davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1898-08-11

been appointed school examiner OF
Perry County. The appointment Is
complimentary to the Professor and
is creditable to the discretion Of
theJudge, who named him.
Col. Pursell has had hatched by
an American hen brood Of Mongol-
ian Pheasants. This is the first Chinese
importation. The next will be q
Chinese colony to eat the pheasants.
The Col. is committed in bis paper to
the plan of introducing Chinese lab
or; bis chicken crop commits him to
the untamable poultry.
Our Board of trade should make
an effort to SECURE a shoe factory
here. The shoe factory at Lancaster
gives employment to 500 young men
and women. We have 900 boys and
girls who are anxious to work. Can
we not try to start something here
that will enable our young folks to
make al least, a living.
The red sand stone, imitation of
fire brick IN Mr.. Kirckers new house
on Hunters street is novelty in build
ing material, and is so like resl red
sand stone, as to be mistaken for it
by the passer by. This brick will
certainly become very popular, when
it's beauty and its merits are known.
The brick is the work of Mr.. A.
Magoon.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
OFFICIAL CRANK FILE
It Contains a Rare Collection of
Peculiar Correspondence.
Only Letters from Mental Freaks
Addressed to the Department OF
the Interior Can Find u
Place An 1t.
Especial Washington letter.

Although it is not generally known.
it is nevertheless a fact that the de-
partment of the interior possesses
a separate official file for the re-
ception of ali communications which
are received from persons who
do not write concerning depart
ment matters, but send letters
to the secretary OF the interior which
are either inspired by the sentiments
of an anarchist or else the absurd ideas
of crazy person. In short. it is
"crank file" and in it are recorded all
letters coming from cranks, fools, lu-
natics or anarchists, as the case may
be. No other of the executive depart
ments maintain a distinct file for such
communica tioHs, and whenever q pa
per of this sort is received at the treas
ury, war, state or any of the depart
ments other than the interior, tits COM
pletely ignored, unlessiti obvious that
a reply is needed. At the interior de-
partment. however, the communica-
tions are acknowledged in every case
where an answer can be sent, and In
its due course the paper is placed on
the crank file" for future reference,
if any such contingency as would de-
mand tne existence of the communica-
tion should arise.
The file is krpJ in the miscellaneous
division of the department. where ali
communications are sent which do
not directly relate TO one or the other
divisions of the secretary's office, as
the appointments, the lands and rail-
roads or the Indian divisions. Scarce
" day passes that some communica-
ton which must be referred to the
"cTank file" does not come in. The
letters, all of which are peculiar, and
many of which are ridiculous, are
generally received from land settlers
who have claims before the interior
department and desire to have them
adiudicated. They are sent by aged
and decrepit pensioners, or else they
emanate from some poor western land
claimants, who believe that they have
been oppressed by the department and
desire redress for the alleged wrongs
imposed. 1t is often found shat when
a land claimant or settler writes to
the department asking for informa-
ton as TO the status of his case. or
urging immediate action upon his
claim. he Incorporates personal mes
sages 10 the secretary of the interior
and even to the president of the
United States.
There are many cases in which the
Writer addresses his communications
to the official personally, putting 1T:
Dear MI. Secretary" or MY Dear
President Mckinley" thus disregard
| ing all rules of Official communica ton.
Many correspondents have a habit of
| writing to the department at certain
periods, either communicating some
messages of ridiculous purpOrt, or
making some statements or claims as
| to what the department owes them.
In many cases the officials arc threat
ened with danger, but no attention is
paid to letters of that character as
they arc regarded as coming from or
binary cranks.
One Of the most ludicrous communi-
cations which has been received for
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10

