davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05

ninety per cent. of all our agricultural
products: the ten per cent. which we
annually export more than supplies the
whole foreign demand. If we double
this export we will reduce the price
very greatly. 1t would require but a
slight decrease of the consumption in
our own country to increase this pro-
portion of exports to twenty-five or
even thirty per cent. of our total prod
net. Should this come to pass the
farmers win find that the railways will
make more money they will be sure
of their freight, anyway; the middle
man will get his commission all the
same: the steamship companies will
get their carriage; the European will
get our corn and other products at
half the present price, while our farm
ers, enjoying the blessing of free trade
in the United States, will be holding
the empty bag with nothing to show
for the returns
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05

II is now an open fact that feet are
growing larger as one consequence of
that outdoor life led by so many girls
of the period. The tiny slipper once so
raved about in poetry and prose as a
positive inspiration when worn by pref
ty women will come to be regarded as
n sort of ante-diluvian relic. dating
from time when feet were practically
unused. their owners being as aver,ie
to active exercise as lap dog. Tie
heavy tread of the beetle-crushing foot
will be heard in the land. and even
ultra-fashionables will have to confess
to fives. skies or sevens as their
size. With little hysterical giggles
they will profess wonderment at
the way their feet have grown since
they took To lawn tennis, physical
culture and walking tours, and they
can console themselves with the refec-
ton that many other young women
have the same tale to tell. How long.
think you. will the high French heel
continue in favor. now that women are
SO much on their feet? II is a form of
torture. all said and done if anything
like a good walk is attempted. that
clump under the middle of the sole just
right for slanting the foot at misery,
producing angle. and crushing the toes
into corner. ! don't know how many
women | have heard this last winter
expatiating on the good results they
have felt from the physical-culture class.
and from regular daily walks.-Boston
Beacon.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05
MET A FRIEND.
There Was a Little Mistake, But II Was a
Pleasant One.


His face beamed with surprise and
pleasure as on entering the great store
he saw friendly figure and features
with which he was familiar confront
him just within the door.
I'm right glad To see you" he said.
shifting the satchel he carried from his
right arm To his left, and he was about
to grasp the hand extended to him
when clerk touched him on the shout
der and inquired:
what department. sir?'
Department." queried the old man.
turning around. ''am ! in tho depart
ments? ! rcckoned it were only in
Wash
This is the dress goods and mantle
department said the clerk blandly.
We'll. young man. amt lOolSin for
dress goods. and | dunno as we want
another mantel, seein' as we hev only
one clock. and | made shelf for that
myself. | want pair of suspenders if
50 he YOU keep them. But first want
to speak to my friend here"
lie turned about and confronted the
smiling face of his friend.
4 don't seem able to name YOU" he
said regretfully; Its kind of queer
too. when ! know you by sight, as
well as do myself
''Suspenders this way, in the gentle
mans furnishing department" here
interrupted the clerk.
That's all right. young man: ! don't
lleer which way they are there. !
know how | want EN-, and | amt
agoin' to change my style of wearin'
suspenders at my age. Now my friend
here -
He extended his hand expecting to
grasp that of his friend, but his
knucllles struck a cold. bare eXpanse
of looliing-glass let into the wall.
Then he saw the face of the ERIK over
his shoulder. and he knew he had been
fooled, and had mistaken the sem
blance of himself for an old friend.
And ne meekly followed the clerk,
bought pair of red. white and blue
suspenders. and walked out of the de
partment.
II guess I'll have garden 'pinted
fore come to town agin,' he remarked
humbly as lie left.-Detroit Free Press.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05

husband: surely. my father. you re-
member me? They told me she was
here. that would be too late''-his
voice broke. say am yet in time?"
The bishop advanced and laid his
hand on the young mans arm.
she Is not here he said. but il is
not as YOU think. Acting upon our aCt
vice, she has resolved to devote The
rest of her life to secular charities in
which you can help her"
Where is she?" pleaded Deane.
The bishop whispered few words
Dcane lSnelt moment in prayer. then,
risi 2. made his way out of the church.
~ reads like fairy-tale.' cried
Nasson, carried out tn sea; picked up
by Malays; treated as a slave; finally
helped To escape by native he had be-
friended does not hear stch a
story every day" Marie and Pierre
aSsented.
Monsieur Is hero" said the Young
wife, you remember my saying
prince"
"A prince broke in Vs5son, "and
did not L"
Hush said the little shoemaker.
from the balcony opposite came the
murmur of voices-"moDsieur and
mademoiselle are happy tonight"
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05
SMALL BUSINESS.
Democratic Tactics in the Handling of
Pensions Matter.

