davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02
THE "wATER WITCH,

Here is an inquiry as to the practical
use of the water witch in the loca-
ton of underground water supplies.
We are aware that some extraordinary
claims are made for this method Of
locating water; but, nevertheless, we
believe the whole business is q HARM
less fake, the Outgrowth Of a latent
element of superstition incident to an
ancestry which burned witches, duck
ed scolding wives, regulated seedtime
and the weaving of colts, calves and
babies by the changes of the moon
and which today prevents many from
beginning journey or an important
piece Of work on Friday and puts a
ban on hotel room No. Is or that num-
Der at a dinner party. The water
WITCH" like the weather prophet, will
of course be right part of the time,
and, as with the prophet the success
full predictions are alone noted. Mod
ern progress and development in all
lines are distinctively marked by an
entire absence of signs, superstitions,
swarmed around the ignorance of the
past. 1t is cool, exact, utterly unrO-
mantle and scientific, and the witch
of the water" will have to go with all
the other witches, fairies and supersti-
tions of past age. AS well give be-
ringed and dirty gypsy wench quar-
ter to tell your fortune.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02
THE NEW WAY.

A friend wishes us to explain why,
If the methods used and prices charged
by the so called beef trust are unfair
and eXtortionate, the retail butchers
do not refuse to buy meat of the COM
bine and instead buy and slaughter
their own cattle, sheep and hogs and
be independent An answer to this
question opens up the most pregnant
and live issue in America today. In
criticising special results in special
lines of business the average man is
apt to overlook the fact of the radical
and unpreventable change which is
taking place in the foundation princi-
pies underlying our entire system of
business and commerce. Little by lit
tie every manufactures has come to
realize the fact that there are wonder
full economies connected with central
iZation and combination, and as the
law which moves all business along
those lines offering the least resistance
is as irresistible in its operation as is
the law Of gravitation it comes that
the methods of doing business are be-
ing revolutionized. The meat business
is only one example, but in its opera
ton well illustrates the revolution
which is taking place. The facts are
that the savings and economies con-
nected with the killing and dressing of
the meats Of the country at two or
three central points are so great that
the small concern which would be rid
of the evils now so loudly complained
of finds itself handicapped at every
point. When the fact is understood
that the running expenses and profits
of the big packing houses are provided
for almost wholly from what is realiz-
ed out of the offal of the animal.
slaughtered and as the small concern
is prevented in q score of ways from
such utilization of byproducts, it is
easy to see what an advantage the
big houses have. Then the further
fact that the animals killed by such
concerns are inspected by government
experts and the meat properly cured
before being placed on the block, CIV
ing the consumer a better quality Of
meat is big argument In faVor or the
combine houses. If the present legal
contention shall settle how much of
the profits growing out Of the econo-
omies of the centralized system of
slaughtering and dressing the meats
of the country belong to the retail
butcher and the consumer. 1t will be
more than we look for. The same
question is seeking solution on the
fuel, transportation, illumination prob
lems-in fact, with nearly all manufac-
turing interests of whatever kind or
name Competition sought and found
a remedy in cooperation, this co-opera-
tive effort breeds trusts and combines,
the trust is easily tyrannical, and tyr
amy the American people will not en-
dure, and there you have it all in
nutshell. "Quo Vadis"
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

One aggravating thing connected
with the automobile is that even
should the public highways be so i'm
proved as to permit of high speed with
the machine the law will SO limit the
speed in the interest of public safety
that running a machine will seem like
making but twenty miles an hour on
fast mail train.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

We occasionally pass through wood
pasture lot the entrance to which is
closed by pair of bars-old fence rails
and these rails are Of the straightest
and choicest black walnut, cut over
fifty years ago, when walnut timber
sold for $15 per thousand feet and was
made into fence rails because it was
the most easily split into shape, Since
then the old stumps of those splendid
trees have been dug out and sold for
more than the tree would bring when
II was slaughtered.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

.Tf-ty cents worth of rape seed sown
with the acre Of barley will furnish
nearly three months feed for and fat
ten for market ten medium sized sheep,
or it will keep ten shotes nicely for
three months. One thus gets two
crops in one year and finely fertilizes
the land for next seasons crops be-
sides.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

The greatest loss TO those sections of
the Mississippi valley which have been
visited with such tremendous floods
this season has not been in the crops or
bridges destroyed. but rather in the
loss in sod fertility by erosion over mil
lions of acres of choice farm land, ev-
cry farmer contributing not little Of
the best part OF his Farm to the rushing
waters which carried 1t OFF in solution
TO the ocean.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