which have been received from him.
1t is not likely that his claim for mill
lions will be paid. inasmuch as he does
not accompany his communication
with any proof of his title to the
money.
Some amusement is found in the let
ter which was sent about a year ago
by Philadelphian, and addressed 10
Mrs. Hoke Smith, Interior Depart
ment." The message is written on a
piece of newspaper, cut into an L
shape, about six inches long and four
inches wide. 1t reads as follows:
Cleveland gives way TO the money
besmeared bankers instead of to the
peoples wishes and tySo-thirds of the
party. When he falls out of the white
house he will see the day and feel the
weight of his mistake. Not one poor
democrat of '61, 'e2. '6S or '65 has got
an Office from him in Pennsylvania
Another crank who has contributed
abundantly to the ''crank file" is A. e
Moore, of Greeley, Col. He apparently
has no claim before the department..
His hobby seems 10 be a religious one,
or an irreligious one, for he declares
that he wants to prohibit Christians
from observing The Sabbath day. The
following is a sample of his writings:
ITO the ruler of the great republic. once
more appeal. VIII the old eagle sit stin
and suffer himself 10 be torn TO pieces in
tn oncoming storm by the foU< winds
from the seven hills that is coming down
On him like s hurricane. or Will he sriss
and execute true Judgment and show
mercy TO the down-trodden and oppressed
and release the widows and orTSaSns ir
thei- distress and give employment Unite
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10

some time came in on December 20,
1895. 1t was from German, living in
New Jersey, and is devoted to a state
department to settle. His name is l.
81. Frederick, and he AYERS in his
communication and in those which
have been received before, that the
government owes him S4,404, 900 on
what he calls the Frederick claim"
His letter is couched in ridiculous and
absurd language, but the climax comes
in the address which he has put on the
letter. He evidently had little regard
for Hon. Hoke Smith, eX-secretary of
the interior. for he addressed his COM
munication to 'Mr. Hickey Schmit."
He tells that he believes that the sec
rotary of the interior intends to cheat
him out of his money. but he hopes
that it may be paid within month,
otherwise he will turn the case over
to two lawyers who Will institute civil
prosecution against you"
While examining the crank hle" at
the interior department recently an
other communication was discovered
from AIR. Frederick, in which he re-
ferred to his elaine" The message
was written on a large square piece Of
MANILA paper, which apparently had
been picked up in the street, for it was
badly marred with dirt and tobacco
stains. He renews his threats of civil
prosecution" and says he hopes the
|Eecretary of the interior will answer
him by return mail. The letter has
beeu placed on the files with the Others
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
a CUBAN EPISODE.

Twas in front of Santiago. and the loudly
screaming shell
Commingled with the canon's roar and
ringing Yankee yell:
While the rafting bullets and the cries of
fear and pain
Combined to make picture none will want
to see again.
The Spaniards held the trenches and de-
clared they'd never run
From all the Yankee porkers that were
roofing meath the sum-
We soon found they were foemen not I'M
worthy of our steel.
And some of US, I'm very sure, uneasy
quite did feel.
This was my first experience in real wars
inhuman ways,
And found it very different from what
I'd seen in plays;
But I screwed my courage up and resolved
to blaSe away
And do some deed of vaIor that would help
to save the day.
aimed at a fat captain, with a large and
roomy front
Big game I always do select when I start
out to hunt
pulled the trigger, and there was sharp,
resounding crack,
And that Spanish captain doubled up, just
like 5umping-jack
Twas then my conscience smote me and
shivers through me ran,
AS I thought how I'd deliberately shot
down a fellow man.
Yet, while my knees were shaking-my
courage almost flown
I smiled to think twas painless, for he
didn't even groan.
But when the fight was ended 'mong prts-
oners at the rear,
1 found my robust captain, still alive. but
acting queer.
His stomach seemed to hurt him, and. ask
ing how he felt,
I learned my shot I'd wasted-on the
buckle of his belt.
Chicago Daily News.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
A Victim of Circumstance..

The small boy was looking very mo-
rose.
What's the matter?'' inquired his
companion.
We'll, to tell the plain truth, guess
I'm jealous. It's just my luck. I'm rot
old enough to go to war nor young
enough to be the baby, and so far as
any chance of being the pride and pet
of the household Is concerned, I'm
clear out of it"-Washington Star.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
Two Jews.

When all our efforts pass for naught,
When things do not go as they ought.
Or we've not found that which we sought
We marvel at the dull worlds imbecility
But when we have achieved success,
And all our friends their praise express.
W. certainly cannot do less
Than pride ourselves upon our owl
ability.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
Two Happy Experiences.

'Idon' know of anything that caused
me so much real happiness as my SOL
der experience" said the optimistic
young man.
'But thought
"Oh, we had our troubles. But when
ever 1 think of how glad was to go and
how glad l was to get home again, /
can't help being a little bit apprecia
tive. Star.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
Not the Thing Now.

