davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-22
Are We a Nation Of serfs2

When we see how completely the most
OF our people are governed by the Gus
toms and manners of those they live
among. Il is very hard 10 demonstrate
our love for freedom and civil liberty, if
we really possess II.
We Will wear any sort of fashions that
are provided for us by the can-can I'm
Paris. The women will wear bustles. or
hoops, or pouter-pigeOn dress bodies, and
when other people dixie themselves out in
extravagant Queer-looking frocks we
find our young women actually hurrying
themselves into exhaustion to get their
new frocks built that way, and losing
sleep at night TO fix over the old ones to
look as nearly like the fashion plates as
possible.
When I first begun to make my little
boys breeches. in the long time ago,
was so much afrai, OF getting the little
pants too small that / made them baggy
in the seat and a plain-spoken neighbor
who Oeheld these primitive attempts of
mine for my first born laughed gleefully
and said. why Jolnny could carry a
peck Oh biscuit in the seat of his
breeches."
When I see the enormous dress forms
tat our beautiful young girls are wear
ing in front Of their waists I recall the
'-pecA OF biscuit and ask myself, Why?
Hears ago the dress Jodies were so close
anu 50 SlnoOln On the uulldA AoA III
divine that the silk glistened in its smooth
arrangement and the most fashionable
dress had no wrin...es and fitted waist
and arms like glove on we'll
shaped hand.
IL one OF our pOuter-pigeon girls had
walked down the street before these dain-
tily dressed ladies-myi my!-what would
they have said or done?
We women seem to be more helpless
before the dressmakers than anywhere
else i'm our experience. Nor is the other
sex free from the serfdom of fashion.
When pants are tight they cannot bear
those loose enough to sit down I'm without
hitching them up at tne knees. When
they get baggy Icy make the coats
slorter. 50 that the peck OF biscuit
breeches may exploit themselves without
being covered up at all.
A dear old-fashioned friend nuuged me
when we were watching a company of
fine gentlemen in a pubic place this sum-
mer. What's the matter with the
breeches?" she asked. could not tell
her, except to add. They will not need
so much patching. and that's one good
idea
Did you ever look at these extravaganza
fashions and ask yourself. why we
do it2'
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-22
The 81. Louis BoodIers.

ut is a sad commentary on human
greed and weakness when we find the
late municipal officers of the city of
ST. Louis exposed as miserable bride
takers when action was had on some city
matters that came before them. Twenty
five hundred dollars apiece bought the
gang. 6nd they went cheap, I am com
PEELED TO say II / felt obliged to sell my
honor and debase my character I'd surely
try TO make II worth my while, and al
though $3.50 means that many dollars, 1t
IS a precious little sum to barter and
trade ones honor for in any city. town or
hamlet. and forever stand gibbeted as a
public swindler.
81. Louis is TO be the greatest exposition
city in the United States during the year
1904 This boodling transaction is a Sc
rious black eye to the undertaking. 1
don't think ever knew a more dreadful
blow to a city's fair name, for certainly
it is a miserably poor letter of credit or
advertisement; for all the nations Of the
earth to come over and hear about and
have pointed out 10 them, as will surely
happen when they become exhibitors at
the great fair.
What's the matter with public life in
these latter days. when a mans honor was
so precious TO the early patriots of the
republic?
When our school boys and girls read
about Benedict Arnold in their school his
tories they must feel thrill OF pride, that
the poor men. who captured Major Andre
with discriminating papers In his boots,
were too noble in mind and heart TO be
bought with British gold. There is no
prOuder chapter in our American history
than the invulnerable honor of those con-
tinental soldiers. If they had not been
true men, the chances are that this coun-
try today would. be British colonial
province like Canada. instead Of repub-
lie where every boy in the land has an
equal chance 10 rise TO the highest posi-
lions among US. provided he has energy
and resolution.
/ don't care how rich a people may get
TO be. the honor OF its citizens is still its
greatest boast and bulwark against evil,
and old Rome never went down in decay
until its citizenship was DECEASED by their
greed OF money, despite its art, science,
literature and religion.
read a notice of some prominent pub
lie man a short time ago who had held
elevated positions IN the past, but who
died poor in this worlds goods. The no
tice went on TO add he died poor because
he was honest"
Poverty does not enjoy a MONOPOLY Of
honesty. and wealth does not mean neces-
sary corruption. The idea that was inten-
ded TO be conveyed was this. namely, pub
lie officials cannot get rich and remain
immaculate in public service. 1t has
reached a place where the opportunity
seems to be generally open to CONNER
cial politics and the man who dies Door
after he has handled large sums of public
money, or who does not sell his votes.
is accounted an honest man.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-22
RED SHIFTED MILLIoNAIRES
The Annual Parade of the Wealthy
Volunteer Firemen of Larchmont.

