davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
Fl e'i{;:;'lI|jgDE5elej!.zseslh
Wfsy|: G:}sSluEr}S
FRENCH REPAIR SYSTEM.
Road Work In Thoroughly System
affixed and Carried On Under
Intelligent Supervision.

Before MacAdam's time it was
thought Necessary to construct stone
roads with foundation of large stones;
The small, broken stone was then spread
ever them, and traffic was depended on
to consolidate them into smooth and
hard roadway. Moreover, in France
upright, prOtruding stones were placed
at the edges of the foundation. IL order
to enclose the smaller stone. These
roads were often two feet deep and yet
they wore badly into ruts. When the
holes were filled, travel avoided the re-
paired spots and new ruts were formed.
MacAdam did away with the large
stone foundation. and showed that
small material. properly laid and COM
pacted, would distribute the pressure
equally on the real road beneath and
also serve to effectually shed the winter
which fell upon it. The new system
was economical and simple, but had
what seemed at first to be one draw
hack-the roads required constant
watching and frequent repairs. This,
however, is regarded as really bless
ing, as the construction of the roads
makes it easy to keep them in condition.
In France this work is thoroughly sys-
tematized and is carried on very eff
fectively. The system, as described by
the Paris correspondent of the Brook
lyn Eagle, is as follows:
A chief engineer is at the head of
each department., and he has several as
sistant engineers, each IN charge Of a
subdivision called aA reimbursement.
All the roads in these ACCOMPLISHMENTS
are visited and examined by them at
least quarterly. and oftener if necessa-
~. These engineers in turn have lieu
tenants, called conductors. who oversee
certain lengths of road which they must
look over in detail at least semimonth-
". Under the conductors come the
santonniers who do the manual labor.
each one caring for canton" or
stretch about two miles long. Five or
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
Medicinal Virtue I'm Herbs.

Our grandmothers placed their faith
in simples, but while we have the vague
notion that herbs are good we have not
the remotest idea what they are good
for. Every housewife should have on
her shelves to aid in cooking fennel,
marjoram, sage. parsley, mint and
thyme. Elder and orange flowers. bay
and basil are also used by clever cooks.
Lime tree flowers and tansy, the broom
and ldandeliOn furnish excellent teas.
The graceful Solomon's seal makes a
dainty dish of green's, while its roots
dried and ground into powder have
been made into bread. Even the herbs
dried and kept for their fragrance, such
as rosemary and lavender. have medici-
nal qualities.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
USE FOR OLD GLOVES.
Chance Disco> of Bit OF HUME
Kid Work Opens Up n New Field
for Economists.

What to do with old kid gloves is
very frequently n source of reflection
for the fFugal-minded unitarian averse
to throwing away anything that can
possibly be turned to account Long
stretches of suede or kid are consigned
with regret to the rag bag and it was
only recently and quite by chance that
a modern piece of HUNS kid work and
a curious old letter case, met with in a
curiosity shop. appeared to throw some
light on the question. The mirror case
is one of those which may be picked up
occasionally with other objects deco
rated in like manner. The foundation
is of deep plum-colored velvet, about
six inches long; the cut-out ornament
laid over this is white kid, pasted upon
blue paper, and fastened down by long
stitches of silver thread; the spangles
are silver, fixed down by short lengths
of silver bullion brought round to form
u very diminutive loop. The center
ornament, as is plainly Indicated. is
covered with long threads of silver
twist. The mirror is fixed to a back
made of stiff card, and this is united to
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16

