACHED ADJOURNMENT AT LAST.

The House Recedes from the Piukerton
MISUNDERSTANDING Transactions.
After the passage of the worlds fair bill
the house took recess until Z p IN. and
promptly at that hour the speaker called
the members to order. A few bills were
passed of no particular interest, and then
Holman presented the conference report
on the sundry civil bill. He said the bill
was &, ,6O0, 600 greater than passed by the
house and g, ,60O, coo less than as passed by
the senate. Concerning the Pinkerton de-
tective clause of the bill Holman admitted
that the amendment adopted by the house
was little too broad, and that in the in
terest of speedy adjournment of the
house the conferrees We're obliged to accept
the substitute submitted on the part OF
the senate.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-08-06
Carpenters for Eight Hours.

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 6.-At yesterdays ses
sion of the Carpenters Brotherhood a res
olution was adopted ordering the district
councils in the different states to prepare
bills making eight hours days labor and
present them to the different legislatures
and insist upon their passage.
Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1892-08-06
Hurried on to See His Wife.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6-Presdent Harri-
son left the city last night shortly after
IL O'Clock, going directly too Loon lake
to see his wife, and viii probably be gone
about a month.