Il want your daughter" he wrote TO
the old gentleman.
Come and get her." was the old gen.
tleman's reply.
"Oh, dear, no." answered the sutton.
That's not at all the correct thing
now. Let her come and get me-"
Their they knew that he was really a
man with 4 title and not an imposter.
Chicago Post
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10

do not care for vast estates
Nor millions at command:
One million is enough for me,
And that In cash on hand.
IN. Y. Truth.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
Glf11dES f2k7 FIa5Li {(z
How II Began.

Mrs. Dixon-Your husband paid me
such pretty compliment yesterday.
Mrs. Hixon-Indeedi What did he
say?
Mrs. D-xon-Why, he said that L
looked younger and handsomer than
ever.
Mrs. HiXon-Oh, I'm not much sur
prised at his saying that. The doctor
told him the ether day that he was
threatened with softening of the brain
Chicago Daily News.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
Too Particulars.

No, sir; it's too shady. L can't af-
ford to touch the thing. I must re-
mind you that 1 have reputation. and
I value it."
You were always particular about
little things.".N. Y. Truth.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
ItDIdn,t Surprise the Janttor.

Janitor-You1l have to stop practic-
ing on that corrective can't stand it.
Cornetist-Fm sorry that music has
no charms for you. You know. Orpheus
moved inanimate objects by his mu-
sic.
Janitor-Is that his cornet you've
got?-Up to Date.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
Enigma.

Where are you going. my pretty maid?"
81 cannot tell you, kind sir" she cried,
For you must know that this pretty maid
Was just beginning to learn to ride.
Town Topics.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
COnfen ted.

Almost any girl viii tell you.
II the questions put to her.
That the man who is spooniest
Is the least inclined to stir.
-Philadelphia Bulletin.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
Two Great Periods.

He-There are two periods in a man s
life when he never understands a WON
an.
Indeed. and when are they?"
Before he is married and after
Sards."-Tit-Bi1s.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
Averted 1t.

Prospect-They say if it hadn't been
for his poor wife Tankton would have
filed drunkard's grave.
Parke-Yes, she had him cremated.
BROOKLYN Life.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
So Sarcastic.

Willie-I once knew girl who near
~ died from ice cream poisoning.
Nellie-The very idea. would never
Lave dreamed of such thing happen
ing to girl of your acquaintance.-In-
tlianapoiiS Journal
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
Go.

"Hsrgreaves says he never goes in
iociety."
NO. He tried. but he didn't Co.,
Cincinnati Enquirer.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
At the Theater.

Her hat was large-but, glorious truth.
RoNenge was perched upon the chair
In front. where sat a college youth
With q football head of hair
-Chicag- Daily News.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
The Modern Hero.

TN the worlds broad field Of battle.
In the bivouac Of life.'
Don't you split tAe wood, for that'u
Furnish pasIime for your wife.
Il a. w Bulletin
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
The Dream of Life.

The worlds stage, and all
The people are but actors. so they say;
And each is prone to think the thing would
fall
Fiat if he were to draw out of the Play.
Chicago Daily News.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
a Trait.

Human nature is inherently pessi-
p,istic," remarked the man who as
sumes great wisdom.
''There isn't any proof Of that asser-
ton"
eyes, there is. Nobody ever stops
to talk about the weather except when
it's disagreeabie. "-Washington Star.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
The Place for Him.

Harriet-What did the officer dc
when he caught you seorching?
Harry-Put me in the cooler.-N. z
Evening Journal
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10

Everyone wondered why Prof. Dau-
Der wore such a long pointed beard,
but could not imagine how he OBJ
tanned such satisfactory results.-N.
Y. Ledger.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
A Correction.
calinOnS'

Birds now build nests in cannon
mouths"
Peace-lauding poets sing;
The guns are still, but, BOBBY baros.
Birds do not nest till spring.
Chicago Record.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10

Irate Old Gentleman-Here, l say.
your beast of dog has bitten piece
out of my leg!
Dogs Owner-O. bother! And
wanted te bring him up a vegetarian !!
Punch.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10

Towne-I suppose she's afraid of be-
ing arrested for carrying concealed
weapons.-N. Y. Journal.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
A Deduction.

Browne-Smith's wife is an awful
eirago. Why doesn't she keep her
tongue between her teeth occasion
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10
Revenge Is Sweet.