six cantons are grouped together and
their cartonniers form brigade. one
of whom is made chief, and has short
CT stretch 10 care for in order that he
may ovepsee the others. If a piece of
road absolutely requires it. one or more
laborers, called auXiIiarics are given
a cantonnier to aid him.
Besides overseeing their roads the
conductors give all orders to the chief
cantonAiers, examine their work and
report on their conduct aud make. writ
ten reports to the engineers twice each
month. They keep the accounts of
their divisions and report on petitions
or new projects. They are obliged to
do all their travelling on foot, examine
into the smallest details and give the
necessary explanations and directions
to the cantonniers-
The canton of the chief cantonnier
must be the best kept of the brigade.
in order to show his superiority over
the other men. The men are nomi-
rated by the project of the department
according to certain conditions: They
must be between 81 and 20 years old !;
suffer from no infirmity that inter
feres with daily lubor; have previous
experience in work shops appertain-
ing to their work or have worked on
the roads in some capacity; possess a
certificate of good conduct and be able
to read aud write.
The cantonniers must remain on the
roads from sunrise to shutdown in win
ter. and from five n. m. to seven %. m in
summer. They are allowed to build
shelters or have movable shelters in
which they can seek refuge during
storms, but. they cannot absent them
selves from the roads Each one has
an account book and a register and
keeps a daily account of his work and
the time occupied in each task. At the
end OF each month the conductor
recapitulates the account and sends IL
to the engineer. O
In this way the roads are never with
out the most careful attention, and ex-
pensive and annoying repairs are rem
dcred unnecessary.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16

the front by loosely woven silver
braid, firmly stitched to both sides.
The front has, after the work is COM
pleted, been lined with a piece of
orange linen, and the opening for the
mirror cut subsequently; the point of
junction to the 3uter border is clearly
defined, so there will be no difficulty
ON this point. The little tassels which
complete this dainty little object are
of orange silk and a twist of green is
passed through the little silver loops
at the top. An antique letter case is
yet more simple as regards materials,
as it requires nothing but the very
thin leather of which the original Is
formed, or kid gloves of various tints
pasted onto thin cartridge paper, OF
better still, perhaps, the glazed liner
used for blinds.-Chicago News.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
THE MONOGRAM FAD.
1t Is New Fancy and One That HaS
Taken Possession of Women
Everywhere.

This is decidedly monogram sea-
son and the very much up-to-date wom-
an amuses herself discovering how
many ways and in how many different
styles she can use her cherished mono
gram. One of the prettiest of the mon
ogram fancies is that of placing it upon
ones own pieces of furniture, such as
the piano, the desk or other strictly per-
sonal article. A young woman who re-
Gently received piano for birthday
gift had her monogram cut out of
oak. This she fastened upon one end
of the piano with small brass tacks
Another decorated a treasured white
enamel desk with monogram in brass
Silver monograms are tackled upon
ones easy chair and work baslset, OF ON
a private footstool
Monograms are worked upon under
clothes, pocket haRdkerchiefs and any
personal article of wearing apparel, and
very tiny ones are embroidered upon
women's hat Innings
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
EFFECT OF SILAGE
IL Improves the Qua-.ty OF MIX and
Dutter Rather Than De-
tractfng from IL.

Repeated experiments have shown
that no fear is to be entertained as to
the effect OF ensilage on the quality OF
milk Some of the most progressive
dairymen in the country feed il, even
those that are shipping milk at fancy
prices to thousands of customers. Good
silage fed properly is bound to improve
the quality of the milk and butter
rather than detract from it. II the
silage is kept in the barn with the cows.
and parts of the silage refuse allowed to
pile up and rot in the corners of the
cow stable till it becomes fetid mass,
then very likely the milk will be affect
ed, for it is believed that the odors of
such masses will readily impart them
selves TO the milk. This is denied. we
know, by those who assert that milk
Will not take in odors when in the
warm state, but we are suspicious If
that kind of reasoning. One dairyman
says that he began the feeding of silage
with a good deal of fear. but after he
had fed for some time his commission
man wrote to him that his butter was
the best in quality that it had ever been
at that time of year. AS the seller of
the butter knew nothing about the
silage being fed. the letter was taken
as proof that silage. rightly fed. i'm
proves rather than detracts from the
quality of the butter. Similar incidents
are constantly coming TO light. and this
is only part proof that silage is one Of
the best friends of the dairyman.-
Farmers Review.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
ORCHARD AND GARDEN.