volunteer fire departments which hold their
annual parades in the daytime have no true
conception of glory. The Larchmont hIe a.
partuent was on view AID all the lawns Or
the manor were planted thiclxly with stalks
of red and green light So much Of the stun
was burned that the smoke from II ieft
heavy pail over the manor and the sound.
Along the line Of march both Sues OF tle
streets were strung with Chinese lanterns end
red and white lights. Between these rows OF
color the hose company in red shir.s, cuck
trousers and red helmets topped with small
miners lamps, made a spectacle that stirred
the poetry Of souls of nurse maids ana helf-
eses.
throughout the country as an orsaaiLaiith
Of millionaire fire fighters. This is probably
because the chief. Mathew W. Bronson, OWLS
a steam yacht and automobile. ana the DC
partment is made up OF prominent New York
business and professional men VINO nave manu-
some villas and country seats in the n':inOr
The department is made up Of an e'iglae
company. a hose company, a hook and ladoer
company and life-saving crew The ife-s.v wing
crew has taken eleven frsts at tournaments
for having the handsomest TASKS carried hE
Chief Bronsor's pride is the engine company,
which holds the record Of opening SIX nlagEunls
in three and one-fOurth seconds FtcSlti''llt
Charles A. Singer, of the New YORK ana Stanl-
ford railway, who runs the hook ana laoder
company, is also head nozzleman Of he Siphon
extette Of the Larchmont club, but never all''ws
that to interfere with his attendance at 4 IRE
Among the noble citizens who marched in
dent 1of the Home Life Insurance company;
Rudolph j. Schaefer. the brewer; John n.
Armory the banker; Charles II. Dale, prest-
dent of the Peerless Rubber company; +. I.
Proctor. the theatrical manager, and W. ).
McCreery, merchant
When the red lights had faded the gallant
company marched TO the Victoria hotel where
Chief Bronson and his assistants. c. .. Ham
ilton and George s Towle. reviewed them. The
corkscrew cOterie led the way 10 the dining
hall where speeches were mingled WIN me
food There was music, monolOgues and tales
Of great peril by Chief Bronson, who had IN
vited the fire. chiefs of Manila, Bombay. en-
T~osrw warden ADDISON
johnson. Of Sing Sing prison, TO hear Ai-n re-
cite a new Poem about fireproof VOID
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-22
A REMINDER.

IF THE DATE ON THE LABEL BY
WHICH you RECEIVE THE SEMI
WEEKLY JOURNAL HAS MARK OF
A BLUE PENCIL you MAY KNOW
YOUR SUBSCRIPTION HAS ExPIR-
ED, AND NOW is THE TIMETo RE-
NEW If YOU DO NOT WISH TO
LOSE A COPY or THE PAPER. GO
TO YOUR POSTMASTER, PUR-
CHASE A s1.oo MONEY ORDER,
MAKE YOUR SELECTION "A PRE-
MUM, FORWARD ALL TO US AND
WE WILL RENEW YOUR SURScRIP-
TON FOR ONE YEAR.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-22
SHALL LOOK 5AcK7

From some dim height OF being. undescried.
shall ! look hack and trace the weary way
BY which my feet are 1ourneying today
Tie tOilsome path that climbs the mountain
side.
Or leads into the valley sun-denied.
Where. through the darkness hapless wander
stray.
uuhleSsed uncheered, ungladdened by ray
OF gertrude their Grant steps 20 guideg
shan look back and see the great things
small:
The toiisome path. Gods training for my feet.
The rains that never had been worth my
tears
WIN some great light OF rapture. bathing all
Make bygune wee seem Joy: past bitter.
sweet
shall look back and wonder at my fearsg
Louise Chandler Moulton.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-22
The Martinique Animals.

