davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1894-11-09

ton.
IS THE AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY HOS.
TILE TO PUBLIC EDUCATION?
To the charge in the report that this
monopoly is disastrous to our public
school SYSTEM" and that 1.-THE public are
cheated of the right to independent
teachers, good schools and good books"
we answer that this is base and mon
strous accusation not only against us bu!
against the teachers and school authori-
ties of the state of Oregon. 1t says in
effect that your teachers and school
superintendent allow themselves to be
hoodwinked and cheated by publishers
ofschoo1 books. No statement could be
more untrue or unjust to this high
minded and intelligent class of citizens
of your state. 1t is incredible that
man in his senses would thus attempt to
traduce and malign any class of his fe1,
low citizens, much less the supervisors of
public education.
Refuting this infamous charge, we
make this clear assertion, and call Upon
all intelligent men who know the his
tory of the schools of this country to say
whether or not it is true. We assert
that no body of men have ever done
more to stimulate popular education,
foster progressive and enlightened meth
DDS of teaching, arouse educational
thought, and generally promote the in
te1lectual growth of the country, than
the men who, as school-book publishers,
were the predecessors of the American
Book Company; and they have accom-
plished all these things by constantly
producing, from time to time, the best
possible school textbooks. We further
assert that those who compose the pres
ent management of the American Book
Company are still faithful to these high
traditions, and are still doing for the
schools of this country, through furnish
ing them with good books, all that ex-
perience and capital can accomplish.
THE AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY IN
OREGON.
1t is charged that this company, and
the ''combination which has existed for
many years. framed your textbook
laws, and that all your school-books,
"except Brooks Normal Arithmetic and
three other very uninportant books"
were selected from the American Book
Company's list.
The simple facts are that there never
has been any such combination for
many years. or for any time, as is al |
legged; and that the adoption of books |
six years ago in Oregon took place two !
years before the American Book COM |
pany came into existence, and under |
open competitor between the different
entirely independent houses, as every,
body in Oregon knows who had anything |
to do with the selection at that time.
The sales and profits of the school,
book business are constantly and very |
greatly exaggerated by those who are ig-
norant of them. Instead of the profits
on school books being $4,000 year IL
Oregon, as. claimed in the report, this
sum more nearly represents the total
amount of annual sales in this state
,,,l,;,I, ,.,, a,-a,4 &c NOT more than
The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1894-11-09
conclusion when bribery is proved to
have been atterunted or co,u,nittad2

nave been attempted or committed!
These two unfortunate scandals, the
results of the sharp practice induced by a
very exciting competition between agents
(where the monopoly" does not seem
to have ''crushed out the competition" "
were the results of palpable tricks set up,
one agent upon another; and the Ameri-
can Book Company promptly disavowed
any responsibility or connection with
them. Among the hundreds of thousands
CT annual transactions of this company,
these are the only instances ever cited
against it, and these are alleged to have
taken place within a few months after
the organization of the company. And
though the campaign of abuse and defa-
nation has been actively carried on ever
since, its authors and promoters have not
been able to add to these old and false
accusations, grown threadbare with use.
After citing the above cases, this ere
port" goes on to say: "These are only
specific instances; but the history of this
company's operations in Mississippi, Mis-
souri,, Ohio, New Jersey, and other states
gives US the impression that its methods
are corrupt, and leads this committee to
the almost irresistible conclusion that
this is a well-defned policy of the conf
pany itself in the selection of some Of
Its agents and instrumentallties.
What does the writer of this villainous
attack upon honorable men knOze'
of the history of this company in the
states named? Nothing whatever; and
he is challenged to produce any proof OF
any transaction on our part inconsistent
with fair and honorable dealing.
This defamatory report continues: "It
will also appear that its most reckless
and successful operations have been con-
fined to what it probably considers the
backwoods states of West Virginia, Mis-
sissippi, Missouri, California, Washing
ton, and Oregon, and that in New Eng
land and many other places its success,
if any, in monopo1izing the school-book
business has been short lived"
We have not been accustomed to con-
slider the states named as "backwoods,''
in invidious comparison with the more
thickly settled and richer portions of the
country. 1t is we'll known that rural and
agricultural communities are quite as in
telligent, honest, and high minded in
their dealings, and as capable of taking
care of themselves and their own inter
ests, as are manufacturing and trading
communities. The facts are that there
have been no new introductions or whole
sale changes in books in West Virginia,
California, and Oregon since the forma-
alton of this company, in which it could
have shared. The Washington adoption
occurred within a month after the com
pany had commenced business, so that it
had little share in that. In Mississippi
and Missouri, under new laws, general
changes in books have taken place in
which this company has shared, after
most active competitor with many other
publishing houses.
As to the "backwoods" charge, it is
fact which can be demonstrated by the
account books of the company's sales in
New England and the Middle and West
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-05-30
BRIGHT BITS.

