davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30
High School Notes.

Even since our last writing a number
of needed improvements have been
put into the High School. In order to
use the little west room as laboratory,
a large table, a water tank and heavy
curtains have been placed in it. The
rest of the physical apparatus is here
and will be stored in the small east
room-it makes a good working supply
for High School work and the Physical
Geography and Physics classes are
much aided by its use.
The Forum Society has benefited
itself and the whole High School de-
partment by putting up a fine large
frame in which they can post their
programs. The best material obtainable
was put into the frame and 1t is hand
some ornament TO the room.
The wall above the principals desk
| is nicely decorated with a satin banner
in scarlet and white bearing the initial
| letters of the school. The foot ball
funds furnished the material and Miss
Clara Rablin made the banner. The
High School extended a vote of thanks
to Miss Rablin for her kindness.
| The rhetorical exercises next Friday
afternoon include debate on the
question of the union of Grand Rapids
and Centralia into one city with the
name of Central Rapids.
Forum meets Friday as usual. The
debate is on the subject of woman
suffrage.
Myrtle hampton and Anna Heiser
are again i'll school after week s
absence on account of sickness.
The first and second year literature
classes are using the Primer of American
Literature-a fine little introduction tc
the study.
The class in Physics is on the subject
Of sound. The newly purchased
apparatus is great help on this topic
Last week we spoke of a lecture by
VIM. Hawley Smith as a possibility
This week we are glad to announce it as
an assured fact. Mr.. Smith will be
here Feb. Z, at the Opera House for the
benefit of the High School. His sub
ject will be "What to Read and How tC
Read It." This will be the finest enter.
tainment that has visited Grand Rapids
in many days. Last year Mr.. Smith
already famous as the author of that
pedagogical story "The Evolution ot
Dodd," was a joint entertainer witt
Bill Nye and to say that Mr.. Smith held
his own with the famous humorist is
putting it mildly. AS a recitationist
imitator and lecturer, there is not 8
better entertainer on the lecture plat
form today. Arrangements will be
made so that parties from surrounding
towns can attend. Every friend of the
schools should attend and see that bis
neighbor is out. Reserved seats on sale
now.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30

ly unlike any other, and it is no dispar-
agement to any to say it is the most
unique in the world was about to say
of its kind-it has no kind; there is
none other in similarity with it and
taken all in all is the finest III the worlo.
| say this not without thought of what
it means. Other hotels may have cost
more dollars to build, decorate and
furnish, and their name and fame gone
to the four quarters, and it's not intend
ed TO compare invidiously. Here at
Tampa Bay, the surroundings take one
back through the centuries even before
De Soto came, and this may have been
the very spot where he landed, who
knows?"
All passenger trains run into the en-
closure of Tampa Hotel green sloping
lawns dotted with flowers surround it
and we find our way along the winding
walks that circle fountains and lead
through groves of palms and oranges to
the pines beyond, the same great pines
that De Soto walked under in the
struggle to get off his ''sea legs" In
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30

Music by Third Artillery band 500 p m.
Dance at San Mario Hotel 900 p. m,
complimentary to the \. E. \.
FRIDAY, Jan. 24.
Meeting at Cordova hotel, $50 a. m.
Meeting at Cordoya hotel, , p. m.
Dinner at Ponce de Leon. 6 p. m.
Dance and collation. at Casino, 8 D. IN.
ST. AUGUSTINE, Jan. 24.
Leave here Saturday morning for
ride south 20 Palm Beach, about 500
miles distanE Our stay has been very
pleasant. Sent you by express cuts OF
three leading hotels of city-the Ponce
de Leon is the lars tst, Alcazar second,
Cordova third. a are owned By one
man. 1t doesn' seem possible that it
can be winter time at home. Here it is
just like summer arj the rain poured
down all day yesterday. Can't tell just
when we will reach home. Three
weeks will pass away at least.
Yours in haste,
ALBERT.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30

