davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
TOUCH NOT, TASTE NOT.

Editor Democrat:
To show the danger of tippling in
alcoholic beverages | will give bit OF
history commencing in the late forties.
About that time the inimitable John b.
Cough WAS in the incipient stage of his
lectures on temperance and was laboring
in the several school districts in Canton,
Mass, where was then teaching in one
OF the public schools, and as his ap-
pointments made it convenient for me, /
became a regular attendant BY this he
came to know me. At the close of his
last lecture in that town as we were
walking together to our respective board
ing places, and conversing upon the sub
ject of his evening lecture, he said to me,
81 drink nothing stronger than beer
now" Ireplied, 1 wouldn't do that. 1t
will only foster a desire for something
stronger, and may lead you into serious
trouble. Later on how truly were those
words verified. Those who are familiar
with his history as coming from his own
lips, will remember the terrible fall he
experienced. The suffering he endured
is beyond human power to fully describe.
But Mr.. Cough was saved. Saved
through the incessant efforts of friends
and the presence and power of God. And
never have known a more literal ex-
emplification of the words of the psalm
ist, ''If make my bed in hell, thou art
there"
Mr.. Cough rose to brilliant manhood
and he became a power for good in his
line of work that few could equal. In
his plea for total abstinence enforced by
his experience, he would move his audi
ence from bursts of enthusiasm and ad-
miration, suddenly to grief and scalding
tears. He swayed his audience at will,
and the good work he accomplished was
wonderful, glorious. His record is on
high. And now in closing this brief
paper let me say to those who feel that
they can hug to their bosom a venomous
and deadly poisonous reptile and not be
bitten, take warning. "Your wine is the
poison of dragons and the cruel venom
of asps." There is safety only in the
strict observance of the admonition:
'Touch not, taste not, handle not"
s. STOWE.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
E1-SECRETARY LONG ON THE
lENECITC OE TlE NaOv


Incidentally in an article on "Tht
Building of the New Navy" Zone of q
series of twelve articles on "The New
American Navy" appearing in The Out
look) eI-Secretary John d. Long points
out some benefits TO the whole country
involved in the building up of salts.
factory navy. Thus he says:
''The increase in the construction of
naval ships has led directly to an in.
crease in the construction of ships in the
merchant marine. The great ShipyardS
at San Francisco, Newport News,
Cramps, Bath, Maine, and more re-
Gently at Quincy, Mass, owe their crea-
ton to getting naval work to do, and
thereby have been put in position to now
do even larger amounts of merchant
marine work. Indeed, one of the COM
plants now made against Shipbuilders
for delay in completing naval vessels is
of inclining TO neglect these for non
Governmental work.
"Educationally, too, few people have
any idea what a stimulus the increase in
our navy has been in all that line of
technical, designing, engineering and
mechanical training which is one of the
many features of our technical schools,
now so rapidly increasing all over the
country both in number and scope. The
collateral influence upon industrial arts
of tie creation of the navy, apart from
its direct influence upon shipbuilding
facilities themselves in the United States
is much greater than is generally known.
The necessity for building naval vessels
of great strength, combined with the
least possible weight, has made it es-
sential TO produce the very best quality
Of structural steel. The high standard
set 10y the Navy Department in the very
beginning of the new navy forced upon
our steel manufacturers the early de-
velupment of an art which has since be-
come one of the controlling factors in the
industry of the country. This was pub
licly recognized by the president of the
United States Steel Corporation when he
recently said that the standard set by
navy officers for structural steel had
practically produced and made necessary
this important art in the United State"
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
HIRAM.

