davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1900-12-15
THROUGH A SPINSTER'S
SPECTACLES.
IBY eta MATHESON

The campaign Is over, ana the uedu-
ly calm which follows a cyclone has
fallen upon us. The wrecking COM
panies have bid for the debris and are
hauling il out of sight as fast as pos
sible. I notice among it some broken
hearts, many blasted hopes, blighted
ambitions and a multitude of dead is
sues, the spawn of political mesal-
liances, which it were well to bury
deep and quickly.
Battle axes are sheathed; war paint
dries in the can; torches can be had
for next to nothing, and red light is
given away at the dismantled head
quarters.
The swan song of silver dies in the
rustic of the corn shocks, and the old
est inhabitants are making them
selves disagreeable and conspicuous,
by telling how it all came about. Jack
slaps Bill on the back, and gives vent
to the little pleasantly with which we
are SO familiar-.Sore, are you, old
man? Well, l told you"
There is such quantity of those 81
told you-so" people. 1 look with posi-
tive amazement on the humble posi-
lions occupied by these omnipotent
gentlemen. 1t seems so queer that the
ends of their trouser legs are always
frayed, several buttons generally miss
ing from their overcoats, and that
they invariably want to borrow dol
lar from the men to whom they are
demonstrating their perspicacity.
They remind me of an old shoemak-
er in the town where l was born. AZ
ter every battle lost by our troops, he
used to say, Il knowed i'll knowed
it. 1 cud a-told you SO; now eff l had
a-ben that general I'd of fetched col
ume up here" indicating the position
with his awl on the well-worn bench
IAN I'd of brung a coiume down
there"
Nobody ever waited to find out what
he would have done with the rest OF
his "columes," but everybody felt that
a great strategic leader had been lost
to no purpose but that mems soles
might be saved.
After three months of intense excite
ment and uncertainty, as a nation, as
cities and families, We find it exceed
ingly difficult to shake ourselves into
the old familiar ruts again. Since
shouting paeans of victory, it is hard
to attune the vocal chords to the hum
bic ditties Of everyday life. Ameri-
cans particularly have an abnormal
appetite for excitement to which the
age of electricity panders in a highly
satisfactory degree. If the Dowager
Empress has a few diplomats served
up as soup for dinner with a mission
airy or two thrown in as entrees, we
know it the next day in all its grew
some details. We like it, too; in fact
it would probably be impossible to
serve our daily news to us too highly
spiced. We have no laundering after
mush and milk-our palate has been
scared by condiments.
The newspapers know this and en-
deavor to meet the demand; if a bunch
of sur "dailies" should be dropped
over the side of some air ship into a
quiet Dutch village, can fancy the
CONSERVATION Of the worthy burghers.
They would undoubtedly imagine that
the entire population of the new world
was being hurled into eternity by way
Of the bowie knife, sand bag, poison or
The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1900-12-15
THE COURIER.


tive of the buds forced into premature
maturity by the high pressure of mod
ern social life.
She had just had her hair washed.
'Tn water with little speck of soda
in it to make the hair fluffy" she ex-
planned, as she sat in the sunny win
dow, picturesque in a Chinese gown
with the fluffy hair in gorgeous disar-
ray.
She was such a dainty picture of
luxurious idleness, that suddenly be-
came conscious that the ends of my
gloves were rather worn, my hat a
last seasons creation, and that my
tout ensemble proclaimed loudly that
l owed my entire here, because of the
faint aroma about me of the long van
ished glory of my family. l winked
hard as hundreds of protesting ghosts
of as many dead joys passed before my
mental vision. Why do respectable
ghosts not stay in their graves?
do make yourself comfortable, Miss
Roxy. Mama will be in presently; in
the meantime, talk to me-" Young
things have a way of confiding in me-
1t is the chief joy of my rather color
less existence.
Il suppose you are delighted at the
prospect of another seasons gayety,
aren't you, Grace?" l began pulling
of my worn gloves-I have rather
pretty diamond ring left-and settling
myself in an easy rocker.
Delighted? Well, not exactly. l
don't know why l should be, Miss
Roxy. Now you do over and over the
things that you must do, and 1 sup
pose you get rather tired of it all, but
then you get your salary, too. Now
l do over and over the same things,
because there is nothing else for me
to do, and it is rapidly reducing me
to imbecility."
''But, Grace, isn't there constant dis
traction in all these social affairs you
go to? l see your name constantly"
She gave a scornful little laugh and
turning to her desk near by, picked up
a handful of little white envelopes.
do you imagine that these repre-
sent much excitement? I have eaten
thro' one season of Balduff's salad and
ices at over hundred afternoons, I'M
til the monotony Of it all drives me
distracted. have felt sometimes like
chewing up the paper cases on the
scallops and marion glaces, just by
way Of variety, you know"
well, am certainly surprised. l
thought if there was satisfied person
in this city it should be you; what is
the trouble?"
There isn't any trouble specially
Life is disgustingly smooth sailing
for me. If the coachman were even
passable looking, would elope with
him. You see," lifting her shining
name and letting it drop several times,
81 was educated and accomplished
with as much pains as if I were to
have foreign mission-and I came
back hereto what? Listen to this"
pulling out the contents of one of the
little white envelopes, "'Mrs. H
at home to 6. Cards or this, Mrs.
Bat homes to 5. Kensington.'
and this, Mrs. X. Y. 2. At home, 2 to
4. Reception The rest repeat the
same story. l see the same women at
all of them, and after the first few
times the same clothes. If Mrs. A
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
YOAKUM OBSERVED BIRTHDAY
A LARGE CROWD AIDED IN CELE-
BRATION OF ANNIVERSARY.
Speaker of the Day-sports in
the Afternoon.