Salesman-Now this is book I can highly
recommend; have read it myself
Mrs Noovah-Oh, then. it would never do;
l don want any second hand books Haven't
YOU any that haven't been read;-Harpers
Weekly.
They we're discussing woman suffrage, and
most Of them seemed to be against it. Are
you an anti:' was asked of one compare
tive stranger.
No; I'm a mother she anawered.-Har.
per 8 Bazar.
Wife, don't believe in women voting; at
least l should never want to be a leader in
politics. va
Husoand-And why. my dear?
Whe-UEh! l should so hate to go to the
penitentiary.-Plain Dealer.
Dibbs-Jibsy, have you read stubb's new
novel:
Jibsy-No: what is it?
Dtbbs-He has made great hit, tell you;
he named 1t 'Schooners That Stick on the
Bar. -Louisville Courier-JOurnaL
You seem to be troubled my dear
u am, dear wife, i am responded the
popular preacher. Il can't make up my mind
whether | can gain more mention by hauling
the newspapers over the Goals or by praising
them to the skies. India annapolis Journal.
First Kicker Pears to me IL would be
good scheme to sign lot of Cinnamon fer the
ball team a sort of experiment. What do
you think of it:
Second Kicker-Wouldn't do at all. They
amt yellow enough indianapolis Journal
VISITOR beg to assure you. miss, that
Miss dnterrupting You must speak with
mamma.
Nisitor-Pardon miss this is a misunder-
standing. am agent for
Miss-Then you must speak with papa 49,
Fnegende Blaetter.
Clerk want my photograph taken; but it
must be as unlike me as possible.
Photogra pher-An unusual request! May
ask the reason?
Clerk-Ill tell you in confidence. You see
the photograph is for my employers daugh
ter, and If he saw it and recognized me he d
discharge me forthwith. 49, F'liegende Blaetter.
Crushed-It was about t:S0 a m The gen
tleman who was making a visit to the Office of
the metropolitan morning paper to see how it
was all done wandered at last into the room
where the telegraphc and other news matter
was undergoing the boiling doWn process pre-
paratory to making its appearance in type.
Wen, gentlemen. he said pleasantly,
what is the latest about the Coxey move
"Coxey is ancient history yelled forty
voices in chorus.
And he went softly out.-Chicago Tribune.
AT a recent dinner given by welknown
BOStOnlan, where champagne and other wines
were freely dispensed, member of the
clergy was found lsOlating himself in an OBJ
scure corner of the supper room and tenderly
hugglng one quart OF Mumm' Is Extra to his
bosom. His young friend Of the laity. who
discovered him, remarked on the excellence
of the spread
All yes said the Clergyman. with evil
dent embarrassment, and there is nothing
so well suited to MY digestion after such
dinner as a good Bottle of ApOllinaris such as
this. ~ Boston Budget.
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-05-30
The Letter of thu Law.