Among the many curious things that
are related about the Inflated island OF
Martinique is the restlessness Of animals
before the destruction Of st. Pierre.
They seemed TO have premonition OF
provision OF disaster for month or more
before the disaster.
Cattle became unmanageable. Dogs
howled continually. showing every symp-
tom OF fear. Even snakes left the viciu-
ity OF the crater where they previously
abounded. The birds ceased to sing and
migrated from the mountain side. All
these things were noticed in April before
the outbreak in May.
But the human population failed TO take
warning. Like the cities OF Sodom and
Gomorrah. they turned a deaf ear to the
warnings.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-22
rhe Roers and Mr. chamberIaIn.

- ISTORY repeats itself. In seek
- ing a settlement with the Boer
generals who went to London
e.,-,s-st r.o,erar Eyrurarss wish l.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-22
BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS COLLEGE

Offers advantages for students entering row Raj
read fare PAID. Positions guaranteed Birmingham
needs tockksepers and enographers Write OF IL
lustrated catalogue free. WILLARD ]. WHEEL
Err. Presidsnt, Birmingham, Ala.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-22
SUBSCRIPTION GIVEN
FOR TOBACCO TAGS

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in subscriptions TO our Semi-Weekly:
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This amounts to six cents per pound lon
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January 10, 1904.
Address all tags with your name and p.
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Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-22
FREE FOR WOMEN.

Ten days7 Home Treatment sent Free to All
sufferers from Female Diseases Cured me-
and viii cure you. Address MRS. DICKEY.
Dept ~ BOX so4. Columbia. 5. c.
Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-09-22

Correspondence on home topics or
subjects OF especial interest 70 wo-
men Is invited Inquiries OF letters
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In ink on one side OF the sheet.
Write direct TO Mrs. ". II. Fell I
ton. Editor Home Department Semi
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No inquiries answered by mall
The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1902-04-12
OPELOUsAs PARISH A.
Parish School Board.

At the meeting of the School
Board on Monday last, President
Stephens, of the Lafayette Indus
trial Institute, personally solicited
the cooperation of this parish in
the support and maintenance of
the Southwestern Louisiana Chau-
tauqua Association, which held
its first meeting at Franklin last
year, and will hold its next four
weeks term at Lafayette in June.
The Board made an appropriation
of $50 for the purpose, and adop-
ted a resolution urgftiS all the
public school teachers in f8e par
ish to attend this session, agree
ing to pay them ten dollars ea6s~
if they did so, and further agree
ing to pay such of them as attend
and will teach during the next
school term ten dollars additional.
The Board also contracted for the
immediate delivery of so charts,
to cost 1915, for use in such
schools as are not already sup
piled with these important ad-
juncts to the new and improved
methods of teaching.
These are progressive steps and
we'll worthy of commendation.
The Board made a mistake,
however, in refusing to spread
upon it's minutes (and have pub
lished) the report of the trustees
of the High School. We under
stand that this report disclosed
the existence of certain unsavory
facts in connection with the school
and it's management. While de-
sirous Of being quite impartial in
the matter, we must say that when
any citizen or public servant, how
ever humble, has the moral cour-
age to point out any abuses, de-
fciencies or shortcomings in the
public service, his voice should at
least be heard. The people have
right to know what that report
says.
P. S.-This report, with note
from the trustees, appears in an
other column.
The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1902-04-12

We are pleased to note that our
talented friend and confrere of
the Baton Rouge Advocate, Col.
T. Sambola Jones, has been chosen
by the new city council as city
Judge. If he makes as good a
magistrate as he has proved him
self to be able and conscientious
as an editor, the Capital City is
to be congratulated. And we be-
lieve he will. The fact IS that
Jones talents, abilities and gem
eral observation-disclosures fit him for a
wider sphere. But he is "eab-
med, crlbbed and confined where
he is. If he will move out Of the
zone Of influence of the political
and intellectual giants who live
and move and have their being in
the shadow of the capital, and
come over here, in the proposed
seventh district, we will promise
to send him to Congress before he
is forty.
The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1902-04-12
Dnr;np the past three wears at

