davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1897-05-27

thing. They furnished homes COM
plete-beds, bedding, carpets, furniture,
stoves, dishes, cooking utensils, ETC.,
selling the same on monthly INSTALL
ments. They got thousands of dollars
worth of goods out in that way max
ing no record of the leases and then as
signed with less than $4,000 worth of
merchandise and $4,000 worth of
'pOrtable' land above described to pay
an Indebtedness of more than 100000.
The leases they "planted" and rode
around on their bicycles afterwards
collecting the monthly payments with
an air indicating to their creditors, ego
whistle for your money"
The country is full of just such busi-
ness freaks as these and the wonder is
that they have so much patronage. If
they had their just deserts they would
be right where you and l are today.
CASEY.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1897-05-27
TEpMs.) S1.O0 per year, in advance
Six Months 80 cents.

boys; hence the name, Reform. Now
why do they afterwards come to the
reformatory and prison in such num-
bers? Because boy of tender years
kept from the world and its society
till he is young man gets it into his
head he will have to make UP for lost
time. The world to him is twice as
large as it really is, and he sees other
things accordingly. He comes out,
meets some boys he knows from the
school, they promptly rush the beer
can for his benefit and the instructions
and good advice are promptly mislaid.
When parents are made to fulfill their
part of the law in governing children
and only boys or girls who are really
incorrigible are admitted to the reform
school, then, and not till then, will
such institutions cease to furnish grist
for state reformatories and peniten-
tiaries. LES.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1897-05-27
Written for The Prison Mirror.
SOME QUEER BUSINESS METHODS

One fine summer morning back in
188- l was attending to some business
with prominent firm on State street,
in Chicago, when two gentlemen en-
tered the establishment and inquired
for the man with whom 1 was trans
acting my business. Without waiting
for me to finish my engagement the
two men introduced themselves as Mr..
A. and Mr.. B. of - Nebraska. They
said they were on the verge of starting
up large business in that city and
that they had been sent to the gentle
man whom they addressed thinking he
might be instrumental in advising them
where they could obtain the services of
a man whom they much needed-one
who was competent and capable of
acting in the capacity of manager and
buyer. Without moments hesitancy
the gentleman thus addressed intro
duced the two strangers to me, and
after few moments conversation an
engagement was made for 2 P. NJ. to
talk the matter over. They were
promptly on hand at the time and place
appointed and they outlined to me the
details of their plans and undertakings;
the character of the business they in.
tended to conduct, the amount of
capital they had at their disposal, etc.
They awakened in me deep interest
in the glowing account of their plans
and l own in my own heart 1 felt that
the opportunity which 1 had long
wished for had at last arrived. In my
travels over the country had had a
chance to make study of business
methods to good advantage and par
ticularly had L watched the career of a
certain firm who were at one time on
the verge of bankruptcy in Chicago
but who removed to city of less pro-
portions land might add less wind, }
and the success which this firm
achieved in business way was then
and is yet the talk of this commercial
nation of ours. They are independ-
emily rich and they made it too in a
business the very counterpart of what
these men had shown me they were
about to engage in. They made me an
offer to 60 with them and l made them
proposition and without arriving at
an understanding we decided to think
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1897-05-27

My son, follow not in the footsteps
of the loafer, and make no example of
him who was born tired, for verify 1
say unto you, their business is over
stocked, and the seats on the corners
are all taken and the whiting places
all occupied. 1t is better to saw wood
at two bits cord than to whittle in a
loafing match and abuse the govern
ment. My son, while thou hast left in
thy skull the sense of jay bird, break
away from the cigarette habit, for 10,
thy breath stinketh like glue factory
and thy whole appearance is like
stone mummy. Yea, thou art a cipher
with the rim knocked off. Bob Bur-
dette.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1897-05-27
PLAIN FACTS ABOUT STEALING.