the brightness Of a semi-tropic sun how
much nearer Heaven can an editor ever
expect to get?
Tampa, the magical CITY on the Gulf,
excites the curiosity and admiration Of
all who come within its influence.
Many who visit it as tourists either for
pleasure or in search of health, find an
indescribable attraction in the peculiar
beauty of the surroundings of the city
and take an interest in its commercial
possibilities for the future. Located at
the mouth of the Hlllsborough river,
on the finest bay on the west coast of
the peninsula Of Florida, there is prac-
tically no limit to the future growth and
importance of the city as a Southern
seaport. 1t has grown from a little
town Of 500 people in 1880 to a thriving
place of 1000 at present. Fresh fish
trade is one of its important industries
One hundred thirty cigar factories are
boasted by the citizens. A fertile coun-
try surrounds, and agricultural interests
are diversified, the attention of planters
being directed to the cultivation of
tobacco, sugar cane, cassava and cotton,
the latter of which has been raised with
some success in former years. The
freeze of 1S94-95 has hardly passed over
with all its incidental effects; its blight
is still felt financially, but the disaster,
like most visitations of misfortune,
brought a salutary lesson and may result
in ultimate benefit. Though a large
proportion of oranges and other fruit
| trees in this section escaped permanent
! injury and prospects are good for fair
crops in the near future, yet the grow.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30
Bensley Estate Again.

\ new phase in the continued Bensley
drama is noted this week Mr. Edward
A. Macmahon, claiming to be the sole
and only heir of Marion L. Bensley,
deceased, filed for record on Tuesday,
with Nash Mitchell, Register of Deeds,
a deed conveying tWo-thirds interest of
all the property in Wisconsin to which
he may be entitled as said only heir, to
his attorney Clinton c. Tripp, of San
Francisco. We understand from
reliable authority that Macmahon
agrees to pay the expenses of litigation
out of the one-third interest he re-
serves, in case of recovery. We might
add here that we don't think either Of
them will get rich as all the property in
question is more than covered by ;he
mortgages and debts of said Marion l..
Bensley deceased.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30

rolling prairie. Our opportunities for
comment upon the many cities of the
South through which we passed are
limited, as we got only glimpses of
them. These regions are sandy, mixed
with a red soil indicating that iron must
exist in this section. The small interior
cities of the south are far inferior to
like cities Of the north in any point of
comparison. The buildings are not
painted and haYe rusty, weather
beaten look unlike she well kept places
In the north.
Negro population, of course, predom-
mates here and their simple cabins
have many attractions for the northern
er. They consist of four walls, with
covering or roof of common boards,
and old-fashioned fireplace chimneys
Scarcely any furniture within, except
home made articles. Usually only one
room which answers for large family
as living, eating and sleeping apart
ment Stock is poorly fed and neglect
ed, while the razor-bacll hog runs at
will and gathers what he can find.
Poverty is noticeable everywhere ex-
cept in the larger cities, and we see but
very little to attract people from the
north except, in some localities, the
climate. We reached Tampa Sunday
noon and have been enjoying the ex-
cellent accommodation of the Tampa
Bay Hotel, modern wonder Of its
kind and one of the finest in the south
Travel is a great appetizer and here we
reveled in cooking and service unex-
ceptionable. \ famous writer draws
the following pen picture;
''If in the ecstacy of first impress
sion | likened this hotel to palace of
Spain that Ponce de Leon might have
dreamed of, | had no retraCtion to make
when the second day of my visit came
and | saw it with modern surroundings
of railway and steamer-it is palace
still, and more of that than the hotel
and Ill its appointments more like 4
gentleman's residence on a scale eXag-
gerated to positive magnificence-total
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30

within radius Of several miles. A
hunter told us that the ducks are so
knowing that they keep within the
lines quite closely. Fishing is usually
good here but just now its too cold.
When We were here in December three
years ago, the thermometer registered
so degrees in the shade, to-day its only
so. Weather is delightful. We leave
tonight for st. Augustine.
ST. AUGUSTINE, WEDNESDAY, Jan. %.
Here we are amidst the blossoms and
historic studies of old, romantic St.
Augustine-our second visit in the CITY.
Arrived Tuesday afternoon from Tampa
after an extended stop Of two days.
Thermometer registers 20 in the shade,
sun is warm and cheerful and the
balmy breezes blow. Our headquarters
are at THE Buckingham, a homelike
hotel Immediately across from the
'Alcazar." Lettuce, onions, radishes,
new Irish potatoes and dandelion
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30