That Quick-witted sense Of the ludfcrous
may often lead its possessor out Of diflculties
was evidenced not long ago in the case of
certain George D, at OXFORD. says Harper's
Magazine. D. was one OF the brightest men
of his class but unfortunately his in
tellectual DR.. Jekyll tore daily com
lany with q mischieflovlng Hyde, whose
qlaLollcal tendencies frequently got him
into disgrace. Was there trouble with
the townsmen the nigh. before, it was
D who was first questioned by the dean.
was there some unique bit of de siltry played
on a 1rst-year man, 1t was upon D that the
faculty eye of suspicion was turned.
He was as usual, ''on the ragged edge of
suspicion when one Sunday morning. at
churCht1me in his third year he was deserted
by the Dean sitting at the open window of his
quadrangle room in his Shirt sleeves. calmly
smoking long Dutch pipe and drinking
peer. The Dean was on his way 10 church,
and the cool public irreverence of the man
shocked him. The next morning he sum
moned D. TO his study.
Sir said the Dean your iTreyerence is
d'sgraceful What do you mean by this pub
lie dtsrespect of the Lords day.
Il was not aware that drinking beer and
smoking a pipe was so wicked" said D..
1t is. sir Numbered the Dean; and If
ever see you In your Shirt sleeves drinking
beer ana smoking pipe again on Sunday.
your connection with this university ceases. -
D bowed his head respectfully ana went
out. The following Sunday the dean took
pains to be a trite late for church and to pass
by young D--s window. What was his
amaZement TO discover that worthy lolling on
his Wlndow-cOuch, smoking and drinking!
He was furious. Such impudent defiance of
his orders. He would expel him then and
tn ere. But as he approached nearer. his an
ger changed into wonderment: and then as
he quickly walked by, his sense of humor
brought smile to his face. The letter of the
law had been o0eyed. Young D. was fault
lessly arrayed in his dress suit, drinking
champagne and smoking a CT gar.
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-05-30
The Old Violin.

7. C. Harbaugh, in New York Clipper.
Though minus its bridge and tho broken its
bow,
1t tells me a tale of the dear long ago;
Like shell from the sea or stone from the
rill,
Its varnlsh is cracked, and 40 more thro the
That YEARLY pass for the public it pays,
But l easily hear as the twilight steals in,
The long vanished tunes of the old violin.
And out from the past comes the tripping of
feet. .-....
Where softly the shadows of eventide meet;
The curtains of memory rise to disclose
Some faces that rest beneath lily and rose.
To me like strain from tropical cline
some music floats back Ger the vistss of
time.
AND know, as wait for the dance to begin.
lis an echoing note from the old violin.
The eyes that grew bright at the tunes that it
play'd
Are peeping at me from lifes sunshine and
And out of the depths of the hearts long
ago
Come the laugh of the belle and the kiss of
the beau.
I turn with smile at the music hear,
For every note as IN anthem Is clear;
Can it be that l dream: All, that musical
din
Most certainly comes from the old violin,
No more will it play as it played in its time
Meath the hand of a master who died in his
prime:
But even to me of a youth time it sings
And tngels unseen often play withits strings
know that it carries the marks of the years;
I know that to many it worthless appears:
But cherish 1t now above all earthly kim
And love forms crown for the old violin.
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-05-30
Counting NV Wire.

a telegraph operator in Boston ONCE once
met with bitter disappointment early in his
career by falling in love with young woman
at the other end OF one of the old Western
Union wires, says DonahOe's Magazine. She
used TO say sweet little nothings when hull
IN the business gave her an opportunity 10
use the wire. The young man worked IN the
Boston Office. and had the reputa tion OF being
ny sender and able TO receive what he
could Send. an all-inI ortant factor in the
sizing up of an operator. The woman was
proud to have him say even "Gm' or &c
good morning or good evening" to her. and
the other girls on the wire with whom he
never coudeScended to exchange even
these ordinary saIutations, we're Jealous.
As time wore on their conversations
over the wire became longer and more fire.
quent. Finally an invitation to come to Ros-
ton andsvlSit one Of the theaters was given
ana accepted. The Lotharlo of tho wire was
to wear a red. red rose in his button hole. a
white straw hat with a blue band; she was to
carry small satchel of peculiar shape in one
hand and fluffy lace handkerchief in the
other.
The train arrived at the Eastern station on
time and the satchel Of peculiar design was
sighted. II was indeed, OF peculiar design
II was only an oldfashion carpet bag, OF a
graylsn green color, and considerably older
tnan the Morse alphabet The girl was a
slght that would have made Neil Burgess. in
me county Fair go and hide She was
Iuily 4o years old Long cockscrew curls OF
a past era hung Gown over her shoulders like
/ twists OF molasseS candy and a smile doomed
up unuer the caves. OF her suntonnet that
would have done credit to a issure in the
side of NeSuvius.
She was extremely glad to see him and he.
with the instinct Of a true gentleman, tried
/ 70 appear that he was Just as glad to see her.
| he took her carpet bag and tho boarded
car Ter the house where he was staying
! mere were many sly nudges and covert
/ laughs at the tea table all the girls. and
/ young men thinking the Young operator was
| entertaining his aunt from the country For
! the evening performance at the theater the
] IN n TWa 4 kfeHam
| from the dephs of her carpet bag and slicked
| up her curls in the most approved fashion
! Tue tonnet was flower garden of itself, and
for it that she and the bonnet attracted more
| attention than the play.
/ The next day he sent her home. but ever
after he was ca eful not TO allow himself to
! conye's2 with any one on the wire except on
| business
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-05-30
Ingenious Meanness.

