davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02
Portland Market.
Portland,

Portland, December J.
-BUTTER;-Creamery, fancy: per d.. 24@
25c.; gilt edged Vermont, 22@l23c.
EGGS-Easte:n fresh, 55937c.; Western,
fresh, 25@2Sc.
CHEESE-Cheese, plain, 13@l3l.c.; sage,
1iM14iAc.
FLOUR-superfne and low grades. s3.2a
M3.U. patent spring wheats. $5.c515.50;
Mich straisht roller. Si.ioGo4.65 clear do.
si25de4.45; st. Louis, straight roller $4.4C@
4.6a: clear do, $i.25@4.4o; winter patents,
wheat, si.55Gg4.15.
CRAIN-Corn, car lots. SIC; bags.
Sc; meal bags. 56I5Sc.: oats. new. car
lots. 40Iioc.; bag, 44046c.; cotton seed. car
lots, S2I0ett27.5o, DO bag lots, $2s.9)1os. So
Mimi. sacked BRAN bag lots $40 Winter
middlings. car lots, sal.o0; do. bag lots,
$780, Flour middlfngs. car lots, $3.50;
do. bag lots, 5000; mixed feed. car lots,
S2l.Q0i1o2.5G; bag lots So .5o%t24.00.
APPLES-Barrei. cooking. sl50@2 90;
81 20 cwt.; middlinss,s 81 .35Ml.o0
lots, $27 0oate7.50 dol bag lots, S2S001aS. 81;
eating. S1.75730o. .s-
IEMONS-Si so .01.
ORANG Dbl. $6nGD6.5O
PRODUCF--Pea beans. s3.40GD25O; yell
low eyes, s3.4c83.5O Red Kidneys, s3.759
$50; California Pea. $2.70ap2.S so; potatoes.
n new per bush, 6s@7oc.;, sweets. rev
Fowls. 1if{l5c.; Turkeys, Western. 2403hc. ;
Northern. 2SU30c.: spring chickens, ISNfaUc
Professionalism heavy, sl5.M9160D;
medium. sll,5vml5.o0: light, sl4.50@l5.oo;
beef light $40. 25M1059; heavy, sll.o1a1l 50;
9Hag94c.; pals, compound. SQs4c.; pure
leaf. 101Glillc.
SCC:AR-sstandard. granulated. 4.69c.;
extra fine s:anuiated, 1850; extra G, 4.3355c.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02
Sarsaparilla is ,nquestiona-
bly, the greatest blood and
liver medicine known. t.
positively and permanently
cures every humor, from
pimples to Scrofula. It. is
Blood Medicine.
HOBO FRANCIS CUCUMBER
Given His Request and Is Sent to Jail
for 60 Days.

1t is not often that Augusta is hon.
ored by the presence of a professional
hobo, one of the real things in the
tramp line, u slip from the same rare
old plant from which the late lamented
Harry Filliers sprung. In fact, there
has not been one of that particular type
seen in the city for SO long that it was
almost feared that they had become
extinct. There are lots of tramps of
the common, vulgar sort, but they are
not the genuine article, for they will
work. sometimes, while the thorough
bred hobo never works. This was the
kind of a bird that fluttered into the
police station, yesterday afternoon. and
after alighting in the doorway to the
city marshars Office, leaned up against
the casing to rest.
AS he stood there, he looked like n
first cousin 10 the tramp in Side
tracked but when interviewed, de-
clined any relationship. When his little
watery eyes had sized up the occu-
pants OF the room, and told him he was
comparatively safe from harm, he
Shuff!ed into the room, ana made
known his wants. First he wanted an
officer and then he wanted to go to
Jail. AS is customary in such cases,
the register was passed to him. and
in it he wrote something which he said
was his nG,ne-"Erancis Cucumber"
Then, while he WAS waiting for Judge
Andrews to come in and give him the
unwritten work which would pass him
through the outer and inner Wickets at
the Jail. and insure him welcome
which would endure for so days. he
told a little OF the story Of his life
very little. He said that he was born
in London presumably Of poor but
honest parents) and had been in Amer
lea 10 years, and was carpenter, blu.
did not work.
But with all Mr. Cucumber's reti-
cence, some late chapters of his life
are known to the police. Two years
ago Deputy Sheriff Pinkham sent him
up for co days. from Windsor, and a
year or two before that, he was ar
rested at Oakland. for attacking with
knife a woman who had refused to
give him food, and sentenced to Jail
for 10 months. Yesterday, he got what
he asked for, and officer Miron took
him up.
Francis had on five vests, and no
one would accuse him of having vio-
lated the rules of the brotherhood by
taking Il bath. for as he moved around,
the odor which he disseminated
through the atmosphere was suggestive
of anything rather than SOAP and
water or heliotrope
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02
Catarrh Cannot be Cured

