davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Griggs courier., 1897-12-24

and can't recollect hearing Minnie
speak of her, but I'll send her word.
That little woman shall have q good
time. Why, Jack, old fellow?"
Jacks hand was on his friends shoul-
der. "Don't Tom. It's going to be
pretty tough for me, old boy. Can't
you let me off?"
"Let you off, with Minnie expecting
you? Not If I know it," and Tom looked
very grave and earnest. "You are not q
coward. are you, Jack? What's the
matter?"
"I'm afraid am, Tom, but if must
go. help me all you can"
''To keep out of the poor little crea-
ture's way? She looks harmless enough.
I'd be more afraid of Minnie's town
friends"
"You don't understand, Tom"
''Then suppose you enlighten me?"
"I-I used to know her in the old
|! days. She was everything to me.
reckon I was fool, but couldn't tell
her so."
"That you were fool? Don't blame
you."
"No; that tI-that-she-that we"
"Exactly," Tom nodded.
$50 sent her a bunch of Christmas
roses like these" He touched one of
the nodding white flowers tendcrly.
"Lile that in your buttonhole?"
eyes. sent them on Christmas eve
five years ago tonight. And there
was a foolish note with them asking her
If she loved me to wear them to the
Dwight's party"
"And she didn't wear them?"
''She didn't even go, and I, fool that
was, went to see why. Her aunt was to
go with hcr-I had ordered q carriage.
There were lights ali about the house.
A dim one was in the parlor. I used
often to 60 to the French window that
ing at the halfdoo That night the lace
curtains were drawn across the win
dow, but the blinds were open. Twas
about to push the window open when
saw Rose seated on u sofa across the
room. She wore a bright loose-looking
dress. and her face was pale and earnest.
Beside her" He stopped a moment
and loosened his collar. Then he went
on: "Beside her on the sofa sat Rex
Hll-you recollect a young doctor who
used to be with old DR.. Bellamy?"
Tom nodded. He had forgotten Rex
Hill. but that. didn't matter.
"Well, he sat there talking to her and
holding her hand, and presently she
burst out crying and-and-my eyes
burned 80 couldn't see very well, but
her head went down on his breast, and
| II reckon I was wild. mad. The next
I knew I was on train that was speed
ing westward, and the Christmas sun
was rising"
Tom blew his nosc; Jack covered his
face with his hands. There was q little
stir among. the bandboxes behind them,
and hand in q gray cotton glove was
laid on jacks shoulder.
"Oh. sir" squealked small, mouse
like voice, "thatwas the night her father
died. DR.. Dellamy was sick and he sent
for the young man. Twas there, spend
ing Christmas. It was stroke-so sud-
Griggs courier., 1897-12-24
A DOGS DILEMMA.
Can't Land on British Soil Nor Stay
ON Shinl0nrd.

Can't Land ON British Soil Nor Stay
on shipl,onrd.
It has long been the custom of Eng
lishmen to idealize the British customs
and port regulations and denounce
those of other countries as worthy of
the dark ages. But case occurred in
Liverpool the other day which scarcely
fits this boasted perfection. A board
Of agriculture order came into force on
September IS, whereby dogs are for
bidden to be landed in this land of free
dom without license from the board, a
full description of the animal, and
sworn declaration as to its destination.
The board reserved the right of impos-
ing six months canine quarantine at
the owners expense, and the order
bristles with threats and punishments
for infringement or evasion. At Liver
pool there is also local port regulation
to the effect that no dog shall be allowed
to remain aboard ship within the juris-
diction of the Mersey docks and har-
Dor board.
A steamer arrived at Liverpool re-
Gently the captain OF which gloried in
the ownership of dog. Finding that
he could not take it ashore without it
being seized by the board Of agriculture
myrmidons and subjected to six months
quarantine, the captain kept it aboard
the ship, and was forthwith hauled be-
fore the magistrates and fined for
breach of the dock boards regulations.
He now wants to know what the devil he
fs to do, and the champions of British
perfection are unable to help him. The
only tangible course advised is that the
dog be killed and its body embalmed.
The objections to this are numerous. It
is manifest that dead dog is not Of
much good, and, as far as the lawyers
can see, a dog is dog whether alive or
dead. Moreover, he cannot put it
ashore into six months quarantine be-
cause it is entered on the ships papers
as live dog and it is treated by the
customs as bonded stores, which have
to be produced when the ship clears out
ward. Doubtless this worthy captain
before now has cursed the United States
regulations, and therefore his present
dilemma may be regarded as judg-
ment upon him.-London (Cor.) N. Y.
Sun.
Griggs courier., 1897-12-24

