davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02

power house staff Is made up OF spe-
cialists; out he Is at the beck and call
Of every one. and naturally the butt
Of thousand jokes and witticisms.
Mike wouldn't admit 1t to the others
for the price OF a generator, but he
feels his lack OF general standing
keenly, and he is prouder than king
of the fact that he is personally held
responsible for one thing about the
place-the black oil that lubricates the
machinery. Mike would almost risk
his life to keep 1t from oyerfiowing
the tank in the loft or getting low
in the one down cellar, and his heart
would break If the oil pump should
clog through any fault of his.
Tim has well-defined duties, like
most of his fellow workers. He hauls
in the coal for the big boilers, and he
understands the difference between his
level and Mikes right well, though
he tries hard not to show his feeling
Of superiority away from the power
house. Neither is young, both come
dressed in overalls all prepared for
their days work, and both begin with
out ceremony, often without waiting
for the steam whistles TO pipe the
hoarse announcement that another
workday has begun.
In all, the day gang at the average
Greater New York power house will
number from twenty-five to forty-five.
Those who do not cross the big floor
and climb the narrow stairs to the loft
before going to work are heads and
chiefs. There are five or six of these,
among them being the chief engineer,
who probably divides his time between
the several power houses of the COM
pany; the head engineer, to whom
every one connected with the steam
department of this house Is RESPONSE
BILE, and the floor engineer, who goes
about from engine to engine feeling
OF a bearing here and inspecting an
oil cup there from morning to night.
Besides, there are the chief electrician
and his staff. These men have their
own private lockers connected with
the power house office, and their duties
include the making of careful memo
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02

randa, on states, Of every conceivable
thing that goes on the whole day long.
Days Record.
II wouldn't be easy for you to read
the memoranda on one of these states,
but man visits the place at some time
every day in the year who can trans
late the cipherlike inscriptions with
the utmost facility. He transcribes
into a book as he translates, and when
he has finished rubs out the writing,
thus leaving the slate clear for fresh
records. When he goes away his book
contains a complete history of the
power house for twenty-four hours.
Manipulated by an expert in figures,
this record shows just how many tons
OF coal have been burned, Just how
much power developed and Just how
much power each huudredth part Of
a pound OF coal produced. besides other
data In plenty that the men who op-
crate electric roads and draw the divi-
dends therefrom like to bnow about.
At the company's main ONCE all these
data are analyzed and drawn off into
big volumes OF records, where they
may be compared with similar data
for the corresponding day last year
or from other power houses.
Besides the employees you expect to
see in power house, men OF at least
half dozen trades find work to do in
every such establishment OF magni-
tude. In such an establishment, which
the writer has frequently visited, the
pay-rolls bear the names of machin-
ist. a blacksmith, tinker. Each OF
these men has shop OF his own and
tools OF his own, and days on which
every one Of these artisans Is not busy
are rare indeed. In the nature oi
things. power house repairing must be
done on the spot, and should a day
roll round when nothing was out o.
order calling for the personal atten
ton OF any one OF the lot they ar,
sure to be short-handed In his line s.
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02
THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
Department of Insurance.

Company's Certificate of Authority
Whereas, The
AETNA INSURANCE COMPANY,
corporation organized under the laws of
Connecticut, has flied in this office Q
sworn statement exhibiting its condition
and business for the year ending Decem-
Der 81, 1898, conformable to the require.
ments of the laws of this state regulating
the business of insurance; and
Whereas, The said Company has. filed in
this office a duly certified copy of its char
ter, with certificate of organization, in com.
pliance with the requirements OF the insur.
ance law aforesaid;
Now. Therefore, /. L. G. Campbell, Com
missioner of Insurance Of the State OF
South Dakota, pursuant to the provisions
of said laws, do hereby certify that the
above named company is fully empowered
through its authorized agents to transact its
appropriate business Of Fire Insurance in
this state, according to laws thereof, until
the 3lst day of December. A. d. 1899
In testimony whereof, ] have hereunto
set my hand and seal at Pierre, this 18th
day OF January, A. d. 1899.
ISeal. l.. G.. CAMPBELL,
Commissioner Of Insurance
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02

