davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1898-12-23

but didn't used to be-
Uhere the parson and his family. all for
Sunday meeting drest.
Df the presents hung upon 1, always have
the most and best!
Where the little ragged urchin, with his
face clad in regret,
ran look with wide-eyed wonder at the
things he'll never get!
There were no velvet cushions on our
nineteenth century chairs;
No fine and padded tapestry where we
knelt to say our prayers:
no costly paintings on the walls that some
how always stay,
In a sort of mocking elegance when the
guests have gone away.
mo gasight throwing diamonds In your
eyes at every turn,
Nor frappe from the punch bowl. tea from
costly silver urn:
mo prancing steeds and butler, with furs
and furbelows,
tTo shield the rose-clad maidens from the
prying winter SHOWS!
but the old log house in Herman, that was
such cozy home,
with its shingle-covered arches that to
us was heavens dome:
ats Eastwood floor of puncheon. the pegs
beside the door,
Dust enough to hang the wardrobe Of the
family and no more.
KQDe rlIe anu the pOWueT mask, with its
curious catch and spring:
THE belt with sheath knife in It. bullet
molds and everything,
Hung upon the dry, cracked rafter out OF
reach of careless hands,
|But ready. opportunely, when sudden call
demands.
EAlong In first December, when the woods
and fields were white,
land the owls were holding concerts of the
1 L yipd at tuh
There were hints of coming Christmas. and
a half unconscious awe
fSettled on our youthful features in a way
you never saw!
Six OF US in that household. we'll may call
1t seven,
but that one. a little three-year-old, had
/ strayed away to Heaven:
six make even numbers, II we count II two
by two,
but III put the other in It for complete
ness; wouldn't you?
I'VE were told TO hang our stockings and
then to quickly leave
fYhis was early in the evening Of that ia
| nous Christmas eve
And we scrambled up the ladder to the
| chamber overhead,
Fro whisper speculations on the things
that had been said.
Outside the storm was dancing in fantas-
tic flights amain,
Sowing crystal stars In showers against
the window pane;
Pet sheltered in that household we little
cared for this,
when no harm would dare to venture be-
tween us and mothers kiss!
Very early in the morning. while the stars
were shining bright
For the clouds had fed the scandal of dis
robing In the night
We sought our hanging stockings on the
backs of every chair
The ones we wore the day before. for we
had no more to spare!
Compar with what we have to-day II
would be counted small.
put the gifts were rich in kindness; for
each one gave his all;
The apples were like spheres of gold, and
all the little things
Were more to US than diadems from
crowns of ancient kings!
me hands that filled our stockings on that
night so long ago.
Ihe hearts that beat for those they loved.
are whittier now than snow
nat scatters on this Christmas eve fits
crystal fleece of white,
theminder of that household where in
dreams we live at night.
-Eoward William butcher. in Banner of
Gold.
The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1898-12-23

eIer OF the Lone Star, the Pentlands
iad met, loved, married and contin-
ed TO work side by side until their
oiht earnings enabled them to build
MS pretty Queen Anne Cottage; and
,ne house-warning had been hidden
Aeir christmas eve friends tried and
ue' Elizabeth Pentland's ambition
was achieved; she possessed a home.
she surveyed the table snowy in
ni'e linen, glistening in silver and cut
ass and caught through the holly
ua mistietoe the approving COO of the
iant heir TO Pentland affections and
'oo-wiil," and the congratulatory
The Forrest City times. [volume] (Forrest City, Ark.) 1871-1919, 1898-12-23
r@VVNUASAAhNCN
f6WHEM~t~E
5WA6N0HN6:S
; ; Ssees@keaS !