II love them, every one" Rose said,
setting down . fine plant. "How Is
this one?"
.It's = beauty. Will you take this
for it?" He threw $40 bill on the
counter. @
THAT? Oh. not even half SO much"
"Shuclss! You ought to deal with
q city florist. I'd be lucky to get off
at $25! My conscience will trouble
me. Miss Rose, if pay less than $40.
Habit is strong. You won't spoil my
Christmas and my pleasure in giving
this to the little woman at home. will
you?" .,...
"But l. too. have conscience" Rose
laughed.
But mine is so tender, Miss Rose.
and, honor BRIGHT it's a sure. thing
they charge awful; so that's all right.
Maybe it would be better if you'd throw
in button hole.'"
'"Yes, let me. You've been too gen
erous. I feel that cannot"
"I'll take violets and sprig Of nut
meg"
"And your friend. Won't you take
one for him?" She flushed again.
ITO Jack?" glancing outside. Eyes,
but he's a surly old fellow, and doubt
if he'll wear it. It's Jack Allen, you
know. Remember he went west five
years ago. stumbled upon him at the
hoteEjust got back"
Tom noticed how the girls white
hands fluttered as she tied up his vio-
lets, and then how she hesitated, and
Griggs courier., 1897-12-24
CURRENT TOPICS.


Ix1lNo1s convict cigar factory has
been abolished
THE greatest depth of the ocean over
sounded is 2s, $50 feet.
BETWEEN the ticks of watch . ray
of light could move eight times round
the world.
The duration of flash of lightning
is rather less than the millionth part
of a second. l65
The Mexican chamber of deputies
has approved q bill authorizing silver
loan of SIC, 900, 900.
MORE female than male immigrants
came to the United States last year
from eight European countries.
A REsURvEY of the state line by the
state of Maryland robs West Virginia
of about forty miles of territory.
A MAN has Q right to wear a hat in a
theater, according to the verdict of q
jury in case tried in Washington.
STEEL pens came into use about 20
years ago. A gross which is now sold
for ten cents was worth over $85 then.
1t takes 1900 of the Korean coins
known as ':cash'' to equal 81. Travel.
OES neCO an extra Uul1OCk6 W curry tuCAE
funds.
The sultan has forbidden the use of
the bicycle in Turkey on the ground
that it ssis immoral and dangerous to
the state.''
In China company of 80 actors can
be engaged for s6 to play as many
pieces as may be desired for two days
ut q stretch.
MORE than 6,0oO species of plants are
cultivated, and most of these have been
broken up into varied forms by the
hand of man.
To SHOW the carelessness of mothers
in Great Britain over 5000 children are
burned to death in the year from their
clothing catching fire.
NEARLY I, ,200, 900 pounds of colors are
used by the United States government
annually for printing paper money,
revenue and postage stamps.
Griggs courier., 1897-12-24

less elms that lined the street Of the
little southern town.
If the sun would come out, or even
if 1t would rain! One likes to see some
thing going on, even if the something
is unpleasant. Things seem to have
come to sort of standstill. wish we
were at home with Minnie and the kids.
She's the sort of person to keep you
from missing the sunshine. and that"
Jack Allen laughed. "You are in
love with your wife, Tom, that's ALL"
II shouldn't be surprised. You'll un-
derstand why. when you see her.
wrote her that you overcoming. Why,
hello. here's q bright spot at last!
Look at those Christmas roses! How
swhite they are! My mother used to
love them so. and Minnie does. Come
lin Jack. and I'll get pot for Minnie.
Whose place is it?" glancing up at the
name above the flower-filled window.
-'Rose Ellison. Why, let's see. We
msed to know her. Jack. Don't you
recollect? She was one of the school
girls graduated with Minnie-pretty
girl. too. Come in.''
''Thank you. I'll wait here. Want a
cigar. Flowers and old friends are not
In my line" Jack said.
Tom glanced at his friend. who began
to tumble with a cigar case, his back
to the beautiful window. .'Surly old
bachelor. eh? More's the pity" he said
~ be opened the door and went in.
A trim little lady stood behind the
counter. Her cheeks were good deal
ddshed. and curious. wistful light
shone in her pretty blue eyes. shc
vas trying to compose herself.
why. Miss Rose. I'm glad to stumble
spon an old friend. How do you do!
Ainnie'll be glad to hear from you. ]
stopped to get q pot of your pretty
Christmas roses for her" Tom talked
ON. and all the time his bright ewes
we're taking in the details of the little
shop. Presently sort of pain began
to grow in his big. kind heart. Pretty
Rose had come to this-to the wearing
of faded. mended gowns and the selling
OF needles and pins and flowers. "They
are the prettiest roses ever saw" he
vent on, '.and I want the very birpes,
ard sweetest for Afinnie's Christina.
j gift"
Griggs courier., 1897-12-24
Signs of chri.tmas.