Democratic Tactics In the Handling of
Pensions Matter.
Not long since the Dayton (O.) Jour
nal, published an article of special in
terest to the veterans of this country.
1t was to the effect that Commissioner
of Pensions Lochren, in che pursuit of
his methods of administering that Of
flee, had employed the democratic
postmasters of the country as spies
upon pensioners.
This article has been extensively re-
published throughout the country, and
as vet has not been denied either in
congress or by the commissioner him
self 1t is known to be fact that
members of congress and others in
Washington have direct and positive
evidence of the facts stated in the
article.
1t seems small business for the COM
missioner of pensions, and equally
small work for even a democratic post
master. to spy upon each of the vet
Grams whose mail is received at his of
fee. and to advise whether in his opin-
ion they are entitled to the pension
which they receive. There are sup
posed TO be medical examining boards,
as well as other legal methods. TO in
vestigate all such cases. Instead of
that. however, it seems that every man
who has a democratic commission as
postmaster is supposed to have med
ical and judicia. qualification sufficient
to enable him to pass upon the phys
ical condition of any pensioner in the
United States. IL is high time this
matter was ventilated in congress and
this method of spying vigorously ex-
posed.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05
WHICH is THE KING2
The Lion Takes to the Jungle When the
Elephant Comes.

he Lion Taxes To the jungle Nhen the
Elephant Comes.
In discussing the question: (Which
is the king of beasts" an old African
hunter SAYS:
Come with me 20 a desert pool some
clear. moonlight night when the shad-
Ows are deep and sharply cnt and the
moon herself in the dry, cioudless air
looks like a ball All is nearly as
bright as day, only the light is silver.
not gold. Sit down on that rock and
watch the thirsty animals as they drink
buffalo, rhinoceros, antelope, quag-
ga and occasionally, If the water is
large. lions TOO. But what has fright
ened the antelope and quagga that
they throw their heads up for a second
and IA ie away into the shadows? The
other beasts. too. are listening. and
now leave the sides of the pond. Moth
ing but the inevitable. irresisti ble
jackal that gamins among wild things
remains in view. As vet, your dull.
human ears have caught no sound. but
very soon the heavy tread and low,
rumbling note Of an oneoming herd of
elephants reaches YOU. They are at
the water. The jackals have satdown
with their tails straight out behind
them. but not another creature Is to
be seen. he king drinks Not a
sound is heard He squirts the water
Owe his back, makes the whole pool
muddy. ana retires solemnly, leaving
his subjects. who now gather round,
To- make the hest of what he has
fouied- This Is the king in the opin-
ion Of beasts chicago Times.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05
BEFORE THE WAR.
The Faithfulness of Big Dan. the Negro
Slave.


A group of gentlemen, mostly from
Dixie. were discussing certain phases
of the institution of slavery as it exist
ed in their region. at one of the down
town hotels. The faithfulness of the
black man to his master was heartily
attested by those present, nearly all of
whom mad owned slaves.
There never was more loyal sub
jet than the old-time plantation
darby" said Maj. George Griffin, of Co
lumbus. Ga. The percentage of slaves
who tried to gain their freedom by run
ming away was very small, which was
the best proof of their contented lot.
My father had emigrated from South
Carolina to Georgia, bringing with him
about thirty negroes, in themselves
constituting a respectable fortune. He
was thrifty planter, and with the aid
of his colored vassals his worldly pos
sessions increased rapidly. Among the
number was a great strapping fellow
named Dan, who from the fact of his
ability To do about twice the work of
an average hand, and also for his good
disposition, was a prime favorite on
the place. Dan was really the pet of
the family. He could shuck more corn
and pick more cotton than any of his
colleagues, ami withal was as amiable
as a child.
cone summer night Dan left his
cabin and walked up to the big house,
as the servants styled the residence of
their owner. lie found nv father
seated on the veranda, smoking his
pipe. and coming TO him, said: Mars
George. I've gut a favor to AK of You.
.'Well, what is il, DAM
"'You knows I've twin brother
back in Souf Caliny, dat | amt seed in
eleven years. | wants you to let me GO
on a little visit to see Reuben, for
thinks heap of dat boy
''Wcll. the upshot of il was that the
necessary consent was given. There
was no railroad closer than Atlanta,
but Dan thought little of walking that
distance. When the day carle for him
to start he was the happieso mortal on
earth. Father gave him a nice suit of
clothes and plenty of pocket money.
He was to be back in six weeks. Some
of our neighbors prophesied that we
had seen the last of Dan. but not So. ]
recollect the night when he came down
the road whistling merry tune. lie
had enjoyed a great time with his
brother, and the six weeks was up to
day. Washington Post.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05
REOEEMtp HE BILLS.
Some of the Extraordinary Rescues Made
by the Bank of France.