|
Here is short homiIy for the young
| SmartieS to read:
Some of us must be honest and in
dustrious; if we were not, there would
be nothing for the others to steal. The
old ScOtchman said: "My son, honesty
is the best policy. 1 ken weel what
I'm talking abOot, for 1 hae tried
bath" Now truly, surely, verify, GER
tainly and undoubtedly, if the world
has proved anything in it's long expert
ence, it has proved the truth of that
canny remark. He who asserts the
contrary tells lie so transparent that
even darkness will shine through it.
1t is the only safe and successful
course for boy with any ambition to
pursue, whatever apparent exceptions
the woOdchopper of driftwood logic
may cite. Theft is an acid that eats
away the fingers of the handler.
More than 1000 years ago, when the
Greeks were Greeks indeed, one of
them said: "The man who plots ill to
another devises evil against himself,
and the dishonest scheme works the
most i'll to the schemer." Have moth
ing to do with breach of the law; it
will boomerang the very life out of
you, and such mistakes are too costly
for words, because even one may pur-
chase half a century of sorrow for you.
AS another Greek said: Grim errors,
DER their human prey, will hang the
boarded sorrow; through clouds shall
CLEAN the present day and darkness
wells the morrow"
If you must steal, filch lightning
from the skies, as Franklin did, rob-
bing the rich heavens to help poor NOR
tails; or as Watts, Fulton and Stephen
son did, who, partners in the crime of
the age, stole the buried soul out of
the petrified forest and made it work
like horse. If you must commit bur-
glary, take the hooded lantern of the
miner, break into the dark house of
the earth and steal her dusky diamonds
and priceless metals. If you must COM
nit bigamy, WOO the three graces and
the nine muses., and marry every one
of them. They will never apply for
divorce, exact alimony, nor put you in
Jail, but will stick to you through
thick and thin and make your life "a
thing of beauty and a joy forever
Ohio Penitentiary News.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1897-05-27
Written for The Prison Mirror.
A HARD ROAD TO THE
PRESIDENCY.

When was three years old | lost
my mother by the divorce route. My
brother and | were awarded to my ia
ther. My little brothers anatomy was
shocked beyond all repair at these pro-
ceedings and was quietly laid at rest.
Then for ten years 1 was tossed from
uncleS and aunts to secondhand
boarding-houses until my fathers eyes
wandered toward the state reform
school. All! here was the identical
thing he wanted; and he kicked him.
self because he had not discovered it
before. He said, with satisfied air,
eff l get him put in there he will be
president of these United States some
day without doubt
So he took himself to the chief of
police and had the deal fixed up, and l
was escorted to my first police court.
The judge asked him to state the mat
ter. He said: 81 am business man,
travelling good deal, and l cannot
look after him. 1 have no home, now,
and l think it will be the making of
him.
"Well" said the judge, "what has he
done?"
"Well, he'd rather go swimming or
fishing on Sunday than go to church
and hear about the world coming to
an end. And he throws stones at cats,
1 am told"
The judge listened, occasionally
drumming with a pencil on his desk
Finally he said: "To sum the thing up,
you wish him sent to the school so you
can be at liberty to look after your
business and not be entrammeled with
him?"
'Well, am sure it will be best for
him to go there" replied my father.
"How long do you wish him sent
for?" asked the Judge.
ooh, till he is twenty one, 1 guess"
NO." said his honor; do not feel
justified in sending him day over five
years; then he will be eighteen and can
earn his own living"
So it was fixed at last; 1 went to the
school and stayed until the superin-
tendent let me go.
There are class of people who take
the State Reform School for Mecca
to send children to that they want to
be we'll rid of. Divorced persons and
others who are deluded by some rela-
tives who take more interest in the
affairs of others than in their own are
of this number. If every case that is
presented for incarceration to such in
stitutions could be rigidly investigated
and the true facts brought out, boys
would not be sent there unless thor
oughly vicious and there would be
fewer of those same boys finding their
way to state prisons later. Does throw
ing good apple into barrel of decay.
ing ones improve its condition? 1t is
about the same amount of common
sense to put boy into school of bad
ones who does not rightfully belong
there. Reform schools were intended
as place wherein to improve vicious
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1897-05-27
Written for The Prison Mirror.
MEMORIAL DAY.
busuasAaasasssM
To the HOnored Dead.