She meets me at the door
Each evening with smile that's sweet
and mellow:
Your supper's waiting: come right in. you
poor.
Dear. tired fellow"
(But know Just what this means,
For we've struck the Christmas scenes:
A new red hat,
And the likes o. that
That's Just what the dear one meansA
She marks my frowning brow
CTS sweet to have woman to adors
your
And says: II know your head must ache.
and now
I'm going to rub It for your
(But know just what that means,
For we've struckth Christmas scenes;
A dress. hat,
And the likes o. that
That's Just what the dear one meansD
Atlanta Constitution.
Griggs courier., 1897-12-24
CHRISTMAS oBsERvANcEs.
Customs Handed Down to Us from

Customs Handed Down to Us from
Dygone Ages.
It is an interesting fact that nearly
all of the present observances of the
sweet Christmas time which have been
handed down to us from bygone ages
are relics of heathenish .barbarism.
The practice of decorating with ever
greens has been ascribed to various
sources. Decorating with flowers and
evergreens was a pagan manifesto
tion of rejoicing and worship. This
custom was also observed among ma
tions both of Gothic and Celtic origin.
A superstition among the votaries of
Druidism was that houses decked with
evergreens in December would be vis-
tied by sylvan spirits and that the in
mates would be unnipped by the frost
and cold winds.
The mistletoe bough was held in ven
Grafton by the pagans, as it was like
wise respected by the Gothic and Celtic
nations. Among Celtic nations it is
known to have been an object of great
veneration. The ceremony Of collect
ing it by the Druids was one of the
highest solemnity. It is said that the
oaks on which it grew were sacred to
them. The reverence it inspired was
based upon the wonderful healing pow
ers it was believed to possess.
It hung up in the house it was consld-
cred a guard against evil spirits.
Its introduction into Christmas fes-
tivals might be appropriate as
emblematic of conquests obtained
over the spirits of evil and dark
ness. The reverence of the mistle-
toe among the ancient Britons ap-
pears, however, to have been limited
only to that which grew on an oak.
whereas. the pearly berries. which
bring blush to the cheek of the mod
ern maiden. may be gathered besides
from the hawthorne. lime and old an.
pie trees as we'll as the Scotch and sill
yer fir. There existed tradition that
the maid not kissed under the mistle-
toe at Christmas would not wed within
q year.
The Yule log was considered by the
ancient Druids protection against evil
spirits. There were various superst;-
tions mingled with the ceremony Of
lighting it. It had to be lighted with
clean hands in order to extract its vir.
tues. 1t was deemed an evil omen if the
light went out during the night. The
Yule log is still kindled on Christmas
eve in various parts of England
Louisville Courier Journal,
Griggs courier., 1897-12-24
St. Gall's Day and the weather.

The peasant folk in central and east
ern Switzerland date their weather
presages for the coming winter, in .
large degree, from the character of
"Gallus-Tag'-the festival Of their
Scottish or shall we say Irish y apos-
tie, st. CALL His festival occurs on
September 16. ''If it rains on Gallus-
Tag. say the folk of modern St. Gal
len, sit will4rain until Christmas" 'As
it is on St. Calls day SO it will be
through the winter" "It is St. Gall
who makes the snow to fall.' "Be-
fore st. Gall comes take your garden
plants indoors" "A dry Gallus- Tag
foretells dry summer next year,
Westminster Gazette.
Griggs courier., 1897-12-24