lands first dinner
under their own
roof tree. T h e
plum pudding had
made the circuitof
the dinin groom.
Every face at the
festive board re-
hected good cheer.
AS city editor
and society chron-
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16

provisional government can do this most
effectively their efforts Will receive such
recognition and approval from the
American government anu people as
they merit. But they must understand
that in seeking an expression of the
popular will of the Cuban people in re-
gard to their future government they
should proceed in no factional spirit.
The United States is pledged to give
Cuba an Independent government in the
formation of which all the people shall
have a voice. 1t cannot countenance
any movement that does not contem.
plate this.
Let the men who have fought for
Cuban liberty be heard. They have an
unquestionable right to make their
wishes known. But they may as well
understand that no government can be
established in Cuba, with the consent
of the United States, in the interest OF
faction or that does not accord equal
rights and privileges to all the people
of the island.
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16

the guns will share in the distribution 10
the extent OF from $50 to $500 each, accord
ing to pay-those, that is, who CHANGED to
be on ships which took prizes or participated
In the battles OF Manila and Santiago.
Scheys flying squadron tied up at Hnmp-
ton Roads, was serving the country no less
than SIMPSONS squadron as u moved down
upon Cuba at the beginning OF the war.
But prizes were out of reach OF the former.
while they fell numerously in the way OF
the latter squadron. Sampson, accordingly
reaps a considerable money fortune from the
war, while other worthy commanders go
comparatively empty y-handed Neither Tor
tune nor the zeal OF individual commanders
in securing the seas disposed OF the prizes,
but official orders which placed one COM
mander in the way OF prizes and another out
OF their way, and all for the best prosecu-
tion OF the campaign.
The injustice OF the system as between
the several commanders OF the navy is as
clear as Is its medieval and semi-ciVilized
character. II an army OF the United states
or any other nation should today prosecute
a campaign in the enemy's country on SINH
lar lines OF plunder and booty amongst
private property for the enrichment OF in>
dividual officers and men, 1t would bring
against that nation the active enmity OF the
whole civilized world.
The prize system in the navy is logically
as far out of date as the booty system in
the army, and why it should be retained so
long after the latter has been abolished is
one OF the marvels OF the time. Mr.. Gillett
was cried down by the flre-eaters when he
proposed the abolition OF the prize system
in congress at the outbreak OF the war,
and thus was lost an opportunity to place
the conflict on still higher plane and the
nation in the lead on behalf Of great re-
form in the conditions OF war. But II such
considerations have no influence over con-
gress certainly the injustices OF the prize
distribution should call for its abolition.
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16
THE CUBAN MANIFESTO.

The manifesto to the Cuban people by
the council of the provisional govern
ment of Cuba-the so-called govern
ment which President Mckinley wisely
refused to recOgniZe-is to be COM
mended as frank and honorable ac-
Acknowledgement of the debt of gratitude
due the American people from the
Cubans who sought the liberation Of
their country from Spanish rule. If
the declarations of the manifesto in this
regard reflect Cuban sentiment there Is
reason to think that our government
without any serious friction, for so
great sense of gratitude and conf
dence as Is expressed, assuming it to
be entirely sincere, must lead them to
still rely upon the United States TO
complete the object for which it went
to war-the establishment of an inde-
pendent government in Cuba by the
voice Of its own people.
The Cubans admit that had they been
left to themselves there would have
been an indefinite prolongation of the
struggle and an annihilation of the
wealth and population of the island.
How much longer they could have car
ried on the conflict would have depended
upon the aggressive activity of the
Spaniards. 1t is familiar fact that
the Cuban forces We're reduced to a
condition where they could not have
held out much longer against an active
enemy. The army of Garcia was found
to be in n wretched condition-half-
starved, almost naked and with a
very limited supply of ammunition.
This force could have been de-
stroyed, had it been pursued and
forced to fight in very short
time by the greatly superior Spanish
forces in the eastern provinces. The
army of Gomez was very little better
OF The inactivity of the Spaniards
would perhaps have enabled the in
surgents to have maintained the struggle
some time longer, but in view of the
developments 1t seems hardly possible
that they could have held out more
than few months. At all events there
appears no reason to believe that they
would have ultimately triumphed.
The fact that the United States has
not opposed the so-called provisional
government Of Cuba is not matter OF
so much significance as the council of
that government seems to think. The
United States knows no such govern
ment. 1t does not necessarily follow,
however. that there will be any objec.
tion on the part of the United States to
any proper and peaceable movement
under whatever auspices, intended to
secure an expression of the people OF
Cuba on the question of an independent
government On the contrary, it is the
desire of the United States governmen,
that this shall be done. If the men
who call themselves the council OF the
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16
BRYAN'S TOUGH LUCK.
The Political Colonel Unable TO Look
After His Fences.
PHILADELPHIA Inuuirer