Yoakum, Texas, July 27.--The weather
this morning was all that could be de-
sired for loakum's annual celebration,
this being the thirteenth anniversary OF
the founding OF the town. At an early
hour people began pouring In from all
directions from the country and surround
Ing towns and by the time the parade
started, 1880 a. m. the streets were
lined with people. On arriving at the
picnic grounds the address of welcome on
behalf Of the citizens of Yoalum was
delivered by Thomas Smoot, Esq, in his
usual interesting style. The feature OF
the morning was an address by Hon.
Thomas II. Ball, who, for about an hour,
held his audience interested in the polit-
ical situation.
The address of Mr. Ball was we'll re-
ceived In his eloquent style he told what
the democratic party stands for; showed
that the safety OF the country depends
on the success Of democracy in Novem-
ber
At noon a free barbecue was served
to the immense crowd. In the afternoon
various means Of entertainment We're pro-
vided, consisting of foot races, horse races,
baseball games.
The Yoakum brass band furnished good
music and for those who desired to dance
a good platform was provided. Altogether
this anniversary celebration was one OF
the most successful in Yoakums history
and the management are justly proud.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
Is SOUGHT
By the Dallas Commercial Club 10 End The
Street Car Strike.
THE MANAGEMENT OF THE ROAD IS SILENT
As to whether II VIII BE n Party TO
the PIan-Fair Management Is
Also Involved.

Dallas. Texas. July 27.--The executive
bonrd OF the State Federation OF Labor
this afternoon met the board of directors
of the Dallas Commercial club by previous
arrangement to consider the strike Of the
union motormen on the Dallas Consolidat-
ed street railway. The Commercial club
directors were asked to sign petition to
the railway company officials requesting
them to submit the differences between
themselves and the men to arbitration.
The directors signed the paper and 1t will
on tomorrow be presented to the manage
ment of the Texas State fair and 20 Mayor
Caben and the other municipal officers,
Including members of the board of alder
men, for their signatures. The street rail-
way officials have all along refused to
arbitrate the differences and they give no
statement as to what they will do with the
new propOsition
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
------~4kl1-'
FORGED TIME CHECKS.
Calvert Merchants Caught for About
Two Hundred Dollars.

Calvert. Texas. July 27.-Mr. l.. Welch,
a subcontractor on the Corslcana, Waco
and Brazos Valley extension 20 Marlin,
went before Justice L. A, Bergeron yes
terday and preferred charges agslns, two
of his former workmen. charging them
with forging two time checks, amounting
10 more than $40. The men had discount
ed the checks at J Adoue's bank. peck
eted the money and skipped. The forged
instruments were so cleyery executed tha4
It required the closest scrutiny OF the
contractor 70 detect The fraud. Later in
the day it was discovered that several
prominent merchants Of the city had been
taken In by the same men and thai the
forgers had altered time checks of small
denominations aggregating about 5000 in
Calvert.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
NOTES AND PERSONALS,