Mr.. Isaac S. Lowell, master of Mt
Cutler Grange, attended the State Grange
at Portland and reports very interest
ing and instructive session.
In our population of l0l5 only two
persons have been arrested within a year
for violating the law. Does any town
have a better record?
Eli C. Wadsworth is preparing to erect
a large hen house, and engage more
extensively in the poultry business.
Mr.. Geo. d. Walker of Porter, who
was arraigned before Justice Llewellyn
A. wadsworth, on Saturday, for allow
ing his dog to chase deer, was dis
charged.
Hon. John l.. Kimball and wife of
Poland visited relatives and friends in
Hiram last week. Mr.. Kimball resided
in Hiram some sixty years and served as
in 1852. His 81 years
rest lightly on him.
Mrs. Sarah Osgood is in feeble health
from eczema.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
AARIE0RD


The Ladies' Sewing Circle held theil
fair at the residence of H. A. Bicknell
,he afternoon and evening of the 18th
and met with good success for neigh.
borhood concern, having cleared $50
after paying all expenses. The farmers
wives Clipped in lots of good victuals
which found ready sale among the
hungry farmers at ten cents plate,
Notwithstanding the high price of eggs
your scribe had his custard made by
Mrs. Jimmy Irish, who can't be beat in
that line of goods. A very nice bed
spread was voted to one Mrs. Cushman.
Edward Bicknell guessed right on the
belns, and got good warm bed quilt.
Mrs. H. A. Bicknell guessed the number
of yards of ribbon in the bottle and got
the sofa pillow. The entertainment was
singing and conversation enough to fill a
big book.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
Dressing Sacques
Shirt Waists

Another acceptable gift is shirt waists.
Flannels, the most popular, come in
an almost endless number of styles and
colors this year.
One pretty style, from French flannel,
front with tucks and slot seams, back
with wide tucks, pearl buttons, 1925
One lot heavy white pique for even
ing wear, tucks, frog fasteners, $500
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
DENIM

Mr.. Elwood Pendexter is teaching
school in the White school house dis.
trict.
Miss Laura ingalls,, sister of Mr.. Au.
gustine ingalls,, having been taken sick
and unable to work. Mr.. and Mrs. Irving
Ingalls, will move to the old home for the
remainder of the winter.
Mr.. Roy Leeman, after short sojourn
in Massachusetts in quest of work, has
returned to the Maplewood to spend the
winter.
Mr.. and Mrs. Geo. ". Gray spent the
day in Portland last Friday.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank c. Jewett have
been visiting friends in Portland.
A petition is in circulation by Dan
Ward to have the mail leave here on
the old time, $50 A. NJ. 1t now leaves at
S 80 A. VI.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
6RyANT pnND

/ ohYAN FSNO.
There is crew of forty men at worl
at the quarry, cutting stone for the nev
Grand Trunk station at Portland. TIL,
Glen Mountain House is full of boarders
and some of the men board at privat
houses.
Miss Nora Thomas is teaching schoo
in the Bryant District.
Miss Grace Noyes is working for Mrs
John Titus.
| Mrs. Lesmore Currier spent SATURDAY
and Sunday at Portland with her mother
Christmas is TO be observed at tn,
Baptist church on Wednesday evening
Dec. "a.
Alonzo Felt had a very bad spell
Wednesday night. DR.. Clark was sum
moned, and Mr.. Felt recovered so as tc
be about the house the next day.
Horace Berry had bad heart spell
Thursday morning while at work at the
quarry. He was brought home, and was
in his usual health in the afternoon
Mr.. Berry has lost good deal of SLEEP
during his wife's illness, and will not
work at the quarry for the present.
Mrs. Berry is somewhat improved in
ACoiiu, uut uOl aOlc W Uc duOut tue
house yet.
Edwin Andrews has fine display OF
fancy crockery.
Mr.. and Mrs. Will Morse have moved
back into their house.
Mrs. Ansel Dudley has gone to Port
land. Miss Ola Dudley is much better
in health at present.
Mr.. and Mrs. Fred DeShon are stopping
at her grandparents. Fred is working
in Dearborn's saw room.
Mr.. and Mrs. Hanno Cushman and Mr..
and Mrs. G.. Q. Perham attended the
State Grange at Portland last week.
Mr.. and Mrs. Kilbon Perhsm are about
to go to Boston on their annual visit to
their children.
Robert Crockett is the lucky one to
get the barrel of No. -four given by the
Wheat Germ Co. to the one getting the
required letters in the packages which
spell Wheat Germ. The letter A seems
to be the hard one to get. Mr.. Crockett
got two.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
a. 0WSEI-IN