During the past three years at
tempts have been made each year,
to close our business houses at z
o'clock p. m. during the summer
months, and each succeeding year
has recorded failure, because
the public has never taken the In
terest it should in this question.
IA large majority of our citizens are
engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness and it is time that they re-
.alize that progressive and in
telligent public does not demand
longer hours from grocery stores
than from other branches Of busl-
ness. This is not an experiment ;
|it is custom in several other
business communities, and from
all reports, works admirably, and
we would like TO see it established
IN Opelousas.
The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1902-04-12

The N. O. States is making a
noble fight in behalf of the tax
payers of that city, a large sum Of
whose money is about to be paid
out by the city council to COM
pany of influential men for what
that paper declares and doubtless
believes to be a worthless fran
chise and almost worthless i'm
>provements. It is so refreshing,
in these degenerate days, to find
a newspaper man who has the
moral courage to antagonize, in
such behalf-in behalf of the
blind, Indifferent and apathetic
masses-the great and powerful
ones of earth that we are prompt
ed to take him by the hand and say
to him word of encouragement.
particularly since we know that
he is likely to receive more cuffs
and curses than evidences Of ap-
probation and gratitude.
The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1902-04-12
"Wide-Awake, Progressive Citi
Zens."

Some weeks ago we mentioned
the fact that the building of brick
sidewalks on the principal streets
of Baton Rouge had been almost
completed, the city, out of its
bond issue, paying one-third of
the cost and the abutting pro-
prietors two-thirds; that one of
its streets had been paved with
asphalt on the same terms, and
that contracts had been given out
for the paving of two others at a
cost of about $4,000 each. In
referring to this splendid exhibi-
ton of public spirit, we held it
up to our people as an example
of what might be accomplished
in Opelousas were a similar plan
adopted here. Since then the
property owners on several other
blocks on one Of these streets
have petitioned the council to
have these blocks paved likewise
and the bids for same were
opened on the Sd inst. Now
comes the Baton Rouge Truth of
last week, which, under the above
heading, says:
Sat the recent meeting of the
city council a petition was pre-
sented by property-holders Of st.
Charles street, asking the city to
order the paving of certain squares
of that street. The people were
among the first, if not the first,
to petition for sidewalk construc-
ton. The St. Charles
street people are a grand lot of
citizens. -
St. Charles street, therefore, is
the fourth street to be paved.
Such are the fruits Of emulation
and the arousing of public spirit.
Now, the question is: Will such
a plan be adopted here as will
yield like fruits, and afford to the
local papers the opportunity of
printing such articles as the one
above quoted, or will the, plan to
give free (plank) sidewalks to a
favored few prevail? If it does
prevail, then, instead of articles
like the above, notices like this
will be in order:
''Mr. A. has magnificent plank
sidewalk, fully five feet wide, in
front of his place of business. 1t
happens to- be just between Mr..
BIS 12-foot cemented pavement
and Mr.. C.'s brick sidewalk OF
the same dimensions, and harmon
ICES beautifully with them in every
way. Mr.. A. is very proud of il
it is so much better than he ever
had, and it did not cost him a cent
The town made him present OF
| - >,
The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1902-04-12
Newspaper Law.

Subscribers who de not give express no.
q ,a1a fl the contrary are considered as wishing
n ss continue their subscriptions.
n subscribers order the discontinance OF
,hslr periodicals, the publisher may continue
x ,, send them until all arrearages are paid.
II subscribers neglect or refuse to take
,.sf,a9icals from the office to which they are
sippeted. they are held responsible until they
sass settled the bills and ordered them dis
continued.
II subscribers move to another place with.
naf afinforHiing the publishers and the papers
INA sent to the former direction, they are held
responsible.
4 The courts have decided that refusing to
taFs the periodicals from the Office or remoy-
ina and leaving them uneailed for'' is prima
Snsia evidence of intentional fraud
4 ANY person who receives a newspaper
ans makes use of it whether he has ordered it
of 1I1t he Is held in law to be a subscriber.
s Ii subscribers pay in advance they are
lA8gsDd I'd give notice to the publisher at the
ma 0f their time If they do not wish to contin-
us taking it; otherwise the publisher is au-
fhofzed to continue sending it, and the sub
soFiber will be responsible until an express no
toe with payment of all arrears, are sent to
ihs publisher
The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1902-04-12
Washington, ID. C., News.
From our Regular Correspondent.