Secretary of State Hardy has gone to
Galveston.
Mr. Boatwright and family returned to-
day to their homo in Bryan.
]. C. Newton, editor OF the Coke Coun-
ty Rustler. is in town on brief visit.
Engineer Thompson of the railroad COM
mission has just completed very artistic
map of the State. He has been at work
on it for some time.
Governor s=yers and Chairman Reagan
of the railroad commission left this
morning for Rockdale to attend tina Con-
federGte soldiers meeting at that place.
Prof Yancey Lewis, the new law pro-
lessor in the university, has arrived in
town. He will be here for some time be-
fore his final trip to the indian Territory.
The assessment rolls of Tom Green
county were received by che comptroller
today. They show total valuation of
SO ,995 ,617, an increase of S140,602 over last
year.
State Health Officer Blunt received ad-
vices from Mason today to the effect that
the smallpox at that point was well under
control and there was no danger of it
spreading.
Mayor Hicks of San Antonio has filed a
sS00.00 issue OF street improvement bond
with the attorney general for his approval,
Several miles of new streets are contem-
plated for the Alamo City
The insurance department has just col
lected 1916 back taxes from n premium
life insurance company aud recently coll
lected sl67S in the same manner. The coll
lection was mado as a result OF an exam
inaton of the company's records.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
SHORT llX1S SPECIALS.

FORT WORTHY police are now en-
gagged in clearing the town of negro loafers.
BELLNlLI.B There is considerable sclI-
pcss In the country. caused hy too much
rain.
HEARNE.- Much sickness in the bottoms
is reported aud several deaths have recently
occurred.
ALVIN ~ The Hrst meeting OF the Pea
CIowerE' association will be held here Satui :
day afternoon.
TEMPLE Wheat continues to come in in
large quantities and the warehouses are
rapidly getting filled up.
WEBST Err. Sickness of malarial nature
is beginning to result from the frequent
showers. which keep the ground soaked.
MONTGoMERY.--L Horner. son OF the
rustcr OF the Methodist church. was drowned
while in bathing: he was about q years old.
TYLER .--Arrangements are be>s made
here to have an old settlers reunion during
the latter pars ef August or tho first par.
Of September.
KlLLEEN. --Claud Debo, living near here.
wa shot and probably fatally wounded by
nm unknown person II is believed the shot
was the result OF carelessness.
LOVELADY George Ana Jones' oolored.
was found dead IN her house. her heud hay-
ing boon crushed with an AK. The officers are
seaIthng for suspected party
MOuITON One OF three negroes found
proving about residence was wounded and
captured the man is from Flatona HIS
wound is in the left side and may prove Sc
sious.
CORsICANA. While playing in the yard
In font OF his fathers house, tho ar-old
son Ct Mr.. Jade Wilson was kicked ON the
head bv a horse that was grazing in the
yard ana his skull crushed
FORT WoRTH.-E. c. and G. G. Harris
horn have liicd suits against the pullman
Palace Car company for the sum of 500
each The claims are for damages on ac-
count Of being elected from train.
/ CoRsICANA. Different committees arc
hard at work preparing for the reunion OF
Parsons brigade. which will be held In this
city August and 3. Adylces are to the
effect that in proportion to the number of
living members OF the brigade. this viii be
one Of the largest reunions since the war.
GAINEsNILLE,--The old settlers Of Cooke
county will hold their annual reunion al
Gainesville. August and 3, They viii be
;olned by Joseph r. Johnston camp 10, llg,
/ L. c. V. who will hold reunion of Coined
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
TEXAS POLITICAL NOTES.

Colmesneit Texas, July 26.-J. r..
Grubbs OF this place has consented 10
enter the race for congress with S, b.
Cooper in this district Mr., Grubbs is a
well known republican.
Austin, Texas, July 27.-The county
democratic executive committee meets to-
morrow for the purpose Of acting one
way or the other in the Morris Walker
contest over the district judgeship nonii-
nation.
Caldwell. Texas, July 27.-The primary
conventions for county nominations are
being held In the county today. The one
at Caldwell Is largely attended and =
great deal of interest Is manifested. No
reports as yet.
smithville, Texas, July PA large and
enthusiastic crowd-friends OF Hon. e.
P. Curtis. candidate for railroad COM
mtssioner-met this week and organized II
"Curtis club" with a membership Of fully
100, which will be largely increased
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
THE GUADALUPE FLOOD.
Great Damage was Done Near Gem
ter Point.

