davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28

haps you will let me suggest some
thing
The four Gardner boys gave voice to
ooh, yes sir" and arranged thcm-
selves in various easy boysh attitudes,
prepared to lend an attentive ear to all
their father had to say. \ warm feeling
of good fellowship existed between the
four youngsters and their father. one Of
Mr.. Gardeners ideas was that If he
wished to have the respect and consid-
GRAFTON Of his boys he must give respect
and consideration to them. If the four
boys had been four men friends. their
fathers manner toward them could not
have been more courteous. lie was at
once their idol and their model.
Il remember once upon time when
| was quite a boy said MIR. Gardner,
my brothers and decided to go camp
ing in the mountains about so miles
from home. John. my eldest brother,
was quite an inventive fellow, and he
managed to make us a carriage boat
that in all my experience of boys have
never known another to think OF. You
ott, lIItIt was Il ltlht III illc mountains
in which we wanted to go fishing.
Therefore we needed a boat. John got
father to give him a couple of pairs of
wheels from an old wagon These he
mounted on axle bars and then united
the two pairs of wheels by a couple of
strong braces. On each axle he set
brace in which to set the keel of our
boat. The boat was an old fashioned
broad bottomed craft, something like
that one you boys row about in down at
the duck pond
Wen take the boat" solemnly said
the Gardner boys, nodding at one an
other Their father smiled and went on:
THE boat set high on the wagon, so
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
LITTLE TOTS IDEA
OF A MOCKER.

Al certain Sunday school some time
ago the teacher talked to the infant
class upon the evils connected with
strong drink. The little tots Of 4 and
listened attentively to a long speech
against the rum demon. Finally the
teacher cried:
Wine is mocker!"
The children prickcd up their cars at
the teachers vehomence.
Wine is mocker." she cried again,
like one of the prophets of old.
The children looked very grave in
deed
Wine is n mockcr!" cried tho teacher
for the third time and then she turned
and wrote the sentence in big letters on
the blackboard.
Now. children" she exclaimed -
she whirled around. II want YOU to tell
me what wine is"
Tho little ones looked about vacant1v
Wine is a mocker!" cried the teach
or. Now. what is wine? First little
boy"
The first little boy looked Thoughtful.
"Wine-is-a-markcr, be drawled
mo. not" said the teacher. Next lit
tie boy"
The next little boy looked still more
thoughtful.
"NinG--is-a-mar he ventures.
NO, no. fdgeted the teacher. Next
little boy"
The third little boy smiled. He was a
self confident little boy.
'Wlne-is--a-nonkey," he bravely
announced.
And then the teacher gave IL nm
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
ALLIGATORS DYING OUT.

In spite Of the reports that have late
~ been sent from Florida of wonderful
adventures with alligators engaged in
by members of various regiments now
stationed there. there is a serious dam
ger that these saurians may shortly be-
come extinct in that state. This would
be quite disaster to the FlOwery state
for the ugly alleged child eating mon
sters have been quite a source Of reVe-
nue.. Sportsmen from the northern
states have hunted them. and the Semi
mole Indians of the Everglades make
regular war on them for the sake Of
their hides.
Singularly enough, however it is the
dainty northern girl who is chiefly re-
sponsible for their rapidly diminishing
numbers. 1t is she who ruthlesSly car
res them off by the hundred thousand
every season as pets OF course she on
~ preys on the little fellows 10 to IL
inches long.
The baby alligators are boxed by the
curio dealers and sold to ladies'. who
affect great interest In the ugly things.
AS they live on air and muddy water
and an occasional chunk OF meat every
three or four day. they are not trouble
some. But the increase in prices will
SlOp SOHlS VI inns ms
Indians. knowing of the scarcity OF ALI
gators in all of the Florida streams.
have initiated the paleface curio dealer
and charge more for their alligators.
The baby alligators. while not vaua-
BILE for their small hides, are killed by
the hundreds and mounted. Some serve
as thermometers. the tube running UP
the back. Another curio is baby alli-
gator standing on his hind feet and
playing a violin with his fore feet. 9th
ers are arrayed as walters, Offering
some article for sale or holding o lamp
to light visitors to tank holding a
16 foot or an Is foot live saurian.
AllSators three or four feet long
mounted, serve as grotesque advertise
ments and appear TO be 80 natural"
that the stranger is frequently in doubt
whether the thing is alive" or not and
makes n detour in order to be on the
safe side.
Very few colored people are success
full in catching large alligators. There
seem to be mutual distrust and an
tipathy on both sides. While the allga-
tor is not always looking for fight.
but desires to he let alone he will fight
a "darky" on sight AS soon as he
spies negro he will dive and rise at
about the proper place and land him. or
rather sweep him in, If within reach
ing distance. Not so in the case oc
white hunters. The alligator will swim
away unless its young is attacked, and
then it will crawl out on shore and use
its huge tail as a battering ram. one
stroke will knock "A man senseless
The scarcity of the alligator crop is
now live issue. and as this is one Of
hot
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
THE AMERICAN
FIRESHIP, INTREPID.