WASHINGTON, April Z, 1902.
"The democrats in the Senate
will oppose the Cuban reciprocity
bill to a man," said a prominent
democratic senator yesterday,
when | ask him his position in
regard to the pending measure.
"The republicans in the House
have held up this legislation until
their friend, the Sugar Trust, has
secured options on all of this
years sugar crop and on part of
next years crop. Moreover, by
the testimony Of their own Off
ciaIs, from the President down,
the proposed reduction in the
tariff is not sufficiently large to
afford any material relief to the
Cubans. AS a matter of fact, the
real purpose of those republicans
in Congress who are championing
this bill is to throw sop to pub
lie opinion by appearing to legis-
late in Cuba's favor, while, at the
same time, they permit the island
to drift into such desperate inan-
cial straits that sooner or later
she will have to apply for annex
alton, or the United States will
have to interfere to put down an
insurrection, and then Cuba will
be made dependency in accord
ance with republican policy as
demonstrated in the Philippines.
No prospect of citizenship will
then be accorded to Cuba, and
she will, if the republicans are
successful, become a possession
without vote in the councils of
the nation. :
The democrats in the Senate
have served formal notice to Sen
ator Platt of Connecticut that
they will vote against the Cuban
bill. Moreover, some of the most
influential republicans are con-
templating opposition, and it now
looks as if the President would
have the work which he did with
the House to do over again with
the senator's. 1t was rumored
about the Capitol Saturday that
fSenator Hanna would oppose the
measure, but the Senator had
gone to the Good Roads Conven-
ton at Charlottesville, Virginia,
so I was unable to secure either
confirmation or denial of the ru-
NOR.
On Thursday the Senate passed
the oleomargarine bill by a ma
jority of eight votes. \ Senator
Hanna, who had all along beer
opposed to the measure, was
brought into line by a flood OF
letters and petitions which came
| to him from all sections and which
illustrated how systematic was The
work of the promoters of tht
measure. The bill, as passed
contained Senator Harris amend
ment, including renovated ane
adulterated butter in the provis
lions applied to oleomargarine. ..
was certainly glad to get off The
/ back of that COW, " remarked
/ Senator Spooner Friday morning
i ssTo use Hibernianism, that GOV
,....r, u, rxn., -
The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1902-04-12

John Thompson with his star
troupe Of comic characters will
present his original vaudeville
sonady, "Around the World in
~ Minutes. !" Everything in the
chew u funny; every character is
funny; all the songs are new and
funny; even the music is funny.
Admission 35 and 30 cents.
The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1902-04-12
NOTICE OF ELECTION.

Notice is hereby given to the qualified voters
of the town of Opelousas, by me, B. A. Littell,
Mayor of said town, that pursuant to the re,
quirements of the charter of the town OF Ope-
lousas, same being act 1856 Of 1893, that there
will he an election held in the town of Opelou-
sas, La j, at the Court House in said town, the
polls to be opened at nine o'clock in the fore
noon and to be closed at five o'clock in the
evening, ON Tuesday, April 20, 1902. Said cleo
tion TO be held for the purpose of eleeting a
Mayor, Marshal, and five members to consti-
tute the Board of Aldermen of the town of
opelousas, to serve for the term of two years,
or until their successors are qualified.
The following gentlemen will serve us COM
missoners at said election: L. l.. Loeb o. E.
Thompson and Christian Mornhinvcg.
March %. B. A. LIrTELI., Mayor.
The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1902-04-12

We take pleasure in directing
the attention Of our readers to the
last quarterly report of the st.
Landry State Bank which will be
found in another column of to-
days COURIER. The statement
speaks for itself in fiattering
terms. We are indeed happy to
note that our banks are in very
prosperous condition and are
making rapid strides in the busi-
ness world. Our banks are great
institutions. By conducting your
business through a bank you save
time and trouble and are made
secure against frauds. If you
have never had any dealings with
a bank you should make it a
point to go into one and make a
deposit, if it is only ten dollars,
in order to acquaint yourself with
the banking system. Few banks
in Louisiana can make a better
showing than our banks have done
for this last quarter.