A good story comes from neighboring
village and a report of the ingenuity of
man S acQuistiyeness may be a pointer for
some OF those not adverse to turning an
honest penny-their way. says the Fargo
Forum. 1t is reported shat village not far
from here is on to-a new racket because a
certain brother in the fold. who takes an &C
tive part in church work, and il whom i'm
plcit confidence has been placed by his as
sociates, has been detected of having a
piece of sticky fiypaper In his hat when he
went to take up the collection al the church.
All the coins that dropped upon the fypaper
stayed there, and IL was amazing how the
big pieces crowded the little ones off.
When the audience had been solicited this
smooth individual would advance and turn
his hat upside down over that of another who
mad heed soliciting the audience on the other
side of the house. All the coin that dropped
belonged to the church. and all that remained
in the hat was to remunerate him for the
work he had done. so to speak There is said
to lie blood on the face OF the moon. and the
good brother, who has political a aspirations
and the ones who caught him in the act are
having time. .-..---.--..
The sequel is yet to be written but when
daffodlls begin to show their heads through
the sun kissed soil and buds herald the leaiv
DAYS of springtime. a convocation OF wise men
and elders of the church is expected TO sit on
the matter, and-meauwhils druggists who
wan, TO sell sticky fYpaper should advertise
in the Forum It's newly discovered uses.
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-05-30
ERSONAL.

Ward McAiIister has declared himself OPP
posed to the woman suffrage movement in
New York.
Commodore Ramsay, chief OF the bureau Of
navigation at Washington, who has just been
promoted to the rank Of rear-admiral. is one
OF the most picturesque figures IN the navy
department
Central Asian potentates are growing very
European in their ways. since the Emir Of
Bokhara visited st. Petersburg he has quite
adopted western habits. throwing open his
palace TO Russian aides and giving regular
balls After European comforts he finds his
palace very bare, 50 he has invited a French
architect to build another in European
style.
Charles s. Rackeman an attorney Of Bos-
ton, who took a ride between Boston and
Hyde Park on the Old Colony railroad and Ie-
fused 10 pay his fare because he was not fur
nlshed with seat, was sued and the trial re
suited In verdict for the company Of Il
cents which is a fare OF Is cents and = cents
interest thereon since September, 1892. whSh
the ride was taken
Perhaps the finest dolls house IN England
is that ordered by the Duchess Of Portland
for her little daughter, Lady Victoria Ben
timex The reception rooms are hung with
brocade the stairs carpeted the doors open
ana smut ana the BEDROOMS are beautifully
furnished. FOR little New York heiress
dolls house has lately been constructed which
cost several thousands OF pounds.
An interesting relic in ths custody of Miss
Ball, relative Of Gen, Washington, living at
the Louise Home, in New York. is the paint
ing of little girl holding in her arms a kit
ten. The picture is said by connOlsseurs to
be very fine, and is the WORK OF Joseph Hop
klnson. the author of Hail G Olumbia.' and
the son Of Francis HOpkinson, one of the
slgners Of the Declaration OF Independence.
King Oscar, OF Sweden. was in his young
days. one Of the most accomplished tenors in
Europe. He was fond of singing in private
concerts az the houses of his friends, and might
have. II Is said If he were Obliged to earn a
! livelihood, applied the void caused by the re-
tlrement of Mario from the operate stage.
! On coming to the throne he gave up music,
except in the inneruost home circle to at
tend to the serious aud the parade duties of
kingshtp.
Gen Pleasanton, who, many years ago, was
widely known as Blue Glass Pleasanton,
has lived very quietly for the last sixteen
| years at Washington hotel shortly after
| the civil war. in which he was distinguished
! for his bravery, the general asserted that
! blue glass was sovereign remedy for all ills
| that af1ict humanity. Many persons believed
| him, and had blue glass windows introduced
| in their houses. The blue glass theory was
! the first wheel in the generals head, and
! some persons declare that II has been revo "
| Ing ever since.
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-05-30
A Plan to Defeat the Tariff Bin.