Last week Mr.. W. W. johnson shot
two deer. one on Mount Tom in Frye
burg and one in Conway, n. II. The
two weighed 500 pounds.
The remains of Mr.. James Harris, who
was committed to the insane hospital
some months ago, We're brought to the
home of his father, S. S. Harris, at West
Brownfield, for interment.
Quite extensive preparations are being
made in this village for Christmas eve,
as there are to be two entertainments,
one at town hall and Friday evening fol-
lowing at the grammar school house.
The Universalist Circle are to have a
fair and supper December 10 at Bean S
Hall.
Mr.. Albert Blake has fine assortment
of Christmas goods.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
ANOOvER.

We are having real Christmas weather.
Good sleighing and good crisp weather.
Business about town is dull owing to
so many teams being in the woods.
Schools are prospering finely and the
corps of teachers are of high order.
We are still without pastor, and the
outlook for one this winter is extremely
slim.
There won't be Christmas tree this
year, but instead several private parlor
trees will be given.
There will be grand ball New Years
eve under the auspices of the Hook and
Ladder Co. A good time may be ex-
pected, as they always try and entertain
nobly.
Parties have got the ice scraped, ready
to cut. A large crop will be harvested.
Hay is plenty and selling for IS and
so per ton.
The company that bought the mill
property will build in the spring
Mr.. Harrima is at o. B. Poor's.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
LIE RRON

Mrs. Levi Merrill has so far recovered
from her accident that she is at Soutl
Paris visiting relatives and will remair
till after Christmas.
Miss Daisy Cushman is at home from
Exeter, n. H., for the Christmas vaca
ton.
Other teachers and students from
various places are expected this week.
The Maine State Sanatorium ASsOcia.
tion have bought site for building or
Greenwood Hill. Plans for building are
now being made by Architect Stevens Of
Portland. The place bought is tha,
formerly owned by F. r. Glover and
known as Greenwood Hill Spring.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
NORTH STONEHAM.

Will Culbert has moved into the hut
that he bought of Ed Hutchins.
Burnham McKeen and Perley Adams
of Albany stayed at John Adams We'd
nesday night and went deer hunting
Thursday.
Mrs. Leonard Cannon is at work for
Mrs. II. b. McKeen.
j. c. Sawyer is going to work in the
woods for Hartman & McAllister at
East Stoneham.
Ina Cannon has finished her school
at Albany and gone to Milton to see her
cousin, Mabel Brooks, who is very lame
with rheumatism.
In Stoneham, Dec. II, to the wife of
III. B. McKeen, daughter.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
THE OXFORD BEARS.
THE oolNas or THE WEEK IN ALL
SECTIONS OF THE COUNTY.
PARIS HILL.

First Baptist Church. Rev. II. H. Btshop
PASTOR. Preaching every Sunday at II A. n
Sunday School as y n. Sabbath Evening Ser
vice At $50 ?. H. Prayer Meeting Thursday
Universaliss Church, Rev. J. II. Little. Pastor
Preaching service every Sunday at II A. II
SUNDAY school At Il II.
Edgar Farrar, who sold his farm here
and went TO Wilton last summer, has re.
turned to Paris Hill, and he and Mrs.
Farrar will occupy part of George B,
Shaw's house.
A good time is coming for the chill
dren next Thursday afternoon, when
the Universalist and Baptist Sunday
Schools unite in giving the children
a Christmas supper at Academy Hall.
We want all of the children in the
vicinity TO be present to supper, and in
order that We may have places for all at
the table, the committee in charge ask
the name of each child that does not
belong 10 either school TO leave their
names at the post Office by Thursday
morning. and they will be made wei.
come. We will be glad to have all who
may desire come and see the children al
the tables, but supper will not be served
to the older people. There will be NO
admission, but collection will be taken
during the evening to defray necessary
expenses. Children will not be allowed in
the hall before half-psst five. The little
ones will furnish the entertainment fol
the evening. At half-past seven the
cantata, Christmas Secrets, will be given
with the following cast OF characters:
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
VIZ SONS MILLS.