When bank bin is utterly destroyed,
the government or the baux which is
sued it is the gamer by the amount of
the bill, for it is a promise to pay which
no longer exists. But if enough of the
note is left to constitute reasonable
proof of its existence il must be paid.
No more extraordinary rescues fav,
ever been made, perhaps, than th:se
which governments and governmental
banks have performed in the ease of
mutilated currency.
Some extraordinary but well-authen-
ticated stories of such rescucs. per-
formed BY the Bank of France, are re-
lated. Not long ago Partisan goat
got hold OF fifteen bank notes OF
thousand francs each. and devoured
them all. For a very short time he was
an extremely valuable goat. He was
soon slain. however. and all the bills
were found. chewed up into bits and
partially diPcsted, in his stomach.
Strange To relate, they were, i'm due
course of time, put together again at
the bank and paid.
One day sheep ate up hundred
franc note belonging to butcher. The
butcher ran into the house of friend.
seized breech-loading gun. loaded it
and shot the sheep lie had no sooner
done this than the owner of the gun
rushed up.
That was an expensive shot of yours
for me-" he said.
What do you mean?r asked the
butcher.
well, said the other. 81 had seven
ty francs i'm bills hidden in the barrel
of that gum
The sleeps carcass was pretty thor
oughly searched, and enough of the
pieces of the notes recovered so that
the bank redeemed them all.
More commonplace incidents of this
sort are continually reported at the
bank. Now and then an excited fam
lyman, wife and children-rush into
the bank. The children. left alone at
home, have found some pretty
pictures" and cut them up with scis-
sors. The pictures turn out to be bank
bills, and when the parents return.
they take pictures" children and all
to the bank as evidence.
The bills are put together and re-
deemed; the family go home happy, but
the children never again cut up any
thing valuable.
A not infrequent occurrence is the
leaving of bank-notes in the pockets of
linen vests which are sent to be washed
Perhaps the washerwoman looks in the
pockets, but very likely she does not,
but puts vest and bank-notes into the
suds. Bills treated in this manner are
very hard to restore; for the rubbing
and the washing preparations very near
" efface all evidence that the pulpy
mass has once been money.
Burned money IS sometimes restored.
A man came home, took out "A letter
cut the envelope across the end and
took out three hundred francs in bills.
In his absence his wife put the bills
back in the envelope. The man re-
turned and, taking what he supposed
was merely the envelope, threw it into
the fire.
However. the ashes of the burned note
still retained the form and imprint of
the burned money. and it was redeemed
by the bank-Youth's Companion
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05

hotel and cottages were scattered like
houses 81 cards: the pleasure craft
along the beach destroyed: the island
itself submerged.
The adjacent islands were streyn
with corpSeS; many persisted never Ia
he heard of again. among others
Charles Deale. Jeanne de Ia Mature :
lover The survivors. a broken-heart-
Ell band. were eloquent in praise Of
him; he had saved maES lives before
losing his own. and was last See.
swimming toward the lifs saving boat
with child in his arms. BEING a
daring swimmer. but little fear was
entertained a To his safety. he was. at
first. thought u have found refuge on
one OF the gulf islands. or - have been
picked up by an outgoing vessel but
s. time went on. bringing M tidings.
days drifting into weeks. weeks into
months, his death was rel sctantlv ac-
cepted by his friends
Even Jeanne de la Mature. whose
faithful heart refused To despair. real
lied that further hope was mocLery.
tine oalmy evening about year
later Pere Francois. walking down
Royal street. heard hi> name called
softly \ carriage bad drawn M 20 the
curb and a girl in deep black was beck
oning "a him
Jeanne de Ia Naure- he exclaimed.
"leS. 1t i IT, she answered We
have Just returned from abroad Won't
yOe get i'm I have something 10 saw
10 v0u."
lie Obeycd wonderinglv.
wow. NY father. speaking IN quick.
eager tones. who are 81 wise and
good, tell me. will be doing wrong to
enter convent
''YOu9' he said. protestingly.
''Oh. why note I am - wear. OF the
life we lead"
My child. said the priest. 1--WE
must consider. To act upon impulse
would he wrong; there must br repa-
ration and probation. Should yOu hest
tate before taking tie last views there
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05
COSSACK BARBARISM.
Example OF the Atrocious Injustice of the
Russian Government.


