davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13

States, she has been equally we'll ac-
knowledged as one of the most
desirable and delightful locations for
permanent homeseekers, as ber sum-
mers are tempered by the cooling,
hever-failing southern sea breezes, the
heat is permanent but never excessive
nor oppressive. The total range of the
thermometer seldom exceeding so
degrees to so degrees F. the year round
particularly is this true along the east
coast of Florida where you get the
breezes from the Atlantic ocean. In
estimating the benefits of the climate
of Florida and the inducements which
the State offers to immigrants, great
consideration should be given to the
tact that here a man can turn his labor
TO account every month in the wear.
The Florida farmer is never driven to
periods Of enforced idleness, as in the
harsher climates, where for long terms
MS fields are frozen and unproductive.
Each month has its labor and its crop.
Inc cocoanut tree was quite Curl
oslty to us and probably the reader can
gather better idea from picture than
we could convey therefore we present
cut OF one bearing fruit which is an
excellent lihness.
That the coroanut is purely an orna-
mental tree in Florida, with little or no
commercial value, is the general opin-
ION. That its cultivation may be and
Will be made a remuneraiive industry
is a certainty in the minds of many who
have set out trees with its commercial
value III view. In course of time these
will be d source of considerable revenue.
One grower said that he had
never been able to supply the de-
mand for sprouted nuts at from $40 to
S15 per 100. Trees bear from 200 to 500
nuts yearly, and 50 per cent. of the nuts
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13
Jokes on the Editors.

During the visit of the National
Editorial Association recently, num-
ber of good stories gained currency,
regarding tricks that had been played
upon the ladies, and some of the editors
in the party.
While at Palm Beach some boys were
looking for small stones, called "eye
stones." When several ladies of the
editorial party approached and asked
what the boys were searching for, the
boys replied "opals" at the same time
exhibiting small pebble. The ladies'
were on the beach for more than four
hours looking for ''opals."
The best trick played was that of two
tourists at Fort Pierce. The tourists
had two Indians get an ox-cart load of
oranges, and place them near the
station. They then had the train
stopped, so that the editorial wise-acres
could buy the wild and sour oranges at
two cents each. This trick yielded
$50. .O5 profit for the tourists.
tarpon were exhibited to the ladies as
specimens of Florida shad, the ladies'
remarked that they were somewhat
larger than shad in the North.
Several colored boys were heard in
forming an elderly lady that chamelons
were young alligators. The ladies were
very much interested until disillusioned.
All kinds of scrub palmetto were
| bought and carried home by the ladies.
If the stories that accompanied the pal
metto leaves are believed, the ladies
who purchased them will proudly ex-
hibit them as banana, pineapple and
other tropical plants. The colored boys
that were unable TO sell corn-stalks for
sugar-cane, passed it off for bamboo.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13
THE editor HOME
IN FACT
But South ip Memory, Epjoy-
ipg a GOOD Tippe.

Our last letter, written while we were
enjoying the delightful pleasures at
Palm Beach, gave the reader a faint
idea of the grandeur and splendor to
be found here. The hotel Royal Poin-
cianna, at Palm Beach, for size ana
beauty of its grounds ecipses any one
of the Flagler hotels in Florida. The
grounds and surroundings are just mag
nifcent Here we found the pineapple,
cocoanut, palm, orange, lemon, banana
and fig trees bearing, with variety of
tropical plants SO arranged that the
walks and promanades were most de-
lightful. The rates at the Royal Poln-
cianna are from five to fifteen dollars
per day according to rooms.
For entertainment you can go boating,
fishing, hunting, surf-bathing, and shell
gathering as most suits your fancy. The
second day we were there Il party OF
gentlemen caught two sharks one about
eight feet long and the other six. They
proved quite curiosity to most of the
editorial fraternity.
After a pleasant stay of two days at
this most enchanting winter resort we
left reluctantly on Wednesday morning
the Goth on the homeward trip. Our
first stop was at Eau Gallie to see
pineapple pIantation-one of the largest
and finest in Florida. We supposed
the pineapple grew upon a tree or
bush but we now know better. They
grow from a bulb which is planted
similar to cabbage and each bulb pro-
duces one apple. The plant grows
about three feet high. We here pre-
sent a cut of q pineapple plantation
obtained for this purpose which will
give you a better idea of the plant than
we can. We were told that Wisconsin
people seldom ate good first-cIass pine
apples simply because it is Impossible
to ship them that distance if permitted
to fully ripen. Therefore those usually
received here are picked green and
allowed to ripen after picking. A
great many farmers in southern Florida
make specially of raising pineapples.
A day ride from Palm Beach north to
St. Augustine along the east coast CT
Florida is very interesting. The route
lies along Lake Worth, Indian river,
Hillsboro river and the Halifax river
upon which you can see, now and then,
a passing steamer, wild ducks, pelican
and crane. On the other hand the
landscape obtained is SO different than
that seen nnorth, and even north Florida,
that it proves agreeable and pleasant.
South Florida is wholly tropical. The
low lands are covered with water and Il
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13

