davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25
THE STORY OF REUBEN RUTHVEN.

There was once kindly old gentleman,
life-dweller in Aberdeen, and proud of his
native town with that pride which is in
definite because it is intrinsic, who visited
the baths of Germany for his health When
he returned home he remarked with some
heat to a welcoming friend: "Do you know,
sir, that it actually came about that was
ashamed to register my residence with my
name-I, sir, who as man and boy have
never known shame. And why? Because
would tn n become an object of suspicion.
Because Aberdeen, in the United States of
America, is an abomination to every hotel
keeper of Europe. Because, like Nazareth,
nothing good can come out of it. 1t is our
young men, sir, our fast vicious young
men, who have out-Heroded Herod in
their debaucheries throughout the Con-
tinent and have given this bad name to our
good Iy city. / blame that daredevil Ruth
ven In particular.
Now all this was true, though why might
remain a problem, for Aberdeen, as every
one knows, sleeps without tossing. Per-
haps a hence may arise from this very
calm, for the stoutest spirits are distilled
IN the deepest cellars. But a posteriori is
far more certain than a priori, and the fact
stands that the young men of Aberdeen, as
a rule, were wild and profigate.
The kindly old gentleman, in his
righteous wrath, had mathematical Ruth
ven, but even while doing SO there had
been a twinkle in his eyes. And here lay
the pity of it; every one liked this young
man; every ones censure was so enriched
with sympathy as to be enviable. 1t seemed
as if the fairy godmother, after her malig-
nant sisters had done their worst, had ap-
peared at the christening, and had endowed
him with charm. As a child, his roguish
blue eyes and ingenious smile had con-
centrated interest, aud their magnetism re-
mained constant attribute. The children
used to call him 'Little Angel Face" and
the title seemed appropriate five minutes
after he had dashed cobble stone through
a neighbor's front window or had attached
phosphorus to dogs tail.
Reuben was left an orphan at an early
age, in charge of the grimmest old banker
in Aberdeen, one whose glance would bring
terror to the soul of borrower on Govern
ment bonds, but his ward would draw carl
catures of him and gleefully show them to
him, and the guardian would be embar-
rassed instead of angry.
Ruthven's father had SO disposed of his
ample fortune that his son would receive
its income-a wise and an unwise precau-
tion, for, while Reuben doubtless would
have quickly outworn the strings of Fortu-
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25

natus' purse, still poverty often proves an
adequate curb for Pegasus.
The lad was sent to the famous Latin
school at Armway and thence was expelled,
the cause being certain anarchical SEN
timents which he had managed to interpo-
late among the Head Masters notes for his
commencement sermon, which the purblind
old doctor did not distinguish until he had
slapped, horror-stricken, in their very ut
terance. Then, as if to prove that he could
do what he wouldn't, Reuben entered West
Point, and at the end OF the course was
graduated at the head of his class His
name is still famous there as that of the
most daring horseman, the most skilIful
draughtsman, the most thorough soldier of
his day.
But after sharp Indian campaign, in
which he won a scar across his cheek to
ever afterward bespeak his gallantry and
the desperate recklessness OF the charge
which he had led, Ruthven ridiculed the
boasting of general officer who had been
ill on the day of battle, and then discreetly
resigned.
The European trip, which had caused the
kindly old gentleman to renounce his citi-
zenship followed, and at the age of 80 Reu-
ben Ruthven returned to Aberdeen ''to
settle down." as he gravely assured the
friends, and these were his acquaintances
who greeted him.
For a while it seemed as if there might
be a foundation to this assertion. He hired
apartments, which he of course called ''his
den" and fitted them with all the nicely of
refined taste. Their walls were lined with
book shelves and adorned with curios and
paintings, many of which latter were
Reuben's own, for his long, slender fingers
were expert with the brush and sometimes
tantalizingly revealed the extraordinary
fgments of his mind. He called demurely
on the old exclusive set with whom his pa
rents had associated. He attended
morning service at st. Simon's, and
there was distinct clatter of beads
and whir of ribbons when his tall
sihewy form was seen languidly strolling
down the aisle. He gave several deco-ous
entertainments in his den, and soothed
the matrons with his albums while he en-
tranced the maidens with the dreamy
music of his clear tenor voice accompanied
by the mandolin. He even took part in a
kirmess and posed as Sir William Wallace
In tartan leaning on the crossed handle of q
claymore.
Perhaps it was this amazing variance
which broke the back of his complaisance,
for from that day he ceased to advance and
resumed his steps to one side People began to
whisper and nudge in his shadow. Matrons
spread their, wings solicitously on his ap-
proach The mandolin rang out hilarious
warning even when the morning light was
learning to creep. The ''den" was now re-
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25