| Almost 100 years ago the American
navy engaged in warfare on the coast
OF Barbary similar to that conducted in
the West Indies. Throughout the sum-
mcr of 1904 the encmy's batteries and
forts were subjected to heavy lombard
ments, but the hostile fleet rode def
antly in the sheltered harbor of Tripoll
In order to destroy the ships, which
were of wood, the American commo-
dore planned one of those bold and
desperate enterprises the mere men,
ton of which makes the blood run cold
1t was to fit out the captive ship In
trepid as an internal engine, put a crew
on board of her and sail her into the
midst Of the enemy's fleet to explode
and scatter flaming fragments upon the
surrounding vessels The harbor was
guarded by nearly 200 guns in the land
batteries and on the warships, so that
an intruding vessel could expect no 9TH
er fate than to be blown to atoms.
The officers OF the Intrepid were Lieu
tenants Richard Somers, Henry Wads-
worth and Israel. Ten seamen from va
rious ships crews made up the luck
less number of 10. Somers received or
ders to sail into the harbor at night
fall and steer straight for the enemy's
pared for her fearful mission by plac-
inE in her hold a magazine Of 100 bar
rels of gunpowder, surrounded by light
combustibles. Along the deck over the
magazine were 100 loaded shells lying
loose. Upon nearing the Tripoltan ships
Somers was to light fuses leading TO
the magazine head the Internal craft
toward the center of the hostile fleet,
abandon her to her course and bring
his men off in boats carried for the pur-
pose.
feet watched for the last fading glimpse
of the white canvas of the Intrepid as
she rose and fell on the shifting waves
! Soon after she disappeared from view
| all the lIlpollldn cannon on SnlpDOard
| alongshore and on the lofty parapet Of
| the castle opened on the waters nearest
the harbor entrance. The Intrepid kept
on. steering for the hostile 1otllla. As
she neared the anchorage ground &C.
casional bursts of light from the cam
non volleys and shells revealed the
| fearless sail gliding steadily on as
| A.. ;,,nr ga.I.4
of the terrible cannonade there came a
binding flash of light which illuminated
the whole harbor and its fringe of war
crowned hills for a second. Then fol-
! lowed quickly a report that drowned
the thunders of 100 cannon. The man.
moth magazine had exploded.
/ But what of the mission? What Of
the fate of the gallant crew of the fire.
ship? Next morning the bodies of Is
American seamen foated on the surface
Of the harbor of Tripoli. They were
charred beyond recognition. but the cir
| cumstance proved that the i'll fated 10
had chung to the Intrepid and met death
in the explosion. but whether that ex-
plosion was caused by shots from the
hostile guns or by accident on board or
by the design of her commander to es-
cape capture is not known.
GEORGE L. KILMER.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
Had One OF His Own.