existence of poverty among the natives.
Their cabins or houses are unpainted
and carry that weather-beaten appear
ance, the fences about their farms are
either rail, brush or poor excuse for
wire while many farmers have no fences
at all. You see no barns or outbuildings
to speak of and what few you do are
dllapidated looking affairs. Cows,
oxen, hogs and what few horses you
see are allowed to run at large and
expected to pick most of the feed they
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13

The crime for which Lote Wilson was
wanted was committed in the town of
Litchfeld, Adams county, last week.
He whipped his months old child with
a stick of kindllng wood and it died the
same day.
1t was found on examination that the
babes skull was crushed in in one place,
both eyes nearly put out, and its back
beaten to jell. The father fled as soon
as the child died and had been at large
until run down and captured this after
noon. A party Of neighbors visited the
house at night with the intention OF
wreaking summary vengeance, and find
ing that he was away they demolished
the house and contents. 1t is charged
that he nearly killed the child on an
other occasion, holding revolver in his
hand to keep his wife off and pounding
the babe with the other.
1t is feared that Wilson will be
lynched if taken back to his home
Stevens Point Daily Journal.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13
Port Edwards K. r. Sold.

The Port Edwards, Centralia &;
Northern Railroad was sold Tuesday
afternoon on foreclosure proceedings by
F. M. Stewart, Master Commissioner of
the United States Circuit Court, Western
District of Wisconsin, to the highest
bidder. There was only one bidder
Mr.. Walter A. Scott, of Chicago, who
bid 100000 in behalf of the interests
he and his brother Thomas already
have in that line. Nothing else was
expected.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13

thing else. The traveller gains very
poor impression of the comforts negro
obtains living under these conditions in
the interior Of Florida and is possessed
of no desire to exchange the conditions
found in the North for those of the
South. You are also constantly re-
reminded of the Incidence and shift
lessness Of the natives of that section
by the general appearance of their
homes and farms.
The climate of Florida has probably
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13

growth of underbrush so mingled that
you are vividly reminded of the jungle
with alligators, snakes and other rep
tiles in mind.
From st. Augustine north and west
the soil differs and the growth of trees
grows less tropical. The soil all through
Florida is light and sandy, and requires
considerable fertilizing to make it pro-
ductive. The principal crops grown are
cotton, corn and cane. Fruit raising
of course is carried on to greater or
less extent by all farmers through the
South.
While travelling through Florida, in
particular, between the large cities you
are constantly impressed with the
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13

unpapered-and seldom if ever painted.
The walls and interior of a negro cabin
looks more like the inside of our
blacksmith shops than anything else 1
can now call to mind. The cabins are
usually 12x16 feet with 10 foot posts
with no partitions-one room. These
about two feet from the ground. Some
of them were SO poorly constructed
that we could see clear through them
while seated III the car. The lumber is
not matched and when it seasons it
leaves large cracks some an inch wide.
OF course they don't have any very
cold weather in Florida therefore they
care more for air and climate than any,
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13
For Ocean Steamship Tickets.

Via the Beaver Line from Montreal
Quebec to Liverpool, or via any steam
ship line crossing the Atlantic, at lowest
rates for first cabin, second cabin and
steerage, both outward and prepaid, =,
apply to F. w. Crapsey, agent c., NJ. q
st. Paul Ry. at Centralia, or address c..
F. Wenham, Gen'l Steamship Agent, 4S
Adams St., Chicago, III. A'l9
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13
All Intelligent Physicians.