The extremely cold weather of the
past week has been rather trying after
our long continued warm weather.
Rev. VIM. Ineson of Colebrook was in
to hold services at the funeral of j. c.
Bean and had great trouble from the
wind and extreme cold, returning
through Dixville Notch.
The sick ones are all improving except
d. c. Bennett, who is still under the
doctors care. DR.. Twombly of Cole
brook was in Saturday to see him.
E. S. Bennett has been at Colebrook
the past week under the doctors care
with bad foot, which he cut some three
weeks ago.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
Dress Goods

Goods for new waist, dress or suit
will be an acceptable gift for any lady.
We have nearly every kind of waist
goods that young lady would like,
prices from 10c. to 100 per yd.
SO in. Knickerbocker in black and
blue SOC
so in. Venetian in black and gray, S1.0O
so in. Chevron in black, new weave,
for $1.25
Large line of silks for trimmings and
waists.
Applique and braids for all grades of
dresses.
First-class DRESSMAKER in store,
who will tell you the exact amount need
cd, when In doubt.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
EAST BETHEL.

Merry Christmas to all.
Miss Amy Bartlett has returned to her
school on Bird Hill.
Mr.. and Mrs. Payson Rice visited here
last week and moved their household
goods to Auburn.
j. NJ. Bartlett and G. Fl. Swan moved
the Willis portable mill to West Paris
last week.
A Christmas tree and entertainment,
with an oyster and pastry supper, will
be given by the Ladies Union at the
home Of Mr.. and Mrs. Joe Mayconnell
on the eve of Dec. 26.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
NORWAY LAKE

Mrs. Fred Crane of Portland is visit.
ing friends here at the Lake.
Virgil Flood has gone to Rumford to
work this winter.
Alton Tucker and Victor Partridge
came home from Stoneham the 14th
with two deer.
Mr.. and Mrs. Warner Kneeland have
been visiting friends in Bridgton and
Waterford this week.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
HERE AND THERE.

There is a certain connection, not i'm
possible 10 trace out, between the
separate and independent news items
that since the beginning of the coal
strike the price OF kerosene has been
advanced 8 - cents per gallon; that
the Standard Oil Company has paid divi-
dendS amounting TO 45 per cent during
the past year; and that John d. Rookie
feller has given another million dollars
TO the University of Chicago. And what
can we do about il?
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
aEIAEl