seat of war. 1t was an interesting
sight to us. 1t is twenty-six hour run
by boat from here to Havana and the
editors have been rendered the
courtesies of the Steamship Companies.
We would be delighted to go but will be
prevented. We are not anxious to Get
near danger and will be satisfied to
"look on" through a telescope.
Our party now numbers over 900
people and we have met many of our
former acquaintances who were upon
the California and Asbury Park
excursions.
Wild ducks, pelican and buzzards are
very plenty here but they are protected
within the limits Of the city. No shoot
ing is allowed upon the water here
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30
Highest Of al ii Leavening Power-Latest U. Govt Report
fF>&!y>aI q! Rs1xasgi: Rski|eg
ABSOLUTELY PURE
William Hawley Smith.

Bill Nye and William Hawlev Smith
entertained large audience at Central
Music Hall last evening. In his familiar
and amusing drawl, Mr.. Nye told q
choice collection of new stories. Mr..
Smith uses elocution as one of the
implements of his trade. He is a
master of dialect and an original
humorist. In the matter of looks he
may be called an Improvement on
James Whitcom9 Riley. The audience
''took to him" immensely and Mr..
Smith made hit.--Chicago Tribune
Mr.. Smith will be heard at the Opera
House in this city Friday evening Feb.
-tb
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30

Gotta, real Italian marble, and the finest
selections of Mexican ONYX, and but
little Of other materials is employed in
its structure. This is equally true of
the other two hotels.
In one, ''The Cordova," is the famous
sun-parlor, room made entirely of
glass and luxuriously furnished, where
invalids may enjoy all the vivifying
effects of sunlight, without being
exposed to the lightest touch of out
side air. In the other, "The Alcazar,' -
are the same Moorish designs and
furnishings, but we find here an in
door swimming pool. 1t is deep and
wide, and through it runs large stream
of pure warm water. 1t is warm
enough for the most delicate invalid in
the coldest January day. 1t is all under
roof, and all most Systematically and
conveniently arranged for both sexes
and all ages.
But the acme is reached when all
three of this unequaled group is seen
at night, ablaze from roof to base with
thousands of electric lights. 1t is worth
coming far 10 see.
Will not have time to write much
more, but send the following program
of entertainment for use during the
stay of the association, which we have
taken from the News"
TUESDAY, Jan. p.
Reception at Ponce de Leon, S p M,
(informal street dress and promenade
concert.
Artists reception in studios
WEDNESDAY, Jan. %.
Meeting at Cordova hotel, $50 a. m.
Afternoon-''Go asyou please" rides,
drives, sails, ocean beaches, ocean bath
ing or bathing at Casino, fishing, visits
to Fort and Barracks, organ recital at
Memorial church 200 p. IN. and 500
o'clock tea on Fort Green by the ladies
of the city.
Evening-Meeting at Cordova hotel
at o'clock
Concerts at Casino, Alcazar, Ponce de
Leon and other hotels.
Military ball at the Casino by the st.
Augustine Rifles, complimentary to the
National Editorial Association
THURSDAY, Jan. %.
Meeting at Cordova hotel, 9:30 a. IN.
Oyster roast at South Beach, 1:30 p.
m.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30

ers have learned that it is not wise to
have too many eggs in one basket, and
are seeking to vary their products.
There are large quantities of fruit and
vegetables which 90 to waste annually
along the lines of Southern roads for
lack of better understanding between
the producers and transportation com
panies. Hence hints are thrown out to
possible investors that here is good
place to start into fruit and vegetable
canning. The commercial position of
Tampa certainly seems a promising one.
Since arriving here we bad the un-
usual pleasure of greeting a Cuban
vessel direct from Havana loaded with
insurgents, citizens, etc, from that city
who were anxious to get away from the
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30

