davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1899-12-03

take the generals room and be queen
of the Ship-queen OF the Queen-queen
of queens-by Jupiter and here's her
health with all honor, soldier. of
course, could be no less gallant than "a
sailor, especially as the captains room
was a bit better than the 'Boudoir' and
had an icechest and contents that the
veteran campaigner was bidden TO con-
slider his own. The agreement was
clinched that very night before the
party broke. up: and little Mrs. Frank
shed tears of gratitude upon the general
coatsleeve and threw kiss after kiss TO
the handsome sailor as she hung over
the balusters OF the broad veranda and
waved them away in their swift-running
cabs, and then danced off 10 her room
and threw herself on the bed after
mad pirouette about the spacious apart
real tears trickled from her eyes, and
then gave orders to be called at Z
o'clock. She meant 10 be up and aboard
that ship with all her luggage before
sense and repentance could come with
the morning sun-before either soldier or
sailor could change his mind.
To the amaZement of the women al
ready aboard, TO the grave annoyance or
Colonel Armstrong, TO the joy of poor
Billy Gray and the mischieVous merri-
ment of several youngsters on the COM
missioned list, Mrs. Frank Garrison, the
latest arrival. became sole occupant OF the
finest room on the ship: and IL was a
bower OF lilies and tropical fruit and fioW-
ers the breezy day she sailed away from
the bay OF Honolulu.
No time need be wasted in telling the
effect OF this assignment to quarters"
Prolific source of squabble as is the Gus
tom ashore IL becomes intensified afiOdt.
and when coupled with IL came q shaking
up and Encouragement of seats at table
all hope of harmony vanished on the in
stant. The two brave young army girls
still retained their seats at the captains
table; but two most estimable young
women Red Cross nurses. were dropped
therefrom and transferred to that of the
second officer on the port side. much to
the comfort OF a rather large percentage
of their ssterhOod who had regarded
their previous elevation with feelings OF
not unmixed qualification. Then officers
who had been seated with the generals
staff had 10 vacate in favor of Mrs. Frank
and DIR. Prober and Lieutenant Billy
Gray. whose father and the chief were
longtime chums. and the Red Cross
nurses who had been at the first officers
table fell back TO that OF the third. IL
was every bit as good as the other, but II
didn't sound so, and they couldn't see IL:
and there were faces sour as the product
Of the ships baker when that evening all
hands went down 10 dinner. and the
silence maintained. or the ominously sub
was i'm marked contrast with the hilarity
that prevailed where sat the gray-haired
ruddy- checked old chief and the Laughing
cOterie that listened to the fun that fell
from the lips of Witchie Garrison Arm
strong, silent and somber at the captafn's
right. looking forward from time to time.
saw only one face at the generals table
that was not lighted up with merriment.
Il was the face OF the boy he enyted. if
The San Francisco call., 1899-12-03

guard the day that Stewart sailed What
madness II was, indeed, yet how could
she have dreamed II would fall into the
hands OF the man Of all others she feared
and respected-the one man who, had he
but cared could years. ago have had
her love, tho man who. because he cared
not n had won hs! hctsi And. now that he
than . forged order In her husbands
name ~ aid Dc camp 10 General Drayton.
she could have covered 1T his feet in her
terror OF him. yet braved him with smiles,
sweetnese and gayety, with arch merri-
ment and Joyous words. quitting for the
moment the generals arm that she might
extend to him both her little white-gloved
left. while with the right he raised his
forage cap In combined salute to the
woman and to his superior offlcer, Gravely
and almost instantly he released II, and
listened In helpless patience to her torrent
OF playful words; but his eyes were on the
generals face as though he would ask
could he. the general, know the true
character Of the woman he had honored
above all her sisterhood on board, in thus
taking her to the bridge whereon neither
officer nor man nor nurse nor army wife
had presumed to set foot on all the six
days run from San Francisco. as though
he would ask II the general knew just
some little thing that nestled so con-
fidingly-indeed. SO snugly-close to his
battered side, and who had virtually
taken possession Of him in the face OF
an envious and not too silent circle OF her
own sex.
Truth to tell, the chief would rather
have escaped. He was but an Indifferent
sailor, and the Queens long. lazy roll over
tho ocean surges was exciting In his inner
The San Francisco call., 1899-12-03
ByBRIGADItR- GtNrRAL CfiARLtJ klNG,I
CnsYnthf eYr Isn"ysonkeer-x

