davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21

There were two Of us and we had
between us surplus of three or four
dollars. We cast about for something
to do with our money. Suddenly an
idea occurred to the Three-Spot. 1t
isn't very often that this happens, but
the surplus probably did it on this
occasion.
Il have it," he said. He didn't mean
the money, for the Two-Spot was care
full to keep that in his pocket. Il have
it," he repeated. Lets go along the
street until we find some poor, ragged
children looking eagerly in the shop
windows. Then we'll find out what
they want most and go in and buy
it."
Good" replied the Two-Spot, but
what shall we do with the rest OF the
money!"
We'll go till we're tired, and I
guess they'll be no rest for the
weary"
And SO we started out And let 1t be
recorded here that we had visions OF
swarms Of ragged children gazing into
every window along the business
streets. But in this we were doomed
to disappointment Early in the aft
ernoon there was not one poor look
ing child who was not trudging along
beside its mother. The latter gener-
ally had an armful of parcels and
was evidently intent on purchasing
more. Up and down the entire length
Of Woodward avenue we went with
out spying one child who was likely
looking candidate for our magnanim-
ity. Then we tried Gratiot avenue.
Surely there would be lots Of them, we
thought, on Gratiot avenue, little Poles
and German children. But we walked
nearly out to the railroad tracks, up
one side and down the other, and set
eyes on never a one.
The Three-Spot was beginning to
cast eyes on some new pipes in the
store windows and made several re-
marks about the desirability of having
stein on ones mantel.
do you know" said he to the Two
Spot, Il don't believe there are any
poor, ragged children looking into
store windows"
The Two-Spot replied that it wasn't
time, yet; that their hours for looking
into windows did not begin until
three-thirty or four. Then we came to
the front of very big store, with a
Santa Claus scene up over the great
entrance and sleigh bells jingling
away pleasantly. Here we stood for
some minutes.
There they are!" calculated the
Two-Spot.
Where, where?" asked the Three
Spot.
Fright there in the corner Of the
window"
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21
Rosie cgIiIcox:s Turkey.

Rosie Wilcox was little girl of IL
years. She lived with her parents on
thrifty farm in the Mississippi val
ley. She had one turkey of which she
thought a great deal. He had always
been very tame and was a great pet
with all the children who lived on the
surrounding farms. His name was
Bronzie. Rosie named all of her pets,
according to their most striking fea-
ture and his color was bronze. AS all
Mr.. Wilcox's turkeys were young,
Rosie never feared for hers.
One day near Christmas Mr.. Wilcox
said:
I'm ruther sorry, little one, but I'm
a gonter sell yer turkey next week."
Rosie was dumfounded, and her
father. seeing the panied expression on
her face turned away.
When Rosie had partially recovered
her senses she sat down on the bottom
Irung of the ladder that led to the gra-
nary and thought. At last bright
thought struck her. She would sell
him to Farmer Max. She knew he
would take good care of him, as he was
making a collection of beautiful
fowls of all kinds, and was not Bronzie
beautiful? Certainly.
Arriving at this conclusion, which
greatly comforted her, she got up and
walked slowly toward the house,
where mamma had been calling her
for at least Is minutes. Next morn
ling after a troubled night, Rosie arose,
and dressing quickly, hurried down the
road with her turkey. She paused in
front of the large white farm house
to recover her breath, and then went
on to the barns, where she saw the
farmer milking his cows. He was very
glad to take the turkey and promised
Rosie a good price for him.
Mr.. Wilcox did not see his daughter
until that noon, when he said:
Yer turkey didn't like his new
home, SO he come a-trottin' inter the
yard 'safternoon 8 though he owned
the whole world"
Rosie could have cried, but she only
hung her head.
Never mind, Rosie" said her faith
err, II guess yer two good friends fer
sure, and l guess, too, that I won't
part you
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21
Che Chriffmas Tree.