like a gang OF Titans intent on serv-
Ing puny mankind, while all the gen.
orators hum and sing as the current
that drags the unwilling cars over the
rails Is sent on its mission through
the feed wires.
All day long the men have kept
steadily at their task; from Mike, the
cheerful utility man to the dude
tinker. Tim, the carter, has hauled
in the coal so much faster than 1t has
been burned that little mountain Of
1t is piled up on the steel floor between
the rows Of giant boilers. Right in
the midst of the biggest rush Of the
twenty-four hours the men of the day
shift are preparing to go home, and
the chaps who wear creased trousers
and high collars when OF duty are
thinking how they will amuse them.
selves In the evening.
What Ia that the chief is saying?"
queries the oiler Of the big engine.
The answer is burst Of profanity
from the man OF whom the question
was asked.
"Got to take out that leaky old valve
tonight between 1880 and daylight" "
the answer comes at last. "All hands
report at IL. That means purgatory
for every mothers son Of us. and no
sleep for me till tomorrow afternoon"
In this the speaker Is right, but
1t can't be helped, and after the first
remonstrant burst of expletives neith-
er he nor any one else grumbles or
complains. Every one has been ex-
pecting this Job for weeks, every one
knows 1t has beer put off long enough,
and every one knows that 1t can be
done only between midnight OF Sat
urday and the morning rush Of Sun
day. the quietest time Of the whole
week on the line. AS matter OF fact
1t is nearly noon the next day, .n-
stead of daylight. when the work OF
replacing the wornout two-ton valve
| by new one is completed. and every
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02
Twoscore Men and Their Work-keepina
the Daily Record Toll lncessdnt
at the Switchboard.

II Is at z in the morning, in the
msdst of the first big rush OF each
twenty-four hours, that the day be-
GINS at the power houses where they
produce the current for hauling troll
1ey ears in and about the business
ccngeries OF towns we call the Greater
New York, says the Press.
You would not need to look at the
sock to recognize the hour were you
lnitering about one of these great
s1sctricity shops In the early morning.
The approach OF z o'clock Is preceded
~ the dribbling arrival of a lot of
stafwart fellows, mostly young, many
- whom on entering the place are
earefuily clad In the tweeds or dag
uaals Of the ordinary business man or
clark.
-Four in every five OF these who
come earliest pass through the vast
apartment where the great engines la
bor and the big generators whine to
q marrow stairway leading to loft
where lockers and bath-tubs and roll
scr towels are much In evidence. There
ths early arrivals transform them
solves from men OF affairs to work
lngmen by stripping off their creased
kr0lsers, their up-to-date coats and
waist coats and their high collars and
substituting therefor wooden shirts
and oyeralls, in which the freest move
msnt Is comfortable and which can
nct be damaged by the oil and dirt
with which power house men must
eume in contact from time to time
through the day.
When he emerges from the loft the
tA1l. slender chap whose blue eyes
and waxed mustache struck ycur
fnAcy rs he came in may turn out to
- the oiler OF engine No. /, the pom
AsrOus 1000 horsepower machine with
. ninety-ton flywheel that stands over
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02
THE UBIQUITOUS GERMAN.

Ilis Bulldog Determination, superb
Physique and Fine Education.
II am able to speak Spanish fluent
ly," said a young man to New Or
leans Times-Democrat reporter, "and
what is more, l can take down both
Spanish and English in shorthand or
on the typewriter. The accomplish
ment Is by no means common In this
country, and 1 flattered myself that it
would make me peculiarly valuable in
our new colonial service.
80 I wrote to a congressan hap
pened to know quite well, stated what
I could do and expressed willingness
to serve my country at anywhere from
$3.50 to 5000 a month, gold. The
congressman replied in the course Of
a week or so and his letter gave me a
severe shock. He told me, in effect.
that qualifications in which had put
so muck confidence didn't amount to
row of brass pins In either Cuba or
Porto Rico. Both islands are overrun
with competent young Germans, young
Spaniards and even young Cubans who
can do all l can and throw in one or
two other languages for good measure.
Moreover, they are willing to work for
anywhere from $40 month up.
"The Germans take the lead. They
come over highly educated from some
one of the superb technical schools
in the fatherland with bulldog de.
termination to catch Oh, the physique
of Normandy horses and capacity
for economical living totally unknown
to the American. They I'LL nearly all
the clerical positions In the big mer-
camille houses, and lots Of them are
going into government service.
talked with a well-posted friend later
on. who fully confirmed my Washing.
ton letter. He told me he knew a cor.
respondence clerk in Havana who
handled letters In English, Spanish
French and German, and who was also
a first-class bookkeeper and account.
ant. He was Spanish-born Cuban
and had been getting $40 a month
which was considered big salary
Lately he applied for position on the
governors staff at $s5 and, naturally
he got it. l think, under the circum.
stances, I'll stay In the United States
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02

man engaged in the work, from :ae
chief engineer to old Mike, Is worked
out to the breaking point, besides re-
ing soaked to the skin by escaping
steam, and so in mental terror Of go
ing home lest the grip fasten itself
upon him.
Put it's all In a lifetime for those
who toll in power houses that you and
| may ride, and they'll every one for
get it as soon as they've had one good,
solid full nights sleep.
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02
NOVELTIES IN FAsH'oN'