After His Fences.
Philadelphia Inquirer.
Hon. Colonel William Jennings Bryan has
discovered his mistake at last. He has been
caught between the upper and neither mill
stones. AS 1t is not the proper thing for q
soldier who is a presidential aspirant to
squeal, he is allowing his friend, Governor
Holcomb Of Nebraska. to squeal for him.
When Mr.. Bryan entered the army there
was a strong suspicion that he did so from
political motives only. The charge was
made and Indignantly repudiated. Both he
and his friends declared that he entered the
army to serve his country and was anxious
to go anywhere the government might send
him. So his regiment was mustered In and
then the war came to a close without there
being a chance for Mr.. Bryan to lead a
charge or take a city. Acting in thorough
wishes. the War department. selected his
regiment, the Third Nebraska, for duty in
Cuba during reconstruction,
This honor was as unexpected as II was
unwelcome to Mr.. Bryan. 1t gave him the
unpleasant duty of going to Cuba for a
year or more and letting his political fences
go to ruin or else resign from his command
at the very moment it was given active
duty. So Governor Holcomb has requested
that the regiment be mustered out of serv-
Ice. This seems to be a pitiable way for
supposedly big man to travel in, but.
after all It is just like Bryan. Events
have proven that his military enthusiasm
is part and parcel of his office-huntng
mania. He is rapidly learning one OF the
great rules of poker, namely; "It does not
pay to have the other fellow call your
bluff"
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16
Product of n Democracy.

Admiral Cervera goes back home prasing
the American people for their generosity and
courtesy, and Senor Pedro Lopez de Castillo,
''in the name Of 11000 private Spanish SOL
diers," sends through General Shafter his
gratitude to a nation whose victorious
army had refraned from making him and
his comrades feel that they were prisoners
Such testimonials as these ought to make
our French and German critics let up on
their aspersions on our manners. The finest
gentleman in the world is the product of a
democracy.
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16
IF WE DIDN'T HAVE TO EAT.

Nixon Waterman in L. A. W. Bulletin.
Life would be an easy matter
If we didn't have to eat.
II we never had to utter,
won't you pass the bread and butter,
Likewise push along that platter
Full of meat?'
Yes, If food were obsolete
Life would be jolly treat,
Old or young, bout every hour
Have to eat, eat, eat, eat, eat,
'Twoud be jolly If we didn't have to eat,
We could save a lot of money,
If we didn't have to eat.
Could we cease our busy buying
Baking, broiling brewing, frying,
Life would then be or, so sunny
And complete;
And we wouldn't fear to greet
Every grocer in the street
If We didn't-man and woman,
Every hungry, helpless human,-
Have to eat eat, eat eat, eat
We'd save money If we didn't have to eat.
All our worry would be over
If we didn't have to eat. 81
Would the butcher, baker, grocer
Get our hard-earned dollars? No, sirI
We would then be right in clover
Cool and sweet
Want and hunger we could cheat,
And we'd get there with both feet,
If we didn't-poor or wealthy,
Halt or nimble sick or healthy
Have to eat, eat, eat, eat, eat
We could get there If we didn have to
eat.
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16
GENERAL SHAFTER'S REPORT.

The report of General Shafter ON the
Santiago campaign will be read by the
officers and men of his command with
great satisfaction. 1t recognizes to the
fullest extent their courage and devo-
ton. General Shafter states plainly the
conditions under which the campaign
was made, showing that it was neces-
sary TO push it with all possible vigor.
II was an unfortunate season at which
to enter upon n campaign In Cuba, but
the circumstances compelled it and
every rational man must now see that
the course of the military authorities
was entirely justifiable. With that one
stroke was ended the war, which would
be still on, there can be no doubt, had
we adopted waiting policy. The
Santiago campaign was forced upon us
by the circumstance of Cervera's squad
ron entering that harbor and to strike
quick and effective blow was the only
course. That was done, with results
vastly greater than any one anticipated,
1t cost lives, but it is most probable that
without it many more lives would have
been sacrificed before the war was
ended.
The report points out the difficulties
that were encountered in the landing of
men and supplies and some of its state
| ments should correct the impression that
the soldiers were not properly cared for.
| General Shafter says there was an
| abundant supply of quartermaster and
commissary stores and the troops on the
firing line were at all times supplied
with rations. He also states that the
sick and wounded received every at
tention that it was possible to give them
and bears unqualified testimony to the
faithful performance of their duties by
the medical officers. The fair-minded
reader of General Skaters report will
not be disposed to criticise the Santiago
campaign.
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16