The Christmas tree which enters
very largely into our festival comes to
us from Germany, where, on the eve
Of the anniversary, tree is set up in
nearly every household, bright with
candles and paper decorations of vari-
Gus colors. Underneath the tree are
put the presents that each member of
the family is to give to the others, and
when the tree is still burning, amid
the laughter and shouting Of the chill
dren, the presents are distributed.
In Germany, too, st. Nicholas comes
around three weeks before Christmas.
1t is St. Nicholas day, and the chill
dren on this day make known their
wants for the Christmas season. Then
he is supposed to drive away to an un-
known land and get his loads Of goods,
bringing them back for the Christmas
stockings.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21

She was shown several samples, some
with golden hair, some with dark
hair.
Does 1t go to Sleep" she asked, as
one was handed to her. She was as
sured it did go to sleep when it lay
on its back, for then the eyes were
closed. Then she took it in her arms
and fairly Rugged it and her eyes were
dancing with Joy. BY this time all
four were standing in open mouthed
establishment to see themselves the
possessors of 90 many things. Each
was holding his selection tightly in his
arms.
Don't we get them right now?"
they. asked. And they laughed out
right when they were told that this
was to be the case. The Two-Spot
handed the money to the clerk, who
took the things and had them wrapped
up. Two of the little ones were look
ing up at the Two-Spot, two at the
Three-Spot. Almost simultaneously
from four little mouths came the ques-
ton, who are your" And the an
swer was the same in both cases-"Oh,
am friend of Santa Claus"
rs this the store where Santa Claus
lives?"
yes"
Then the tables were turned and
the Spots found out from the children
that they lived on Woodbridge street
and had ten brothers and sisters The
littliest fellow chung to the Two-Spot's
thumb on the way out, as he had COM
ing in. Finally the party came to the
big entrance again.
Now you'll go home and be good
children, won't your"
YES" they all said in chorus. And
they all turned and smiled goodbye.
AS the little girl passed the Two-Spot
she came close to him and whispered
the smiling words, Thank you" Then
they crossed the street, hand in hand.
a happy little caravan, each hugging
his precious bundle.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21

the big building, where the crowC
were surging to and fro, and the
elevator took the whole party to the
floor where toys were dispensed to
purchasers. Then the march up the
long aisles between tables covered
with bright and tempting things was
begun, until the horse" department
was reached. The littliest one was
hanging on to the Two-Spot's thumb
with a grip that made sure he was
mt going to lose the chance, unless the
thumb gave way.
"Oh, gimme that" exclaimed the
biggest boy, pointing to fire engine
with real hose. But it cost as many
dollars as the Spots had with them,
and it was out of the question.
Wouldn't this do?" asked the
Three-Spot, with considerate tender
ness in his tones that was unusual,
as he took up toy horse and sulky
Eyes, sOr," said the boy, and one
purchase was made.
The next boy was satisfied with a
harvesting machine and the biggest
wanted drum, not being able to get
the fire engine. Then he set eyes on
policeman's uniform which he
thought would be fine. But his BROTH
er scorned a policeman's uniform
when you don't get no club" and the
other dropped the idea and took the
drum. There was very little difficulty
in picking out the little girls doll.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21
window

And sure enough, there were four
poorly clad, cold-looking little urchins,
three little boys and girl somewhat
larger, gazing as earnestly at the gay
things within as If they were priceless
jewels. We crossed the street and
came near to them from behind.
"Oh, look at that fire engine" the
biggest boy was saying, and the 9TH
ers were pointing out so many things
that they were all talking at once.
What are you going to get for
Christmas?" asked the Three-Spot of
the littliest one. The lad glanced up,
smiled. and looked into the window
again without speaking. The question
was repeated.
T-don't-know," came the answer
slowly and softly.
well, what would you like to get
for Christmas?"
The little one smiled and looked
hard into the window again without
answering.
Finally he whispered softly, "a
horse"
"And what would you like, my lit
tie MANI" asked the Two-Spot of the
next largest boy. This boy had beau-
tiful big brown eyes and clean face.
though evidently pinched by hunger.
"A hook and ladder" was the an
swer.
And the third wanted a fire engine
and the little girl would like to get a
doll. So the Spots took the covey in
tow and led them into the entrance Of
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21
.Scor,ns .sanfa Claus.

