davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

Creation Of the Office of secretary of
labor Is asked for in a bill before con-
gress, introduced by Congressman Wat
son of Ohio. The bill provides that the
secretary of labor shall be appointed
by the President with the consent of
the senate, and he shall receive the
same salary as other officers of the
cabinet, with the necessary assistants
required.
That is shall be the duty of the Sec
rotary of labor to acquire and diffuse
among the people useful information
relative to labor, especially in its re-
lation to capital the hours of labor. the
wages of laborers, including men, wom-
en- and children, and the promotion of
their material social, intellectual and
moral prosperity. Tie secretary of
labor is especially required by section
to obtain information concerning
the cost of producing articles at the
time dutiable in the United States in
the leading countries where such ar
ticles are produced. by fully specified
- o,.H rsv,dor q oIouqi-
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

In some states bids are invited for
convict labor, and the prisoners are
employed in the making of shoes,
clothing and other articles. In other
localities work on the railroads and
public highways is performed, says the
Typographical Journal. That the evil
is a growing one and likely to involve
industries which have not yet been sub
jected to its baneful influences cannot
be questioned.
A short time ago members of the
prison commission of the state of New
York placed themselves on record as
favoring the establishment Of printing
offices in the penitentiary of that state,
for the purpose of supplying the sta
tionery used in the different depart
ments of the state government, and,
in consequence, all branches of the
printing trade are up in arms against
such an undesirable innovation. We
are also informed that bill is to be in
PRODUCED in the Illinois Legislature pro-
viding for system of uniform text
books, all labor incidental to the pub
fishing of the same to be done by con-
vict labor. This includes the manufac-
tare Of the paper used and the complete
printing of the books, which are to be
distributed free of charge. The inaug-
uration of such measure would work
incalculable injury to the printing
trade and should meet with the COM
bined opposition of organized labor in
all sections. In consideration of the
convict labor question too much stress
is laid upon the necessity of lettering
the condition of the prisoner and too
little attention given to affording en-
couragement to those who endeavor to
lead an honest life and keep out of the
clutches of the law. No one questions
the fact that employment of some
character should be afforded those con-
fined in prisons, but some means should
be devised whereby the labor per-
formed would not lessen the chances
of those seeking an opportunity to OBJ
tain livelihood on the outside of
prison walls. The success of a govern.
ment depends upon the prosperity en-
joyed by its people, and if the efforts
OF our lawmakers were devoted to in
augurating measures calculated to pro-
vide work for the vast and constantly
growing army of unemployed much
more good might be accomplished than
in discussing the ways and means of
making better provision for the con-
vict and attempting to increase the rev.
enue from this source.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09
Civilization Should BE Civilized.

The New York Journal, in speaking
of the army of unemployed in that city
aptly says, by way of comment:
"The savage may hunt and nsn
where he will, take up and till the soil
at his pleasure. The victim OF clvlli-
cation is shut out by laws of mans
making, and by privileges of mems
conforming from access to the natural
sources of wealth. Imposing burdens
upon him, hampering him by artificial
limitations on every side, civilization
except in so far as it may be relieved
by voluntary charity-leaves him to
freeze and starve. The peo-
pie should approach the problem of in
creasing restitution from its right end.
To relive poverty is indeed noble; to
cure it would be better. How much
monopoly of land, money and trans
portation has had to do with tight
ening the grip of penury upon the
throat of the masses is a question
which should engage the gravest at
tention of every humane and patriotic
man.-New York Journal.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

The unemployed have disappeared
land the great lesson of New Zealand's
tax reform is the happiness 1t has
brought into the lives of all people,
rich and poor, writes Edward Reeves
in the Westminster Review on the sub
ject of Adult Labor in New Zealand
The fear of poverty has vanished and
high wages are paid even to servant
girls. And as to the common workman
of New Zealand, the old world terror OF
penury is unknown to him. The single
tax men of New Zealand predicted that
the adoption of single tax in New
Zealand would force the other colonies
to adopt the same system or their peo-
pie would emigrate to New zealand,
and here is written testimony OF j.
T. Farrell, citizen of New South
Wales: "A wholesale exodus OF work.
ers from all colonies to New Zealand
has been going on for months. The
lands are being settled and used and
every indication points to future OF
even greater prosperity. Good govern
ment and the taxation of monopoly
have caused this result. Land owners
see that further taxation of land values
is sure to come. These values are
steadily falling and land speculation is
dead. Therefore access to land is easier
than ever before and production goes
on apace."
The colonies of Australia are work
ing for the adoption Of the same sys-
TEN of taxation, as they see that New
Zealand is the only country on the
globe that is not affected by the pres
ent business depression. Although the
land tax in New Zealand is but a step
in the direction of the single tax, the
budget year after the adoption show
ed that 1000 families had settled back
upon the land and $500 more men were
employed in the factories than in the
preceding year.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09
Not Well With the Child.