The average cost in the state of Hi.
nois of raising a bushel of corn as
determined from an exhaustive line Of
experiments was found to be 16 cents.
When corn thus raised commands 80
cents a bushel, it is easy to see why
good corn land "a that state readily
sells for 500 pe4astve and upward.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

A friend Of ours who has quite a
large grove of matured red cedar trees
derives a considerable income every
spring by selling the little cedar trees
which come up by the hundreds in his
timber lot, the cedar seeds being car
ried there by the birds and finding I'M
der the shade of these deciduous trees
just exactly the best conditions for
termination and development.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

We have an elm tree in the door
yard which seems to be a favorite
nesting place for the birds. During
the past four years the crotch in the
tree has been occupied in rotation by the
bluejays. robins, catbirds and mourn
ing doves. This year grosbeak want
ed the place, but failed to get it.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

So many want to know how to kill
quack grass in the fields, squirreltail
grass ON the lawn, burdocks, squash
bugs and aphis, borers, cankerworms,
chicken mites and flies, how to cure
self sucking cows, sick hogs and lousy
calves, that it seems as though almost
every man on the farm had some trou-
BILE or other.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

A very few years ago the stock grow
ers were bowling about the meat trust
and wanted an official investigation
because prices were so low. Now the
stock grower is very quiet, while the
consumer is roaring at the prices he
must pay for his sirloin steak. The
law of supply and demand in its silent
and irresistible work never pleases all
classes.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

AS we note it, the English sparrow
will on an average hatch three broods
during the season, and the first brood
Matched will raise one brood of their
own. This is frightful rate of propa-
cation and easily explains how, in
spite of all their enemies. these pests
increase in number as they do.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

Dry seasons and scant crops result
in the storing of much plant food in
the fields ready for use when the rains
come and make the crop. All the so
called waste arid lands of the west are
very rich in stores of plant food and
only need a water supply to make
them very productive.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

The specific gravity Of wood varies
more than one would think a cubic
foot of white cedar weighing only
twenty-eight pounds when dry and a
cubic foot of lignum vitae S315 pounds.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

1t is a recognized fact by our most
successful poultrymen that where hens
are kept for the sole purpose of pro-
ducing eggs they will lay more eggs
and the eggs will keep better if no
ROSTERS are kept in the flock.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

If clover is put into the barn or stack
in an uncurcd condition, it will certain
ly heat If the air gets at it, it will GER
tainly burn and spoil If you can keep
the air from it, you will have to all in
tents and purposes clover ensilage, a
very palatable and nutritious dairy ra-
tiOn
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

The condition Of the public school
grounds whether in country or town
is very likely to reflect the home sur
roundings of the people Of such COM
munity. Where the schoolhouse is
made every way pretty and attractive
inside and outside there will be found
nice homes
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

Many q farmhouse cellar could be
much improved in cleanliness and COM
fort by plastering the walls, cementing
the floor and putting more light in
it. The cellar when properly arranged
house, but too often it is little save
deathtrnn
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

A young friend of ours has started
this season to lay the foundation for a
future herd of fine cattle. He has
bought three registered Polled Angus
heifers and bull. If he will take
proper care of these animals. he will
have herd inside of ten years which
he will be proud of and which will
make him a lot of money.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02
sHORTsIGHTED.

The attempt to drain tract of $4,000
acres of swamp land in western state
land which was almost worthless and
which when drained would bring $50
per acre-met with the most bitter and
senseless opposition from many Of the
landowners through whose farms the
proposed ditch would have to pass,
Fortunately the laws Of the state were
so framed that the rights of the owners
of the swamp lands are fully protected,
and the ditch will be dug in spite Of the
protests.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

1t looks to us to be pretty mean
sort of TIL 9 to give sitting hen
goose eggs ~ hatch. If old Biddy has
any feelings at all, how must she re-
gard the fraud practiced upon her as
she tries to feed and train the ungainly
goslings? Any self respecting hen is
justified In striking under such cir
cumstances. Duck eggs are bad enough.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

We never could see why 1t is that the
blackberry will grow wild where it is
not wanted and will not grow and do
well when one tries to makeit grow in
the garden. The blackberry has a
good deal of meanness about it any
how.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

A Minnesota man sowed four pounds
of rape with crop Of early sown mil
let and claims that it is success, the
rape making a new growth after the
millet was cut and affording an abun-
dance of good sheep pasture till frost
came. We should think that there
would be trouble in curing the millet
with more or less of the rape in it.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