wife and help her fill the wee bit stock
ings. Get . real good time, aunty. dear 81
II will. child, but feel all a-flutter.
with the sadness of it. Kinter on my
feet, you know" Then she trotted on
down the street with the great band-
boxes bouncing like life preservcrs. un-
der her arms. She was just in time for
the train. A little out Of breath and a
good deal excited, she settled her be-
lOngings in the end of her seat, and be-
gan to take comfort.
Two gentlemen in the seat beforeher
glanced back at the quaint little figure,
and one Of them smiled. Look here.
jack" one said, don't let me forget at
the next station to wire Minnie. That
poor little girl is going down to-mor-
row to spend day or SO. It's great
nuisance, our having to go to Brightville
instead of straight on home. She'll get
there first, in the morning. Well get in
at 12."
what girl is it?" Jack pulled his cap
down over his curly hair.
"Why, Rose Ellison, of course. Twas
SO sorry for her, Jack, asked her"
"The dickens you did!" jacks brown
eyes flashed.
"Why. Jack, are you a regular woman
hater? The poor little woman is worked
to death, and I warrant she never has a
good time. If I'd thought moment
but was sorry for her. It's such a
poor little place. She's pretty and the
roses are. but there's-it's a stuffy little
store. I'm afraid Minnie's forgotten her
its been so long since they were girls,
Griggs courier., 1897-12-24
RUSSIA. Population.

The revised returns of the Russian
census give the total population of that
country at 129,OOO,00O. This makes
Russia third in rank among nations,
China coming first with an estimated
population of 4OO,000,0 600, and the Brit
ish empire next with 2Os, 600, ,000.-Chi.
cago Inter Ocean.
Griggs courier., 1897-12-24
A Mistake.

"Hit am er mistake" said Uncle Ebep.
''ter hab yoh merry Christmas in sech I
way dat ,yoh can't hab er happy New Year.
case OBJ de worry bout de bin" ."-Washing.
ton Star.
Griggs courier., 1897-12-24
A nelated Joy.

a 0elated Joy.
"It may seem queer, but get the most oi
my holiday joy, I,s the day after christmas."
"I'm 90 clad 10 be alive after eating se
much dinner the day before. Chicago
Record !.
Griggs courier., 1897-12-24

fore Christmas"
- I'll and-Oh. yes. I
81 -ll That's scarcely orig
inal. still it'll go.
It's Just what wanted to say. you'll admit.
And it's easier far than to write one to fit.
Twas the night before Christmas and Dick
was in bed.
When he heard light step on the roof
overhead.
And rattle Of boots in the chimney. and
knew
xt vas Santa. so down the front stairway
And peeped in the parlor and there. sure
enough.
Was that little old gentleman. ruddy and
bluff,
with his thick bushy whiskers and jolly red
nose.
And the pack that he carries wherever he
goes.
But his dress, we'll. what student Of story
book lore
Saw Santa Claus dressed in q sweater be-
fore?
OR In trousers Of plaid. while the stockings
he sported
Were the kind Anglomaniacs lately we
imported.
Called golfers" In short. his attire was
Dicks gasp Of surprise reached the old
fellows ear.
Come in." said he. kindly. ST really would
like
70 have some one to talk to. Say. how do
strike
Your critical eye? Aren't these golf stock
tngs nice?
fancy that they cut considerable ice.
What! Surprised at my slang? don't
know why you should be.
IT'S strange how the people have misunder-
stood me.
I'm not the old fossil the story books state:
I'll have you to know that I'm right up-to-
date.
Sly reindeer? you ask. My dear boy. they're
too slow
Ter this wide-awake age. they've been sold
to show.
I'm riding wheel and fancy myself
could put few racers away on the shelf
II ever started to beat 'em. Let's see,
Ny cyclometer tells me I've ridden just
Hundred thousand and twenty-five miles
since started,
And-My! that reminds me. it's time de-
parted
So long-see you later" He stepped to the
flue
And giving jump quickly vanished from
And Dick reached the window in season to
spy
The flash Of his lamp as his cycle whizzed
by.
"A glimpse in the road where the bright
moonlight shone.
A speck in the distance. and Santa was
gone.
And said Dick. as he slowly went back to
the fire:
Say. what would he do If he punctured
tire?'
Joe Lincoln. in L. A. w. Bulletin.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-06-25
How Men Make Money.