Lord Burton, travelling between Lon
don and York, entered into conversation
with "A fellow traveller, whom he found
was deeply interested in brewing. Va
rious theories were suggested and dis
cussed, and finally the stranger. leaning
forward. said: Look here. I like you.
You seem to know all about this bust
ness. Now, I've brewery in -. a
small place, you may say, but 1t can be
built up. I want man to manage and
develop it. The place is yours-good
salary and partnership. What do you
say?' It's a good enough offer" said
Lord Burton. but the truth is I've a
brewery of my own that takes up most
of my time. My name is Bass"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28

searches are producing facts and fig
ures of pleasing kind. In the last year
of which the government of Porto Rico
furnishes the statistics. which was 1896,
the island bought of other countries
sl6,l55,056 worth of their products. In
the same year the exports were s14629.-
494.
or course Spain has by discriminate
ing tariffs, maintained a grip on the
best of the trade. Notwithstanding it
was altogether to the interest of the
Porto Ricans to buy as well as sell in
the United States. or the $50. 900 900 of
Porto Rican trade Spain held $4,000, 900.
The United States enjoyed 100000 of
this trade. Great Britain came next
with 81. O0O. GOO, and Germany was close
third with s., SOC, 900.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
Gave Him q Poser.

fish atheist and member of parliament,
was once engaged in a discussion with
a minister. Bradlaugh insisted that the
minister should answer question by a
simple Yes" or mo" without any cir
cumlocution. asserting that every ques-
ton could be replied to in that manner.
The minister rose and in quiet man
ner said, "Mr Bradlaugh will You al
low me to ask you question on those
terms?" Certainly" said Bradlaugh.
"Thcn, may ] ask. have you given up
beating your wife," This was a poser,
for IL answered Yes" 1t would imply
that he had previously beaten her and
If No" that he continued to do so.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
Peril on Board Warships.

The danger that besets a warship
even in time of peace is illustrated by
the recent narrow escape of the first
class cruiser Australia of the British
navy. While the ship was lying off
Southampton green reserve man
snapped a pistol at box of fuses close
to the door of an open shellroom. The
fuses began to spit fire like rockets.
pointed directly at rack Of filled shells.
Nothing saved dire catastrophe but
the presence Of mind of an able seaman,
who dashed into the fuseroom and pull
ed out the burning fuses at the immi-
nent risk OF eyesight or life.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28

ed down from the workbench and filed
into the house. where their father sat
upon the piazza smoking a cigar.
Say, dad, we want to go camping"
said jeff as they lined up in front of
Mr.. Gardeners easy chair.
Camping, do your" replied their ia
Their looking speculatively at a ring of
smoke. We'll, go ahead. and perhaps
I'll join you. What are your plans?"
Now, the boys had as yet made no
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
A Naval Game.

\ new naval game may be played by
writing on n card the names of a couple
of dozen war vessels and distributing
them among the several players. The
players are required to tell why the
vessel was so named and the meaning
of the name. The boy or girl answer
ing the most questions wins the prize.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
Not Looking For Damages.

After recent railway collision a
Scotsman was extricated from the
wreckage by companion who had es-
capcd unhurt Never mind, Sandy"
his rescuer remarked; its nothing seri-
Gus, and you'll get damages for it,"
"Damages" roared Sandy. "Hae no.
had enough? Guild sakes. it's repairs
I'm seelin noo!"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28

tourists average 81, 500 per capita in the
way Of expenditure, many spending
thousands. while others barely squeeze
through. and that the total loss to Eng
land this year will therefore be about
S75 ono 600
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
How War Affects Europe.

1t has been estimated by an English
man who has been for 20 years in the
business of taking care of travellers
from the United States in London that,
had there been no war this year, a grand
total of $4,000 Americans would have
visited Europe this spring and summer.
His estimate, based upon the carrying
capacity of the various steamship lines
and figures furnished by the companies,
L. fnll
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
He Liked Leaves.

The Ponsobys were expecting COM
pany, and Mrs Ponsoby said. Il must
put another leaf to the dining table
Put in lots of leaves mamma" sug-
gested her little boy land Wen make
it a whole orchard for them
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28

The Earl of Efinghem. who died in
England short time ago, was the lincal
descendant of the Lord Howard of Ell
fingham who commanded the English
fleet that put to rout Spain's "invinci-
BILE armada" in 1858
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
The Consequence.

