davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-04-14

A case OF goods shipped from Me
thuen, Mass, on the 10Th day of May
1902, and consigned to one OF the mills
in Sanford just arrived last week, hay
ing travelled clear to Los Angeles, Cal
ifOrnia and back. How it could get so
far before the mistake was discov-
cred is an unfathomable mystery as
the tag was plain.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-04-14

American Locomotive $50. III ai2 Z56
Canadian Pacific ...........15 1854 1.7s
Illinois Central ............l5$5t 1915 ia@
G.. l.. & |. ................... 81 5JI .Sf
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-04-14
New York Money Market.

New York, April +.
Money on call ruled steady but closed
easier; last loan, 2l2.
Prime mercantile paper 5i2m4.
Sterling exchange larely steady at E.S5.1I
for demand and at 4.SSC0miS3.7 for SO
day bills
Posted rates 4.S414 and 4S7ia.
Commercial bills 4.Sz5sG139s.
Bar silver 499s.
Mexican dollars aSA.
In1nnn1 Ii. ..to 1lHr
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-04-14

The Bath Independent prophecies
that some OF these days Popham Beach
at the mouth of the Kennebec, is going
to boom as it never doomed before and
that time will be when it is connected
with Bath by electric railway or at
least when theresa trolley road as
far as Phippsburg Center and steam
boat connections are had with Pop
ham from there.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-04-14

On one of the early electric cars
going to Portsmouth, the other day,
a crow flew out of tree beside the
track. and deliberately alighted on the
top of the car, The bird seemed en-
tirely oblivious to it's surroundings
and anxious only to secure free ride.
The conductor made one or two at
tempts to collect a fare. which of course
were unavaiiing, and threats of ejec-
ton had no effect on the bird, who
stuck to his perch with determined
placidity and calmly surveyed the
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-04-14

Bangor News: In the list of teach
ers in the different towns, which our
faithful correspondents have sent in,
we note that few men still linger
along in the profession, which is en-
couraging. About ten years ago the
old time pedagogue was nearly eX-
tnct in Maine. Like the buffalo and
the great aux, he had been driven to
death by the all-conquering school,
maam. For four or five years his
name did not appear in any of the
towns. Then one or two showed them
selves as curiosities, and now they
seem to be on the gain once more.
When the Legislature meets in extraor-
binary session next September it ought
to pass bill fCI the better protection
of the schoolmaster. Otherwise, we
fear he will cease to exist except per-
haps in some museum as specimen
of what walked upon earth before the
advent of the schoolmaam and the
shirt waist.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-04-14

The Portland and Rumford Falls
line claims a pretty smooth roadbed
and it's claim is justified by the story
of the two larlp chimneys which rode
on the draw bar of a passenger train,
last week, from Lewiston to Rumford
Falls, distance of 81 miles. When
the brakeman changed the chimneys
in Lewiston, he put the old ones on the
drawbar between the cars. to get them
out of the way, never dreaming but
that they would fall off when the train
started. But when they rode safely in
to the Auburn station, the passengers
became interested, and it was with
growing wonder and astonishment that
train crew and passengers watched the
chimneys for the rest of the trip. Not
until they We're taken off by hand at
Rumford Falls did they leave the
crossbar, and they were in no way fas-
tened in place.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-04-14

While we are distributing our SYM
pathy these fine spring days, let us
think of the tagged and weary stage
drivers who come to Bangor every day,
directing their tired horses through
the mud, wading the animals across
sloughs and enduring every kind of
weather to earn a paltry fee fer carry
ing the United States mails.
The Mt. Sterling advocate. (Mt. Sterling, Ky.) 1890-current, 1903-11-18
Totally Different
ST 3; Suits
From Other Stores.