lNSTRUCTING PEACE COMMISSIONERS.
The peace commissioners have re-
ceived their instructions and will to-
morrow take their departure for Paris,
where the work of negotiating Il treaty
of peace with Spain will be entered upon
October l.. There Is more or less con-
lecture in regard to the nature of the
instructions, but of course absolute
secrecy in regard to this will be OBJ
served at least until the negotiations are
opened. The question that will chiefly
occupy the attention of the peace com
mission is that of the disposition of the
Philippines and it has been said that
the president is disposed to leave that
matter largely to the discretion of the
commissioners. 1t is more probable
however, that Mr.. Mckinley has Il very
definite idea in regard to the future re-
lations of the United States to those
islands and that he has clearly and
fully informed the commissioners . re
specting his views. The question, 1t is
needless to say, will be determined by
the United States. AS the victorious
nation it will be in our power to name
the terms of peace and while it is to be
expected that the Spanish commits
sioners will ask for some notifications
of the terms this government shall pro-
pose, whatever the United insists upon
will be finally accepted. 1t is stated
that the Madrid government is appre-
hensive that this government will not
be disposed to show any magnanimity,
but 1t will press its advantage to the
fullest extent. There Is certainly no
warrant for this view in the terms OF
the peace protocol, which all the world
has recognized as liberal.
1t Is impossible to say how much time
will be occupied in negotiating treaty
of peace. 1t will depend upon the
course of the Spanish representatives.
If these adopt the proverbal dilatory
policy of Spain in diplomatic negotia-
tions the conference may be prolonged,
though 1t is not possible to see what ad-
vantage Spain could reasonably hope TO
gain from this.
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16

THE CANDIDACY or JOHN l.. WEBSTER.
When the friends Of John i. Webster
proposed to nominate a candidate for
United States senator in the republican
state convention The Bee pointed out
the danger of such a course 1t warned
republicans against committing the
blunder of stalking their fortunes in the
impending battle upon any individual,
no matter how popular he might be re-
garded, by diverting the issue from
the principles and record of the party
to the personality and record of a can
didate. The views expressed by The
Bee were. concurred in by the rank and
file of the party and the scheme to nom
mate John l.. Webster in the state con-
vention was abandoned.
The same scheme Is now presented In
another form. The demand Is made by
John L. Webster that every republican
candidate for the legislature in Douglas
county shall be committed in advance
to his support and primary election bal
lots are being circulated pledging the
delegates to John l.. Webster for United
States senator. In precipitating this
issue Mr.. Webster compels The Bee to
speak plainly regarding his candidacy
and the policy of labelling the legisla-
tive ticket with his personal brand.
In the first place there is no assurance
lege of filling two seats in the United
States senate during the next two
years. If there were a possibility of
Omaha furnishing another senator it
would be an extra hazardous risk to
chain the delegation from this county
to the senatorial cart of John l.. Web
ster before 1t Is elected, not merely be-
cause he is far from being a man of
the people whose candidacy would
strengthen the ticket, but because he
would repel thousands of voters in the
state at large and jeopardize the cleo
ton of republicans on legislative tickets
in nearly every district.
1t is one thing for Mr.. Webster to
pany of zouaves or buying instruments
for a brass band to make Websterian
music. 1t is quite another thing for him
to put the gold-braid Webster livery on
the republican legislative candidates
and expect the people to vote for them.
Reports from every section of the state
indicate that the aspirations of John l..
Webster are already handicap, not
only to the legislative but to the state
ticket
But Mr.. Webster asserts that he does
not expect to be elected senator by this
legislature, but wants only the compli-
ment of a Websterian delegation in
order to be the logical candidate for
wants to be put in position to trade the
next senatorship for the one that is to
follow the retirement of Senator Thurs
ton. If there is any good reason why
this should be done The Bee has not
heard of it.
The candidacy of Mr.. Webster natu.
rally forces discussion of John L. Web.
ster's record in all walks of life, his
sincerity on any public issue and his
trustworthiness as public servant
Such a discussion cannot help the re.
publican legislative ticket. 1t is already
affordng ammunition for the popocrnts
and giving Webster Douglas county
delegation to trade on would simply be
placing a gatling gun in the hands OF
| the enemy. Surely that cannot be the
desire of republicans who earnestly
| wish the party to regain its supremacy
| in Nebraska this year.
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16
DemOrnlized Fusion Forces.
PhiladelDhia Iedper