Apples are largely composed of water
and it would astonish many to know
how many barrels Of water is drawn
n ON the ground when the yield is Is to
20 barrels to the acre.
An apple tree when full grown
healthy and in good shape for manu-
featuring apples has from SOC, COG to 500.
600 leaves which are the lungs or
breathing tubes of our apple trees.
The currant is q fruit of great ex-
ceiience and very popular with almost
everyone. The growing of this fruit is
not overdone, yet il is about as eas;tv
grown and at as little expense as any
fruit placed on the market.
We should not allow blue grass to Sc,
In our orchards as it consumes too nr,.I,
OF the water SO essential for the ma
,ay Oh perfect fruit The roots OF
blue grass have been known TO p.,.~
trate the ground to the depth of rs fee.
Western Plowman.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
SOME P'S AND QS.

Pray, little lads and lasSes gay
One lesson do not lose:
AS through the world you wend your way
Oh. mind your P's and Q's!
For while stands for pears and piums.
For pleasantness and plays,
For patience and for promptitude,
For peace. politeness. praise:
Yet. Iackadayi 1t leads in pert.
In pinches. pests. and pain,
Perverse, and petulant, and pry,
And also in profanei
Q stands for Quaker quietness.
For ounces, quality,
For QuickneSs. ard for Queenliness,
For quaint, and quittance free.
But then, it heralds quake and quail.
And querulouS-indeed,
All bubbles. quarrels, quips, and Quirks.
And Quacks. 1t serves at need.
Then watch them. little maids and men:
For folks will soon excuse
full many a fault and foible. when
You mind your, P's and Q's.
Elizabeth Carpenter, in St. Nicholas.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
How to Cook Pea Soup.

This very favorite soup needs a quart
of peas, three quarts of water, stick
of celery, two onions, some meat or,
ham bones, and pepper and salt to IA
vor. The peas should soak over night
in cold water, and be boiled next day
in a saucepan with the water and other
ingredients. Boil until the peas are
tender, then pulp through a sieve, and
boil again. A little mixture should be
added if the mixture seems clogged and
thick. Stir frequently at this stage.
and sprinkle in some dried mint. When
once more boiling, the soup is ready.
and should be served with crisp fried
croutons of bread. Pea soup requires
to cook fully three hours to be salts
factory.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
To Mend Waterproof Cloth.

Mackintoshes, which with autumnal
rains become necessities, may be mend
ed when torn in the following manner:
Dissolve some pieces of pure india rub
Der in naphtha to create a stiff paste;
choose piece of stuff as much like the
waterproof material as possible. and
apply some of the cement to it and to
the torn edges of the macintosh. Then
bring the torn parts over the new ma
terial to form a patch and place a
weight over the part until the cement is
quite set and firm.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
A TALE OF SANTIAGO.
The Fighting Blood of the sperrys
Was Strong In the Hero of
This Little Story.

Fl. Irving Hancock contributes tale
CT the capture of Santiago, entitled
.Chuggins, the Youngest Hero with the
Army" to ST. Nicholas. 1t is the story
OF boy, whose various. ancestors had
served in all of the American wars.
The fighting blood in him was too
strong to be resisted, and he finally
made his way to Cuba with the Ameri-
can troops. Here is what he saw at Las
Guasimas. where the rough riders got
their first taste of war:
If there were bullets flying now, he
cid not know ibid not stop to think
of them, but spurted over the rough.
uneven road, full of the idea that he
was to fire a few more shots for that
gallant young soldier behind. 1t was
strange how completely that idea shut
out any other thought. Now the firing
rang louder than ever; there were
cheers mingled with it. Chuggins came
in sight of an irregular mass of men
ahead. They were charging through
the jungle and under the trees, firing
as they ran. At quick, sharp COM
mand, they lay down, but kept on fir
ing. Painting, Chuggins ran among
them, unnoticed, throwing himself
upon the ground between two of the
men. Through the trees he caught
Just glimpse of little brown men in
blue-and-white uniforms that looked
very much like bed-ticking. They were
firing at the rough riders as fast as they
codld work their guns, while the Ameri-
cans were giving rather moro than they
received.
Chuggins had no time to see whether
men were being hit around him, but he
knew that the hiss and chug Of bullets
all about him was something terrifying,
and he had time to be afraid. For few
moments he shook as if with ague. It
was the thought of that dead soldiers
face. with the lips trying to say ''Hui-
rah!" that made Sperry Of him again.
Pushing the carbine ont in front of
Linn, trying to see the blue-and white
scurrying, wild hurrahing. and the
uniforms through the foresight, Chug-
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
When Forcing Flower Bulbs.