Russian Government.
Thirty-eight years ago Russian boy,
Ivan Rykoff by name. drank too much
and in his cups carried off the candles
of church.
For this offense in any civilized coun-
try he would have been fined or per-
haps sent to jail for brief period. In
Russia he was condemned to the cruel
slavery of the Siberian mines instead.
After awhile he escaped, returned to
Russia. became good citizen, won the
respect of his neighbors. married.
reared family of children and lived
uprightly.
After thirty-eight years. in the sa-
cred intimacy of family reunion and
der the impulse of family affection,
lac related the story of his youthful in
discretion. his fearful punishment and
his fortunate escape from life of de-
spsir.
Somebody repeated the story to the
police. and Ivan Rykoff was torn from
his wife and children and cast into
prison. He appealed to the mercy VI
his judges. but they knew no mercy.
His long honest life counted for no
more than tears of his loved ones. and
neither the Mentality of his one offensc
nor the lapse of time since its commits
sion softened the heart of the tyranny
into whose clutches he had fallen. Ho
i to be sent back to Siberia under a
sentence longer than that originally
imposed. and is condemned besides TO a
fiogging Of that barbaric kind which is
known only to the infamous penal code
of the Cossack empire. After this de
grading torture he must wear cut his life
in penal servitnde under the lash of an
oyerseer while his wife and children
weep their hearts away over his fate
n. Y. World.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05
Will be vet time for Won to withdraw

will be vet time for you to withdraw
Il shall never wish to do that.
They were nearing home: a sudden
turn had brought them in SIGHT of the
square; the syringas were in bloom
the long grass white with clover; the
air was full of cheerful sounds
Pere Francois. most grateful of men,
turned impulsively TO his companion.
1t is a beautiful world.' said he
She averted her face. but the tears so
resolutely fought back could be re-
strained no longer; his Idle speech was
the last straw upon an already over
burdened heart. The carriage stopped
before her door. and the little priest.
overwhelmed with remorse, lifted her
out and led her weeping up the steps.
Poor mademoiselle. if one could do
anything" The voice was the wom
ans who had once spoken bitterly of
the rich" Marie and her husband
gazed wistfully from their shop door.
Think of it, said the young wife,
I'VE used to envy her"
1T was I who envied her" cried
Pierre. you, who said that love. not
money, brought happiness, and it is
so.
Yes" she said absently; her eyes
were not on him. but on the balcony
opposite. where a black-robed figure
paced slowly to and fro.
The church was crowded to suffoca
ton; the ceremonies attendant upon
the solemn function known as taking
the veil were wont TO be impressive;
a fashionable audience always wit
messed them; to-day offered no excep-
tiOn to the rule. Aside from the re-
ligiOus features. rumor had whispered
that young girl of wealth and beau
ty-none o,Sier indeed than Jeanne de
la Mau-e. tle belle of many a bali
room-was TO renounce the ''pomps
and vanities of this wicked world
forever
The organ was playing softly; the
priests and noviees had entered the
building: a hush lay over the assem-
blage. when an interruption so un-
looked for occurred that the congre-
CATION might he pardOned for rising in
an outburst of amaze.
Down the middle aisle. To the foot of
the chancel. rushed an agitated man.
lie was tall and magnificently built,
his rough eurls were fair, his eyes
deeply blue. As people gazed, they
recognized and thrilled with wonder
.'Pere Francois. don't you know ne?'
he cried. passionateiy. II am Charles
Deane. JEANNE de la Maure's promised
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05
An Accurate Description.