That's our motto. We
have closed a deal with a
big New York house, we'll
known IS the trade, for $50
suits in worsteds, meltons
that sold for $I2, SIS and
SIS that we are going to
sell for $40 the Suit. Moth
ing like them ever offered
here for the prices
Beautiful patterns in
blacks, browns, grays and
guu metal effects and every
one sold with our guaran-
tee of you pleased or your
money back. Come in and
take a look at them IN the
brightest store in the South.
Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-12-16
PRETTY CHRISTMAS BOX.

they can lay down hammer and nails
and take to cardboard and paste-pot;
asking some feminine to give any fancy
finishing touches that may be need
ed. A very youthful worker could con-
struct the little gift here pictured This
box is intended as receptacle for hand
kerchiefs, gloves or wells. Take stout
cardboard box, cut the corners, and
lay the pieces down perfectly fiat Neat
ly paste silver, gilt or crepe paper on
the outside, carefully turning all the
edges. Line with plain tinted paper, con-
trasting prettily with that used on the
outside; be careful to have the edges
neatly Joined. Punch holes In the places
as shown in the diagram, and tie with
ribbon bows. The box may be covered
and lined with silk, or any suitable mate
rial about the house.
A mother, sister, aunt or grandmother
would appreciate such box, and if neat
ly done, it would no doubt find useful
resting place on their dresser, where it
might serve many purposes. Those made
of pasteboard, as this one is, need by no
means be the product of boy only, as
an ingenious girl could make it quite
as we'll, and in all probability more artis-
tically.
Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-12-16

heads are better'n one, don't it? And I
won't have ter walk no four mile, nei-
Their. Dyer see that inlet over there
with the streak of open water through
1t? Well, that's Eel crick, and Feel crick
is the outlet Of the Clam pond. What's
the matter with you rowin' me up the
crick and the length of the pond-two
mile, or mebbe three? Sophrony's
house is only little ways from the up
per end of the pond
But won't the pond be froze over?"
Tain't likely. It's salt water, and
there ought to be strong tide. ANY,
how, we'll resk it; come on"
Capt. Peters went below to pack up his
costume and presents, while Mr. Small
superintendent the anchoring of the
schooner and getting the dory over side.
When the skipper and he pushed off they
left a second mate and crew bubbling
over with curiosity. The bundles which
the dory carried were conjectured to
contain anything from burglars "swag"
to struggled whisky.
Eel creek was open for it's entire
length, but Clam pond appeared, unfor-
tunately, to be frozen all over. It was
dark by this time, and the mate advised
returning to the schooner and giving
up the expedition for the night, but the
anxious lover would listen to no such
proposition.
"Ill walk acrost the pond on the ice, :"
no for he
furs we can see, and it's by long odds
the shortest cut ter Sophrony's. Chuck
out them bundles and I'll start.
But the bundles were heavy and very
clumsy. The captain tried carrying
them in various positions, but ended by
throwing them down on the ice and
swearing vehemently. Then the mate
had another idea.
Il tell yer, Cap'n Shad," he said;
there amt no use in luggin' them Sanity
Claus buds. You put 'em on, and III
take yer other clothes back ter the
schooner. Ter-morrow I'll bring 'em
round ter the hotel The Guess Again
will be in the harbor by mornin', more'n
likely"
Hotel! Yer don s'pose I'd go ter a
hotel in them red fire signals, do yer?
That amt bad idee of yours, though.
I tell yer what. I'll ask the wilder ter
let me sleep in her barn ter-night, and
you git my regular clothes round early
in the mornin'."
1t was chilly change and slow one.
for the captain persisted in dancing
about on one leg and yelling adjectiyes
to the cold. At length, however. he
stood forth garbed in the red suit.
Are yer goin' ter put on the wig and
whiskers?" asked the mate.
Yes, yes; I'll put 'em on. It's tho
easiest way ter lug 'em. Besides. mebbe
Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-12-16

