davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
Dolls. TOYS. Games,

For q beautiful doll we are head
quarters. The most conspicuous
toy stock west OF Chicago. Boys
secretary desks, 9sc aud up. Doll
cabs, '9c aud up. Steam engines
I5c and up. Noah's ark filled with
animals, the 5oc kind, our price Csc.
The shoe fly rocking horses. double
only 49c. Dishes l5c and up. Child
toy table 10c aud up. Boys large
hook and ladder wagons. large size,
only sl.75. Child's quadruple plate,
gold lined drinking cups worth 81,
only 4sc.
American base ball games. the
greatest indoor game Of the age. very
exciting and Interesting. Plays as
perfect a game of base ball Is the
regular field game. No skill or pre-
vious knowledge OF the game neces-
sary. Tool chests l5c and up. See
our 45c chest with plane. Toy
trunks only i5c and up. Wheel Of
fortune, the new game. only 39c.
Child's silver plated knife. fork and
spoon 19c. Christmas candies. 4s
candies for Sc. Child's god ring,
warranted for three years. only 25c.
Ladies' gold ring, warranted for
three years. only SOC. Ladies' brill
liant hat ornaments. worth up to
81 SO, q manufacturers import sam
PIES. Take your choice for 33c.
Ladies' solid gold pen. pearl handle.
only 9sc. Gents and ladies' black
cat stick pins. worth 25c, for this
sale only iOc. IL you wear one Of
these you will always have good
luck. Chair silver plated pin cush-
ions only 10c. Jewel boxes, silver
plated. only 1Oc. A full line OF boys
and girls skates from 1ec up.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
The Atmosphere.

Even if it were possible for man to
live without breathing air he could not
exist on the earth if it were without an
atmosphere. Plants derive carbon, the
most important element of their food,
from the air, and without plants there
could be no food for animals, and there
fore no human beings. Water also
comes from the atmosphere, but if there
were no water there could be neither
plants nor animals. If food and water
could be supplied in some other way.
the world would still be unhabitable by
plants and animals owing to the severi-
ty of the cold. Without an atmosphere
there would be no winds, and conse.
Iuently no waves or ocean currents
The sea-if we may suppose one to have
been supplied by some unknown cause
would be a stagnant pool, uninhabit-
able by seaweed or fish.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
PLEASE LET US GO AND PLAY.

While working at my desk today.
Striving to put my thoughts in rhyme.
heard my little children say
What oft said in olden time,
Before my hair had turned to gray,
Before times wrinkles creased my brow,
'Please, mother, do not keep rs now,
But let US SO and playF
Their plaintive voices came to me
From the adjoining chamber, whe.s
Both wife and children ] could SEE
When seated in my easy chaiB
6he kissed them tenderly, and shey
With joyous shouts went to their game
They could not hear my heart exclaim,
"Oh, would that we could play!"
o God, pray that thou wilt leave
Their mother here until my boys
Can comprehend that they but grieve
Themselves when they leave her for toys!
Oh, they'll remember when they pray
For their dear mother. when she's dead,
6ow often they to her have said.
"Please let US go and play!'
Aye. in this life from day to day
Cnknowinely we oft disiiain
Our blessings, and but wish for pain
When we scorn sacrifice for play.
-Doone F. Lemmy in Washington Star.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
A BLIND TRAVELLER.
He Dinds His Way Alone Along the Road
Of Califorr.a.