"Ah!" sighed the faded beauty. gaz-
ing cynically in the glass, would L
were a soldier bravei"
''Why?" queried her maid, in 81 he
alarm. Whatever put such an idea
into your head?"
Because then, instead of time mark
ing me, I could mark time."-N. Y.
Journal.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-11-10

A Modern Difficulty.
'TiS useless TO abor with patience and tact,
For surprises are certain to burst
What hampers original thoughts is the fact
That the cid thinkers thought of them
first.
Washington Star.
La democracia. (Ponce, P.R.) 1890-1948, 1898-11-18
DERECHOS De T|NGLAO0

Ell Munieipio de Ponce slgue
cobrando al conercio importador,
por derechos de tinglado sl.75 los
1000 kilos. Nos parece una ano'
malta tai tribute tratandose Gle
unos tinglados que ell comercio no
| ha podido utilizar desde que arrl-
lbaron las fuerzas anlericanas y
que estas seguidamente ocuparon
" ocupan. Nos parece justo la
devolucion de los derechos cobra
dos al comercio desde entonces,
estableciendo ell Municipio su re-
,clamacion ante La Administration
americana que cs la llanada q sa-
tisfacerla.
Y a proposito de este: debemos
advertir que los tinglados Sc cons
truyeron con dinero del mismo
comercio y que por 10 tanto resal-
t a mas d la vista 10 improcedente
del impuesto, adn en- los tiempos
anormales porque atravesamos.
Entendemos que la Corporation
municipal no puede legislar de ese
modo gravando EN- absolute todas
las importaciones, pues en- reali-
dad ese impuesto es un derecho
de Aduana con diferente nombre,
sobre cuyo ramo solo ell poder
central puedc dlctar leyes.
Cuando sc establezca ell cabotaje
con los Estados Unidos tenga por
seguro ell Municipio, por mas au-
tonomo que sea, que aquel gobier-
no no ha de consentir que de un
modo Il otro Sc craven sus produc-
tos al pasar de la Aduana al con-
sumo, y convene por 10 tanto que
ell Ayuntamiento vaya estudiando
el medic de subsanar ESQ, hacien-
do un reparto equitativo y justo y
catastro exacto de los que deban
pagar contribution, pues seguros
estamos de que 81 asf SO hubiese
procedido, y NO hubiera tanta RI
queza oculta que no paga contIi-
bucion, ell Municipio cubrirfa hol-
gadamente su presupuesto sin te-
ner que apelar a otros recursos.
La democracia. (Ponce, P.R.) 1890-1948, 1898-11-18
Los in6ditos

No pensaba seguir describiendo
los inedltos, pues son tantos los
ordenes en- que Sc divide esta es-
pecie, que al final pudiera alguien
maliciosamente decir que vivimos
en- Ell pals de los ine0itos. n
Y en- verdad, que analizando
bien la pa.abra, resulta fuertecita.
Decir 4 un hombre les listed un
inedito! es ofenderle grayemente
en- su honor.
Els 10 mismo que ST sc lie dijera :
;usted es un nadie! un hembrien, 6
un hOnsbre na1sco.
Aver, NADIA menos, me detuvo
un joyen en- la calle Mayor, para
comunicarme un proyecto. Pensa-
ba ell mozalyete dar d ht= un pc
ri6dico. Dijo que descaba conc
Ger mi opinion, y hube de compla-
cerle, hablandole con sinceridad,
en- esta forma: <Usted, por 10 Wis
to, es un periodista tn6dito, quie-
re decir, que esta aun por exibir-
Sc, por librar campailas en- la pren-
sa, por llenarse de gloria, Estas
palabras, pronunciadas con elo-
caencia suma, conmovieron al jo-
ven, impresionandole agradabte
mente. Lie lame periodista, y era
la primera vez que ola esa palabra,
favoreciendole. Di la mano al
hombre nuero, despidiendome, no
sin antes pronunciar estas pala-
La democracia. (Ponce, P.R.) 1890-1948, 1898-11-18
PoIicia de Seguridad