en- steps, with sharp emphssis he
changed the little gong bell screwed to
the back OF the door and waited i'm
patiently OF the servants coming. There
was no answer. He rang again and still
A glance at the windows told that the
white lace curtains hung there draped az
prettily as ever. Fresh flowers stood on
the window sill. A shawl and a pillow,
the latter indented as by a human head,
lay in the lounging chair on the little
porch. Another chair stood but a few
feet away. There was even a fan, though
fans in Frisco summer are less needed
than furs: but nowhere saw he other sign
OF the temporary mistress OF the house.
He went round to a side window and
raped. No answer. Then he turned TO
the walk again, and, taking the reins,
hade the orderly inquire next door II Mrs
Garrison could be found Yes, was the
answer; she went driving to Golden Gate
Park with Mrs. Stockman an hour ago,
and Mrs. Stockman was TO leave for Los
Angeles that night. Odd II Mrs Garri-
son drove 10 Golden Gate Park the easiest
and best way was that along which he
came, and he had met no carriage. In
fact, not since that night at the Palace
had he set eyes on Mrs. Garrison. or until
the coming OF this sorrowful news about
Gray had he cared TO. From all that he
heard Mrs. Frank was enjoying herself at
the Presidio. Cherry having gone one way
and her deVotee another, Mrs. Frank
speedily summoned a chum OF old garrison
days 10 come and keep house with her
The San Francisco call., 1899-12-03

for awhile. and Mrs. Stockman, whose
lord had left her at the call To duty and
gone To Manila with his men, right gladly
accepted and much enjoyed the fun and
frolic that went on night after night in
Mrs Franks coy parlOr. or the mild
Irritation. possibly in the recesses Of Mrs.
Franks embowered porch. The last eN-
pedition had borne on almost all the reg
ular' element at the post, but had not
left ~ poor. for. fast as camp grounds
could be made ready for them, vastly 10
street car magnates who had reaped rich
harvest from Camp Merritt. regiment
after regiment. the volunteers came
marching over from the malOdorOus sand
lots and settled down in sheltered hooks
about the Preside. So cavaliers in plenty
were still 10 be had. cavaliers whose wives
and sweethearts. as a rule, were far
away: and Mrs. Frank loved TO console
such as were so bereft.
The chafing dish and Scotch and soda
were In nightly request. and even wo-
men who didn't al all fancy Mrs. Frank.
and spoke despitefully OF her among
themselves, were not slow 20 come in for
Just minute. as they said, as the even
ings wore on. and TO STAY and chat with
Doky over home with the children asleep
and nothing 10 do. Women there were
vino never darkcned Mrs Garrisons door
after the first formal calls; but they were
OF those who deeply felt the separation
from all they held most dear. and who,
forbidden themselves. heard with envy
ana even QlSAlfSN lNT Kay assertion Inal
she would sail for Manila the moment
the Queen OF the Fleet was ready. From
what source-or circumstance-did she de-
rive her influence?
But with the edict that no more troops
should be sent came comfort to the souls
OF these bereaVed ones. Transports would
not go without troops. and Mrs. Frank
could not 20 without transports. the jour
ney was far too expensive. They wished
her no evil, Of course: but II they were
themselves forbidden how could they re-
joice that she should be permitted? They
We're actually beginning TO feel a bit
charitable toward her when the Queen
OF the Fleet herself came In from Homo
luin with the latest news. The fifth ex-
pedition had been halted there and put in
camp. The hospital held several officers.
Billy Gray was down with brain fever.
and there had been furious scene be-
tween him and his peppery colonel before
the breakdown, and by that same steamer
Mrs. Garrisdsn had got letter that made
her turn white and tremble, as Mrs
Stockman saw and told, and then shut
herself UP in her room an entire day..
Now, for nearly a fortnight, the lovely
guest had been daily limiting that she re-
ally must go home, dear Witchie" was
surely tired of her: and Witchie dis
claimed and protested and vowed she
could not live without her devoted friend.
The San Francisco call., 1899-12-03

But then had como that letter and With
II q change OF tone and tactics. Wltchis
ceased to remonYtrate or reprove Mfs.
6tockman. and the latter felt that she
must 80, and Witchis consented without
demur.
In no pleasant mood Armstrong mount
ed and trotted for the east gate. The road
wes lined with camps and volunteers at
drill. Vehicles were frequently moving to
and fro: but the sentry at the entrance
had kept track OF them. and In response
TO question answered promptly and posi-
lively Mrs. Garrison,s carriage had not
wagon with the lady's baggage did. I
saw the name on the trunks
The colonel turned IN his saddle and
coolly surveyed him. do you mean Mrs.
Stockman's name?" he asked in a quiet
tone. How many trunks we're there?'
"Oh. some OF them might have had
Mrs. Stockmans narne. sir; but the two
or three that saw were marked NJ G."
This was unlocked for news. To her
next door neighbor MrA Garrison had
The San Francisco call., 1899-12-03