He Dinds His Way Alone Along the RoeAs
Of Calforr:a.
Gilbert Watkins is the name of q
blind man who lives on Brush street,
near Taylor. Although he is so blind he
cannot tell day from night, even though
he looks directly at the sun, it does not
interfere with his ability to travel In
fact, Watkins does more travelling than
most other people except drummers.
And, Furthermore, he does the most
of it without any one to guide him.
Watkins, when he is in the city, can
be seen standing on the corners of some
of the down town streets, where he sells
notions and other small articles in order
to gain livelihood. But he does not
stay long at a time, because he likes to
visit different places and meet different
people. He always attends the different
celebrations and fiestas, where he Gays
he is sure to enjoy himself.
When Watkins wants to 60 any place
the first time, he gets some one to guide
him, if possible, but after that he can
go alone at any time he wishes. He has
been over nearly all of the roads in CAL
ifornia, and only few months ago he
walked from this city to Los Angeles
by himself. He says he is always we'll
treated and finds people only too willing
to tell him what is going ON.
According to Watkins story, he is
able to do these remarkable things solely
by his memory and says that he can be
taken anywhere and made to turn as
many corners as desired, and that he
can find his way back without assist
ance. In this respect he seems to have
the same faculty cat is said to have
and exercises it in the same way.
When the blind man desires to go to
q certain place he has never been taken
before, he is led to it, and as he goes
along he takes mental note Of all the
objects he passes. Here is rough cross
ing, here some asphaltum pavement,
here a dirt road with some stones on it,
here soae water, etc. When he wants
to return, he takes them in reverse order
and has no trouble.
"The reason can do this" he says,
sis because don't see a lot Of things
that distract me. You could do the same
thing easy enough. Maybe in a mile
would only have to remember a few
objects. 1t is just the same as if man
who could see was taken through dark
alley, but every once in awhile was
given glimpse of his surroundings by
light being turned on. He could re-
member what he saw without any trou-
BILE, but if he saw q thousand other
things he could not. I know just how
many steps it is from the corner to
where I live and can walk to the place
without even using my cane. OF course
I am helped great deal By the people
I pass, because they know am blind
and always make room for me. San
Francisco Call.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
Fancy Goods. Gloves. Books.

Albums and dressing cases, the
most beautiful line we have ever
shown from soc to IS SO. Celluloid
albums, manicure sets. toilet cases,
handkerchief boxes. writing desks,
glove boxes, jewel boxes, necktie
boxes. shaving sets. smoking sets.
card cases, comb and brush trays,
and many other articles that make
beautiful Christmas gifts.
All kinds Of holiday books.
We have special fine line OF
gents cane umbrellas bought espe-
cially for the Cristmas trade at very
low prices, leather covered.
Our ladies' kid glove department
is brim full OF everything suitable
for Christmas gifts.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
A Christine. Go. ting to the World.


The glad anthem of Christmas tide
promises to carry with it this year q
message to the world, in which the
two great English speaking nations
will Join one that will be as significant
and important to Christendom as it
is joyous and appropriate to the
season. Out OF the diplomatic ne
gotiations which President Cleve-
lands administration has been con-
ducsing since the development of the
crisis over the Venezuelan boundary
dispute. hiss come through the CORES
pondence between Secretary Olney
and Sir John Pauncefote an agree
ment between the governments Of
the United States and Great Britain
to settle all questions that may arise
between the two nations by. the
peaceful means Of arbitration. This
great international procedure is
practically settled as far as these two
powers are concerned, and the an
nouncement gives promise OF being
one Of the greatest triumphs in in
ternational intercourse in the worlds
history. And if successful, President
Clevelsnd's second administration
will close in blaze of glory seldom
accorded to n nations chief execu-
tive. For the two great powers OF
the globe to conclude such policy.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
THE EDELWElSS MYTH,

q Is Not . Rare Plant, Nor Does 1t Grow
at Very Great Heights.
1t is commonly reported and is no
less commonly believed by the inexperi-
enced tourist that edelweiss is a plant
which only grows in the most dangerous
and inaccessible situations. Of course
with it, as with any other Alpine plant,
this may now and then happen. But as
rule it is found ON rough and rather
stony slopes of grass, the ordinary pas
ture OF sheep and goats, at heights rang
ing from about 5000 to 5000 feet
above the sea level. 1t is not often met
with below the former limit and seldom
above the latter. Once it could be
plucked-probably it has now been ex-
terminated-by the side of path few
hundred feet above Zermatt and within
half an hour of the hotels. 1t was abun-
dant, and no doubt still is, all about
the little inn at the Tosa falls, and it
may be picked i'll handfuls within q
couple of hours easy walk from the
baths Of San Bernardino. That it is a
great rarity is also an article of faith,
but this is another myth. 1t is doubt
less plant local rather than universal
in the Alps, but there are few districts
where it does not occur, often abundant
ly. What has caused it to be so priced
is difficult to understand. 1t is an ever
lasting, but that is almost equivalent to
saying that it has no great beauty. The
plant attains height of about four
inches, having one or two flowers on o
stem. These are star shaped, few
pointed rays down covered, as if they
were cut ont Of pale gray velvet, sur
rounding two or three yellowish tufts.
The dry stem and narrow leaves are
similarly covered. Its scientific name is
Gnaphalium leontopodium, and the ge-
nus to which it belongs has three or
four representatives in-the Alps, one of
them, q. dioicum, being also abundant
on dry moo-s in Britain. 1t is, in short,
flower quaint rather than beautiful.
The edelweiss is an extremely easy
plant TO raise from seed and should be
treated as an annual. The seed can be
obtained readily for a few pence from
any respectable nurseryman. 1t is. how
ever, a very difficult plant to transplant
with any success. Sometimes the edel-
weiss, when torn from its native noun
tain and set ont in garden, will have
sufficient life in it to flower and then
pine away aud die. This is the almost
invariable result Of these attempted
transp,antations.
1t may be added that edelweiss, when
grown on anything like the sea level,
or, in fact. anywhere away from home,
entirely loses its distinctive character
and becomes worthless as a garden
plant Perhaps these remarks will save
some tourists sponge bags from being
filled, which, if they do not become
heated and die Oh the journey, will
barely linger long enough to enable the
proud owner to point to them as evil
dence that he has actually been to
Switzerland.-London Standard.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