an outlandish rig with fur onto it, and
the boys say he told 'em he was Sanity
Claus. Haw, Haw, hal"
"A lunatic!" exclaimed the widow;
"how dreadful! declare, I'm afraid ter
stay here alone. Suppose he should run
right inter this house."
SWELL, thought Of that, Sophrony
That's one reason why called. Seems
if you needed a man ter protect yer,
don't it? Now there wouldn't no luna
tics hurt yer If was here"
The significant look which accompa-
MED this speech fired the captains soul
It was with difficulty that he held him
self in check, and waited for the next
sentence.
'Now, Sophrony, I think heap of
you, and you know it. That's why
says to myself, 'Barnabas Badger says
I, that business of Sophrony's has hung
fire long enough. It's time you stepped
round and made her yer OFFER So here
I be, and I'm goin' to make it. So
phrony-"
Hold yer tongue!"
AC "4AO" 0C1CdA4Su dAu SpldNS W
her feet. Mr.. Badgers chair, which
had been tilted back upon it's two rear
legs, tilted still further and deposited
its occupant in an ungraceful heap
upon the floor. Capt. Shadrach Peters
stood in the middle of the parlor car
pet.
you git!" roared the captain, ad-
dressing the PROSTATE Mr.. Badger, and
pointing to the door.
Lord! It's the lunatic!" gasped
the fallen one.
ooh, Barnabas. protect mel"
screamed the widow.
''Who-who are your" faltered the
champion thus appealed to.
"Never you mind I amt used ter
havin' ter repeat my orders, and If
you amt out of here in one minute,
you'll have lesson in flynn. What
say stand behind That's what
folks say who knows me. Now, git!"
''Oh, Barnabas, don't go!" pleaded
the trembling Sophronia.
IL guess I'd better, SOS to git
help" stammered Mr.. Badger; Il
Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-12-16

tered and plowed her way through the
floating fragments, but her progress was
provokingly slow. Twilight found her
some miles from the mouth of Orham
harbor, and with the pack ice ahead i'm
penetrable.
Tides settin' in,' said the exasper-
ated skipper. This stuff won't loosen
up none till ebb, and that's an all-night
JOB. Everything's up spout. never
did have no luck"
Il was jest wond' rim, captain"
draWled the moderate Mr.. Small, eff
'twouldn't be possible ter set yer ashore
IN the dory somewheres along here
Seems ter me you said the lady lived
down ter the north ard end of the town,
and there seems ter he considerable open
water over ter le'ward here. You'd have
ter walk three or four mile, but bein' as
it's SO important"
Don't say another word, Alvin" cried
the delighted skipper; Il don't see why
didn't think of that myself Shows two
Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-12-16

"Bus. Coo'n Peters. boeu am I 10
knotU fbof you reoily care for me-
guess-perhaps-I- The last
word was spoken in the dining ROOM
The protector had fled.
Nov then, Sophrony," said Capt.
Peters, "I'm sorry to bounce your
company in that fashion, but I amt
been through what I've been through
jest to stand by and see another chap
make his offer ahead of me. Will you
marry me?"
Mrs. Baker gazed with terror strick-
en- eyes at the mud-bespattered. be-
draggled object before her.
Marry you?" she repeated "Why
don't know you.
Don't know me! Sophrony Baker,
can you look me in the face and say
you don't know me?"
The captains wig was over one eye,
his false beard was pulled under the
left ear, his nose was scratched and so
were his cheeks.
"Well, well!" said the skipper,
mournfully, Il knew I'd been through
enough to turn body's hair gray, but
I'm blessed if thought 'twould change
me so my friends wouldn't know me. "
He put his hand to his face. Good
land!" he calculated, Il forgot I had
on them trimmin's."
He tore off the wig and whiskers.
Nov dyer know me?" he roared.
"Why-why. do believe it's Captain
Peters!" cried the astonished widow.
What does it all mean?"
Then Capt Shadrach Peters unfold
ed a plain, unvarnished tale. He told
of his scheme for pleasing and sur
prising the widow and her children,
He told how he went astray in the
dark, and, after several narrow es-
capes, stepped upon brittle tongue Of
ice, which broke and floated with him
out into the Spring Hole" He feel
ingly narrated the story Of the robbery
of his bag Of presents. He described
the chase and it's mishaps. But more
Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-12-16

city, and pipe-case, if he smokes, and
ten to one he does, may be just the
thing. The one shown in the accompany
ing cut is of pleasing appearance and
easy construction, most desirable
combination for the weary Christmas
worker. The case is made of brown
denim, with the design worked in gold,
and is quite artistic The straps, which
should be firm and strong, may be fas-
tened with gilt tacks. One should be
very particular to have the straps tight
enough and strong enough, for if they
were inadequate and should cause the
destruction of beloved meerschaum.
there should be little gratitude felt to-
v, I'd the giver of the case
A present of this kind is not only good
fort he head of the family, but is quite ap-
propriate for young lady to give an
admirer. To him it will represent more
of her own sweet self than many little
present she could buy at the store, and he
would appreciate it because she had
made it. At least if he did not, he ID
unworthy the maker.
Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-12-16