When bulbs are forced, water for the
first time very heavily, 500 chat it is a
certainty that the water has penetrated
to the bottom of the pot. This, then,
will be sufficient until the pot is taken
from the dark cool place to more heat
and light. When the pots are set away
for the bulbs to undergo the roofing
process it is a good plan to set them
on cinders. This not only insures drain
age if accidentally overwatered or
soaked in some way, but prevents the
liability of earthworms working their
way up through the hole in the bottom
Of the pot.-Woman'sH Home Companion.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
Care of the Eyelashes.

The ancients made an art of the cul-
tivation of the eyelashes. 1T was rec
ognized that, besides adding to the ex-
preston of the eyes. the lashes pre-
served them from the dust, cold wind
and too glazing light, all of which tend
to irritate and often infiame the eye.
1t is therefore not a vanity to endeavor
to obtain them and then preserve them
from falling out. A little pure yaseline
applied to the eyelashes every night
win aid their growth and strengthen
them
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16

gins began TO fire. 1t was amazing how
quickly mat magazine was empsied!
Now. the rough riders were up and
yelling again. Onward they dashed,
and the boy went with them. In the
rush he was left in the second line; but
just as he finished slipping in the five
fresh cartridges, he reached the front
rank again. He fired ahead, because the
rest0did; but it took him longer to
empty the magazine now than it dio
when lying down. There was a spirited
scurrying, a wild hurrahing, and the
Spaniards had fed.
Now, when men began to breathe
again, and rest, and look about for
comrades, they espied Chuggins, or,
rather, noticed him, for the first time.
Certain of the officers were among the
most curious. One Of them strobe
swiftly over to the boys side, rested a
strong hand on his shoulder and looked
down inquiringly into his face, Some
thing in the mans features looked IA
miliar. Chuggins remembered a por-
trait that he had seen in the newspa-
pers.
You're Mr.. Roosevelt, aren't you?"
he asked.
Eyes. my lad; but who are you?"
Names Sperry. sir. Striker for
Lieut.. Hansel," Chuggins breathlessly
explained.
How came you here? Where did
with it?''
he plainly meant to have the whole
story. So Chuggins told it briefly,
dwelling on the dead soldier whose
lips seemed trying to cheer.
81 felt sure he wouldn't mind my tax.
| ing his gun, If he could only say so
sir" wound up the young narrator
Fact is. I think he'd have been glad to
have me put in few more shots fol-
him. and PmR glad I did"
Weren't you scared. Sperry?" asked
Col. Roosevelt. his face softening.
"Awfuily. for little while. but II
wore off," came the candid reply.
Col. Roosevelt looked at him thought.
fully. He knew that such q mere boy
had no call or right to be on the firing
line. but such deeds and reasoning as
Chuggins offered must perplex a love,
| OF heroes; SO he said, as had the ser
geant at Siboneys
"Sperry. I don't know what to say te
you"
Just then some one called the coione
away. and Chuggins wandered about in
the regiment. He stayed with thu
troops after that. first with one repi
ment and then with another. getting
farther and farther to the front.as the
army advanced, going back to Sibone,
only when some officer had a MESA o.,
to send. That life just suited the boy
There was always room for him at nigh
in some "puphouse," as the soldier,
call their little shelter tents. He never
lacked for meal. helping in all the odd
chores of camp life that he could. TIL,
gun that he used at Las Guasimas h,
! had given up. and thus became an or
binary camp follower again.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16

which is then developed until the pic
ture is clear and highly finished. Final
~ it receives coating of substance
which looks like enamel. This is done
at the jewelers., who also polishes the
piece of jewelry until it is brilliant.
There is newk enamel process by
which photographs can be affixed to a
star of silver, after which all is finished
with delicate transparent enamel. A
brooch of this kind is decidedly pretty
and makes a tender keepsake for man
OF woman
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
THE NOMADIC GYPSY.
Eor Centuries He Has Had No Place
Where He Could Lay His
g. Head In Peace.