it'll LOCAL APPLICATIONS, as they
cannot reach the seat of the disease Ca
tarrh is a blood or constitutional disease.
and in order to cure it you must take in
ternal remedies. Halls Catarrh Cure is
taken internally. and acts directly on the
blood and mucous surfaces. Halls Ca
tarrh Cure is not Il Quack medicine. II
Was prescribed by one of the lest physi-
clans in this country for years ana is q;
regular prescription. 1t IS composed of
the best tonics known. combined with the
best blood purifiers. acting directly on the
mucous surfaces. The perfect combina-
ton of the two ingredients is what pro
dueeS such wonderful results in curing
Catarrh. Send for testimonials free.
i. ]. CHENEY q CO. Props, Toledo. O.
Sold by druggists. price 13c-
Halls Family Pills are the best.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

The installation of officers for Beth
lehem Lodge, NO. 35. Will be held at
the Masonic Temple. Monday night.
Dec. I. The installation is public to
Masons and invited guests, and light
will be served. during the
evening. Past District Deputy Thomas
II. Dodge will install the officers. Prof.
Frederick Dunster will give an organ
recital and selections will be rendered
By the Universalist quartet. The Off
GERS to be installed are: w. NJ. Harry
Il. Robinson; S. W., Power 5. Mooney
j. W., J. Maurice Arnold; treasurer,
Treby johnson; secretary. James r.
Planchard: S. D., Charles ID. White;
j. D., George II. Bangs; chaplain
George G. Libby: marshal. Otis f.
Douglass; S. s., Roy l.. Wardwell; J.
s.. Willis T.. Swift; tyler. George X.
Black. The installation will begin at
s p NJ.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

The annual Christmas sale of the
winthrop Street Baptist church was
held. Monday and Tuesday afternoons
and evenings, Nov. 80 and Dec. /. The
sale was a very successful one and a.
good amount of money was realized. as
there were a good many useful articles
for sale, besides the fancy articles
Last night, there was musical enter
tainmcllt. under the direction of j.
Francis MacNichOl. Mr.. MaCNichOl
WAS considerably disappointed at not
being able to secure some attraction
for which he had hoped and was
obliged to furnish the entire program
himself. The entertainment, however.
wae 4 complete success so far as he
was concerned, and the large number
present all enjoyed it thoroughly.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02
RlNES HILL CROSSING.
Maine Central Officials Confer with
City Committee on Matter.

Vice President Evans and Chief En-
gineer Dunn of the Maine Central, ac-
companicd by Wallace u. White, coun-
sci for the company met the special
committee on the part of the city
council. at the aldermcn's room, Tues
day noon, to discuss the question of
abolishinG the Rines Hill crossing.
There We're present on the part Of the
city. Mayor Robertson, Alderman Pur-
inston and Councilman Theberge. Con-
tractor VIM. d. Smith of Bangor. was
also present for the city. and Thomas
j. Lynch for the A., w. & G. Railway
No definite action vas taken in the
matter, and the hearing was continued
at the request of the railroad men, in
order that they might make some pro-
jected changes in the plans. Mr.
Smith, liz speaking of the proposed cat
through the hill, estimated that the
cost would be. approximately, 500, 900.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02
Boston Market.