Men make money by what the world
calls shrewdness. Boiled down to an
honest fact, they make it by getting a
portion of another mans labor with
out giving an equivalent in return.
Perhaps under our present industrial
and commercial conditions this, at first
sight, may appear legitimate and una
voidable; you should bear in mind that
IL you make two dollars In trade, the
man with whom you traded has lost
that amount, and the truth remains
that you did not make those two dol
lars by the sweat Of your brow, but by
the shrewdness Of your tongue. It Is
no defense Of system to say that 9TH
er men under like conditions and SIM
liar circumstances would do the same
thing. but it is rather an admission that
the system is vicious. Any man who
obtains any amount, large or small,
without giving full value Il labor or
property in return, is either a thiAf or
swindler, and generally he is Doth.
These names may sound harsh, but fig.
ure it out for yourself and zee il you
can find any other names that will
properly apply to the case-Hall Coun-
ty News.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-06-25
GOV. PINGREE
Is In Favor OF Public Ownership Of
Franchises,

Is In Favor OF Public Ownership Of
Franchises.
Governor Pingree, of Michigan.
writes:
/ am 10th to surrender my belief in
municipal control and accept the doc
trine of municipal ownership; but am
free to confess that l am being grad
ually forced into the position of an ad-
vocate of ownership. The methods OF
franchise holders compel it, as also the
ignorance and venality of many Of the
peoples representatives. But much OF
this venality, may say, is the out
growth of corporate methods
I have advanced in the direction OF
municipal ownership, always keeping
an eye to the better plan of municipal
control, so far as to advocate owner
ship of street railway tracks; and
through the manipulation of lighting
companies I was compelled to force
through the municipal ownership Of a
public lighting plant.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-06-25

The Student-May l ask a question?
I want to know if there is any exasp-
ton to the economic law that taxes
tend to distribute themselves?
Professor-That is general law; it
applies in all cases.
The STUDENT thought there might
be exceptions. because 1 find it stated
that the land where the town of Pull
man stands has been taxed as farm
land; and the Rockefeller rich mining
lands at rs cents an acre, and railroad
lands at SIPS an acre, while farmers
lands, adjoining, and of the same quail
ity, are taxed at $25 an acre. Does the
economic law of distribution mean that
taxes skip the rich and distribute them
selves among the poor? If it doesn't
mean that, it seems to me the facts
rather upset the law. 1 don't know
which to tie to.
Professor-Sir, whatever the ten
dency of taxes, your tendency is to-
ward narchy.-Cincinnat Common
Cause.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-06-25
Ran Up Against Simpson.

Payne-our own Sereno-ran up
against Simpson Of Kansas the other
day. He undertook to make speech
on the tariff. While he was in full
flight, Simpson asked him question
that Payne was unable to answer. So
he resorted to ridicule in order to
avoid it, by saying: II would, If de-
sired to be supplementary, reply by
asking the gentleman from Kansas II
his ancestors were monkeys" Simp-
son quickly rejoined by saying: "And
II you did, would answer you as Du-
mas the elder did when French fool
put a similar question to him. I
would tell you yes, my ancestors be-
gan where yours left off,"
A Washington correspondent says,
"The house roared, and although the
house has laughed at Payne vast num-
bers of times, and he ought to be we'll
used and hardened to it, Payne got
angry, and has never taken an agreea-
Bile view of Simpson SINCE" There
was great merriment over the scene
weedspott On. ~ Chief.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-06-25
SHARP TACKS.
ersw sbs TIL. of the Springfield Now
Era.

Eraw sbs Til. of the Springfield New
The free silver question has been
killed so often that 1t seems to rather
enjoy the process.
Wealth possessed by men who never
earned it means want for those who
earned the wealth.
Mckinley prosperity needs to be Ia
beled in order to distinguish 1t from
Cleveland hard times.
The men who do most to create class
divisions are always the most bitter In
denouncing class prejudice.
1t is not crime to be rich, but 1t Is
a crime for any man to become rich by
taking the products Of others.
The preacher who thinks he is too
sanctified to take part in politics shows
that he has neither sanctiflcation nor
sense.
The worst crank in the world Is the
crank who settles all argument by call
ing the men who differ with him
cranks.
The reformer who economies by do
ing without a reform paper is like the
farmer who economies by doing with
out a pillow.
No man really loves his country who
is not willing to make some sacrifices
of time and money in order to serve
the country.
The juryman is required to swear
that he will bring in verdict In ac-
cordance with the law and the evil
dence, and every voter should feel him.
self under oath to cast ballot accord
ing to the facts and the evidence
National Democrat.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1897-06-25
What Makes the Trouble.

1t is roughly estimated that to keep
one modern battleship in powder and
shot for one hours fighting would cost
Sill, 654.40, and to keep the United
States fleet in action for the same time
would cost a round million. A no.
ton gun, 16h-inch bore, costing in
England SS2.5OO, is used up complete
ly in ninety-five rounds. There is no
need for this country to expend one
dollar in war, If we had such peace and
plenty as unobstructed nature and I'M
INSTRUCTED industry would confer II
is laws and privileges that make nearly
all Che trouble.