In the senate yesterday Call pre-.
sented resolution denouncing the
killing of Maceo while under a flag
OF truce, il true, as a "murder, cow
ardly and disgraceful" and the gov.
ernment which fails to punish with
the extreme penalty his assassins, is
an outcast from the family of nations,
and instructing the committee on
foreign relations to make inquiry
and report. He also presented reso-
lutions OF inquiry into American citi.
zens held in Spanish penal colonies.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
Crockery Department.

Grand display Of china and glass
ware-by far the largest line ever
shown in this city. Double the
amount shown by other dealers. Here
and here alone you will find . most
complete assortment at prices that
are right. We have increased are
force Of ssles-people 60 thst you will
receive prompt attention. Nut
cracker and picks at 75c. knives and
forks. Get el.s5; sugar shells. each
35c; butter knives. 49c; vases. art
gla.s. assorted colors, 29c; vases,
royal boms. decorated. 19c: cracker
Jars, raised decorations. 39c; pin
trays, new designs, 25c; fruit sets,
French china, set t2.75; fine delft
clocks, warranted, 81. rs; fruit plates,
German china, each 10c; bread
plates. German china, each 25c; jum-
DO cups and saucers, each CSC; 100
pieces dinner set. your choice Of two
decorations q. t5.9s; Parcelsin din
ner sets, stock ware; German and
French china sets. stock ware. ask to
zee them.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

.
and increase their power to filter out
Of the blood uric acid and other poi.
sons.
Rheumatism. neuralgia. mslaria,
gout, Chlorosis, uraemia, erysipelas.
are all due to poisons circulating in
the blood.
By taking q few doses of
Or. Hobbs Sparagus Kidney
you can get these poisons out Of the
blood through the urine. as nature
intended they should come out.
Cured Of Rhsua sti m.
Lockport, ILL.,, Dec. IS, 1895.
About two years ago l started
to doctor for kidney trouble
with the doctors in Lockport. and
they did not seem to help me, and
about year ago I started to doctor
with the Joliet doctors. and they did
not seem to help me any either. /
was going to give up when l heard
Of a doctor in Chicago who would
CuAC uc uuO I tOoh tWO OOAcS VI uts
medicine and with the same result.
/ got entirely disheartened. and one
day friend said to me, Send for q
box of DR.. Hobbs Sparagus Kidney
Pills and see what they will do for
you," and l said, 1T is no use. they
won't do me any good" Then l
thought, well so cents amt much
anyway and l will try. and you may
be sure am glad did. for when I
started to take your medicine l had
the rheumatism so bad that I was al
most crippled with it, but now I do
not feel the least pain. as it has cured
me from that dreaded disease rheu-
matism. l feel like q different per-
son. lowe it to DIR. Hobbs Spara.
gus Kidney Pills. Ican't say enough
about that good medicine.
Miss Rose CONNIE Is.
Lockpcrt. III.
For Sale BY
T. n. THOMAS, DRUGGIST,
Cor. I'd Ave and 18th ST., Rock Island. lIls..
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
AS the official counts come in a

AS the official counts come in and
as the unofficial counts are revised
and corrected in anticipation of the
authoritative verdict, it turns out
that McKinley's heavy numerical
majority is but small. He has re-
ceived only about one-half of the
votes. or little over 81 per cent of the
total vote cast. The electoral vote
stands. Mckinley 271, Bryan 176.
One Bryan elector was chosen in Cal
ifornia, and the states stand thus:
Mckinley, 2l; Bryan. %; divided, 2.
1t may help to convince some of the
people that Bryan was not defeated
by million votes and Mckinley s
per cent is not strong enough to
warrant the boast by the republicans
that bimetallism is dead.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

will insure to civilization, . step in ad-
vance that should find . response in
. universal jubilee. chorus of na-
tions to be heard around the globe.
With the consummation of this
peace understanding wars terrible
visage will vanish, and We will indeed
have "Peace on Earth, Good Will to
Men
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