The stores are gay with Christmas
goods and one must indeed be hard to
please who can't be suited in some one
of our stores. Every year the assort-
ment of goods improves.
The storm of Tuesday caused the post
ponement of the chicken pie supper to
be served by the ladies of the NJ. E. So
ciety until Saturday, Dec. 20.
Our lumbermen and owners of tracts
of timber are busy at work, and a large
quantity of lumber will be operated this
winter.
Thursday evening, Mr.. and Mrs. iris
tram Durell entertained their friends at
their home on Broad Street, it being the
twentieth wedding anniversary. A host
of friends wish them happy journey
until the fiftieth mile stone is reached.
Mrs. o. NJ. Mason has closed her house
for the winter. After spending few
weeks with her son, Mr.. l.. L. Mason, Of
Portland, she intends to 60 to California
for few months, returning by the way
of Denver.
Miss Fannie Kilbourn, of Lancaster.
Mass, has been visiting her aunt, Mrs.
Ceylon Rowe, and calling upon old
Bethel friends. Miss Kilbourn holds a
fine position in the Industrial School for
girls in Lancaster. Mass.
Thursday evening. the second enter
tainment in the Village Improvement
series was given at Garland Chapel. Mrs.
Tuttle. of Brookline. Mass, held the
closest attention of the audience while
she told her story of the work among
juveniles and women in the courts of
Boston. Mrs. Tuttle has been connect
ed with this department of court
work ever since its introduction in Bos-
ton. and has not only become familiar
with it there but by study, travel and
observation knows the beneficent effects
of this method of treatment with this
class of unfortunates through the United
States. Miss Weed. of Cleveland, Ohio.
rendered a selection from Chopin and
kindly responded to an enthusiastic ap-
plause.
Gould Academy students will enjoy a
Christmas recess from Wednesday to
Monday. Many of the students will
spend Christmas at their homes.
Next Friday. the third of a series of
entertainments will be given, when Mr..
Magrew will tell the people what he
knows of the steel trust, process of con-
vertiug iron into steel and other interest
ing matters. Mr.. Magrew's close con-
nection with Andrew Carnegie enables
him to speak with thorough acquaint-
ance upon these topics.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
SOUTH RuMFORD.

Mr.. Cannon from Rumford Ia,
moved on to the farm he bought of C.
NJ. Elliott on Hall Hill.
Herbert Hall lives at his step-father's s.
George Elliott's, this winter, but attends
to his duties at the ZircOn House just
the same.
Z. E. Abbott at East Rumford is work.
ing in P. b. Clark's foundry at Rumford
Falls.
DR.. j. F. Putnam is suffering with a
carbuncle on his neck.
Fremont Abbott is working at the
Falls, helping put steam heat into P. b.
Clark's machine shop.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
OlCkvals.

Leon Grant and Geo. Child have gone
to Dixfield to work in mill.
Elmer Farrar, David Chenery, Orlando
Bisbee and Farnum Bishop have returned
from deer hunt with four deer. One
was ten point buck of about 200 lbs.
Ernest Andrews is drawing pulp wood
to the bank of Spear stream in Dickvale.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
OXFORD

DR.. and Mrs. A. L. Hersey went to
Boston Monday to visit their daughter,
Miss H. E. Hersey. They will remain
through the holidays.
Mr.. Russell Hersey of Livermore is
here.
Mrs. Shannon has returned to her
home.
The churches are making the usual
preparations for Christmas.
Mrs. c. S. Hayes is going to Emmett,
laho, to visit her son, Edward Hayes.
The T. A. Roberts Post, G. A. r. and
w. r. c., will install their officers the
first Saturday in January. They are
planning for a camp fire soon.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23

A Christmas tree will be unloaded
after the play. All are welcome TO bring
their gifts, but il is especially for the
children. Coming on Christmas night,
it gives chance for stockings to be
filled the night before, with the gifts the
families exchange among themselves.
Word has been received that Santa
Claus-the genuine Santa-will help un-
load the tree.
Mrs. j. {. Cummings has gone TO Otis
field for visit of some weeks.
More or less excitement was caused
here Friday by the appearance of a
Young man named Russell, from Rum
ford Falls, who seems 10 be deranged.
lie is said 70 have been an extensive
reader of literature of the Jesse James
and Diamond Dick grade, and imagincs
himself a detective. He carried a pair
Of handouts and a revolver or two, and
related some OF his exploits in his sup
posed detective capacity. He remained
with friends here Friday night, and left
saturday morning, saying he was going
out west.
Miss Gertrude Bripckle is at home
from her school at Bridgewater, Mass,
for the Christmas vacation.
Miss Mary A. Pierce is at home for
the holidays from westbrook Seminary
All who are 70 take part in "Aun,
Jerusha's Quilting Party" are requested
70 meet with Mrs. James l.. Chase, Tues.
day evening at I:SO, for rehearsal.
The Baptist circle served supper to
fifty or more people at Cummings Hall
Friday evening, and good number at.
tended the miscellaneous entertainment
which followed.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
GRAFTON