Now admit that the majority of
human ills arise from the liver Dr.
Rays Liver-T is prepared solely for
diseases of the liver. 1t cleanses and
sweetens the stomach, cures biliousness,
choly. For sale by John E. DAILY
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13

get, as consequence they are very
poorly kept. "Razor back" is a good
title for most of tie hogs you see in
Florida especially in the interior of the
state. The cabins are anything but
inviting especially those occupied by
the colored race. They usually consist
of four board walls and roof, no
windows in the building and the old
fashioned chimney erected on the out
side with fire place within over which
all the cookingis done. The furniture
is mostly all home made and plain.
There is no attempt at decoration or
beautifying of the home-plain walls
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13

Beggs' Tropical Oil will cure Rheuma-
:ism, Sprains. Bruises and all deep
seated diseases where a powerful lIni-
ment is required. Give it a trial and
you Will use no other. 1t acts like
magic. John E. Dalv has it for sale
and warrants every bottle.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13
LOTE WILSON RUN DOWN

PLAINFIELD, Wis, Feb. II, 4:20 p. m.-
Wilson, the party who pounded his 9
months old child to death near Han
cock, was run down and caught half a
mile north of this place this
afternoon and is now in Jail here.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13

nothing superior in the United States.
1t has inspired the pens of travellers,
health seekers and pleasure tourists,
it is failing source of delight and
enjoyment to all the dwellers and So
journers in this fair and sunny land. In
fact, Florida's unique and incompatible
climate has been one of the main factors
in her phenomenal growth of popula-
ton, development of her resources and
her prosperity, as it has and is still
attracting very large immigration OF
the best type. While Florida is uni
versally recognized as a great winter
resort and sanitarium in the United
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13

DR.. w. D. Harvie, Office overSpaford
Cole & Lipke's store. Telephone No. 35
Night calls at Witter House, Grand
Rapids, Wis. If.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-02-13
WILL GROSS

The low price wind is
blowing trade our way.
People come, examine
and buy, and buying once
buy again.
We OFFER THIS WEEK:
20 cents
per lb for Arbuckle, Lion and
xxx Coffee.
10 cents
per gallon for Wisconsin Standard
40 grain Vinegar
8 cents
for I lb package Arm & Hammer
SaleratuS.
3 cents ~
for I lb package Calumet Gloss
Starch.
10 cents
for lb package Aunt Jemima's
Pancake Flour.
8 cents
per package for Sweet Chocolate.
8 cents
per lb for choice Picnic Hams.
25 cents
for 10 bars good Laundry Soap.
. cents
for package selected Silver Birch
double pointed toothpicks.
. cents
per package for Flake Yeast cakes
10 cents
per pound for best Japan tea dust.
On Flour
of all grades we lead with low
prices.
The wheel of business turns
without friction at our store-we
oil it with triple extract of low
prices and big values.
WILL GROSS,
The Independent Grocer and
Flour Man.
CENIRALIA, WISCONSIN.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-08-14
MAhara's Minstrele.

A Rochester, Mimi. paper saws OF
Mahara's ministries, which are to ap-
pear at Harper's theatre tomorrow
and Sunday evenings:
when you want downright, good,
wholesome fun, of the sort that is
adapted to the feelings and under
standing Of mothers. daughters, and
young children alike, where can YOU
find better article than that fur.
nished by a first class minstrel en-
terrain ment? Ard when the per-
formers are children of the SUNNY
south. where music. minicry and
humor seem to be imbibed sponta-
naeOusly by our colored friends. it
become. all the more enjoyable. Mr..
Mahara's company consisting entirely
of colored artists, drew a good audi
ence at the opera house last night, and
gained the friendship as well as the
appreciation of every one present by
their faithful efforts in hold ng to the
best standards of miustrelsy. The
orchestration and solo instrum mental
pieces and the quartet singing of the
opening reminded one of the good
old days. and the specialties, the
dancing and the funny work we're
the best that Rochester has seen in
many day. We congratulate Mr..
Mahara on having such an excellent
company, and wish for him and them
very prosperous season."
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-08-14
A Cruise.