-
ter Point.
Center Point Texas. July 22.--The evil
dences OF the Unprecedented food OF July
10 will long remain on the Guadalupe
river throughout this valley on the torn
and twisted cypress trees that have with
stood tina storms and foods OF probably
centuries before. Thousands of bushels OF
grain were swept away In the shocks upon
farms, It was not thought possible the
rlse in the river would ever reach
The roller mills of w. H. witt e. Co.
were damaged With the products Of the
mill included TO the amount or $500.
Mrs. Addie Barlumcnn's house was
swept away and nearly everything lost.
The families Of Mr.. Sam Davis. w. H.
Witt. w. f. Jetose, Mrs. Michael Brophy
and Mr., w. G. Cooke were driven front
their houses by tho water, which in some
Instances reached a depth OF four feet,
greatly damaging all household effects
Numbers OF wagons, buggies and stock
were also washed away and lost.
The roads along the river and especially
the crossings of same are ruined and in
many cases impossible.
Tho commissioners court was called In
special session last Friday by County
Judge W. w Burnett 20 devise ways and
means to try to meet tho emergency and
repair the damages 10 the roads and
bridges. The funds OF the county were
deemed inadequate to do more than merely
patch up and make passable the roads
at present
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
Fort worth to Have n Fair.

Fort Worth, Texas, July 2T.-An effort
is being made to form a racing and fair
association IN Fort Worth and IL the sue
cess thus far attained Is fair test the
venture will prove successful. Two dave
ago Mr.. George Gordon began 10 circu-
late among the men who are most likely
to be interested In the formation of a fair
association In this city and last night re-
ported that he had succeeded in securing
subscriptions to the amount OF $4,000.
Mr Gordon has only secured this sum
from three parties. II Is intended that
the capital stock shall be $4,000 and will
all he paid in
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
IT FREE TO MEN
\ Remarkable Remedy That
Hkiy Restores Lost ytgor
tn Men.
Trial Package Sent by Mail
To All Who Write.

lal packages OF a most remarkable
~ being mailed to all who viii
state Medical Institute. They cured
men who had battled for years
n mental and physical suffering OF
pooa' that the institute has decided
'ute Tree trial packages to all who
home treatment and all men
y WIN any form OF sexual weakness
from youthful folly. premature loss
ia ana memory, weak back, yari-
emaclaaon OF parts can now cure
treuS has peculiarly grateful effect
ana seems TO act direct to the
Naliop- giHi' strength and develop
I "here u is needed Ii cures all
70 doubles that come from years
Oh me natural functions and has
osoiute success In all cases. A re-
XIV state Medical Institute. 469 ElelS-
riug, 1T. Wayne. Ind. stating that
i one OF their free trial packages
Emplied with promptly. Tho Ineti
.s,fous OF reaching that great class
~ are unable 10 leave home 10 be
tne free sample will enable them
easy 1t Is TO be cured of sexual
nueh the proper remedies are em-
ne institute makes no restrictions.
NO writes will be sent a free sam
uly sealed in plain package so
need have no fear OF en-
or publicity. Readers are re-
Site without delay.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
JOHN RENFR0 HANGED AT LAST
HAD BEEN THRICE RESPITEu
WHEN NEAR THE GALLONS.
SIandcred "a Young Indy and Then
Murdered Her Aged Father, VINO
Was Not Armed.

Cleburne Texas, july 27.-At 1912
for the murder of NJ. NJ. Williams. The
doomed man was given an opportunity u
say his last words on earth. He sad
MEN and friends-You, of course, expect
ing particular to say. but would not be
true to myself If I did not say that a
great injustice has been done me. But
have forgiven every enemy and all who
have had any hand in bringing me to this
point. l have no malice toward any man;
we all have to die some time and my time
is now. OF course life is dear to me as
TO any one. but | have resigned myself
and will cheerfully meet the requirements
OF the law"
He died perfectly composed, without a
tremor. His neck was broken by the fall,
and not a muscle quivered after the drop.
Renfro wac a single man, not yet 30
years OF age; at the time OF the murder
in February, 1893, he was on trial for Sian
dering Miss Nora Williams, the daughter
OF Nj. NJ. Williams. The case had been
called for trial, and Renfro, Williams his
daughter and witnesses had arrived 10
participate In the trial. Renfro met old
man Williams at the south soor OF tue
court house and shot him several times,
The Old man lived but a few minutes.
The testimony in the murder trial later
proved that Mr.. Williams was totally un
armed. Renfro was Immediately arrested
and lodged in Jail on a charge of murder.
Later his case came 10 trial. His a;tor-
ueys plea was self-defense, but the jury
returned a verdict OF guilty and assessed
his punishment at death. An appeal was
taken, and the finding of the lower court
sustained. Then Renfro's attorneys went
before the governor and he twice re-
spited Renfro while the papers presented
to him were being examined. After due
examination the governor refused to ia
terfere. Just before the day OF execution,
July 8, his brother filed an affidavit Of
lunacy.
Judge Hall at once proceeded 20 the
trial OF the case and after four days of
trial the jury found him sane. Judge Hail
then reset the day OF execution for July
q. Renfro belonged TO good family.
and UP to the time of the SANDER Trial
bore "a fine reputation. He was a good
looking man, fairly well educated and OF
good address.
lie became reconcilcl TO his fate some
time ago. This Is the third execution
within three years in Cleburne and all
three OF the criminals were named John.
They are John wilkins, John Shaw and
John Renfro.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
Nd CITY NEWSlTEMS
Made by The United States Court
/ in Special Session.
\ THE la PORTE CASE AMENDED
rdy Complains at HIS Treat
by Governor nogg-A Big
sawfisb Captured.