distinct from every quurter, or confused
within the bewildering radiance of the
milky way, and all Joined in a gentle,
tranquil benefcence toward the poor little
world. How insignificant were human
woes in the presence of such amazing
splendor! Even if one were king among
men, how petty must be his domain, mere
point of observation of inconceivable
marvels. And yet, what was that plaintive
sound? Ruthven glanced down. On the
curb sat beggar woman grooming to
sleeping infant. He could see the look of
content Oh the poor waits wan face as the
little hand rested caressingly against her
cheek. After ell, was this not more
astounding spectacle? Was not every
mortal being a microcosm as pregnant with
unrevealed truth as any star? How mighty,
how mysterious, was this human heart that
amid prlvation and distress could find such
peace in natural affection. Ruthven leaned
out on the sill and dropped his purse into
the woman's lap. She looked up and
smiled, and that smile said, "God bless
you"
Possessed it magic against bitterness ?
In a changed mood surely, Ruthven turned
away, and strobe slowly up and down his
room. Why should he say amen to the
forebodings of his friends and prove the
ruin that they predicted Was not this
beggar nobler in her endurance than a sui
eide rotting beneath the crossroads with
stave through his craven breast? But oh,
the poignancy OF Illustration, and oh, the
emptiness of life! So he had never achieved
his manhood? He was still pettish child
bewailing the moon. Ah, was 1t not the
truth that he possessed far more than he de-
served? With youth, wealth, health, was
4. e,,l 40 UAnt 81
did he know of life that he must prate of
it$emptiness? He had indeed discovered
the sawdust within his doll; but had he
ever worked? Why should he not take his
talents from their hiding place and bid
them increase? If he must die, should he
not wait until his death would be dep
rivation?
Ruthv en- looked around him at the pic
ture on the all. No critics eve could de-
tect their faults so unerringly as mis-, for he
had realized them in the making, but had
been too Indifferent to try to do better.
Suppose that now he should try? Could he
not win an honorable fame for himself, and
would not that fame be something in life?
Again the plaintive strains OF the poor
woman's lullaby attracted his attention.
Why had he always been, why should he
now be, so selfish? There was beggar be-
tore his door; there were beggars outside
the doors of the world. He recalled the iu-
describable squalor and wretchedness he
had coldly witnessed as one of the sights in
different cities. Had he tried to give re-
lief? Was there not work for his ample
means, not lar away among strangers, but
here in Aberdeen among those who might
well be of his blood? Would not charity
be something in lie, and should he not
offer IT, since he so soon would ask il? And
did it not return blessing, since even his
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25

blame that pure young girl for reading in
his face what time had written there? All,
he loved her thousand times more for an
intuition which he would have wished a
sister to possess. What was the sum of his
experience? False faces, heated air, oaths,
quarrels, the forced smile of the painted
dancing woman, the throw of loaded dice,
the bubble of adulterated wine! No, no!
He could not go away aud repeat to nausea
that which was already nauseating. But
what, then, could he do? He might die.
Surely! The scar on his cheek tingled as
he remembered that when he had swooned
from his horse after that tremendous toma-
hawk sweep the last sensation had been one
of rest and peace.
For moment Ruthven's thoughts clus-
tered cheerfully about this suggestion, and
then wandered as If led by dreams The
strangest, most incongruous recollections
flashed across his mind like pictures from
the lantern of madness-the lullaby that
his aged nurse used to sing; the streets of
Aberdeen as they had looked years before
on bright morning after terrific snow
storm; the conclusion of one of the old
doctors talks at Armway, to which he
would nave sworn he had never listened;
the plant of beggar whom he had re-
simulacrum of sweet, sad face which he
believed must be his mothers Such
visions entranced him until he found him
self-he hardly knew how-back in his den,
seated in his great armchair, the droplight
dimly burning, the windows open to the re-
lief of the summer evening.
And what was that on the stand by his
side? His revolver, loaded and cooked.
an h. ,f1hk n of ut
be an ending to what had been tortuous
course from fair beginning. But, lacka-
day, how sad, how melancholy to contem-
PLATED He had never intended to waste his
life, no. indeed! He had had dreams OF
honor, but they had always illumined the
clouds OF the future. He had waited. He
had dawdled with opportunity. Time had
seemed so abundant when it had been so
scant. Like the hare he had slept, and the
tortoise had passed him by. Oh, the anguish
of it, to be king of men without the king
dom! To have every sis" "might have
BEEN" Now he comprehended the smiles,
the shrugs, the furtive glances OF his asso-
ciates He had been their buffoon, whose
entertainment had been accepted in spite of,
instead of because Of himself Even his
dsshing sketches, his dainty verses, his fer
vid paintings had merely aroused their
pity, like the fair columns of an incom-
pleted and abandoned palace. How he
hated them all, the mug-faced, square-toed,
stupid race, who had their homes and wives
and children while he was so desolate!
Through the open window on the calm
ness of the night came plaintive sound.
Ruthven stepped forward and looked out.
What wondrous spectacle were the
heavens! The full moon rode triumphant
across the zenith, attended by brilliant
star, like grand mistress followed BY
beautiful maiden. Myrisds of lights shone
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25