as it we'll with the child?" asked the
prophet of old.
It is a question that may well be
asked today and every day with re-
gard to every child.
SIS it we'll with the child?'
Not if the child is being robbed of
its wears of preparation for life; if it
is sent into a factory or store at or
10 wears old says the Common Cause.
Not if its body is subjected to such I'M
sanitary conditions of the ordinary
shop as cannot be withstood by the ma
ture. Not if it's mind in the early for
native period is exposed to contamina-
lions which wreck men and women
grown. Not if teaching truth and
beauty and righteousness is shut out
NV ten hours of monotonous toll. Not
If the father has been crowded from
his place to make room for the child
to work its own ruin. Not if the pinch
of want has soured and embittered the
mother. poisoning the fount which was
intended to nourish the child in all
goodness. Not if the young nature is
coined into big dividends, while the
child is thrust into the hardness and
sordidness of a selfish scramble for
/ bread.
as it we'll with the child?"
No. 1t is not well with the child
Nor can it always bo prosperous fol-
| those who disport in luxury upon the
| a., -no,d 1ahor Of little hands.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09
KANSAS AGITATOR. GARRETT. KANSAS.

ficatioil showing the different elements
of cost, including the wages paid in
such industries per day, week, month
or year, or by the piece, and the hours
employed per day, and the profits of
the manufacturers and producers of
such articles, and the comparative cost
of living. 1t shall be the further duty
of the secretary to ascertain and re-
port concerning the effect Of custom
laws on the state of the currency in
the United States, and on the agricul-
tural industry, especially as to its ef-
feet on mortgaged Indebtedness OF
farmers; and what articles are con-
trolled by trusts or other combinations
of capital and what effect these have
on production and prices and lessening
the demand for labor.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09
That's What!

II you favor more money you are
considered crank.
If you contend for honest politics
your are pronounced a fool.
If you dare to suggest that the bond
grabbers should be paid in the same
money that the private debtor is
forced to receive you are repudi-
ator.
If you assert that the government
can "coin money and regulate the value
thereof" as the constitution declares,
your are crazy.
If you intimate that government is
designed to promote the public good
you are denounced as an empty-headed
crank.
If you dare to state, even in low
whisper, that the thieves and scoun-
drels who are plundering the people
and loading the masses with debt and
poverty ought to be driven from the
temples you are an anarchist.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

The boycott has on numerous oc.
casions been demonstrated as an ef-
fective means of bringing about de-
sired result. But by far the greater
number of boycotts instituted repre-
sents simply given measure of energy
required to adopt resolution declaring
them. Unless a systematic plan OF
prosecuting boycotts is followed out
such a condition cannot be prevented,
as the consumers with whom the boy
cotters must labor are not susceptible
to the influence exerted by the mere
announcement of the declaration. The
organized workers of Kansas City have
recently given this subject close at
tention and at the last meeting OF the
central labor body of that city an ad-
dition was made to the bylaws con-
corning it. which is commended to the
notice of unionists. Three local boy
colts are first determined upon for spe-
cial prosecution. 1t is made the duty
of each delegate to the body to report
at each session of his union the boy
colts so determined upon, they are to
be advertised in the official organ OF
the body and one member will serve
as walking delegate to constantly agi-
tate the same, receiving as compensa-
ton therefore the usual rate of wages
which would be earned by pursuing
his regular vocation. The body itself
selects the member empowered so to
act. Upon the settlement of any diff
Guilty and the lifting of one of these
special boycotts another shall be Sc
lected from the list and pushed with
the same vigor as attended the one
lust lifted. Nothing is to prevent the
declaring of an emergency case and
adding another boycott, provided four
fifths of the members present at the
session where it is introduced vote in
the affirmative, and provided further
that at no time is there to be more than
one emergency boycott added to the
special boycotts for extra pushing.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

The advantages possessed by railway
travellers in this country over those on
the continent of Europe are the sub
Ject of recent report by Consul Mona
CHAN of Chemnitz. The consul's facts
and figures are taken from the recently
published results of an investigation
made by an imperial German commits
sion. Summarized, the report shows
that compared with American roads
the German, and, indeed, all continent
tai railroads lack speed and comfort,
and it is more expensive to travel in
Europe than in America. The German
commissioners while here Travelled a
great deal, covering over 5000 miles.
AS a standard American road the New
York Central is instanced with its ex-
press train to Chicago, covering 1850
kilometers 1869 miles, in twenty hours,
an average of 4S1A miles per hour, 60
ing over one part-29.S miles-at an
average of Ga miles per 60 minutes. A
special run of 1870 kilometers Oils
miles) is instanced which was done in
one hour. This is about the distance
from Berlin to Dresden, which takes
nearly three hours on fast German
train.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