slight toss of her head, "why you tooA
it for granted that I would marry
you?'
why, Sophrony? Why, because I
started out ter git yer, and I will git
yer. no matter if there's so lubbers
with offers in the way. I've said thai
I'd marry you, an will, if I have to-:
wait 20 years. What say stand be.
hind. You know me-"
ooh, we'll, then" said the matter-of.
fact Mrs. Baker, If that's the case
then I'd better say yes at once and
save time But, really, Shadrach," she
added, II ought to tell you that tho
gentleman was only my Cousin Barna-
bas, who'd been talkin' of buyin' my
wood lot and who'd come over to offer
me price for it,
When the valiant Mr.. Badger re-
turned to his cousins residence he was
accompanied by hundred men and
boys armed with pitchforks, clubs and
brickbats. They were prepared to cap
ture the lunatic at all hazards, but they
were not prepared to have that per-
son meet them at the door with hi1
arm about the plump waist of the wild.
ow.
AS the disappointed crowd was leav.
ing, Mrs. Baker saw her two sons
Sinking away with it, and called them
back.
Peter, you and Abner come here
this minute" she commanded.
Are them your children, Sophrony?"
asked the petrified captain; them two,
there?"
Eyes, certainly, Shadrach. I forgo:
you had never seen them. Boys, why
don't you look at tie captain?"
A smile. somewhat grim, but denot-
ing intense satisfaction, slowly spread
over Capt Peters face
"Sophrony." he said, 1--WE always
felt it in my bones that it would be 4
pleasure ter be father ter them two
boys"
Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-12-16

she is; amt that SO? When yer want
ter please woman yer tell her she
looks younger than she ever did; amt
that SO? Well, when yer want ter make
ten-strike with mother, yer do yer
best ter stand in with her children;
amt that so?"
Mr.. Small said he wouldn't wonder
II twas.
"You bet it isl" said the skipper, en-
Enthusiastically. well. now yer under
stand I amt never asked Sophrony if
she'd have me, but, from what I've
gathered in the h'af-dozen times I see
her. l figgered that she want dead sot
agin me. But want ter sort of clinch
things, yer understand. SO this is my
scheme. She told me once that she
alters had Christmas tree fer the
children on Christmas Eve. Ter
night'n be Christmas Eve, and my videe
is ter run the Guess Again inter Orham
harbor. stead of keepin' on ter Bos-
ton. Then I'll take my bundles over
ter the shore, lug EN- up somewheres
near her house, rig up in my Sanity
Claus buds and bust in on 'em jest as
they're havin' the tree. Presents fer
the boys. oceans of 'em. Then I'll say
ter the wilder. 'Mebbe you think old
Sanity didn't bring you nothin'. but he
did. Here, that's fer you.'
That" held out for inspection on
the captains sunburneG paw, was a
somewhat snowy but expensive ring,
The mates eyes expressed admiration
and establishment. The skipper con-
tinued: esss
That's fer YOU ,1sIeay, 'on one
condition conc Yer a,a must us ta me with it.
"Bully!" said the mate
Amt it bully? Yer see, the chill
dren will be awful tickled, and she'll
be pleased to think took SO much
pains ter please them, and the ringll
show her that I don't mean ter be
stingy with her, and take it all ter
gether, it looks ter me like winnin'
combination. But, of course, amt
had no experience. You think twill
fetch her. don't yer?"
Sure" said Mr.. Small, with convin-
cling enthusiasm.
And you'll stick by me, land me in
the dory, and won't say nawthin' ter
the second mate ner none of the
hands?"
"Sartin, I will"
"Alvin," said the skipper, with emo
; ton, you're a brick. Mebbe I can do
as much fer you some day. Have q
cigar. Blessed If I amt gittin' narvous
already" -as
1t was the ice in the lower bay which
threatened to wreck the captains won
Il derful scheme. The Guess Again bat
Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-12-16
situation with fluent and blasphemous