BY j. L.
Gallant comrades we are gathered
By thy tombs this sacred day;
HallOwed mem'ries twine our hearts in
Sweet communion with thy clay.
Sturdy men are sadly weeping
Ger the mounds that mark your rest,
Tender hands are strewing flowers
Ger the soil your valor blest.
Fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers
Join their souls in silent prayer,
For the brave men who in life were
Proud the Union blue to wear.
Valiant hearts who quickly answered
In the Nations hour of need,
Ready to give up your life-blood-
We will not forget your deed.
Think not comrades you're forgotten,
Though round of time has past
Since together we marched to battle
Since you heard reveille last.
While heart beats in our bosom
We shall cherish tenderly,
Grateful mem'ries of the men, who
Fought and died for liberty.
Children of our children's children
Fer will venerate thy name,
Looking back upon thy vict'ries-
KeystOneS of nations fame.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-11-06
FEATHERS MOUSE.

IT was very still in the barn loft.
Feather was on a lest beside pile OF
hay. There was a rustic when she
picked off dried clover head. This
was the only sound.
Dollie and Daisy left their play store
when Feather settled herself upon her
nest. She laid her eggs there although
hens were not allowed in the hay. The
girls thought that one little white biddy
would do no harm. Feather picked a
seed out Of the hay, then she held her
head very still. so still that not even
her feathery white top-knot moved.
Her bright eyes twinkled. Perhaps she
smiled.
She was watching furry little mouse
that crept slyly out of the hay near her
nest. Feather leaned farther forward
but the mouse did not see her. He
came very near. With dive Feather
caught the little fellow in her sharp
beak.
There she held him when, moment
latter, Dollie and Daisy peeped over the
head Of the stairs to see il their pet had
left her nest. When she saw the girls,
she ate poor mousie very fast; but she
still sat on her nest, and the girls crept
softly down the stairs.
The loft was very still again. Feather
did not even move a clover head until
she left the loft with a cackle that
brought the little girls to the spot. Then
she went down under the willow to hunt
for bugs till supper-time.
She ran with the rest of the hens to
meet Dollie and Daisy when they
brought the bed time meal of bran and
milk and scraps from the table. Even
Purrie came to the coop for share.
OPurrie did. not deserve her name, for
she was very crossi cat. She knew
how to slap with her black paws. as
we'll as how to scratch. The hens we're
afrail of her, and made room for her at
the trough. Purrie reached over very
daintily for bit of soaked toast, but
Feather had seen it first and swallowed
it right under Purrie's nose.
Quick as flash, up came Purrie's
black paw and she struck Feather three
swift blows.
Dollie caught Daisy's farm. "See
Purrie, how funny! She won't eat
soaked toast when 1 give it to her."
"Why. don't you see" Daisy lowered her
voice so Purris would not hear. "She
didu't care for Feathers seating the
toast, but poor kitty, she found out.
perhaps, about Feathers eating shat
m ouse that Purrie herself had been
watching all this week. "-Advance.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-11-06
Longing for the Country.

81 must have some rest this summer"
said the clock; II am all run down."
II think need country seat" said
the easy chair, leaning on its elbow.
Il am getting played out" said the
piano; "a little air would be good thing
for me-"
That's what want" said the sofa;
a little fresh air at the springs"
II should like to go with the sofa and
lounge in the woods" said the foot
stool.
"If my legs we're stronger" said the
table, Il should go to the country for
some leaves"
LET me reflect" said the mirror;
they have very plain-looking lasses
there. too, do they not?"
"You make me blush" said the divan
and here the household closed tie
folding doors and shut them all up
Boston Commercial Bulletin.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-11-06