1t was three months later that one even
ing they again stood side by side on the
broad portico. Up and down the pathway
man was leading the fiery black mare.
"And is your answer final?" he pleaded.
sit must be-" Mary replied. "How
could I trust my life in the keeping of such
man as you?"
Ruthven did not attempt to answer the
question. In former days his sophistical
assurances would have swept away every
doubt, but love had made him both humble
and remorseful.
"Goodby," he said. Yet as he stood for
a moment with barred head beneath the
moonlight, instinctively his bonny blue
eyes and smiling lips urged her favor. All,
fairy godmother, for once hast thy charm
lost its potency! The girl paused irreso-
lutte, with averted face, and then went into
the house.
Like whirlwind through the night
rushed Black Princess under unaccustomed
spur and goad; and like whirlwind through
Ruthven's mind rushed black despair. He
had wildly and hotly made his wooing and
failed; he who never before had been
crossed nor thwarted. All, love NAV we'll
abide his time, for his darts grow sharper
from disuse. Reuben had long been an
duc pb III sHc COutTdulCtlOu VI uioop.
ing lids and glowing cheeks to a cruel
tongue, but then he had been all head and
no heart, and now the converse was true,
and in maidenly shrinking he saw naught
save contempt and fear He would not
stand it, he, the invincible one, to be 80 up
wrought. Yet what could he do? Do?
Why, he would pack his traps and away.
The world was as broad as Aberdeen was
confined. The world was as gay as Aber-
deem was dull. But where would he GO?
Was 1t not all twice-told tale whose mar
ration had lost its interest and whose climax
its thrill?
"And would have tried to behave my
self for her sake," he muttered. But no,
thst way was blocked, and along the old ac-
customed one the lights were out Vanity
of vanities! Why could he not revive his
enthusiasms? What was there that he had
not tried and proved unto satiation? Where
were the fruits OF his youthful days, SO
tender, so succulent. so refreshing of juice
and flavor? All, that he might only find
them! But these apples of Sodom, taugh!
Even yet were his lips a-pucker from their
ashes.
Black Princess, true to habit, turned in
at the foadhouse. Ruthven leaped from the
saddle and gulped glass OF brandy that
would have o'ertopped topper.
'"The mans daft the night, and the mare,
too" muttered the groom as he pocketed
coin.
Then away once more through the dark
ness, down the gathering planks, over the
rafting bridge, up the hillside thick with
creeping shadows, and awayl Where
should he go? Why had he returned to
Aberdeen? Why rather had he not come
back wears before when he might have
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25
Saved His Child's Life.