Interest in the protected information
al exposition at Paris three years hence
is beginning to show itself at the
French capital. Inquiries from all
quarters of the globe are pouring in,
and nations other than the United
States have manifested an intention Of
taking a conspicuous part. American
merchants and manufacturers, how
ever, are greatly interested, and for
that reason, Consul-General Morss has
made an extended report on the sub
ject to the State Department. Prepare
lions for the exposition are even now
well advanced. The works Of demoli-
ton and construction, for which the
period of little more than three years
remaining will barely suffice, have be-
gun and will be vigorously prosecuted.
The exposition will open April Is, 1900,
and will close November 5, nearly sew
EN- months later. The site will COM
prise the public grounds on both sides
OF the Seine from the Place de la Con-
corde, the great monumental square in
the very center Of the city, to point
beyond the Pont d'Jena, embracing the
Champ de Mars, the Trocadero Palace
and Park (site Of the exposition OF
1880, the Esplanade des Invalides, the
Quai dOrsay, the Quai de la Confer
ence, the Cour la RENE and a large
section of the Champs Elysees, includ-
ing the site of the Palais de lIndustrie
the great building erected for the in
ternational exposition of 1855, the first
of the series. mo other city in the
world contains, in its very center, an
equal area available for a great exposi-
ton"
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09
Would Rush for Employment.

Suppose the government should an
nounce its intention to build railroad
from New York to San Francisco ant
call for laborers to do the work, at thu
same time giving notice that all hell
would be paid with new issue of gov
eminent paper money What a rusl
for employment would follow! Ant
why shouldn't this be done? The peo
ple need cheaper transportation: every
body, except the money-lenders, recog
nize the need of more money, and th1
thousands Of unemployed men, any'
ious to work, are scattered all over tn,
country can not be denied. What {
great blessing to the people OF tn
United States such action '-~pi9 hrins
about Missouri World.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09
McKinley's Cabinet.

The influence that prompted the
nomination and election of President
Mckinley is well known to have been
the money power. In no manner Is this
shown more clearly than in the selec-
ton of the members of his cabinet.
They are all more or less allied with
banks, bankers, corporations and con-
centrated wealth in general.
The secretary of state is a million
aire. John Sherman has been in pub
lie life forty years. His connection
with the infamous "crime of 70" is
we'll known to the public. Sherman
needs no introduction to the American
people. They know who he is and they
know what to expect from him.
Lyman j. Gage, the secretary OF the
treasury, is also rich man. For years
he has been in the banking business
in Chicago and he is one of the best
known financiers in the country.
General Russell A. Alger, Of Michi-
gan, has achieved a war record since
the war. He has amassed several mil
lion dollars in the lumber business, and
he is reported to have made one OF
the largest contributions to the Nc
Kinley campaign fund.
The secretary Of the interior Is Cor
nelius N. Bliss. He is one of the dry
goods magnates of New York, and is
connected with various banks and cor
porations. He has millions Of dollars,
but has never held Office before.
Mr.. Gary, of Maryland, the postmas-
ter general, is millionaire. He has all
sorts of moneyed interests in Balti-
more.
Judge Long, of Massachusetts,; MIR.
Wilson, of Iowa, and Judge Mckenna'
of California, are all wealthy men. The
Mckinley cabinet is plutocratic. the
presidents advisers are representative
of the sinister influences which are
known to exist behind the chief exc
cutive's chair.-Arkansas Gazette.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

Along with the prevalent talk about
the unfriendliness of the rich toward
the poor comes the statement that a
very wealthy man of New York City,
whose riches fully entitle him to be
classed among the ''plutocrats," has
decided to give the city the best sys-
tenn of cheap lodging-houses for men
in the world. The two houses to be
built Immediately are to cost more
than . million dollars. They are not
to be for tramps, but for sober, indus
trious men, who, when they have en-
ployment, will be able to pay just
about what the accommodations re-
ceived will be worth.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

Johnny shall have a new master!
The memories of the American peo-
pie are very short.
In 1884 they put in power the party
they rejected in 1880.
In 1888 they put in power the party
they rejected in 1884.
In 1892 they put in power the party
they rejected in 1888.
In 1896 they put in power the party
they rejected in 1892.
The purified" Democracy now con-
fidently counts on their putting in
power in 1900 the party they rejected
in 1896.
How much longer are the people go.
ing to be fooled.-Southern Mercury.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

A clever workman in cutlery fac
tory in Sheffield, England, has recent
ly made a dozen pairs of shears each
% minute that they all together weigh
less than half grain. That is about
the weight Of a postage stamp. Each
pair was perfect and would cut If suf-
fciently delicate material could be
found. Lying on piece of white pa
per they seemed no larger than fleas.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

tie cry during the late campaign. Thur
the real issue in the politics Of tba
United States will steadily grow INTO
one Of protected monopolies on the one
hand and the public ownership of mo-
nopolies Tor at least their control and
taxation) ON the other. A more mo-
mentous result, not only for the United
States, but for the civilized world gen.
orally, can hardly be imagined; but this
is what the decision Of the Populists as
embodied in the new declaration of in.
dependence leads us to expect"
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