One of the most profitable industries
of the western farm today is the grow
ing of hogs. A ten-monthold pig
which now sells for over $50 will not
cost the producer over $40, if it does
that
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

The actual losses sustained on any
farm where colts are raised by turning
them into the pasture fenced with
barbed wire will amount in two years
to more than enough to fence the pas
ture with woven wire.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

The crops of a dry season when not
too dry are always far more satisfacto-
ry than those of a moderately wet sea-
son, quality better, less waste in har-
vesting.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

The enormous crops of strawberries
raised in North Carolina on the coast
have extended the season of cheap
strawberries for all the large northern
cities nearly one month.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

The west had to take care of nearly
a foot of water on the level during the
month of May. There was general
filling up of rivers, lakes, wells, els
terms, springs, swamps, such an all
round soaking up as the territory COW
cred has not experienced for years. AS
timely agricultural topic, ditching
and drainage have crowded that of
conserving soil moisture &c the rear.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

1t takes just as much of the fertility
of the soil to grow and mature lot Of
weeds as it does to grow a crop Of USE
full vegetables or grain.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

Woodchucks, crows, skunks and spar
rows increase in number as the country
becomes more thickly settled.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

A cyclonic storm in early May swept
into its folds host of migrating birds
during the night, and they were blown
hither and thither against buildings,
wires and fences and were picked up
by the hundred the next morning
grosbeaks, orioles, vireos, fycatchers,
Hangers, wood thrushes and scores Of
other varieties. The keen bird instinct
is not always equal to the perils which
beset our little feathered friends.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

An interesting case Of unselfishness
came under our observation few days
ago. A robin was busy digging earth.
worms on the lawn. A cock sparrow
who had family to provide for near
by would follow the robin up. and
when a nice fat worm was unearthed
he would grab it before the robin
could swallow it and carry it off to
the young sparrows. The funny thing
was that the robin did not seem to
mind this sort of work in the least
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1902-07-02

Experiments made by the depart
ment of agriculture in Connecticut in
the growing of Sumatra tobacco prove
that this choice leaf can be produced
in that state under cover at a cost Of
% cents a pound and yield Of 1000
pounds per acre obtained. AS the
product is worth S1.25 per pound in the
market very handsome profit is real
lied 1t is not likely that the growing
of this leaf need be confined to Con-
necticut either.
The writer personally cares for a
vegetable and small fruit garden con-
tanning little over one-half acre of
ground The seeds are all sown and
the land well cultivated and kept free
from all weeds by the use of a Planet
Junior cultivator. So adaptable and
useful do we find this tool and so well
does it do its work that we had rather
have it to use in our garden than the
best man we know Of working for
nothing with hoe.
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-08-20
SITUATION wANTEp-mALg.
cANvAssERs WANTED.

AGENTS WANTED.
--~-----~----~----~7-N----
WANTED-Agents ana dealers Sufpho-
zone. the only known reEssdF fer
eczeua CT any sai1 erurriou TRIAL
box. lie. Sulphozone Mfg. Co. SIS E-lf.l
Dallas. Tex. N~1rx
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-08-20

FOR SALE-Belgian hares. al ages Fine
susn5ef uglips & eacn- Wichita Belgian
Hare Co fa43 5 Empol.a avenue.
g-tf
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-08-20

WANTED-Agents for the best laundry
II Kansas Liberal commission Al
dress " schita Steam Laundry s3-ff
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-08-20
STORAGE.
tosT


LOST-Pearl and gold-hzndied umbrella.
North Main. Reward. s. e klentz,
1E3 y. Main ls-s-
The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-08-20
PERSONAL

~-~-o-~-~-~-0-0-~-0--~~-~~N
PERSONAL Cook. or anyone
knowing his present posto1lce address,
viii please address p. q. Box ~. Har-
per. Kan. ao-olx
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-03-15
HINTS FOR BRIDES ELECT.