Lace and embroidered
will be much used.
In designs for figured
Louis XVI. Louis XIV, ana :
dour effects will prevail.
Elaboration in trimming. pans
ly on the skirts, will not b can
as strong as during the pss' -
sons.
In parasols the rod ana ~.
match the outer silk. A So
will be Of double silks WIN -
ings. ~
The white pique skirt cln
summer is to be exceeded tAs
the addition OF pink. blue anu
ones. . mi
The trend of fashion in SILKS y. "
toward quiet effects in plalu n 4
and dainty tone combina''oN
elites. .,,s
The Louis XVI. coats in 's. I
yived this winter, will be pu !, y
dence for the cooler aa''
spring. ,.,,s 4
The old silver belt cls.s @ W
French gray finish ana n'' su,pil
will be the smartest. Inc /
will be quite passe. ..,r II
Black and white, either Ain "oipt, y
combination, will be grea. ,psa, ~, ~
a color view, although orlii.s, s,,a
Will be very we'll Representa-. a
For the tailor-made, app vii
and much machine stitchlns !. sua|
tain on smooth faced faor,., "A n
broadcloth. For rough-su,',s las IN
the seams will be plain anu
ing used.
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02

= The corner and does az much work
- any two other engines In the house.
1As rather stout young chap whose
sxfremely ruddy, rounded face, clear
e1nv eye and rather supercilious man
~ suggest q certain fiction writer
WncA admired by the matinee girls OF
Unr times In belize the tinker OF the
as&aAljshment. The smiling exquisite
whose tan gloves and faultlessly Mt
aang crtaway coat attracted your at
eznfSon as he entered is the switch
bard man. The broad-shouldered.
Gaixhtly onesided man with beard.
whose face looks like a preachers,
whose body suggests Sharkey's and
Mo wore q frock coat and tall silk
Ia when he climbed the narrow stairs,
- he blacksmith.
BY the time they are half through
ghsar elaborate changes Of dress the
lnasr arrivals are stringing in. They
me not dressed SO carefully and do
nSk have to make SO many prepara-
1i== before setting to work. They
may or may not be higher priced men.
Ama they are greater philosophers, ant
sAey value the extra half hour of
S1ssp that is theirs, because they come
% The power house ready for work,
absre rubiee Of fine raiment.
Mike and Tim.
TIE two men to come last are hailed
Win raillery by all the gang. They
nre Mike and Tim.
Mike is general utility man. He
Ans as many bosses as there are mer
= the house. and he must do what
ever he Is bid. from skinning out I,
sAs restaurant block and half ava.
aw . sandwich craved by hungr,
vsrkman to holding a chisel while
sAflIed artisan strikes under the di
.<-tion Of the machinist. who wants
ssssa, part cut of cold, where 1t Is, !
~ course Of repairing an engine Q
. senerator. Every man Of the Who'll
sprre has regular duties to MI ever
rranuts Of the day save Mike. for tn
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02