~ Texas. July 27.--The United
,,,r, held a special session today
called for the hearing OF the
7 Tullock Us. The Galveston
porte Railway Company. The
las disposed OF and the court ad-
u,rse of Mrs. c. NJ. Alexander
southern Home Building and
bociat lion the appointment of John
leton as receiver was confirmed
eiyen authority to institute suit
due said company.
oanse OF Alonzo J. Tullock vs..
La Porte and Houston Rail-
0napy the appeal from the final
distribution was heard In the
hates court this morning Oh fol-
.artIes. Galveston. Houston and
Railway company, w. G. Coroett,
Ia Car company. First National
|uouston and l.. j. Smith. Tho
, The court was that the final de-
Iistribut!on of November Is, 1899,
bended as to direct the payment
Rate and municipal taxes out OF
In the registry of the court and
coets Of said appeal of the CAL
Houston and Northern Railway
tine taxes amount to $l4,9i2,l6 and
pt the appeal $259.25 and that the
Aus amended be affirmed.
matter of the ST. Charles Car
the decree was so amended as
out the sum OF $2S6S.39 and In
leu thereof s14, 1882 il class B.
matter OF W. c. Corbett, the First
bank of Houston and l.. j. Smith
decree was affirmed.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
FRANCHISE TAXES.
Dallas County Filed suits Against
Corporations.

Dallas, Texas. July 26.-rwo additional
franchise suits were filed by the State in
the district court here today. making
three in all. The former suit was against
the Texas and Pacific Railway company,
and those today against the South western
Telegraph and Telephone company and he
Weggern Union Telegraph company In the
cause against the telephone company taxes
are alleged 10 be due for the years 1897
and 1898, amounting to SlL2S) for the
State and $l4S50 for the county the
amount of damage sued for Is $4,000.
In the suit agaius: the Wes ern Union
taxes for ehe years 1891, 1893 ana 1899 are
claimed the amount being placed at S37.
900 for tho state and s40, no for the coun-
". The suit is also for $4,000 DAMAGES.
In both cases per cent interest since
January 81, 1900. is added to The amount
of taxes caimed.
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
BUSINESS MATTERS
Bank for Mineral Wells.

Mineral Wells, Texas, July 26,- The
comptroller of the currency has granted
permit for a National bank to be opened
here the LIST Of August; capital stock S25,-
600 The directors and stockholders are
Cicero Smith. J. l., Cunningham. II. ~.
Frost. j. II. Smith, J. w. Smith, sydney
Smith. Officers; Cicero Smith, president.
j. L. Cunningham, vice president II. Y.
Frost. cashier, and j. A. Jones. assistant
cashier
The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-07-28
RATIFICATION AT DALLAS.
Most of the Prominent Democrats In
the Stnte Invited. ~ IxnnI

Fost VI inc Irohiucnt democrats In
the State Invited, as Usual.
Dallas, Texas, July 27--At a special
meeting of the Young Mems Democratic
club held on last Friday night commits
tee consisting OF c. a. Rasburv. Curtis
Hancock. George D. Armistead. r. L. Win
frey Walter S. Lennon and President
K. Il. Lee Gano, was appointed TO de-
termine whether the club should hold
big democratic ratification meeting The
committee reported tonight in favor OF
the proposition and recommended elab-
crate plans and details. Thursday night.
August 16. was determined on as the
date. 1t was ordered that the, club in
vite United States Senators Culberson aud
Chiffon, Governor Sayers, Congressman
Bailey. Ball, Cooper, Kleberg. De Graffen-
reid, Henry, Slayden. Stephens, Lanham,
Burleson, Shepard and Burke and the
nominee of the democratic party In thu
Tenth congressional district Hon. George
f. Burgess of Gonzales