Although white satin is the traditional
5aorlc for brides, crepe de Chine ia IN
uish fashionable favor and manv of the
"euuihg gowns of prospective brides will
D5 OI TINS lovely material which raa Ill
duaptS Itself to the graceful cIineri,SS
modes that now prevail. Isis
Following the lead of Paris And rn
uon, many of the spring brides will u1ea-
Looes OF lace and chiffon. What tbaSa
Gowns Iack OF the stateliness and aristoo
crauc richness of satin thew make. IID a.
oeIlcacy, grace and becoming Yout9f,I ~
ness and daintiness. 'dlA IL
The dresses of organdie and n6tn+
esprit are not expensive, but thew ars
very pretty and universally becomino.
ana fer warm weather WEDDINGS havSas
Hecommendauons not to be discounted
high neck and long sleeves ave ia
rigueur for brides. U0
A dainty idea is to have a rosette-Ii1ra
ding slippers. "oU-
The shops are showing lovely designs
IN DIIdal stockings of white silk in open
work and embroidered effects. -
Lace wells are worn. and they are unde-
IIuaDly handsome, and, If family heir
looms. there is a touch of Sentiment al
tached to their use; many brides how
ever, Prefer the tuIle veil, either plain Or
with q lace border, which is ALWAYS sure
to be becoming.
A pretty idea is to attach one of the
JeWeled gifts received by the bride. the
present Of the bridegroom it NAV be il
suitable In form, to the big fluffy bow OF
tulle which ties the wedding bouquet.
Glaze kid gloves are the smartest. al
though the suede gloves are Worn.
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-03-15
Don't Mix Cocktails.

Women should be discouraged in their
fad for cocktail making" said the man
victim of well-intentioned but misplaced
hospitality. 1T is bad enough to be COM
PEELED to drink sloppy tea because it is
offered by fair hand, but the girl who
thinks it smart to mix cocktail should
be suppressed-if man only had the
courage to do it. In general the mixing
of that beverage should be left to pro-
fesionalS. Where one amateur succeeds,
thousand make a poor job of it. There
may be a woman somewhere in the world
who can make a cocktail worth drinking,
girl gave me a drink the other evening
which I find hard to forgive 4 didn
have just the right things in the house.
she confessed, but ] put in what [ had,
and hope you will like it, | was about
to refuse, but she has beautiful eyes, and
she looked at me so entreatingly that /
drank the stuff abjectly. Man is but >
-7eak creature 20 the best"
The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-03-15

gave, her a quick, appraising look. do
you know him?"
Yes" She came closer. 81 was in
tne carriage. And l saw-the blood
only little cut" hastily interposed
the doctor, fearful Of her breaking down.
ITS his head I'm afraid of. Nothing
May try?" She knelt down beside
him.
HIM! Can't do any harm, 7 suppose. -
glanClng around for the ambulance that
mad been summoned.
She laid her hand softly on the mans
forehead, and looked into his wide open.
utsee1ng eyes. "Carrick!' she pleaded
dred?'
The doctor, watching, gave start. Il
pe!leVe he does know your he exclaimed
pointing to a flicker of the rigid eyelids'
Speak to him again.
MlIred: Hayden came hurrying up,
TOO impatient to wait longer At sight
OF the PROSTATE figure a look of hatred
flashed from his eyes
Mildred" he said again, IuperativeIv
this is no place for you"
Leave her alone" sharply interrupted
inc doctor. THE mans in a death stu
p91; II she can rouse him, let her.
hayden scoWled, but said no more. The
dCctor turned his back and bent ox5e1
| his patient again.
Those few seconds had wrought a won.
derful change. The strained ewes had
grown soft as they gazed I'D at the e,i1I,c
race, hovering above him like a visior
out OF cloud of light The time wa.
not long past when that face had TnAant
heaven upon earth for him. Then If Sal
become torment, the very thought N
Wnich was agony. Now again ii sun
Dolzed love and hope and happiness ali
tiie sweet possibilities of life And now
he was dying az
The bitterness of it pierced even
through his dull apathy His Inns moved
lying! They could just guess at his
meaning. Then his eyes closed.
Dung lady, excuse my bIuntness. .
SAID the old doctor but if YOU nave
once been lovers, let him fancysit so sim
speak to him! Rouse him! It's his one
>, She leaned over him again, her hands
ciasping his closer. You are not diving y
she cried. You will llve-Carricki for
my sake-remember!" ~
His eyes Enclosed again, and a ouivel
almost like the ghost of a smile PASSED
over his lips.
There's the ambulancei" The docto,
| sprang up with a sharp breath OF relief
| simultaneously appeared a belated police
| man, who busted himself with orderine
1 back the crowd.
| The doctor turned to Mildred Allerton
/ In spite Of his familiarity with sucf
crises. he had been touched by thi!
| glimpse OF romance. Perhaps, too. hel
/ girltsh grace and beauty had its effect
Il believe he has a chance" he said
| hurriediy, thanks to you If''-he hesi.
tated. If can be Of any use here's my
! card"