situation with fluent and blasphemous
vigor.
On Christmas morning, just after
breakfast, Peter Baker,. aged II, COM
monty known as "Spuds," was on his
way to the Clam pond to test his new
rubber boots at the Spring hole"
1.-THE "spring hole" is the name given
by the townspeople to portion of the
waters of the pond lying along the north
ern shore. 1t is half mile long and
nearly as wide, and does not freeze ex-
cept in the very coolest weather.
Peter was accompanied by his bosom
friend, whose age was nine, and who re-
joiced in the nickname of "Gizzard."
This parsonage had been christened
Hartwell Doane, but Hartwell, in the
mouths of his playmates, soon shrank to
"Hart," and from heart to gizzard-is but
step. Peters younger brother Abner
accompanied the party, but, as hd was
only six years old and played with dolls,
he didn't count
The rubber boots were a Christmas
present. Peter had wanted mechan-
ical locomotive and blank cartridge
pistol, but had received the boots and a
Young Peoples History" instead. He
was wroth, but the boots were there, so
he felt it his duty to see how deep he
could wade without "goin' over the
tops of EN-" which has been the test of
rubber boots since boyhood first made
their acquaintance.
When the boys came in sight OF the
pond Abner ran on ahead, while Peter
and Hartwell followed more leisurely, as
becomes people of experience and big
boots.
whats Alb yellin' about?" queried
Hartwell.
Abner, standing at the top of the sand
bluff overlooking the "Spring Hole"
was dancing and screaming in great ex-
element.
Sanity Claus!" he screamed: SANITY
Claus!"
He b'lieves in him." said Peter,
scornfully; he amt old enough ter
know that Sanity Claus is jest yer folks.
What about Sanity Claus, ABB" he yelled
Hes down here. Hurry up! Quicll!"
Sees somebody he thinks is Sanity"
commented Hartwell "He don't know
any better. Amt nothin' but a kid
What is it, Abby? Jimmy Crickets!
Spuds. look there
The Spring Hole was steely blue in
the morning sun, and two or three cakes
of ice were drifting about it's surface.
Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1903-12-16
WHEN = -
SAYIYCLAUSE; -
WENT W00l1G y
Nv -
JOE LINCOLN - 4 =
e ;! @ 3
&p,pE5
(Copyright.)

(Copyright)
1.-THE best woman on Cape Cod or
1nywheres else; that's what call her.
Fust time ever l see her, l says ter
myself, 'Shadrach Peters, says l.
that's the lady you've been lookin' fer
oil these years. l made up my mind
then that she was goin' ter be my wife,
and what l once say l stand behind.
You know me-"
The coasting schooner Guess Again,
If Falmouth, Mass, Shadrach Peters,
master. was rolling and pounding
through the icy waters of Vineyard
Sound. Capt. Peters. who had just
made the assertion above quoted, was
seated on the locker at one side of her
cabin, with his feet braced against the
stationary table. His first mate, Mr..
Alvin Small, was seated opposite, with
his feet braced against the side of the
table.
Yes, street" went on Capt. Peters;
"Sophrony Baker is all right. She's a
wilder, she is, and they tell me that
she's got two Of the incest boys ever
was. l amt never seen 'em. cause last
September, when l was in Orham. they
was visitin' their uncle over in Barn
stable, but feel it in my bones that
'twould be pleasure ter be father
ter them boys"
What l don't understand" said the
mate, slowly, lis what you're goin' ter
do with them things"
Them things" were prominently
displayed on the cabin table. There
was red coat, short and trimmed
with cheap fur; red trousers. fur-trim-
med like the coat; big fur hat, fur
topped boots, and a white wig and long
white beard. Such was the collect1on
which called forth the mates WONDER.
II callated they'd puzzle yer" said
the skipper, rather proudly; but
they're part of my scheme. Here's
A'other part"
He pulled from the locker beside him
canvas bag. Opening it he displayed
wooden horses, tin soldiers. pop guns
and toys of various descriptions. Now
yer see, don't yer?" he said; SANITY
Claus"
SANITY CLAUSE" said the mate, who
began to look as if he entertained sus-
picions of his superior's sanity.
Yes, Sanity Claus. When yer want
ter please girl yer tell her how pretty