While ] was stopping at a friends
house the other day her husband came
home. and before he had taken off his
coat or hat he exclaimed:
We'll. / wish vou could have seen
the woman ! saw to-day
Why. WAS she pretty?" we both
asked.
Pretty? Well. should say So. and
she hal on the neatest little suit YOU
ever saw. BY jove. wish You could
get something that looked like that
once in awhile. he SAID. turning 10 his
wife.
We'll. tell rs what il was like. and
maybe I can" She returned
''oh. can't tell You just what il
was like. but il had those things over
the shoulders like your purple dress ''
DO YOU mean ruffies2" interrupted
his wife.
Yes. guess they are ruffies. 1t had
a skirt of peculiar color. and the basque
was a sort Of green. She wore coat
or something like most women wear.
and hat with ribbon over IT. She
looked stunning. tell You.
And his wife murmured: Il should
think 50. "-Washington Post
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05

tfut ON AAftNiIe 81 where every
house opened on the street. and where
one might chat with the ueighborhood
from ones own doorway. discussion
ran high W. jacques. the shoemaker.
had observed that rain was at hand.
whereupon VassOn. the jeweler. had
seen TT To sneer. Rain. he repeated
seornfully. ma fol- storm. more like
L. remember in IS44-~
'-Histe~ said monsieur. 'mademoi-
Eeile and her fiancre are merry to-
night
There is proverb which -
longer believe" murmured NaSsOn.
"the course % true love sometimes
doe run smooth"
An, When people are rich, put in
-Csnau's voice
HE Is handsome said NJ Jacques.
''in the American way. II Is pity ne
Is not creole"
''NademoiselIe Is an angel. Now IL
monsieur were a prince"
a prince, and -yhy should a paltry
prince Come. monsieur. it i too
hot 20 quarrel. let Marie be. What
say Won. Marie, 10 a walk in the
square,
She rose and followed Pierre. her
lifelong frit ri. her ha.favowec lover.
down the quiet street. Beneath. the
de la Maure halcOr~ they paused: be
hind the vines they distingui> ned the
figures of the lovers. The two heaGs.
one 50 fair. the other dark and smooth.
were close together
1t Is rood thing - be rich" he
said. pointing over his shoulder
- Pierre. cried she. lit Is not mon
ey that makes Us happy"
What tnen?
You know need not tell YOU"
but that is it, he cried n will
hear il from You and no one else; come,
we will finish our talk here
Tie let her into the square - seat
beneath the myrtIeS. while they chat
ted the wind sent the blooms quivering
% the grass; one of them drifteC TO
Maries shoulder. She caught IL and
studied it ovingIv
Myrtle cried Pierre. guessing her
thoughts. that means a wed ling"
Charles. Jeanne de la Maure was
saying at his moment. ''do not GO to-
morrow. Last island seems 80 far
away. and Pore Francois SAYS that. in
rough weather. the journey is full of
danger"
In rough weather. perhaps"
But y-Du must not laugh; everyone
thinks that a storm Is brewing; don't
You feel II in the air?-'
MY love. did follow my wish.
nothing could drag me away; but poor
Reid's letter was 81 despondeAt I
think ought 20 go To him; he was
very good to me once. can't bear To
think If his dying ont there alone"
Dying" repeated Jeanne.
''Yes. aud his life i ebbing away To
the music Of flutes and the laughter of
the thoughtless."
Dying. She said again. so young"
Her eyes filled with tears. Poor.
poor Fellow. go To him. Charles.
shall not keep YOU; tell him how sorry
was; but. nv darling. I shall miss
You 50. do not stay long.
lie drew her Ia hinI. and promised
that nothing should keep him from
her; the ucighbors saw her. in her
white gown and scarlet ribbons. lean
over the railing u wish him a last
good-hy
You viii not be long, mon cher?"
- fortnight. ana I will return
Rut, few days later the country
thrilled with the tidings from Last is
land; storm. unparalleled in vio-
lence, had broken upon the resort; the
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-07-05

One of the greatest sorrows of ia
nous personages i that it is impos-
sible TO live mp 10 the ideal opinion
which the people whom they meet in
the ordinary affairs Of life have formed
of them.
IL l. recorded that a certain literary
man of high reputation had occasion
To remark To a waiter in the restaurant
where he sometimes lunches:
Waiter. this beefstea6 is very
tough"
The waiter looked at him with sor-
rowful expression. and sighed deeply.
Perhaps You viii tell me. said the
literary man, WY you sigh in that
fashion,?
All. sir" said the waiter. Il took
You for man who always said Origi
nal things; and here you come and say
just the same thing that all the rest OF
them do"'-You.h's Companion.