WITHOUT going beneath the ground,
and leaving the disclosures there out
of the question. a glance at the sur
face Of the storm drain is the best
proof positive of the mayors ideas
OF how things should be done.
Twenty-fourth street once a paved
thoroughfare has a streak through it
from Third to Fifth avenue with as
nearly the appearance of the levee as
his honor could wish it.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

Cascarets Candy Catharric, L..
most wonderful medical discovery of
the age. pleasant and refreshing to
the taste, act gently and positively
on the bowels. cleansing the entire
system. dispel colds, cure headache,
fever, habitual constipation aud bill
iousness. Please buy and try q box
OF c. c. C. today; 10. 25, SO cents.
Sold and guaranteed to cure by all
druggists.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

The Spanish betrayal of Gen.
Maceo under flag Of truce is of q
type of warfare, says the Chicago
journal, not seen since the Modoc
Indians betrayed and slew the United
States commissioners in the lava
haJ
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

The best salve In the world for
cuts, bruises, sores, ulcers, salt
rheum, fever sores. tetter, chapped
hands, chilblains. corns and All akin
eruptions, and positively cures
piles or no pay required. Il 10 guar.
anteed to give perfect satisfaction, or
money refunded. Price IS cents Der
box. For sale bv Harts 4 UllemeveY
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
Handkerchief Depaltm

We have a complete line Of manu-
factrrers samples which we are SELL
ing at S3l per cent on the dollar.
Space will not allow us to describe
our dress goods and cloak depart
ment this week. but we can assure
great values in these departments.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

THE report that Gov. Bradley, of
Kentucky, is thinking of resigning
because OF i'll health would find more
credence il it were not for the fact
that he is a member of the party of
whose logical predecessor the father
Of democacy once declared that s.few
die and none resign. st. Louis
Republic.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

HISTORY is indeed repeating itself
in the council. The storm drain is
being handled as brilliantly under
the mayors direction as was the
levee. 1t has now reached the stage
of animated suspense.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

One month after the general elec-
tion Derby. Conn.,, gave 1854 demo-
cratic majority, which indicates that
the democrats will win the 1900
Derby without much trouble.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

The first bank within the limits Of
the United States was chartered in
Philadelphia in 1871. 1t was incorpo-
rated by congress under the title 1.-THE
President, Directors and Company Of
the Bank of North America.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

Tbs person who disturbed the con-
gregation last Sunday by coughing is
requested to to call on n. F. Balm
sen and get bottle Of Foley's Honey
and Tar which always gives relief.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

ILLINOIS republicans who are not
under the thumb of the machine
are indignant at the efforts of John
Z. Tanner to foist Martin Madden
upon the people as their United
States senator.-Keokuk Constitu-
tion-Democrat.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

THE work of the new Episcopal
church army was formally begun in
Boston last week by Col. H. II. Had
ley. Fifty posts have already been
organized througout the country.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
GOOD RESULTS ARE CERTAIN

Pin your faith to old Kris Kringie,
The idol OF your your youth.
And the bells of merry gingle
WIN bring you joy forsooth.
JOY indeed will be the finding
Ifinstead of idle mock
Your method of reminding
BE a want ad in your sock.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

TIE Chicago Dispatch, the free sill
yer organ of the city on the lake,
will issue a morning edition COM
mencing with the new year.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

That the Kidneys
should filter every
impurity from the
blood. That healthy
Kidneys insures per-
feet filtration. That
Dr.Hobbs' Sparagus
Kidney Pills maize
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

Santa Claus Is here, and Is located
at the Big Spo: Cash Department
Sore of Young 4 McCombs with
tremendous line Of Holiday
Goods to please the children In
this AID surrounding cities. We
lave taken great pains to put in Q
line of Toy, D,lls, Dishes, Toy
Furniture, and thousands of items
to make suitable gifts for every
body, which means for little money
You can bring joy and happiness to
the loved ones. Our CANDY DE-
PARTAENT Is now running with
full fprce-and, as We manufac-
ture our own candy. we can assure
our patrons Of . superior quality.
Our motto Is purity, quality and
low price.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
MACEO's fame is eternal His death
recalls the lines:

Whether upon the scaffold high,
Or in the battles van
The nOblest place for man to die
Is where he dies for man.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
Doctors Disagree