The republican senators have a scheme
for defeating the tariff bill. 1t is this.
After the sugar schedule has been debated
for a few days, one Of their number will
vote 10 put sugar on the free list. They
expect to get the entire republican vote,
with the exception of the votes OF Sena-
tors Sherman and Cameron, for this mo-
ton, and also the votes of several demo
cratic senator's. If the motion should be
carried they regard it as certain that the
Louisiana senators would vote against
the bill. The votes of those two demo
cratic senator's, together with that Of
Senator Hill who is expected to vote
against the bill because Of the income
tax feature of it, and the republican
votes would defeat the bill
1t is pretty certain, however, that
sugar is not going on the free list. The
democratic senator's understand the
scheme Of the republicans, and they will
not permit the tariff bill to be defeated
in any such way. They will not
permit it to be defeated at all There
is no reason to doubt that the bill will be
passed. The democratic senator's under
stand that they have got to pass it, and
hence they will not allow objections any
of them may have to certain features of
it to stand in the way of its passage.
Senator Hill may vote against the bill
if he is disposed to do so. The bill can
be passed without his help. He has acted
so strangely III regard to it that the dem
ocratic leaders in the Senate have ceased
TO take him into account in their calcula-
tions in respect to its passage. The other
day he attacked the lead schedule, as
sorting that the placing of any duty on
lead would be in direct contradiction TO
the letter and spirit of the national dem
ocratic platform, but it is not forgotten
that when his colleague, Senator Murphy,
insisted upon higher duty on collars and
cuffs he raised no objection whatever,
If he is a consistent tariff reformer why
is it he didn't oppose an in
crease of duty on collars and
cuffs? 1t is quite plain why he did not,
He is for protection in cases in which his
friends are interested, but for free trade
virtually in cases in which he has no in
terest.
The programme for defeating the tariff
bill is an elaborate one, but it cannot be
successfully carried out. The democrats
will not permit themselves to be divided
They may talk threateningly about parts
of the bill which do not meet their APP
proval, but they will vote right when the
time for voting comes.
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-05-30
Let's Have the Goals of Fire.

II the promoters of the Atlanta Cotton Elk
position want the government building at
jackson Park they ought to have it free
gratis for nothing. Secretary Carlisle has
not vet ratified the sale OF the structure to
the wreCkng outraCtors who put IN BID for
II, and who VIII II they can, make the At
lanta people pay 20J per cent. over the
amount they offered for il. These people
ought TO be headed on. and il the Georgians
md it practicable to remove the building from
Chicago TO Atlanta the te ieral government
can very well afford To let them have IL as a
gift. The same thing is true as 10 any other
buildings that have not been disposed OF ~
the south ark commissioners. Chicago
should 1e dis posed To help the Atlanta show
along. although the Georgia congressman
were not by any means friends of the world 5
fair. We can heap Goals OF tire Ol their heads
by doing them simple justice,
The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-05-30
A Much Needed Reform.

Secretary of War Lamont is showing
sound Judgment in thoroughly reorgau-
izing the war department. His exper-
fence in the department convinces him
that there is altogether too much red
tape in the transaction of public business.
The order for reorganization has gone
into effect, and the result will be greater
efficiency and an immense reduction in
expenses.
There ought to be just such reform as
this in all the departments. The govern
ment has altogether too many employees.
Some make work for others. The gov
eminent printing Office was a fair sample
of the condition of affairs in other
branches of the public service.
The new public printer. Mr.. Benedict,
when he took charge of the government
printing Office the other day, found there
were at least LOCO employees more than
there was any need for. The surplus of
labor was at once discharged, and now
the work is all done much more satisfac-
torily and promptly than previously.
1t is regrettable that the heads of the
other departments have not the courage
to follow Secretary Lamont's example.
At least $1,000 600 a year could be saved
to the government by a thorough reform
in all branches of the civil service Sec
rotary Lamont may not be able to make a
great speech, but as a practical worker
he is success. He accomplishes more
for the good of the people than many of
those public men who do a great deal of
speech making.