Soaring Santa Claus.
You afraid of Santa Claus? Goodness
me, I'm not!
I'm lots too big to let him make me
scared;
Sides, year ago saw him. right on
Christmas eve.
So now he wouldn't scold me II he
dared!
Yes, Stree! He's big an fat, like his
pictures are:
An was sittin' by the chimley, too
When he lit right on the hearth. shook
the snow fakes off,
An turned to me, an says: why,
howdy do?"
Men l run back to the door-so's to
lock him in
I'm pretty WE'LL" says; an men we
sat.
An talked lot about his work, an
he told me, he did,
Twas hard to get around when
you're SO lat.
Bime-by I says, Il hope you won't for
get me Christmas day,
Although I'm not the best Of chill
dren, cause
If you should do so. I'm afraid I'd have
to tell the boys
That b'lieve in you There amt no
Santa Claus!'"
My! Didne he turn pale! He caught
holt O. my hand;
Says Don't do that. please, for-I
like you.
I'll give you heaps O. things you want,
T you'll b'lieve in me,
An let the other children do SO tool
So we made a 'greement, an / will
have some things
At Christmas time, you bet! What's
that you say?
Don't blieve ever .cared old Santa
Claus? Well now.
Jest ask him, If you see him Christ
mas day!
Selected.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21
6be CbrisfmoS Drum.

Children are very keen these days.
An eisht-year-old boy who was
arousing the house with his drum last
Christmas day stopped in front Of his
mother and fixed her with his gilt
tering eye."
Mamma, did Santa Claus bring me
this drum?"
why, yes; you heard your father
say so"
Where did Santa Claus get it,"
II don't know, I'm sure"
well, Jones shop has got lot OF
drums just like this"
"Indeed?"
Ibid Santa Claus buy 1t thereT"
Perhaps"
"But isn't Santa Claus kind Of
fairy"
II suppose he must be?"
well, how can fairies 60 into
Jones' shop and trade there?"
"Oh don't ask SO many questions"
"But he'd have to pay with fairy
money. Would Mr.. Jones take fairy
money!"
"He might"
"How could he?"
Harold Clifford Hodgki I. don't
let me hear another word out Of YOU"
But. mamma, want to know. And
how could Santa Claus, who Is so fat.
get down our little bit of chimney?"
Hes fairy"
But how can fairies be fat?"
His mother turned purple and vsus-
ed her husband from his newspaper.
Henry" she gasped, take this
boy down town tomorrow and appren-
tice him to lawyer"
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21


ly as the gas companies have trained
householders into doing. Consequent
ly inquisitive neighbors from beneath
or above, or across the way, gossiped
over the amount of company the HOP
kinses seemed to be having lately, for
a regular glare of illumination stream
ed out nightly from their windows.
1t was a queer thing that no one
seemed able to think OF the family
necessity till twilight came. Then reg
ular remarks would be made, and Ma
rion would blame Alice. and Alice
would ask Tom why in the world he
couldn't take a little responsibility,
and Mr.. Hopkins would inquire OF his
wife If there was no one in the family
who could go surety for the appearance
of some match boxes by the next even
ing. And then next day Alice would
come home from down town and her
mother would ask her II she had re-
membered the match boxes, and blank
Is too feeble a word to describe the
expression Of her face on those several
occasions.
For two weeks they said things un-
der their breaths in the inky. dark
ness, or burned gas recklessly. Then
one morning Marion departed for her
semi-weekly music lesson down town
and said the same old thing-"Pm 60
ing to get some match boxes today
and her mother smiled patiently and
replied: IF you should happen to re-
member it, dear. you might get the
whole number-eight."
That noon Alice came home from
the north side. where she had been
staying for few days. and laid par
eel triumphantly in her mothers lap.
81 didn't even have them sent out, T"
she said, gleefully. Il was so deter
mined to have them here tonight.
was just getting on a car and hap
pened to think Of them by seeing a
man light his cigar, 30 l got off. There
are eight of them"
Mrs. Hopkins was properly glad and
they laughed together over Marion's
declaration that morning, and of how
for the last time they would call that
blank expression into play before they
showed her that some one in the fam
lily had at last remembered. BY and
by Marion came.
I've got them," she called. "The
whole eight"
Sixteen match boxes" said Mrs.
Hopkins, with resignation. Choose
the prettiest, girls, and we'll put the
rest away for another such emer-
gency."
That evening Mr.. Hopkins came in
with his face wreathed in smiles.
THE young fry are so hot-headed
these days." he remarked. as he COM
placently laid knobby bundle in his
wifes lap. "Tm sorry for Tom"
What about Tom?" asked Mrs.
Hopkins, as she felt suspiciously Of the
package.
I'VE had started home together"
said Toms father, the keenest enjoy
ment in his voice, "and were up to
Van Buren,, when Tom jumped up and
made for the platform. called to him
and he yelled back Match boxes!' and
shot out the door. tried to get to
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21
For Christmas Gi0inS.