A. N. Dilferbough, York, Neb., says:
1.-THE other day came home and found my
little boy down with cholera morbus, my
wife scared, not knowing what to do. I
went straightway and got 25-cent bottle
of Chamberlain's Collie, Cholera and Diar-
rhea Remedy, and gave it according to
directions. You never saw such change
in child. His limbs and body were cold.
1 rubbed his limbs and body with my
hands, and after I had given him the sec
ond dose he went to sleep, and, as ny wife
says, from deathbed he was up playing
in three hours 1t saved me doctor bill
of about So, and, what is better, it saved my
child. I can recommend 1t with a clear
conscience. For sale by druggists.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25
AMERICAN PROGRESS.
The Development of the Country's
Educational System.
COUNTY TEACHERS TOLD ABOUT 1T.
Dr. Winship Speaks to the Institute on
the Art of Teaching.
DIRECTORS WILL BE IN CHARGE TO-DAY

Hon. A. S. Draper opened the general
work of the afternoon session of the ALLIE
gheny County Institute by an address on
the development of the Educational Sys-
tenn of America" He referred first to
the educational system Of other countries
and showed that all lands had done some
thing for the education of the people q He
then traced the growth of the American
public school system.
"At first" said he, s'the American
schools were church schools
Then private schools sprung up
as money making enterprises. But the
circumstances of the country outgrew such
schools and it became necessary to adopt
the people is pledged to the education of
the peoples children. Hence the necessity
for disregarding sectarian and political
differences. There must be nothing about
our schools to which any can object. r.
New Plans and Better Discipline.
"The new plans have resulted in new
system of discipline and new spirit. All
this was necessary because the circum-
stances of the country were changed. Busy
"n'.oao d.. a.. sobooI snstauo noust
go - r,aat +basa Jsmond: t. mnet
sro,r srow 49, d. and if IL does Il will maize
e,r c;t;,ansbin safe and nromote the ends
for which it is maintained"
Toaoh;nnn Ha sold. ssThe emnlovments
af ranpio on dir;ded into occunatinn
trade Office calling profession. Occupa.
tions are nrimariJv for the earning of a
living. trade for making money, an office
for honor. and calling for duty, A profess
make a nrofession of devotion to that en-
profession, Teaching must not be
allowed to be merely a method
of earning living. There Is no
termination to money-msking. 1t must not
be allowed to become an Office to be received
at the hands of politicians 1t must not ad-
NIT of peoples claiming prominence in a
cranky wav, as though it were a calling It
must demand better training.
.,,-,-
"sn'p, WISE "ofus 70 'n
nn1 oe e 4h; n9 ;S.isno.;o ore u's'.nt n;,E
the 343,00O teachers who are instruct
ino the "a nm O0O children of our land
Pnhlic recognit;on must mot he
catered to or demanded. II must come and
will come freely when teachers are suf.
ficiently trained and are definite in their
LOYALTY to the profession. We are not now
ready for professional recognition. The
sooner we recognize that the earlier will the
public appreciate every effort to stand
where there shall be distinction between
the professional and the crank which is the
first evidence of public professional recog-
nition,"
The institute was then divided for class
work and DR.. Moss addressed class "a" on
"Hindrances and Helps in the Teachers
Work" Among the hindrances DR. Moss
enumerated slaekness of interest on the
part of pupils "A teacher teaches as much
as the pupils learn" said he. s'The pupils
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25
Notice, Notice.

To-day the P. c. C. C,olothiers, will sell the
balance of the goods bought of the "Big
Boston Clothing Concern" that failed. Mems
suits at 81 So. worth $40: mems plain and
triple; mems finest black cheviots at Sc IS,
So 80 and $l2 40: fine overcoats for men at
$4 so, 81 and So 80; mems fine pants at 92c.
81 II and $2 Call to-day. We must sell this
Boston firms stock and turn 1t into cash.
Our II years of solid business reputation in
this city is guarantee that You will get
everything just as advertised. No space to
name more bargains, but we have plenty
for all.
P. C. c. G., Clothiers, corner Grant and Dia.
mond streets,
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25
AN INsANE ASYLUM TRAGEDY,

A Supposed Harmless Inmate Stran:les to
Death His Fellow Prisoner.
CINCINNATI, Aug. 24.-In Longview
Lunatic Asylum, near Carthage, Hamilton
county, last night, George Goetz strangled to
death Henry Gerwig, fellow inmate. The
discovery was made after midnight by the
watchman, who found the victim dead and
his murderer standing over him with glaring
eyes and convulsive movements.
The two men had been locked in the same
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.
Great Reduction-for a Few Days.