There once were three 20. tfS ce .S5eIt
W1o jabhered wherever tag vert.
A. they all talked at once
II Is plain 10 Il Ounce
They neither knew what t'others meant.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28

had. and. boys, think If you go out in
the old carriage house you will find sew
eral pairs of wheels and some stout
timber that, with the help of the black
smith, we can rig up into a fine cart for
the old boat. With a coat of paint and
a little putty it will be quite presenta-
BILE"
And that is how the Gardner boys
spent their vacation.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
5 as IOHOWs

He also thinks that the recent riots
in Italy would have had the effect Of
keeping many Of these tourists In Eng
land and that a very large percentage
of the $4,000 would have limited their
travelling to the British isles. Accord
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28

Loss Of a China packet ship" ex-
claimed grandmamma as she laid down
a newspaper. II should think 50 when
even iron ones are not always safe"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28
The HumbIebee's Cousin.

AS the humblebee fly is a harbinger
of spring and one of the first insects we
may see visiting the early blossoms of
the year, so the hoverer fly betokens
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28

The Caribbean sea washes the terri
tory Of the Caribbs, whose name means
"cruel men,"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28

plans. and they looked at each other
vaguely for suggestions.
Jesse. who had been the originator Of
the idea. made answer: 1--WE haven't
any plans; idea just came to us"
Il See,' assented Mr.. Gardner. Per-
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28

there was plenty of space pencatn It in
which to stow the oars and our tent
and what few clothes and blankets we
took with us. The dogs We're tied be-
hind, and we found them excellent COM
pany in the woods"
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-07-28


ooh,
don't Iovehi i'm apartil
why
haven
HE amt, neither
to ask me to marry
80 - - '
cried in we'll fgned
asto
lie
How do know what think me
oes he Jasper"
peped at
pc - -
"YesI am"
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1898-04-22

EDITOR KLopscH, of the Christian Herald,
thinks that for the United States to 60 to war
with Spain will be the greatest crime of the
century, and says that he is i'll favor of au-
tonomy and not independence. He asserts that
Cubans are not worth fighting for, and that
sixty per cent. of the insurgents are negroes.
His conversion to the Spanish cause has follow
ed quickly upon his deposition by our govern
ment from the supervision of Cuban relief.
His resignation from the editorship OF the Her
aid should now follow for man who considers
negro worthless human being should not
edit Christian paper. per.-Pennsylvania Grit.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1898-04-22
LELAND'S DEAL
so THE STORY GOES, INVOLVES THE
CONTROL OF SHAWNEE.
The County Was Sold
To LELAND FOR THE PRICE OF CURTIS NOM
NATION.

1t seems tolerably clear now that Shawnee
county's Thirty seven delegates to the Repub-
lican state convention are to be controlled by
Cyrus Leland, in accordance with the terms of
the agreement made between M. A. Low, Dave
Mulvane Judge Horton and Mr. Leland, which
resulted in the nomination of Charlie Curtis for
congress.
The agreement, it is said, goes even farther
than was generally supposed Mr.. Low, it is
reported, and Mr.. Mulvane, it is admitted, are
very anxious to send ]. R. Burton to the Unit
ed States senate Leland prevented this when
Mr.. Baker was nominated. The Topekans
mentioned desired Mr.. Lelands support in the
next campaign for that office and established
system of reciprocity i'll which the first act came
from Leland. He has delivered the first in
stallment of goods and made it possible for
Charlie Curtis to gain one of the most important
victories in Kansas politics, and in district
in which he h lad resided but year.
The next step is to be taken by the Shawnees
who are expected to stand by Mr. Leland and
vote as he directs at the state convention.
The 6uale of this arrangement appears when
the various elements represented in this COM
binaion unite in supporting Mr.. Burton for
United States senator.
The friends of Burton are striving to make it
appear that he has no intention of seeking to
succeed Senator Baker. But, the indications
are that an effort will be make to to retire Mr..
Baker, should the legislature be Republican at
the expiration of office in two years. Mr.. Bur
ton, although very friendly to Mr. Baker, is in
reality very nue.. dissatisfied with the present
senator from Kansss and imagines that he is
not big enough for the place, especially 'when
want it, Mr.. Burton not only thinks this,
but has practically made such a statement to
his friends. State Journal.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1898-04-22
GARNETT, KANSAS, APRIL 22, 1898.
THINGS WORSE THAN WAR.