A s'breaking down of the nervous sys-
tenn" is a modern eXpression.-a modern
complaint. 1t is induced by prolonged
strain and the overtaxing of the nervous
system, and is a product of over hurry
and hustle. 1t affects the preacher and
the lawyer-the direct result of brain
tire. 1t affects people in any walk of life,
too, who worry and fret. 1t means a de-
pleating of the nerve forces.
1t is durable by complete rest and change
of scene also by the use of nerve restora-
tives and nerve foods, AS the first method
is not within the reach of all, the latter
offers the most universal and practical
method of treating the complaint. When
it is determined that medicine is to be
used, select that one which contains the
most nerve-nourishing properties Do not
take nerve tonics. They only stimulate.
and the reaction leaves you worse than
you were before. Select the medicine
that is to the nerves what meat is to the
body-one that as it builds up the nerves,
also increases your weight. The be-
thing for the purpose is Dr. Williams
Pink Pills for Pale People, the reputa-
tion of which is built up by solid and in
disputable proof, and which is known in
every hamlet in the country
As proof of its merits In such cases,
read the following letter of a clergyman:
DIR. WILLsMs' MED. Co.,
Schenectady, ~ Y.
DEAR SIRs:-In April, 1896, was
hopeless case, owing 10 a complete break
ing down of my nervous system and TO
persistent stomach trouble / had beer
treated by great many physicians but
received no permanent benefit. / had
been down four times with nervous pros
tration and twice with gastritis These
attacks would come with such violence
as TO throw me into spasms. The time
came when physicians said / must stop
preaching or die. / would be so exhaust
ed after the last service on Sunday that
/ could scarcely get from the pulpit. Many
a time l have had to sit down and rest
before | could leave the church in order
TO gain a little strength. ] could eat
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-11-06
LITTLE JOHN BOTTLEJOHN.
BY LAURA e. RICHARDS.

Little John Bottlejohn lived on the hill,
And blithe little man was he;
And he won the heart of pretty mer-
maid,
Who lived in the deep blue sea.
And every evening she used to sit
And sing on the rocks by the sea:
s'Oh little John Bottlejohn, pretty John
Bottlejohn,
Won't you come out to me9'
Little John Bottlejohn heard her song.
And he opened his little door,
And he hopt and he skipt, and he skipt
and he hopt
Until he came down to the shore.
And there on the rocks sat the little mer-
maid,
And still she was singing so free:
''Oh! little John Bottlejohn, pretty John
Bottlejohn,
Won't you come out to me2'
Little John Bottlejohn made bow,
And the mermaid she made one too;
And she said: sob! never saw anyone
half
So perfectly sweet as you'll
In my lovely home, meath the ocean foam,
How happy we both might be,
oh little John Bottlejohn, pretty John
Bottlejohn,
Won't you come down with me?''
Little John Bottlejohn said: ''Oh, yes!
I'll willingly go with you,
And 1 never shall quail at the sight of
your tail,
For perhaps may grow one, too"
So he took her hand and he left the
land,
And plunged in the foaming MAN,
And little John Bottlejohn, pretty John
Bottlejohn,
Never was seen again.
st Nicholas.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-11-06

That proved to be Jacks first oppor-
tunity in business. 1t might seem a
trifle which brought it about, and yet
there was great principle involved in
the occurrence. And it was the same
scrupulous honesty in things great ard
small that won for Jack the confdenc e
OF his employer and advanced him to
the position Of trust which he now
holds.
In the affairs of this life, who can say
which are the great events. and which
the small? One thing, however. is very
certain: 1t pays to be honest always
Mary c. Fdrnstcorth.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-11-06
NERVOUS BREAKDOWN,
Comes the Preacher from Over Study and Brain TeI
Comes to Any Person, too, who Worries and Frets
From the Huron Tribune, Bad ACE, Mich.

neither meat nor vegetables. l dared not
allow my bare feet to as much as touch
the cold carpet or floor, to say nothing of
taking cold foot bath. If 1 did l was
Immediately seized with cramps. In this
condition | commenced to take DR.
Williams Pink Pills for Pale People. l
took one box and felt no better, in fact
worse | said l would take no more, but
my wife urged the matter, feeling that
my life depended upon the result, as
every thing else had failed, and | was
fused up" / therefore continued to take
them. Since then. and it has been several
months, have had but one slight attack
and have enjoyed life Have preached all
summer and held revival meetings, for
fifteen weeks. During that time my wife
was sick seven weeks, so that my rest
was much broken. Some nights | did
not sleep at all. have had no muscular
exercise for years until recently, when |
have done some work in my garden, and
my muscles stand the test remarkably
we'll | can eat anything | DESIRE and
can now enjoy cold bath daily. Every
Sabbath | preach three times, and now
think am good for another twenty years
if the Lord wills. | am surprised at N.Y.
self and sometimes think il cannot be pos
sble that l have accomplished what
have.
(Signed) "REv. ]. N. McCREADY.
El1ton, Mich"
Find attached. the affidavit OF Mr..
McCready, made before a notary public.
STATE OF MICHIGAN,
COUNTY OF TUsCoLA 90
j. N. McCfeady, being duly sworn, says
that the above and foregoing statements
made by him are true. Subscribed and
sworn to before me this 23rd day of July
1897. j. ID. BRoOKEs, Notary Public
All the elements necessary to give new
life and richness TO the blood and restore
shattered nerves are contained in DR..
Williams Pink Pills for Pale People.
They are for sale by all druggists, or may
be had by mail from DR. Williams Medi-
cine Company Schenectady, N. Y, for
soc. box or six boxes for 81 so.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-11-06