The anti-pool selling bill, which alb
solutely prohibits the selling of pools
on horse races of any kind, passed the
Alabama house by vote Of 81 to 8.
All the poolrooms at once closed. The
bill passed the senate unanimously and
will receive the governors signature
and become a law.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

There were more than three thou
sand failures in the United States last
year, not including Roosevelt, DR..
Parkhurst and Sister Grannis' failure
to reform" New York.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

Look out that the cultivation OF
beans and potatoes on vacant lots
doesn't resolve itself into a scheme to
dodge taxes on the ground that the
property is used for charitable pur-
poses.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

Among the personals" in New
York newspaper is the following: "a
refined woman, handsome, stylish, good
figure, vivacious congenial, affection
ate, sprightly, witty, companionable,
neat sympathetic, desires correspond
ence; millionaire only" Object, doubt
less, matter o. money.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

In view of the numerous mishaps to
various ships of Uncle Sans navy the
fact that the authorities have decided
to make $500 per ton the upset price
for armor plate is looked upon as omi-
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09
Chorus.

While paddle my own canoe.
Chorus.
Then love your neighbor as yourself,
AS the world you go travelling
through,
And never sit down. with a tear or a
frown,
But paddle your own canoe.
l have no wife to bother my life,
No lover to prove untrue,
But the whole day long, with laugh
and a song,
l paddle my own canoe.
] rise with the lark, and from daylight
to dark,
1 do what 1 have to do.
I'm careless of wealth If I've only the
To paddle my own canoe.
It's all very well to depend on friend.
That is, If you've proved him true,
But you'll find 1t better by far in the
end
To paddle your own canoe.
To borrow is dearer by far than to
buy"
A maxim, though old, still true;
You never will sigh If you only VIII
try,
To paddle your own canoe.
Chorus.
If a hurricane rise in the midday skies,
And the sun is lost to view,
Move steadily by, with a steadfast eye,
And paddle your own canoe.
The daisies that grow in the bright
green fields
Are blooming so sweet for you,
So never sit down with tear or
frown,
But paddle your own canoe.
Chorus.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

Delaware recently has voted against
woman suffrage, II to 7; Nevada, 10 tn
s, and Idaho, 13 to 3. That's certain
ly odd.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09
When Spring Is Near.

~ The earnest question of the hour.
And general theme, no doubt,
Is not of owe or politics,
But "Will the coal hold OUT"
Chicago Record.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

AS soon as a man gets his first gray
hairs he begins to boast to his wife OF
the business worries he has.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

Do not estimate too lightly the small
things of life, for the whole universe
of God is made up of insignificant
atoms
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09

=. Adamant Is like wax in comparison
with a miser's heart.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09
THE TOILER'S CORNER.
SOME TIMELY TOPICS OF IN
TEREST TO UNION LABOR.
Evils OF Contract Prison Labor Are
MISUNDERSTANDING of Labor Wanted
Tax Reform In New Zealand
Prosecuting BOycOtts.

We Travelled about
a bit in my time,
And of troubles
I've seen a few.
But found it better
in every cline
To paddle my own
canoe.
NJ y W a n t s ar e
small, / care not
at all.
If my debts are
paid when due;
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-04-09
Horehound and Elecampane Cordial.

Horehound and Elecampane Cordial.
Each Of the component parts of Aunt Rachael's
Cordial, viz: Horehound and Elecampane Root
and Speey's Grape Juice is cure for pulmonary
complaints. The Grape Juice and Horehonnd are
combined with Elecampsne In the proportions re.
lung diseases. public speakers ana singers. For
sale by druggists, at Aunt Rachael's home,
Passaic, N. j.
The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1897-08-07
A Carpet knight.

The following curious definitions of a
carpet knight were recently given in an
English examination: lone who re-
ceived his knighting upon the field of
the cloth Of gold, ""a knight who stood
en- a carpet aud had another thrown
owe him while being knighted. ''the
common black beetle. which, when
squashed, resembles all the different
shades of a brussels carpet, "a knight
which sleeps Oh a carpet" "a man
like, for instance, Sir X. & Co., who is
Of the best carpet makers, and be-
cause he did make them so we'll he was
make a knight"
A shot was said to 60 off because
the sudden shock in a sort of way
frightens the bullet" And it was de-
clared that a dog turns around several
times before settling down to sleep etc
make sure he is not sitting on any IN
pleasant object, such as a black beetle,
pin," etc.