What thing is worse than war?
That men no longer should possess
That ancient virtue manliness-
Too weak in body and III mind
TO still protect their womanklnd.
This thing is worse than war.
What thing is worse than war?
When unto men. the thing called trade
Doth stand for all that God has made;
Unheeding, as their gold they count,
If Moses still be in the mount.
This thing is worse than war.
What thing is worse than WARP
Self satisfied at ease to be,
Content if only we are free;
TO hearkcn with untroul led breast
Unto the cry of the opprest.
This, this is worse than war.
All, very good is peace,
And yet too high may be its price;
Shall manhood be the sacrifice?
Must honor go, must duty yield,
That we escape the deadly ield3
Away with such peace!
SHALER G. HnLYER
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1898-04-22
account.

The "foreign- nation" racket is the Christian
cause of McKinley's tumble; but the political
reason for his obedience to the bondholders is
a common one--he takes orders from the men
who pay him. "Foreign nations" told Spain:
''Stop shootngs and if Cuba don't stop prompt
", we will all help you punish Cuba" Then
Mckinley told congress: Let me handle the
Cuban question. l want to 60 along with the
crowd, and help walop Cuba" And the Re-
publicans will eat crow, and give thanks-they
can't help themselves. But keep still; they've
got to carry the election on this war, anyhow;
and they may kill few of our young men, if
they can fix the trap to catch 'em.-Reform
Press, Pueblo, Colo.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1898-04-22
News Notes. ,

EARTHQUAKES are becomin, : quite tue
thing" in California.
The Spanards in Old Mexico are sa'o 10 oe
planning to invade Texas.
Rev. Talmage has put in an applica. ~" 'o'
chapaincy, in case we have war;
Secretary of the Navy Longs daughter v'A'
offered her services as nurse, in case OF war;
EDWARD BELLAMY, author of "Lookiug
Backward" is dying of consumption, at Den
yer.
UNCLE SAM has ordered that no more coal be
shipped from this country consigned to the
Spanish government.
One of Joe Letters big elevators near Bos-
ton, containing 600 900 bushels of wheat, went
up in flames, Monday.
Governor Tanner of Illinois, says he is will
ling to give up his office in order to lead the
Illinois troops against Spain
Theodore Roosevelt, assistant secretary of
the navy, has resigned, and asks to be given a
place as aide on Gen. Lees staff; says he is no
sailor, and he wants to be where he is of some
account.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1898-04-22

Everything which government authorizes
the citizen to take as money ought to be as
good in that citizens hands as gold silver in
the bankers safe. Nothing that is not as good
as the nation should ever be permitted to circu-
late as money. Every dollar that The people
handle ought to be full legal tender.-Ex- Sen
ator PETER.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1898-04-22
ANOTHER "AL 1B lM' TO "lR9NQUILL."

AS the news comes to us from Matanzas,
Do Won think that we will fater, loyal Kansas,
When the time comes to resent,
(Sans cruel Spain's consent,)
Do YOU think you'll fail to hear from
"Alabam'l
When the time comes, don't imagine for m1nute'
With brain and Drawn and heart we'll not be IN 1T
In marching to relieve Matanzas,
We'll be proud in keeping step with Kansas
And vou' never blush in shame tor
"Alabam.'
vain has wrecked the best OF Cuba's beaute-
ors isle,
,ow. Americans would fain beguile
with iplomatic interference,
A,n D.. ,litic incoherence,
WIZ, all don't like in Kansas-nor we ~
""'o" you "Alabam."
NJ WV of '6I in ours,
No present medi, ,tiOn by the powers
d.. r,l,.a ,,,a s,, tering isle,
Cause her once agai u no sA',e'
"Aabam."
"
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1898-04-22

THE American Nonconformlst has been NOV
ed from indianapolis to Omaha and, somehow,
!, seems to be breezier and snappier than when
il was published "down East" The Western
o,mosph, re seems to have given it more vim
aud life. The Nonconformist now has very
able corpse of editors, among which is B. O.
Flower. "Prof." Vincent remains at the helm.