May you never more enter or be-
Tong to the T7H races that people the
earth, but as outcasts be scattered 10
the four corners of the earth, homeless.
wretched and poor, ever wandering and
toiling, never realizing wealth, enjoy
ing the fruits of your labor or acquir--
ing the esteem Of mankind"
In the above words Moslem saint of
Turkey cursed the gyps1es some cen
turtles ago and in some such language,
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
THE MINIATURE BROOCH.
1t Is Quite a Novelty and Makes "a
Tender Keepsake for Either
Man, or Woman.

A new brooch has made its appearance
Of quite original shape and design. It
is in The form of a star.
This Brooch is the work of several
trades. 1t is composed of metal and
photograph, both nicely finished by the
jeweier.
The photographer takes the photo
graph upon a piece of sensitized metal
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
C,oth.. to match the Eyes.

Have you never learned that the best
dressed women are those who wear
clothes to match the color of their
eyes? It is fact that this is usually
the most becoming eolor to every one.
A girl with gray eyes never looks SO
well as in gray gown. and a girl with
blue eyes appears her best IN blue.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1898-12-16
cutie a Ltttle Diplomat.

Willie. aged three, had slight diff
ference of opinion with his grandfather.
and, forgetting his usual respectful
manner, he exclaimed: .Gwan'pa /
tdess III have to box your earses!"
We'll, WELL" gravely retorted the old
gentleman; "then shall not bring you
a birthday present" "Oh," quickly re-
piled the little fellow, "I'se not dom to
box 'em till after dat"
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1898-01-07
MOTHERS FRIEND

any wife suffered more in ten min
utes with either of her other two chill
eiren than she did altogether with her
asst, having previously used four bot
Ties of Mothers Friend 1t is a
blessing to any one expecting TO be-
come q MOTHER" says customer.
HENDERSON DALE, Carmi, Illinois.
OF Druggists ut 81. 90, sent by mail on receipt
Of price, Write for book containing testimonials
and valuable information for all Mothers, 1ree'
The Bradaeld Regulator Co., Atlanta, Ga.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1898-01-07

If it were not for the laws pro
vididing for free coinage of gold
that metal would not be worth on
half what it now is, and yet the
goldbugs never grieve over the al
vantage .his gives to the gold
miners
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1898-01-07
THE FAKIR.

As | am a Fakir, you think will
cheat;
But on a Fakir's bright honor, Pm
not on the beat.
Believe all | tell you-much faith
it doth take
But be rural-believe it-and III
show you fake.
Gold, geld-nothing but gold.
My sympathy always remained with
the poor.
0, the trials and the hardships they
have to endure.
They have confidence in me; they're
gifted with faith.
Now watch what | am saying:
presto fur saith A"
Gold. gold-nothing but gold.
Now this is a brick-a gold standard
Descended right down from old
Adams son.
1t is l2 shilling dollar-it soon
will be two,
Three or four dollars, bright shining
and new.
Gold, gold-nothing but gold.
1t is just like dried apples-it swells
up so quick.
1t will puff up your pocket, and
won't it look sleek
Now, when we were boys, it never
was said
There was any puff in it-twas sta
BILE as lead.
Gold, gold-nothing but gold.
Opposition, OF course, is the lie OF
trade;
But those silver fakirs their fortunes
have made.
You bought it all up. You they
did gull.
1t has shriveled SO now it goes for
Gold, goId-nothing but gold.
Yes, yes, hear you. Twas good
as the wheat
When they were unloading, but
now you are beat.
1t will wrinkle and shrivel clear out
of sigh.
If you have any of it, you'll find
am right.
Gold, gold nothing but gold.
This gold-standard fake is good,
honor bright.
Yes, I'll take silver quarters, and
halves are all right.
Believe what | tell you, it is a fine
trick.
| would sell you some more, but
I've run out of brick.
Gold, gold nothing but gold