Colonel William Jennings Bryan OF the
Third Nebraska is represented to be in a
state Of mind because his regiment is not
mustered out, in order that he aud his off,
GERS may have time to engage in the state
campaign. He would resent the idea that
he accepted commission from political mo-
tiVes, and he should be wary IN giving rise
to the impression that politics influence
him in his desire to retire from the army.
The fusion forces in the state must be in
a demoralized condition if they cannot
maintain the upper hand in a free silver
community unless personally conducted by
Mr.. Bryan.
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16
Diyested of Its Glnmor.

The serious question of forming an army
of occupation for Cuba is now before the
administration. 1t is notable that there is
no rivalry for service in this capacity. The
volunteers do not clamor for more service
in fever stricken tropics. They have had
their lesson in the horrors of war, and there
is trouble ahead for those who gave it. But
soldering has been divested of its glamor.
1t is likely that the regular army will be
increased to provide Cuban garrisons, and
1t should be. 1t will be some time before
trustworthy military bodies can be organ
lied among the natives
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16
WRONG OF THE PRIZE SYSTEM.
It's GIaring Inequalities Shown by the
Lnte War.
Spring1eld (Mass.) Republican.

Springfield (Mass) Republican.
The inequalities and injustices inherent in
the navy prize and bounty system will stand
out glaringly in the distributions soon to be
made. Admiral SIMPSONS share OF the prize
money for captures of the enemy's war ships
and merchantmen, and in bounty money for
the destruction of the enemy's war ships,
will amount to something like 100000. 1t
is said. Admiral Dewey will receive some
80 900 in bounty for the destruction of eleven
war ships at Manila, and Admiral schley's
bounty claim as a result OF the battle off
Santiago will amount to about $1,000 Some
OF the captains in SIMPSONS feet will get
more than this sum on account OF prizes
captured. as we'll as bounty in the sinking
OF Spanish war ships. and the men behind
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16
I'D rather be
the first in this
town than
second in Rof11e."
-Caesar.

Our ambition is as high as
Caesars. We are the first in
fourteen towns, and all Of them
cities Of the first consequence.
We are the first in this town
to be ready with the newest
things in tall clothing and fur
nishings. Well-made school
suits, too, are ready for the
boys.
The judicious and critical
buyers OF clothing will be able
to discover some new features
in Our goods this season. In
the line Of progress we have
been able to improve in Our
methods Of manufacture in some
notable respects, which we think
our customers will not be slow
to appreciate.
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16

When the popocrats prate about the
reduction in state debt effected under
the popocratic officials, it must be re
membered that every cent paid to re-
deem outstanding bonds and warrants
was contributed in taxes for which the
people were enabled to raise the money
solely because of the improved business
conditions that accompanied the advent
of a republican administration of ma
tional affairs.
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16

Philadelphia Record.

IIIItlUOIUIIId INCUUTU
The issue of medals of honor to military
heroes is to be hedged about by legal pre-
cautions. Winners of these coveted re-
wards must have displayed conspicuous
gallantry, and it must be vouched for by
two eye witnesses. The new rule will not
cut down the output of medals, which If
absolute justice could be done might be
made still larger; but it will preserve their
luster from all possibility of tarnish by un-
worthy alloys.
Omaha daily bee., 1898-09-16
Basis of the Yellow Claim.

OTIVHEO IOSI,
"Why is it," they asked OF the editor OF
a yellow journal, "that you persist in claim
ing your paper so far ahead Of all the
others?"
Dear me-" said the editor scornfully,
haven't you noticed that in an emergency
we are able to print headlines almost twice
as big and black and damn the administra-
tion almost twice as hard as any paper in
this yicinity?"