SSEE story opens with a scene IN the
regimental camp on Preside Heights.
overlooking san Francisco harbor Ru-
mors OF moving orders 20 Manila and
the arrival from New York OF lady visit
orr az headquarters vary the monotony OF camp
routine The visitors are IN search Of a run
away boy who is believed 20 have entered the
army. and Lieutenant Gray the most popular
young officer In his regiment. through a sup
posed acquaintance with one OF the visiting
party. Miss Amy Lawrence. Is envied by his
fellows. The party. escorted by Colonel Arm
strong. attends a review on the drill grounds
and r. disturbed by the sight Of young pris-
oner who breaks away from his guards near
them ana by collision among the carriages
Nrs. Garrison. an old acquaintance Of Colonel
Armstrong. 10 hurt. Private Morton is arrested
on a charge OF stealing money. He appeals 10
Lieutenant Gray OF HE fraternity for help.
Cray secures she detail OF guard over him The
troops prepare 20 sail for Manila Mrs Garri-
con Joins the Red Cross Society ana assists al
the enharking. Young Morton and three other
prisoners escape through a tunnel Gray is ar
rested. charged with having aided the prison
srs A. West Point the summer before. Mrs.
Garrison and her Younger sister. Nita Terriss,
had caused much talk. Nita fell in love with
prominent cadet. PAT Latrobe but Mrs. Gar
riscn took her away IN time 10 prevent
elopement and marriage. Latrobe deserts. and
his friend. Gouserneur Prine. who has been
lrfatuuted with Mrs. Garrison. runs away from
home 60 join the army AZ san Francisco. Nita
married colonel Frost. ana Latrobe followed
her from place 20 place. seeking an interview.
until De is located ir san Francisco and sus-
lected ~ being with Morton. valuable pack
ucc Cf letters h1e been lost from General Dray-
TONS tent. Latrohe is nephew " the general
colonel Armstrong defends Gray az the trial
and secures his release. Grav's regiment sails
tor Manila. bat stopping at Honolulu. Gray is
taken UL
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1899-12-28

different style. In the Window hav|
few growing plants. Let thea u
vivid green's and reds. They add musD
to the cheerfulness Of a roow SO a |.lslsE
two carefully chosen - 8
hang on the walls. Their ~ &, I, Il,
to be q nerve-racking operassss -
less the housewife has confdence inI
her good taste; copies Of fruit pictures.
game and fish are permitted, and An;
old family portrait in oils. II one ID In
doubt about pictures, the walls may 10:
covered with delft and spode ware, Of;
even less pretentious china, strung ON
wires and arranged In rows ON hang
ing shelves. The sideboard is spread
with fringed damask doilies, and ret
with the treasured silverware and cut
glass. In the china closet-one with.
swinging doors and dark velvet Innings
lis displayed the choice china. The
contents must be arranged with care.
Do not place together the heavier ana
daintier ware, but grade them gently,
SO as to give the best effects. Between
meals the table should be spread with
blue and white denim cover. set with
the fern dish. This adds a homelike
touch to the room and destroys the
formality which set table gives.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1899-12-28
scarfa and Coverlot..


Some new fancies in toilet scarfs and
pin cushions seen lately were de-
light to the eye. The prettiest one
was of boiling cloth, in each corner of
which was beautiful conventionalized
design appliqued in green satin. Grace,
full sprays of wild roses formed the
border, the lovely pink blossoms run
ming over on the green salln. The pin
cushion matched the scarf and both
were lined with white satin. Another
set. not quite SO dainty, but far more
practical, was of white linen, with the
corners appliqued in pink linen and an
embroidered border Of charming de-
sign. Nothing in the way of table
spreads is half so pretty as the fas-
cinating Bulgarian productions. The
odd neutral colors-drabs. browns. dull
yellow, reds and blues, with here and
there dash of black-are combined in
such a way in the striking Russian
designs as to give the most pleasing
and artistic effect. The work is SIM
pie, and one can buy stamped spread.
with one corner entirely worked, show
ing the stitch and arrangement of coll
ors, for 81 and upwards. New coverlets
for beds are made of Indian silk. wad-
ded with lambs wool and finished with
border of lace quarter of a yard or
more deep.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1899-12-28