Sc podrfa saber por que y CO.
mo Sc disolvio en- Ponce Ell cuerpo
de Seguridad y Vigilancia, cuyo
sub-inspector era en- esta cludad
don Fructuoso Bustamante ?
Tenemos entendido que dicho
cuerpo, que prestaba muy buenos
servicios al orden puOlico, no fun
ciona aquf desde la invasion anne
ricana, no obstante continilan orga
nizados en- la capital y otras po-
blaeiones.
Creemos que convendrfa volvie-
Sc a prestar sus servicios EN- Pom
ce ell expresado cuerpo, que no
holgaria dada la necesidad que sc
siente de una policfa ensrgica y
efcaz.
La democracia. (Ponce, P.R.) 1890-1948, 1898-11-18
BANCO TERRITORIAL Y AGRiCOL A
S E G r ETA RI a.
DE PUERTO RICO

En la session pdblioa, que oele
brara Ell Consejo de Administra-
ci6n ell dia treiats del corrients
mes q las dos de la tsrde an Ell
salon de sesiones, Gale de Tetuan
p1mero Is, Sc procedera al tercer
sorteo de amortization de cedulas
hipotecarias de las emisiones ter
cera y cuarta, amortizap dose cna
renta y dos cedulas de Ia tercera
emisi On de Glen pesos moneda 90.
rriente cada una, y ochenta y
una cednla de la cuarta emission de
cinouenta pesos moneds corriente
cada una.
\ Las c6dulas favoreoidas por Ia
suerte no devengar+n interes des-
do, la celebration del sorteo; Y
dufante diez dfas SO tijara on Ia
Secretaria relaci6n de elias, que
tambi6n 40 publicara en- Ia Gaceta
= ottos peri6dicos.
Tambi6n vence ell treinta del
actual el sexto cupon de las ex-
presadas enisiones, importando
tres pesos Y medic el de la tercera
y un peso Nsetenta y oiuoo centa
vos ell de IL cuarts, smsos moneds
corriente.
Tanto las referidas .6dulas que
SO amorticen. como los cupones in
dioados, seian \satisfechos en In
CsJ, de la Soeiedad desde Ell pri-
nero de DicienbFe pr6ximo en-
adelante, en- los diss horas ha-
biles de pago.-Lo\ que Sc hsos
pdblico para conocimieuto de los
interesados.-Puerto Rico, Is de
Noviemb-e de 1898. .--El Score
taric, Juan dc. Guznsdn. Beniez.
I'll Director Gerente, Vsceate An-
t0netti.
La democracia. (Ponce, P.R.) 1890-1948, 1898-11-18

Llegue d mi casa, dispuesto ~
al descanso, pero, ioh suerte ne
ora fatal Sentado en- un sillGn
me esperaba Arturito, quitn, p
ni6ndose de pie y mostrandoae
un papel, me dice: Gle esperaha
q usted.>
ST, va 10 Sc, contestele con al
guna indiferencia. sY que SON
yersos? Lseditos, Sc apresurb
a contestar.
Ali, con que listed tambitR
es dado 4 versos! vaya, lie felicito.
La cortesfa es un deber en SO
ciedad. Lei los versos :. Y Ill
iele: no me parecen malos del to-
do; sc conoce que es usted un prin-
cipiante; un hombre nuero.
Arturito, que me escuchaba con
reyerente atencion, suplicome Is
uasaru Ia mo,ao, y los publicara
despues. Y Sc despidi6 de nj
casa con frases afectuoslslmas,
ofreciendome su casa J un amigo,
ud,ni,'adoy dc las letraS, Y otras
cosas mas.
Cinco minutos despues, mis-
hermanitas repartfanse los peda-
zos de la composition, Q sea del
papel de Arturito, cantando un
himno parecido al lie los meetings
del Ayuntamiento.
JUvENAI
La democracia. (Ponce, P.R.) 1890-1948, 1898-11-18

No Sc esperaba otra solncion:
Ia yerdad la justicia TRUMAN
siempre V consuela yer que no
Sc rige al pals por las impreslo-
nabiiidades Y los chismes, sino
Dor la alta Y noble serenldad
due. en- los juicios de los nom
bres, como en- los juicios de
Dios, premia d los buenos y q
los malos aplasta y castlga.
PLURIBUs UNUM.
La democracia. (Ponce, P.R.) 1890-1948, 1898-11-18

seIIor Bianco cupsple sa4s 1oroa,aesds.
Hay EN- la isla I'm preferente de
Aduana, que me debe su creden-
cial. Ahf tiene usted mas inapo-
siciones. Que SO citen nombres. ,
Asf termino mi entrevista con
ell se7lor Mnnoz Rivera.