The IrrAwadi Canoe club, of DAY.
export. is trimming its sails for a
cruise that is to be cruise. 1t will
start Saturday. Aug. %, for Burling-
ton, intending to get there by sailing,
II it can, by padding, floating, or
otherwise, il it must. 1t will come
back on the steamer w. j. Young,
Jr. The club has not taken as 10 no a
cruise as this for some time, nor one
that promises as much of interest. The
wild section of the upper Mississippi
river lies between here and Burling-
ton. Between Muscatine and that
place, about Sky miles. there are
towns in Illinois, but there is not a
single one on the Iowa side Of the
river. There are fewer habitations
and and signs Of men along that sec
ton of the stream than on any other
OF equal length between Memphis
and st. Paul. There are no Indians,
however. and the tea serpent has not
been sesn there this summer: so
the Irrawadi braves will be safe, they
think.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-08-14
ECHOES OF THE PICNIC
Wind Up of the Modern woodman An.
nual LOgrOlIing.

Wind Up of the Modern woodman An
nual LogrOlIing.
WOodmen and their friends held
forth at the Hop field until the mid
night hour had dawned last nigh,
dancing and otherwise ENJOYING
themselves. The logrolling was a
success.
The program of sports arranged
for the afternoon were very Interest.
ing and some of them tinged with a
little excitement. There was a ball
game between the boys of Camps %
and 800 and 1850. Five spirited in
nings were played. Camp 1850 was
defeated. the score standing to II
Ed Dolly ofliciated as umpire.
Louis Hetter was the first boy to
ascend the slippery pole. II. Larkin
capturing second prize. J. F.. Lewis
won the sack race, William Brashar
taking the second prize.
A matter Of general comment WAS
the manner order was maintained all
day. which entities the Woodmen to
public confidence and praise.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-08-14
Two New Seri~,s.

The ARGUS begins with this issue
the publication OF the first of two
new serials for which it has ar
ranged The first OF these is termed
an ''Unpardonable LIAR and is by
Gilbert Parker. The second is I'm
Descon's Orders" by Sir Walter Be.
SAINT. Read both OF them. They are
delightfully."- fascinating.
IAN objectionable Lar" displays
a new phase OF Gilbert Parker's ,al.
ents. and to admirers of this talented
author it will be particularly inter.
esting on that account. /, is an in
tensely dramatic love story, with
American characters living in Psris.
"ln Deacon's Orders" is the latest
work of an author who long ago won
high place for himself in English
literature and recently received
royal recognition aud title that has
been very rare among novslists since
the days of Sir Walter Scott. .In
Deacon's Orders" is charming tale
Of English clerical life with a plot
that is developed with extraordinary
cleyerness.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-08-14
Campaign Songs.

We have just received from the
music publishing house of The S.
BrainaId's Sons company, Isl Wa
bash avenue, Chicago. a copy Of the
"Silver Songs" free silver song
book for the campaign of 1896. The
book contains so'os, duets, mixed
and male quartets. and is especially
arranged fer campaign clubs. 1t is
not cheap word edition. and is sold
for the remarkably low price Of 10
cents. or 81 per dozen post paid.
The following are the contents of the
book: Silver Chimes (male quartet).
Silver Cimes linked qnartei), The
jolly Silver Dollar of the Dads, l
Promise to Promise, The American
Way. The Treasury Note. Well
Sound For the Dimes in Our Pockets.
Financial Barber Shop, The Wrong to
be Righted First, The Riddle OF
Chinks. England Won't Let Us, The
Stocking-leg Bank, It's Got Bags,
Back Bone. Uncle Sans a Bucker.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-08-14
TT is MUCH NEEDED
A General Park for Picnic
Purposes.
ONE THAT 3 EASILY ACCESSIBLE