f1,0O0. This bold proceeding did
more than anything else to stop peo-
pie from making charges of witch
craft. A little later Governor Phipps
was recalled to England, and before
he left, he set free all prisoners who
were charged with witchcraft. From
this time witches were heard of no
morei in New England The Interior.
The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-11-06
JACKS FIRST OPPORTUNITY.

This Scent piece has been plugged
We don't take them" said the clerk, in
mild and affsble tonee, suiting his action
to his words by returning the condemned
coin.
THAT so?" queried Jack. Fact
Well, didn't know if. Must have got
1t over at the corner store" he said
alphabetically. "How's this one?" be
asked, placing on the counter coin
which had not been multilated.
Il remember, now" Jack explained 10
his friend Frank as they passed out 4
the store. "That Smithers' clerk gave me
quarter and those two cent pieces in
change. Must have held the money in
such way that didn't notice that one
of the pieces wasn't good. Easily done.
OF course. Mighty mean though, / say.
But l rather guess he hasn't made as
much as he imagines. perhaps. Anyhow.
I don't think Smithers will get any
more of my trade"
One would have thought. from the
way he spoke. that Mr.. Smithers' bust
ness was largely dependent on Jacks
patronage.
ooh, WE'LL" said Frank, consolinglY,
you can pass it on someone else."
"Ye-es," assented Jack, thoughtfully.
"Of course could. But l don't know
as I'd care to. Don't think l will" he
added decidedly. ut amt what l call
honest. Because l have been swindled
is no excuse for swindling some one elee
So here goes" he said, dropping the
5-cent piece through grating in the
sidewalk, which served to let the light
into cellar window.
oh, say, Jackw calculated Frank.
"You amt what 1 call smart. Why
didn't you give it to me? Don't think
Id have had it long,"
well, it's gone now" said Jack, posi-
lively, land l know one thing-when l
get to be storekeeper, there won't be
any bad nickles passed over my count
ers."
when do you intend to set up?'
asked Frank.
"Oh, some day."
think we'll have time for one more
game of ball before you get to be a
storekeeper?"
"Wny, yes; going over to the grounds
this afternoon?"
John Sherman, the proprietor Of the
store, who had overheard the foregoing
conversation, turned back from the door
where he had stood watching the boys
disappear down the street., with the
mental comment, There's an honest
boy
That evening his brother came into
the store for few minutes talk C, n.
corning business prospecte.
by the way" he asked. abruptly.
after pause in the conversation, "t o
you know where 1 can get cash DO.
/ expect one of mine to leave soon, az
am afraid it will not be very easy to
fill his place."
Don't know that I do" was the 70
ply. you would want some one wi o
has had experience. | suppose"
Yes; but that is not absolutely nee
essary. want some one l can trust.
He must be strictly honest-that's the
main requisite"
"Let me tell you. judging from my
own experience that kind of boy is not
any too common nowadays. l do be-
lieve. though. that Jack Paisley would
suit you. should judge that he is the
very boy you want"
Think he's honest. do your"
"Yes. / believe he is. Been aror nd
the store some, you know, and have
reason to believe that Jacks straight.
II there's an honest boy anywhere. be-
lieve Jacks the one"
SWELL think I'll look him up, ard
give him trial. anyhow"