greens are waxing fat in the gardens
and are served upon the tables Here
is where We shine again. The Associa-
ton now has an increased attendance
Of 700 and we are being received like
Kings instead of country editors.
Year after year the attractions of st.
Augustine have drawn increased
numbers of pleasure seekers and
inyalids, until now it is the Winter
Home of thousands. All the large
hotels are opened for the season and
tourist guests are mostly eastern people.
New Workers are in the majority
We are to remain four days in the
citY-through the Eleventh Annual
Convention n. Z. A. The town has
assumed holiday attire on every corner
and all extend to the editors a most
hearty welcome. 'The Evening News"
is first to greet us with suggestive words
in big black headlines THE Editors of
the Nation now own the city" A large
welcoming committee met us at Jack
as we entered was crowded with
citizens anxious to spread favors about
us, and we are overwhelmed with
kjndest attention wherever the badge
of the n. E. \. is noticed. 1t seems as
if indeed the editors owned the town.
So much has been written about
st. Augustine and its incompatible
winter climate that we will not attempt
| to go into details of our visit, or review
the old Spanish landmarks which are
found in every direction. We cannot
refrain, however, from INDUCING few
words in reference to three mammoth
| hotels, cuts of which we were enabled
to send with this letter.
Upon arrival at the conveniently
arranged station the editors found
luxurious carriages, III which, over
concrete-paved streets, lined with
oleanders, arbOr vitae, hoary larches
and cedars, mingled with hedges OF
roses, they rode to the Alamada, around
which are situated the famous group OF
Spanish Moresque palaces, the Hotels
| Ponce de Leon, Alcazar and COrdova
On one side the park-like grounds.
sparkling fountains, tropical verdure
and blooming plants mark the entrance
grounds of one hotel. The round
tower, the kneeling balconies, the wide
parapets Of medieval castle, give q
mere intimation of the dimensions OF
another. At the left gateway, lofty
arched and grand IN proportions, as
rich in its finishing and as imposing in
its entirety as any of the trumphal
arches Of foreign cities. Through this
arched gateway entrance is had to the
enclosed court of the Hotel Ponce de
Leon, blooming at all times Of the year
with fragrance and beauty. This
wonderful building is monolith
| practically one single stone. 1t has
been nodded from the concrete OF
which it is built 1t is almost time
proof, entirely fire-proof, and so firm
and solid that 1t would nonplus an
earthquake. From turret to foundation
stone there is 10 sham, 20 imitation
: All is solid massive stone, genuine terra
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30
BUT ONE SENTIMENT.

Nomination papers now in circulation
throughout the seventh judicial circuit,
placing Hon. Chas. NJ. Webb in the
field for reelection next April to the
bench of said circuit, are being unhesi-
tatingly signed by everyone to whom
presented. There is no opposition, and
how could there be, when his able and
efficient record for the past eleven
years as Judge of this district is known
Judge Webb's acceptance Of nomina-
ton simply means his election as the
following will show:
FOR JUDGE WEBB.
Stevens Point Gazette: Nomination
papers were circulated in this city,
yesterday, asking Judge Chas. NJ. Webb
to again become a candidate at the COM
| ing spring election for the position of
judge of the 9TH judicial circuit, and
were freely signed by bar, business men
and all to whom they were press nted
| The preseut term of Judge Webb eX-
| pires next January. No other candi-
dates for the judgeship have been heard
Of, and Judge Webb will without doubt
oO iO 0iCIGOu nlthouI OppooIlIOH, WHICH,
is as it should be.
| Waushara Argus: The nomination
papers for the reelection of Chas M .
Webb, of Grand Rapids, for Circuit
Judge for this circuit, was circulated
around town the fore part of the week
and received a large number of sigma
lures. Mr.. Webb makes an efficient
and pleasant man on the bench and
deserves the support of everyone, and
we feel assured that the voters in old
| Waushara will when the time comes
remember him at the polls.
Marshfield Times: Nomination papers
are being circulated in this city and
vicinity placing judge Chas. M. Webb
in nomination as candidate for Circuit
Judge of this circuit, to be voted upon
at the coming spring election. The
Judge is very popular in this circuit and
has host of friends III this city. The
nomination papers are being numerous
ly signed and SO far as we can now ascer-
tain there will be no opposition to his
election. Nh Webb has made an eX-
cellent judge and his return to that
! honorable position is just and right.
| He will succeed himself no doubt with
out opposition.
Plainfeld Sun: Nomination papers
for the reelection of Hon. Chas. M.
Webb, Of Grand Rapids, for Circuit
Judge of this circuit, were freely signed
in this village the first of the week. It
was no trouble to get signatures, for the
Judge is SO popular in this county,
every body was willing to sign, no matter
what party he belonged to.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30
Pleasant Birthday.