The Hopkins family were out of
match boxes. and If there Is one thing
on which the Independent and diverse
minded Hopkins family stands as a
unit 1t is that match box be provided
for every room. One by one the boxes
had disappeared. The tin ones had
fallen to pieces and the china ones had
broken and for two weeks the Hopkins
family trotted to the saucer of matches
on the parlor mantel or to the paste
board box in the kitchen when they
wanted a light. Their gas bill in
creased perceptibly. for with 80 much
trouble a. It took to light the gas one
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21
The Cbristmas Dinner.

The Christmas dinner is generally a
repetition Of that served on Thanks
giving day, save that turkey may give
place to goose or chicken, or both, the
letter served in chicken pie;" and
that mince pies give place to plum
pudding. AS have so recently given
direction for cooking turkey, etc., /
will devote space to few suggestion
as to how some dishes should be
served.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21
A Cbifd's Query.

In all the Santa Claus pictures,
I've seen in my little day,
He's travelling across the snow-drifts
With a reindeer before sleigh.
And this is the thing about 1t,
I'd really like to know
Does he travel in a wagon
When. there isn't any snow?
Newspaper Clipping.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21
a Creef,na TO The DSsfant

A merry Christmas to Our Boys
On sapphire sea and yellow sand.
No chill of winter greets them there
The winds are warm, the skies ar
fair
God bless the heroes everywhere
Who honor Yankeelandq
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21
THEN HIS EYE FELL ON THE
TABLE,

TABLE.
him to tell him that I'd got the batch,
but he was gone. What's the matter?
Didn't get enough?"
Alice exerted herself feverishly to
get the twenty-four receptacles ar
ranged on a table before Toms arrival,
and when Tom came he didn't for
minute understand his reception. Then
his eye fell on the tableful of distorted
shapes and he slowly added his quota
to the general contribution, while his
father gave an impromptu lecture on
haste VS.. waste. The Hopkins family
have concluded to give match boxes
for Christmas presents this year.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21
A Cbr,sfmas courfsbip.

I tied my stocking to string
I And lowered it down outside,
Was expecting anything?
Well somehow thought a golden ring
Such exquisite joy to me would brinSi
This much l will confide.
! dreamed all night that neighbor
boy
Came over the trackless snow;
His face ablaze with love-lit Joy,
And he held in his hand a pretty toy,
Which he softly dropped into my de-
coy,
Then back through the night did go.
Next morning when the rooster crew,
awoke with sudden start;
I seized the string and my stocking
drew
up from below, and the window
through;
And there beheld my presents-twol
ring and candy heart.
And the message said, III you wear
this ring,
And accept this heart of mine,
When you go to church this evening,
And rise to your feet at the opening.
Hold your hymn book when you sing
So that the ring will shine"
/ looked out over the broken snow,
All a-tremble, l must confess;
recognize each hob-nail shoe,
Over the fields where the footsteps
go.
Shall l wear this ring? My lips said
NO."
But my heart was whispering "Yes!"
AS we sat in the church let him see
CLINT of that golden band;
And in the starlight he walked with
Over the snow, and so close walked We
That none the wiser will ever be
How often he squeezed-my hand.
Zelda Radoona.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21

It IL not how mulch the wize man
knoze that gives him cinch on yoo-
manity. but becaws yoomanity knoas
30 very littel.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21

Only the life that has mountain
heights to tap the clouds can havd
fruitful valleys.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21
A Lo1,er'S Wir6.

Since you cannot, will not, dear,
Give your tricksy heart,
Let me murmur in your ear
Joy you may impart.
Write to kind old Santa Claus
Plead-as l would WOO
Beg him just to send to me
Christmas dream of you.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21

He comes not in any old wagon,
He's smart and as sharp as an icicle.
He straps his pack tight on his back
And wheels into town on his bicycle.
Carrie S. Hutton.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21

Some people are willing to be good II
paid for 1t and others are good for
nothing.
Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1900-12-21

There amt no flies on Santa Claus,
He's neither old-fashioned nor slow,
know how he comes to our houses,
When there isn't any snow.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1900-08-02
A Great Fuel Saving Device.