every inch of which was the premium
work of an artist and man as made
grand stairways for livin' and never
botched. and l reckoned, jist maxim a
rough, unfigurin' estimate, that had
traded enough with Joe one time and
another to as much, or may be more,
than pay for the plate glass windows.
not mentionin' the stained ones, that
looked like flower beds set into his
walls, with wreaths and roses and
young children and blue sky and grass
and things. And there was my wife
and youngsters at home-if such a
place as we had finally got to could be
called home-with the windows filled
with old quilts and cushions and not
enough in the cupboard to eat to much
more than prevent them from goin' to
bed hungry. And this was New Years
night! 1t wasn't cheerful, CLOWN
outlook. no odds how perseverin' one
tried to be chirk gleeful over 1t.
Hank Harmon remarked as he took
his place at the table, with his back
agin the door to prevent anyone from
droppin' in unexpected. that likewise.
maxim rough, uneducated callation.
he he'd helped Joe Howard in the build
in Of his mansion, as the newspaper
called Joe's house-quite consider
able, even to the pinchin' Of his fam
lily for provisions and clothin'. Hank
callated he had done as much toward
the house, as the putin in of the
plumbing = pipin' = chandeliers, with
the furnace throwed in for fair meas
ure and good feelin', And speakin' of
the furnace. Hank happened to recol-
lect that there wasn't stick of wood
or a pound Of coal in his house, and
his wife was sick and his children not
sweatin' with bein' overlooked or
overfed. And reminescening along
this line, we naturally got dismal and
down-hearted and some of us-it was
me-for l needn't pretend to confuse
or forget anything that happened that
night-moved that we unanimously
take drink and l accordin' pulled the
cork from the white stone jug, with
the blue letterin' and wheat sheaf.
But Jim Cameron nor Hank nor Jim
Green held up their cups, but filled
mine in manly. don't-care way and
set close to the edge of the table by
me.
Jist then, Jim Green began to cry.
And it wasn't drunk, maudlin'
swashy cry that makes one tired, but
great, man, heart-breakin'-hea
full cry, not loud nor noisy, but low
and heavy with bitterness and re-
morse and the useless wishin's that
you hadn't done some things. And
while Jim cried we all looked away
and kinder above each others heads
and sneaked my cup Of whisky from
the table and emptied it without max
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1899-12-28

der the stairs or some equally insult
able and inadequately lighted and ven-
tilated place is thought good enough
for the purpose. In great number
the pantry is small offshoot from the;
house, the ceiling, floor and walls often!
being damp. owing to faulty construc-
ton; in some of these matters are
rendered worse by the water taps be-
ing placed therein without any pro-
vision being made for carrying away
the droppings from the taps or over
flow from vessels into which the water
is run. One OF the most frequent en-
tries in his inspection notebook Ii.
defective yard pavement" permit
ting soakage OF filth into the soil8
underneath. Not only is the soil thus
rendered good breeding ground for
pathogenic microbes, 1t also supplies
those conditions requisite for Increased
virulence.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1899-12-28
THE CHRISTMAS ROSE.

Twas Madelon, the little maid.
Alone upon the wintry hill;
The stars were bright, the wind was
still.
Grief at her heart. she wept and
prayed.
The shepherds passed her on their
way;
The magi, by the omen led,
She saw their gifts, heard what they
said;
But she must wait, and weep and pray.
The while she grieved shape drew
near,
And stood in glory at her side
The warrior angel" wise and tried,
Gabriel, in heaven without peer.
Sweetly he spoke and very low,
He laid his hand upon her head.
II have no gift to give" she said,
"And cannot with the shepherds go.
IT'S winter, and the cold wind blows,
And summer Is far away;
And if she heard me weep and pray,
She could not come, and bring the
rose"
A burst of glory burned around,
FLASHED up and down the barren hill;
Run, Madelon, pluck where you will
Along the warm and blossomy
ground!"
Flying along the flowery sward,
She plucked flower (the summer goes,
But still it stays), the Christmas rose,
A gift for Him, the infant Lord.
John Vance Cheney.
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1899-12-28
The Dining Room.