Mrs. Dora Pfeifer, who resides in
Centralia with her daughter Mrs.
Leonard Lampert, was the prominent
figure in a very happy gathering at the
home Of L. Lanpert on Monday. Mrs.
Pfeifer had reached the venerable miie
post marked "three score and ten and
daughter Mrs. 0. W. Schultz, Of
Appleton, and fifteen Centralia friends
Joined with her in commemorating the
day. A feast of good things was pre-
pared to which none in the merry
circle failed TO do justice. Mrs. Pfeifer
is bright and active lady for her years
and was the recipient of many congra-
tulatIons on her good health, physical
and intellectual energy. Long may she
be able to look back upon the occasion
of her 10Th birthday was the parting
wish OF all.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30
Telephone Directors Meet.

The Board of Directors of the Wood
County Telephone Co. will meet in the
business mems rooms, Centralia, to-
morrow evening, Friday, Jan. 3lst.
Mr.. Mark Martin will present bill for
necessary material in construction of
the new system, according to plat and
measurements made by him during the
past week. Contracts for material in
the different lines will be considered
by the Board and active work is to be
commenced in construction very soon,
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30
1.-TWO ORPHANS"

February II and Is have been decided
upon as the dates for the home talent
production Of 1.-TWO Orphans to be
given for the benefit Of the Catholic
society. Prices have been placed with
in reach of all Is, 25 and 80 cents both
evenings. Following is the cast:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30
MONDAY Jan. 20, 1896.
TAMPA BAY HOTEL, TAMPA, FLA.


BROTHER EDMoNDE:-Since leaving
St. Louis this is my first opportunity for
a few lines. The novelty of eating
breakfast n Illinois, dinner IN Ken
tucky and supper in Georgia is not
among the every day occurrences of a
country editors program, however,
such was our pleasure on this trip.
After leaving st. Louis Friday morning
we passed through Kentucky, Tennes-
see and Georgia, three states whose
soil, manner of living of the people,
cultivation of crops and general pros
perity of inhabitants are somewhat
similar. The country is undulating,
but not at all mountainous, rather like
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30

go. I. Hougen NJ. D., Office ovel
Daly's Drug store. Telephone at Office
II residence u.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30
THE EDITOR SOUTH.
A Few "Snap Shots" as he Goes
Along.

tboss" is still absent on his
rn junketing tour with the
Il pencil pushers association.
;hlle he feasts on the beautiful
al scenery along the east coast Of
rida, popularly called the "Ameri-
AN Riviera" is banqueted with the
finest products of that sunny land of
good things. and takes in receptions,
dress parades and big parties as pro-
gressive southern cities contest with
each other in entertainment. He has
broken in on valuable time" to say
the following:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-30

<. L COMPTON.
?. S. Before 1 left Grand Rapids
quite a number wanted me to write
them. and YOU are at liberty to publish
the above if YOU wish. Z. Z. Z.
Birmingham state herald., 1896-05-24
MARKETS BY TELEGRAPH.
Cotton Letter.

New York, May 23.-(Special)-The week just ended has been marked by sharp break in the price of the summer months, August today sold 36 points lower than the highest price of the week. GIG, which was touched on Wednesday last The break to- day would probably have been more decided but for the tame response of Liverpool to our decline of yesterdays August opened at that price. The trading was exceedingly nervous. The later months declined few points but rallied and closed unchanged as compared with yesterdays closing.
 A week ago we ventured the opinion that we had seen the highest price for August. A great many people concur in that opinion today. Nobody would now be surprised if August should turn out to be the best sale of the whole list. Indeed the majority Of the traders regard it in that light, but the summer months though weak at the mo- ment, are by no means free from the dan ger of manipulation, and we strongly ad- vlse our friends to avoid trading In them on either side. On the other hand the crop is growing finely everywhere, as shown by the full telegraph report In today's Finan- cial Chronicle, and we favor selling the fall and winter months upon every rally. All look for q monster crop. and much lower prices.
 RIORDAN & co.