| some other one OF the company's
| power houses.
| Busiest OF All.
| In sense the switchboard man is
| by far the busiest of all the power
house employees. II is true that he
| spends the greater part of his time
polishing up the bright metal of the
various indicators about the board and
the brass handrail of the stairs that
lead to the elevated gallery where he
works. But the work is more for the
purpose OF keeping him alert than
anything elese. 1t Is his real busi-
ness to look out for breaks in circuits
and to close the circuits when breaks
come, and he isn't allowed TO sit down
a moment from the beginning to the
end of his day.
AS matter of fact, it's trihe mis-
leading to say he is watching for
breaks in circuits. They don't need TO
be watched for. They announce them
selves with loup pops, which sound
like rifle shots, each making a long
binding flash of light terrifying to the
outsider, and apparently startling
enough to unnerve the most hardened
switchboard man himself. But the
dividual for an instant Whenever a
circuit is broken ne simply pulls back
lever or two and stamps hard upon
a pedal to make the connection again.
Sometimes, when the breaks come
thick and fast, the switchboard man
has to hop around like pea on a hot
griddle, and then he sweats and may
be swears, but he never loses his head,
or II he does. he loses something else
at the same time, and that Is his Job.
The last big snowstorm was a good
deal Of a trial to every switchboard
man within fifty miles of New York.
One, whose troubles are sometimes re-
hearsed in the writer's hearing, had
$50 breaks to look after in a single
day of twelve hours, and was limp
and almost nerveless when he left his
post at night.
Regulating the Power.
BY the time YOU have taken note of
all these things. the mid-morning lull
Is on, and the big nemometer shows
that less than 5000 amperes are being
consumed by the roads served with
electricity by this power house, and
one or more of the big engines is cut
out. Before midday an increase of
power Is again demanded, and the en-
gine that was cut out is perhaps set
to work again. In mid-afternoon
there Is another lull, but by 4:30 the
indicator shows the power to be heav-
lily drawn on once more, and before
5 all the engines IN. the house are
working together with giant strokes,
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02
Storyette,

"Jube" Josey, constable OF the towr
of Claiborne, Tex, was recently to levy
on some calves in stable, but his mis-.
sion was unsuccessful for the reasons
set forth in the following memoran-
dunn. which he jotted down on the
levy before returning II to the Court:
"The above calves were seable through
the kraks, but not gitable. as the dool
was locked"
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA,
Insurance Department.

I. L. c. Campbell, Commissioner Of In
surance, of the State of South Dakota, do
Of the original statement now on file in this
office.
In witness whereof, | have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of this office
at Pierre, this 3rd day OF February. 1899.
TSeal.l L. C. CAMPBELL,
Commissioner Of Insurance.
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
Insurance Department.

/, l.. c. Campbell. Commissioner of In
surance of the State of South Dakota, do
hereby certify that the above is true
copy OF the original statement now on file
at this office.
In witness whereof l have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal OF this Office
at Pierre. this 10th day of January, 1899.
[Seal. l.. G. CAMPBELL,
Commissioner of Insurance
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02


q corporation organized under the laws OF
London, Eng, has filed in this office sworn
statement exhibiting its condition and bus
mess for the year ending December 81,
1898, conformable to the requirements Oft the
laws of this state regulating the business
of insurance; and
Whereas, The said company has filed in
this office duly certified copy OF its char
ter. with certificate OF organization in com.
pliance with the requirements OF the insur-
ance law aforesaid;
Now, Therefore, /. l.. c. Campbell, Com.
missioner of Insurance OF the State of
South Dakota, pursuant to the provisions
of said laws, do hereby certify that the
above named company is fully empowered
through its authorized agents, to transact
its appropriate business Of Life insurance
in this state. according to the laws thereof,
until the 3lst CAV Of December, A. d.,
1890.
In Testimony Whereof. have hereunto
sct nv hand and seal at Pierre, this 2nd
day Of February 1899.
[Seal.l l.. c. CAMPBELL,
COr,-. rs;~-s- os Insurance
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02
STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA
Insurance Department

I, l.. C.. Campbell, Commissions Of Y
surance OF the State of Sou Dakoa' Y
hereby certify that the aNoye ~
copy of the original statement nov Oa y
in this office.
In witness whereof. ! have hereun'e
nv hand and affixed the se Of tns ls eaA
at Pierre, this 3lst day OF January, iM
lSeaI l.. c. CAMPBELL
Commissioned Of lasaraa
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02
ANNUAL STATEMENT

For the Year Ending December 81, 1898,
of the Condition and Affairs OF the
BRITISH AMERICA ASSURANCECOM.
PANY OF TORONTO,
Organized under the laws OF Canada,
made to the Commissioner OF Insurance OF
the State OF S. nth Dakota IN pursuance Of
the laws of said state.
President-Geo. A. Cox.
Vice President-J. j. Kenny.
Secretary--P. H. Sims.
Principal Office, Is and 20 Front st. +,
Toronto, Canada.
Organized or incorporated, 1893.
Commenced business, 1895.
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02