We are enjoying this fine, warm, win
ter weather, it being such an agreeable
contrast to the frigid wave of last week
Robins were seen and Others heard
singing in the woods by hunters recently.
George Newton has gone to his home
in Auburn.
Mrs. B. F. Spear.in's mother, Mrs
Smith, and son, are spending the winter
with her.
w. E. Pratt, who has been saving
wood with horse power for the people in
town, finished this week.
j. E. Brooks has purchased o. W.
Brooks timber.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23

Professor Alexander Graham Bell is
another inventor who thinks he can do
something with the flying machine
problem. A press dispatch says that be
expects 70 solve it," but it is well TO
assume that Professor Bell did not
speak with quite that degree of conf
dence. The problem of air-navigatiOn
is a fascinating one. and the possibilities
which its successful solution would open
up are so far above anything which has
ever been accomplished that it is no
wonder mans dreams turn in that direc-
ton. Still, there is nothing in what has
yet been accomplished 10 indicate that
man will ever navigate the air except at
enormous ex pense for the distance trav-
eled. compared with surface transporta-
tion, or that air navigation will ever be
unattended with danger, or possible ex-
cept under favorable conditions of
weather
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
COMING EVENTS.

Dec. 30, 3l.-Annual meeting Of Maine Teachers
Association, Wateryille-
Dec. 3l-Jan. l.-Quarterly meeting OF Oxloru
Baptist A ssociatiOn. Can't n.
Jan s-Oxfnri Pnmona GrAnge. Norway.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
wHITrEMoRE DISTRICT

Mrs. Chas. Colby is on a visit of a
week or two to relatives in Berlin, y. n.
Mr., W. E. Cooper is chopping wood
for Mr.. Klain of Norway, on the old
Cole place.
Mrs. J. B. Drake has closed her house
here and gone to spend the winter with
relatives in Boston and New York. Mr..
Arthur Batson who has made his home
with her for several years has gone with
her hoping TO find employment there.
Mr.. J. 5. Colby OF Berlin made trip
10 Paris last week.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23

The cheerful announcement is given
out from a meeting of coal operators
that the advance of fifty cents per ton
put on when the strike ended will be
maintained during all of next year, and
it is frankly added that this half dol
lar ton increase will more than recoup
the operators for their losses sustained
by the strike. OF course. The public
pays the bills. And if the strike com
mission advances the mems wages, the
public will be called upon TO ''more
than recoup the operators" for that also.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS

Bells, Bells Bells
Now for Christmas.
our Early Christmas Sales-
A Merry, Merry Christmas
Lost.
Law Books Lost.
PrObaiei Notices.
Notice Of Appointment.
Probate Notices.
When y Nou Get Married.
Bsnkrupl's Petition for Discharge,
For sale.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23
NORTH PARIS.

J. G.. Crawford killed hog nineteen
months old, which weighed the next day
after being dressed 592 pounds. That's
about the biggest one yet reported.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23

rrsns.-sl-s 50 year II paid strictly In advance.
Otherwise t2-5o year. Single copies = cents.
ApvERrisEhEyrss- All legal advertisements
are given three consecutive Insertions for elS
per Inch IN length of column. Special contracts
made Win local. transient and yearly advertis-
ers.
jon PRINTING New type. fast presses, steam
power. experienced workmn and low prices
combine 70 make this department OF our ousi-
ness complete and popular.
Oxford Democrat., 1902-12-23

The local option bill which has been
prepared 70 be submitted 10 the people
of Vermont, contains this clause:
Treating, or selling 10 one person for
another, TO be drunk on the premises. is
forbidden. To the mind not endowed
with the peculiar clearness of perception
possessed by the license advocate, it
seems rather absurd to repeal the pro-
hibitory law because it can not be en-
forced, and insert in the substitute for it
such an utterly enforceable provision as
that quoted above.