On many points, but all Of them, no
matter of what school, fully agree:
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

SALESMEN WANTED ALL OVER THE
~ United States for the new adding ma.
chine. required ia every Office store and fac
tory; price very Low. Standard Trsding Corr
pany. 1so Fulton street. New York. N. Y.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

EOR SALE-FoX TERRIER PUPPIES BY
Il Hotfoot Dude. A. X U. S. B No 3.g75
atd Dasky Dot; perfect markings and dead
export.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
MISCELLANEOUS.

nRESS MAkING-NEw DRESS MAKING
- parlor at 1873 Second avenue m sfairS
All work guaranteed and prices that will sl,i,
all. VIM sun
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
FOR SALE.

ENOR SALE-A BEDROOM SUITE AND
= Riverside range. nearly new, at Al. Elev-
enth street.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
WANTED

WANTED - POSITION AS CLERK IN
w grocery store by yourg man of expcr-
tence; can give good reference. Address WI
liam Nagel, 40 East Eleventh street. Daven-
port.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

ENOR RENT-FCRNISHED ROOM. VERY
II convenient to business center vnth no;
water heat. Address Y. Y. T., ARGUS once
ENOR RENT - SEVEN ROOM HOUSE ON
Il second avenue: modern conyeniences.
also six room house, by T. W. Hurst
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15

ENOR SALE HAVING DECIDED tn
II leave the city Will place the following
rea! estate for sale 1T avery low figure Nos.
eVl. @5 too twentieth street, and aoos Ninth
avenue; also my sidence on Seventh avenue
and Nineteenth st-eet: vacant lot on Nine.
teenth street and Seventh , ecue 6OxIsO Z, 81.
and lot si2 Nineteenth street: one donbie
house on seventh avenue. between Fifteen h
ana seventeenth stree IS: also one house ara
lot 1oS Seventeenth street For further in
formation call at Ists Seventh avenue or -,
field.
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
FOR RENT.

LNOR RENT-A NICE FLAT INQUIRE
II 1t 100 Third avenue
Rock Island Argus., 1896-12-15
THE SCHUMACHER

Have attained their celebrity wherever
publicly exhibited in competition they invariably
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-07-02

Chicago, June 30.-The leaders of
the democratic silver forces in the yari-
Gus states are beginning to gather pre-
paratcry to their meeting which viii
be held at the Sherman house in tbs
city today under the auspices of the
bi-metallic democratic national com
mittee. Beginning today, meetings W il
probably be held daily until the be-
ginning of the convention and possibly
while the convention continues, if
there appears to be any occasion for
them. The general purpose of the
meetings is TO exercise supervisory
care over the interests of the Liver
cause in the democratic convention
Among the matters to which the silver
1nen propose to give their attention,
are the contests for seats in the con-
vention made by the silver men, and
the selection Of a temporary chair
man Of the convention. and possibly.
later, to the preparation of the plat
form, and, if necessary, the selection o.
candidates.
Senator Jones, of Arkansas, who is to
be prominent figure at these meet
ngs, cen irmed the statement Of Sec
rotary TOwles, that the first work of
the conference will De to confer with
the Subcommittee of the national dem
Ccratic committee as tc the selection
of temporary chairman ard as to
contests, If necessary Mr.. Jones says
hot fay l., l
silver delegates they are practically
agreed upon the main features of the
platform. The idea is TO give first
place to the financial plank and to
make all other questions, incl ling
the tariff, subservient to this. When
asked what influence he expected
Whitney's coming to Chicago TO have
upon the convention, the senator re-
Piled: None whatever The people
have made up their minds as to what
they want and the delegates they have
sent will be here to do their bidding,
their purpose or turn the course Of
events
The Bland boom was the first OF the
personal boOms to arrive. George W.
Allen, secretary of the St. Louis Bland
executive committee, came in as ad-
vance agent OF the boom yesterday, and
opened up what are Bland headquar-
tiers at the Auditorium annex He
says that Governor Stone and Col.
Hickey with other Missouri friends of
Bland, will reach the city today and
hat his friends will continue to come
until Monday, by which time there will
be al army on hand. Monday night
they expect to have a parade which
will open the eyes of the country to the
magnitude of the movement in the in
terest Of the Missouri statesman. Al
len counts confidently upon Bland be-
ing the leading candidate from the
opening of the convention. He places
the strength of his candidate on the
first ballot at not fewer than 200 votes
and says that it may reach as high as
275