Would Pay the street Railway Compnpv
to Secure Such . Spot ~ bop Fields and
Run . Stub to I,-YeAterday Demon
strated That.
Rock Island needs . picnic park
not too far remote from the limits of
the city. Yesterday demonstrated
that much, but it is essential, too,
that it be accessible by street railway
communication. The Hop fields are
conveniently located. just far enough.
| and yet not too far, but the notable
| characteristic is that they are too far
from the street railway COM
munication. This is fact that was
| also realized to the fullest extent.
Had cars run directly to the grounds
yesterdays crowds would have been
many times larger. To the hundreds
| who went out to the Woodmen pic
mic the street car was the great co m.
mon carrier, but the edge was taken
off the enjoyment when n tramp each
way was taken through stubble,
| across lots and fields and over a cou-
pie OF fences, a distance in all of two
blocks.
The Tri-City Street Railway com.
pany owns the Tower, the ideal out
ing spot of the community, but for
such an event as yesterday it is not
| always acceptable because of it's dis
lance. nor are the grounds such that
they can be converted to serve all the
ends of such a crowd. The Hop
fields are the right distance from the
city exactly, and it would pay the
street car company to arrange for a
lease of them and to run a stub track
from its Tower line across the fields
over a private right OF way, such as
undoubtedly could be acquired.
Use for General Purposes.
These grounds could be used very
readily for general purposes. They
could be had for picnics and likewise
for all sorts of public gatherings and
entertainments, They would make
good circus grounds and from a bust
ness standpoint as far as the street
cars are concerned are far enough so
that people would be obliged to ride,
which is a decided advantage over
the site of tented shows closer in to
the city. Then a ball park might
readily be laid out, which would al
ways be source of revenue. whether
for professional games or otherwise.
The inaccessibility Of the Hop fields
as regard to means of communication
was source OF common all day yes
terdav. 1t is estimated that during
the day 1900 people visited the pic
mic. There would be more such pic
MICS and more such crowds attending
them if the grounds were in closer
contact with the great popular con-
veyance, the street car.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-08-14
SAUCE FOR THE SURVEYOR
Capt. 10 Long Has Words With Marine
OmceF j. X. Johnston.

Capt. 10 Long Has Words With Marine
Omcer j. X. Johnston.
There was little war of words
down on the river yesterday between
Capt. 10 Long. of the packet bearing
his name and also the Douglass
Boardman, and Surveyor Of the Port
j. X. Johnston. Wednesday Capt.
Long, who has been acting as master
OF the Douglass Boardman since she
entered the trade, had his license as
such transferred by Surveyor John
ston to H. d. Hugunin, explaining
that he proposed to act hereafter in
his capacity as pilot for both the
Locg and Boardman over the rapids.
going out on one and bringing the
other back. Yesterday while at the
river looking over the craft Surveyor
Johnston discovered Long officiating
in his former position as master of
the Boardman. Mr.. Johnston at
once accosted Capt. Long and asked
what he meant in acting as master
after having surrendered his license.
In return Long sauced the federal
officer informing him with an oath
that he would act as he pleased and
change about from oue capacity to
another whenever he saw fit. Sur
veyor Johnston at once asserted his
authority and politely. but firmly,
warned the impetuOus captain that
he had better behave himself, and
that the slightest transgression Of
the government regulations would
not be tolerated, and that hereafter
he must act only under his license.
The advice was needed by Long and
there were no more words.
River RipIets.
The Boardman came down.
The Rambo and Lone Star came
down.
The water is stationary at 100;
the temperature &c.
The w. j. Young. Jr.. came in on
her tri-weeklv trip from Burlington.
The c. W. Cowles brought down
10 strings Of logs and the Sam Atlee
Is Of lumbe
The Sam Atlee, West Rambo. 10
Long. Wipona, G. w. Cowles and
Lone Star went north.
The magnificent new 10 line packet
Quincy came up from her name sake
city this morning. She had tre-
mendous trip of Passengers and
freight.
The Verne Swaine on her first out
bound trip yesterday since her late
accident was obliged to turn back
when it was found that a wrist pin
on the cylinder head was loose. The
Denkmann was brought into service
again in her place.
The water is rising at St. Paul,
Reeds Landing and La Crosse, but
falling at ali other points. The fore
cast is that during the next "a hours
there will be very little change in
the river stage from St. Paul to
Mciregor, but it will fall one tenth
from Dubuque to Rock Island