On account of an overstock of the nner
styles of the various makes of organs Wnlcn
constitute our regular line of goods, ana
which will sell regularly at prices from Si2o
to $50, we have placed a lot OF them on tne
floor and offer you your choice from among
them at S55.
SIS, FORMERLY SIPS TO $50.
Remember, these are all new and orlghs
and the latest improved Instruments from
our regular stock and fully guaranteed.
There are comparatively only u few OF them,
and now is the best opportunity you have
ever had to get r fine Story u Clark, STERLING
and Farrand & Votey organ, and, as the oner
holds good during this month only, you mad
better call right away and get one.
Remember, you have your choice from the
lot regardless OF former prices.
sl25 AND $50 ORGANS REDUCED TO sS3, THIS
MONTH OF AUGUST ONLY.
s. HAMILTON,
81 and SO Fifth avenue.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25

| DE Wits Little Early Risers Best plll
for biliousness. sick headache. malaria.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25

AN irritated throat is soothingly treated
by DR.. D. Jayne's Expectorant, an old
established curative for coughs and colds
and all bronchial and lung troubles.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25

TRorTERs, PAGERS, draught and general
purpose horses will be sold ut Arnheim sale
Thursday, August 25.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25
Vacation In Over.

Your clothing will need pressing or clean
ing perhaps. Try Pfeifer 443 Smitnfield
street, 100 Federal street. Allegheny.
Telephones 1864 and 1863. TTsu
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25
DO NOT DELAY

Advertising your vacant rooms, as those
who did SO last week in the cent-a-word
advertising columns of THE DISPATCH
were satisfied with the result.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25

ANGosTURA Bitters, the celebrated ap
petizer, is used all over the world.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25

Will open bank account at the Peoples
Savings Bank, 81 Fourth avenue. Start now
to save your money for the Worlds Fair and
old age. IT'S
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25

cell under the supposition that both were
harmless. Gerwjg had been in the asylum
about ten days. Goetz was committed only
last Saturday.
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25
WHkJ A.MhN .GklIJ DO.

W0mla fill a goOa-stssd O0k
unse IT aovztten ouk What he
can d0 ut Iaeksons' in the
Uay Of bargains in fine
Hme-Made Clothing 0Oonld
Jill an entire library. We
haze placed on sale this avssk,
to make things hum, a6Oaa 20
ne7O styles of good AHw'oOL
Che0lot Pants, called "zHe
Fa0vzte," at S2.25. N0W,
taOo dollars and q quarter. is
but a small szfa,z, and some
PEOPLE may think 1t isn't
enough t01 them to spend for
Pants, hut ne say TO yOn If
S2.25 wzU do the aOOrk 0rth
rs that 1t mil take 81 TO do
elsewhere, why not take ad-
vantage Of 0nr Pants sale.
Ask for our S2.25 "FaO0r-
ztes.
In ouy su1tS:' Well, every
other man in t0acN zOe1g1cS 0ztr
Homemade Suits, and for
good reasons. FIRST ne
guarantee them in repair free
Of ehaIge for one year.; sec
0naH yOn can Sa0e tr0m So
to S. on every salk.
Why not try us? It's to
your interest See the ad-
rance styles in O1tr Hat De-
partnsenk
Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-08-25

CAMS comfortably fitting shoes. 5os Mar
ket street. fns
The Waco evening news. [volume] (Waco, Tex.) 1891-1894, 1892-03-18
ALL OVER TOWN.

Attend the Clark club meeting to-
night at the court house.
Chas. Roberts and M. M. Marman
we're tried in the city court this morn.
ing and fined So each for intoxication,
DR.. Thomas Moore, chairman of the
Clark club, requests THE NEWS to in.
vite the ladies to the meeting of the
club tonight.
Thirteen indictments were returned
into the district court by the grand
jury yesterday evening, nine of which
were for misdemeanors and four for
felonies.
lake Virgins, the we'll known
hackman has been confined to his bed
sor several days and has been unable
to attend to the many calls that are
made for him In person.
There will be a meeting of the
Triple Alliance at the parlors of the
Waverly hotel tomorrow night. Busl-
ness OF Importance will be transacted
requiring the attendance of all the
members.
The grand jury having returned an
Indictment against Mr.. o. w. Buck
for the killing of Charles Fowzer, he
was re-arrested and required to give
bond again. The bond in this in
stance was fixed by Judge Goodrich
at 81 200, which Mr.. Buck gave read
lily with ten good citizens OF Waco as
surities. 1t will be remem bered tina,
Mr.. Bucks first bond before the Mr.
Fowzer died was placed at 5000. Az
the habeas corpus trial it was placed
at $500 by Judge Gallagher. Now
after indictment it is fixed at 81,
600.