Province OF Ontario, C3glsr of York \
J. j. Kenny, Vice President, and p n
Sims, Secretary %. the Br,G i Amera \
sUrance COMPANY Of Toronto, Cial3
being duly sw0rn deD5se ara a
that the foregoing is "a
true and correct statement Of The sEaa
said company; ,hat they have exaaasl z
foregoing schedules, respectively degas
as schedules "a. 'B", &C" and ID. r.51
the same are and each il full, true d
correct schedule and stltel nj Of tx a
eral matters purpOrtns I covered
said schedules, or any or ether Of tta
TO the best OF : r knowledge and I'D
That the Aid rance COMPANY / 1
bona-fde owneI a. least One Hant
Thousand Dol IA, o.: val cash capital \
vested in state and United States loo
and bonds, or in bonds and mOrtass 4
real estate unincumbered, and worth al
BILE the amount for which the sane i md
gagged: and they are the above tesGld|
officers of said Insurance COMPANY.
J. j. KENNY. Vice Preadrt
p. II. SIMS. Secretary
Subscribed and sworn 10 before ne "
oath day of January, 1899
TSeall II. D. GAMBLE,
Notary Pubal
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02

State of New York, County of New
York, IS. A. II. Ray, Assistant Manager
of toe Commercial Union Assurance Com
pany of London, England, being duly
sworn, deposes and says that the foregoing
is full, true and correct statement OF the
affairs of said Company; and they are the
above described officers of said Insurance
Company.
A. H. RAY, Assistant Manager.
Subscribed and sworn TO before me, this
9th day of January. 1899.
[Seal.l EDWIN +. CAREY,
Notary Public.
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02
THE STATE OF SOUTH DAhViA
Denavtmenr OF Insurance.

Company's Certificate oil AatAOnsl
Whereas, The
BRITISH AMERICA Asslhn
COMPANY,
a corporation organized under the as
Canada. has filed in this othce " v:
statement exhibiting It's CONDITION ags u n -
ness for the year ending December %, 4 r.
conformable to the redulrene.
laws of this state regulating the Ou'in''
insurance; and h, GA 4
Whereas, the said COMPANY hs ny
this office a duly certified copy q y = q,
ter. with certificate OF organlla1Ua =
pliance with the requirements Oh '''
ance law aforesaid; ~ c,m,h.l ~
Now, therefore, ], l.. Z; eainpyS,, ~,
missioner of Insurance oil ,Ls tne a,as,s sss
South Dakota, pursuant 20 tne XII, n,
of said laws, do hereby certify y.,saa,, m
above named Company Is iuliy .p..S emS
through it's authorized agents . .s., s',,s,r
appropriate business OF fire Insa is. M.
thi, state. according to the ax' n nj
until the 3lst day or December, N ~
In testimony whereof, | have I'M M
set my hand and seal at fierre'
dav of January, 1899. c,NpRCTL
leeaA'I Commissioner rs Of Iasn'
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02
ANNUAL STATEMENT

For the Year Ending December, 81, A. d.
1898, OF the Condition and affairs OF the
AETNA INSURANCE COMPANY, OF
HARTFORD.
Organized under the laws of Connecticut,
made to the Commissioner of Insurance OF
the State OF South Dakota, in pursuancs
OF the laws of said state. --
President--Wm. b. Clark.
Vice President-E O. Weeks.
Secretary--W FL. King.
Principal office, Hartford, Connecticut.
Organized or incorporated June, 1919.
Commenced business August IL, 1919.
CAPITAL.
Capital stock actually paid in
cash p....................7 f,VV,VVV'oV
PROPERTY OR ASSETS Or THE COM
PANY.
Cash value of real estate. ....s %, GO
Cash in office. ...,............ l,120.@
Cash on deposit. ........... 79O,1W.s5
Accounts mot over three
months old) due from
agents ......... ........... Al,fOosz4
-Pgemlums in course of collec- -.-- -
Brookings weekly register. (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1898-1903, 1899-03-02
ANNUAL STATEMENT
For the Year Ending December 81, A. d.
1898, of the Condition and Affairs OF the
COMMERCIAL UNION ASSURANCE
COMPANY OF LONDON,

VTRdHIZtU uHutF tHt 1--WE OF TIgdH1, IfIdut
to the Commissioner OF Insurance OF the
State OF South Dakota, in pursuance o. the
laws of said state.
Manager-A. Il. Ray.
Attorneys for Service Of Process in the
State of South Dakota Information fur
nished by Commissioner OF lnsuranc,)
Organized or incorporated September,
1861. Commenced business January, 1871