Women who are the delighted pos
Sessors of large, low-ceilinged dining
rooms. old oak furniture and precious
china are the envy of their less fortu-
nate sisters. A parlor never appeals
to woman as dining-room does.
She is always connecting some scheme
by which her dining-room can be made
more homelike. AS the dining-room
is frequently the living room also. 1t
should receive all possible care II it
is fairly large, has hardwood floor and
a deep window or two, it may be made
thing of beauty. The floors should
be polished or waxed, preferably dark.
and strewn with bright rug or two.
although lounge and chairs uphol-
stored in blue and white cretonne are
desirable for comfort and cheer. The
lounge must be broad and low, with
several durable pillows. This will be
appreciated by the head of the house.
says the New Orleans Picayune. Wall
paper In delft blue is most effective. al
though the color scheme may call Tor .
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1899-12-28

in any splashin' in the pail where
Hank tempers his boss shoes. After
a spell, Jim got where he could speak.
and we was all willin' he should have
the floor. He said he didn't know how
many houses he had helped to build.
but expected he had done his share.
but he did know, with sad certainty
Of one heart he had broken by his
hayward wicked ways. Jim didn't
say whose heart 1t was. but we all
knew it was his mothers. And she
had died alone and neglected list q
year ago. So many things happen just
a year ago! Then Jim begun again.
Che could talk like his father / sus-
pect) and said that while hs knew he
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1899-12-28
PUT THE Hoss BLANKET UP.

PUT THE HOSS BLANKET UP.
we're, and hold the sentences like a
bitter sweet morsel under my tongue.
My strength don't in any wise lay in
relatin' things and incidents, and it
will be good precaution, when warn
you not to break in into me and &C
cordingly interrupt me, for it will take
f1ne-haired and top sawyer work to
make my story look as II it had any
sense or meanin' at all. except to me
and the boys as understand it COM
plete.
Jist year ago tonight we met in
Hank Harmon's blacksmith shop to
celebrate the day by gettin' SO para
lyzin drunk, that we could disremem-
Der the miserable homes we had
sneaked away frum and the heart
broken and down-lookin' wives and
children we had left in them. We hung
a boss blanket over the biggest cracks
In the sides after Hank had fastened
the door, and then we was in shapeful
condition to guzzla and pour down
our red-hot, thirsty threats. jist as
much Of Joe Towards red-hot. pizen-
hot whisky as we could manage to get
with our tremblin' hands. to our weak.
waterin'. disgraced mouths. After this,
we know what would most likely hap
pen, judgin' of course by what had
happened before-we would fall over
amongst the cinders and boss hoof
iealins and old wagon tires and drag
teeth and scrap iron, where we would
sleep like hogs-hogs as had lost their
self-respect-until the cold and the
iuncomfortableness would wake and
sober us enough to crawl home to our
Wretched houses, which we would
make wretcheder and miserabler by
our comm.
We talked OF this tonight. and we all
remembered everything that was done
and said. as If it was writ on the black
walls of the shop with white heat run
MIN iron from the forge, and we all
agreed too. never to try to disremem-
her that night-the night when God or
some of his shinin', holy angels come
down to us and shamed US into bein'
decent, sober, Christ-lovin' men.
There is recollections." Jim Cam
Ieron said. "that alters ought to be
dyecollscted and kept like blazin' torch
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1899-12-28

principally from the manager. who
wants his rent guaranteed, and the
actors, who need their salaries. We
are also overstocked with Juliets and
fairly reek with Rosalinds."
She rose impatiently.
Then you don't give me any en-
couragement?"
mot in that line; no."
you don't think spoke well?"
LET us talk of something else"
mo. should like an answer
please"
well. then, II you must insist, I
didn't care for you in the speech"
She walked out. trembling with in
dignation.
Yesterday met her.
Beautiful still, but with look OF
hard experience in her eyes and her
dress quite shabby.
My heart warmed toward her, and I
seized her poorly gloved hand with
fervor.
II am sorry you were offended with
me- l murmured.
She heaved sigh.
you were quite right" she said.
land wish that had known it then"
you have been on the stage?"
Been on the stage?" she echoed,
The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1899-12-28
49, ~
'k 22EE|k|lggAE1>'>lTl[HlllI[lzzl1za

Resolve upon this New Years day
To "stop it," whatsoever it be!
Perhaps you like "the cup that cheers"
Perhaps you gamble recklessly;
Perchance you're libellous in tone;
Perhaps you're prone to sigh and
groan;
Perhaps you're temper's very bad;
You talk enough to drivetfolks mad;
You think that no one else is right;
You flirt with everything in sight;
You have an overbearing way,
Or tell your symptoms" night and
day;
Perhaps you dye the hair that's gray;
Perhaps your debts you do not pay;
Perhaps-oh, well, whate'er 1t be,
If with your world it don't agree,
And brings you care or misery,
Strike now the blow that sets you free!
Polly Pry.