The Welliger Hardware Company is
preparing to put upon the market this
fall the Edgar radiator, the invention of
Butler Edgar, of this city, which has
proved itself to be a wonderful fuel saw
er.
The radiator is corrugated piece of
stove pipe iron, which is so constructed
as to fit on an ordinary stove pipe.
The heat coming from the stove and
striking the corrugated portion of the
pipe is thrown out into the room instead
of escaping through the chimney. A
trial made during !the past winter by
Mr.. Edgar demonstrates that third
more heat was obtained with half the
amount of coal which was previously u.s.
ed without the radiator.
For the present the radiator will be
manufactured for the Welliver Company
by firm outside of this city. Later,
however, the Welliver Company may
purchase the required machinery and
manufacture the radiators in Danville.
Agents will be put on the road this fall
and the fuel savers will very likely COM
mand big sale.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1900-08-02
DANVILLE BOYS
WILL co TO CHINA
James Jones and John Martin Have
Enlisted.

Two more Danville boys will shortly
see service with the L. S. troops In
China. They are James Jones' aged Is
wears, son of James A. Jones, of 800
East Front street, and John Martin,
aged 20 years, son of Frank Martin.
The Young men left this city about a
month ago and enlisted at the govern
ment recruiting office in Williamsport.
Both were assigned to Troop l., First u.
$. cavalry, which was then stationed at
Denver, Colo. Last Saturday the regl-
ment left for San Francisco, and on Aug
15, it will set sail for the scene Of the
trouble in China. The parents of Troop
er Jones recently received photograph
of the young soldier as he appears in
the saddle.
The Ninth U. S. Infantry, of which
Samuel Waite, of this city, son of X. s.
Waite, is member, has participated
with the allied forces in some very hard
battles of late and number of fatalities
have occurred in its ranks. Mr.. Waite
has had no word from his son since the
Ninth has been in China, but a recent
letter from President Mckinley assures
Mr.. Waite that he will be Immediately
notified should his son meet with any
accident.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1900-08-02
Insane Patients Brought Here.

Ten insane patients from the Middle
Coal Field Poor District were brought to
the State Hospital for the Insane, this
city, Tuesday, and twelve more will be
brought in few weeks.
The inmates came on the Lackawanna
railway train, which arrives in this city
at 12.47 o'clock. They were in charge of
s. w. Gangwere, of Weatherly, presi-
dent of the district; U. S. Leib, of Halle
ton, treasurer; w. 5. Campbell, of Mauch
Chunk, director; DR.. Long and several
attendants.
The Middle Coal Field district COM
prises portion of Carbon and Luzerne
counties. The aims house is located at
Laurytown and it is on account of its
overcrovded condition that the patti
ents were brought to the local hospital.
The officers of the district were the
guests of q. B. O'Connor for dinner at
the Mansion House restaurant.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1900-08-02
Prompt Action Saved Boys Life.

Harold Mcclure, the eight-years-old son
of William l.. Mcclure, narrowly escaped
a watery grave Thursday afternoon
about 130 O'Clock, and was only saved
by the timely action of Elmer Newberry.
The little boy was fishing in the canal,
under the bridge, which crosses the slip
at Pegg's coal yard. The beam upon
which he stood was wet and slippery
and losing his footing he was precipitat-
ed into the water.
Mr.. Newberry, who drives for Mr..
Pegg, heard the lads screams and hast
ening to the canal bank he found young
Mcclure, whose head was bobbing up
and down in the water. Plunging in he
rescued him without difficulty. After
few minutes work the lad was resuscitat-
ed and. taken home by Policeman Vors.
Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1900-08-02
Boiler Explodes in a Saw Mill,

A terrible explosion occurred near the
town of Benton, Columbia county, Fri
day afternoon about 3 O'Clock, which
resulted in the serious injury of three
men, one of which will probably die.
The saw mill of Everett & keller is
situated near the town Of Benton
and at the allowed mentioned hour yes
terday the water in the engine boiler
was found to be low and number of
employees started the work of refilling it..
Hardly had they commenced when the
terrible explosion occurred. The boiler
was hurled through one side of the mill
and landed in corn field, 200 yards
distant. At the same time the roof of
the mill fell in
Charles Savidge was terribly cut about
the head and his back is badly injured.
The chances for his recovery are con-
sidered very slight. Robert Evans was
badly scalded, bat will recover, as will
also Herbert Everett, who was badly
bruised about the body.