Boston, December l.
FI.OUR-Market quiet With prices firm
Spring patents. mill shipments are quiet
at $l.75@5.75; spring clears. S3.S5fp4.4o; mill
prices and johbing range include winter
patents. s.. 4odi 100; do. clears. slCJel150
CORNM is firm at $l.061
Los per bag. and sa;35u24o per bb!.: gran
ulated and boIted, $2.S0I3.25 No..
CORN-Corn is dull and steady with
prices unchanged Spot steamer, yellow,
55l@29' Soc; for shipment, all rail. No. 9. yell
low. 56fD56,2c.; No. 3, yellow, 55lsGf56c
lake and rail, No 2, yellow, 5fs:@55c; No.
RYE Flour steady at sslcax75.
GRAHAM-y3 1Gn40J PER Dbl
OATMEAL-Quiet. We quote rolled at
s5.G5@5.30 per Dbl; cut and ground, $3.50
oATs-oats are plenty without change
IN price. Track. No. ., White. 4%,lM44c.
No. 3. 47.sat+4c,: rejected. 4lIaI42c.; no
q to 81 lbs. 4iai2c.; 81 to So lbs. 490l.3c.
sG to 3S lbs. 4@d 4ic.; IS to 40 lbs, A. &C.
fancy. 46L.at4Sc.
pROvlsJONS-Pork provisions continue
quiet and rather easier. Short cuts and
neavy backs. sl5.75; lons cuts sr6.5o; medi-
un. $1a.25 lean ends, SIS. 2552l 03;i fresh
ribs. l9nltA2c.; corned shoulders, &C;
fresh SHOULDERS a s9se;; smoked shoulders
gi.sDltc baiied hams. 1Sml>}lc; bacon,
l4}iaeIGc.; pressed hams, l3c.; raw Leaf
ilIf, IUC., rendered zeal EtfQ, J%Sc.. In
pals. lo,,s@tloSc.; pork t"ngues, SstoO:
country dressed hogs, &c.
REI1F-EXtra sides. S4M&lsc.; heavy,
Extra 4. binds. 1oA@loIc; good sa@i6c. !.
light. 7,4a9l4 C. extra fores. 6~6l.c. heavy.
-1zlrGc.: light, .@5,4c: backs. a,4M1ts &c. :;
rattles, 4aatAc-;, chucks. 5,@c.; short
ribs, 9I12c; rounds. S9Si-c-; Pumps, Jog
lac; rumps and loins, 12ul4c.; loins, Ilat
La,nb--Western, fail lambs, S6lIcc ::
spring lamb, Tul1c. --
AUTHORIZATION at 607c.; yearlings
VEAL-steady. aa1lc.
POULTRY-rhere is a firm market for
chickens and fowls. with a fair demand.
lsG20c; chickens. 1sn9oc; western. large.
iie.isc.: ducks. i5@i6c. geese. I4al5c.
BUTTER-Marker is firm. Creamery.
western fresh. 33aa7l0s3s3sc; vermont. dairy,
llfi2I,ac. renovated. 116elSc.
CHr.ESE,-Cheese is firm with the de.
mand good. Round lots. Vernon twins.
1 1aiG1se isqf neT h;gh herr WINS iai-e
EGGs-Eggs are firm with only moder-
ate supply: Western fresh. 33a$9c.;
eastern. s$Gis5c.; nearby, 4ool5c.: jobbihg.
1c. to ne. higher
: BEANS-Market is quiet with prices
steady Pea marrow: n. ". carload lots,
s.. 255Ir2 80; medium y. ". and Vermont.
per bushel se.e5dt2.ao; yellow eyes, $3.50
3.23: Red kidneys. $S.35d13. IS rer bushel;
California. small whites, $2.55dt2.e0.
APPLES-Apples are steady on choice
lots of eating fruit: Maine pippins. 81: $50
It's. Haryies. $a.00G2.o5; SHOWS, So50aI3. 80;
Kings s.. 50aa.50: Baldwins, sls7Mp2.50;
reenings. 81. 75dl2.50 Hubbardstons and
Hurlburts. Sl.5cQ2.25; pound and Tallman
sweets. 81 5Dlt2.N.
HAY. AND SfRAW-Hay is quiet and
easy: straw Is quiet; milIfeed is easier;
Hay. No, I, S1S0,sIl9 90: lower grade. $500
01G.00: rye straw. 81 .0eseaaa 90; oat straw.
SID GDfsIi.ts,
POTATOES-Are firm with steady de-
me- nd. ArOostook hebronS, Sc; Green
Mountains eeGf70c.; New York State
Green Mountains, Goacsc.; sweets, Nor
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

An Augusta gentleman who is famil-
lar with railroads has advanced 4 suG-
gesstion which if carried into effect
would do away with many of the
tedious waits which pedestrians are
subjected to at the railroad crossings,
especially at Winthrop and Oak streets,
on account of freight trains. His idea
is build an overhead foot bridge from
Dickman street to q point near the
north end of the pa ssenger station, high
enough not to interfere with train men.
and terminating in winding flight Of
stairs leading to the platform. Such
n bridge. he adds, would not cost much,
and the convenience would be appre-
ciated by everybody.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

TheMAllegro Club met, Monday even
ing at Miss Lena Beane's Studio for it's
thifAkTecital. It has been decided to
haN1E shorter programs in order to
dexNfe more time to instruction. At
sHom call each member responded with
'soine short item about Bach. Piano
solos by Misses Marguerite Lowell and
Alberta Biann, a violin solo by Master
Henry Tetreault and two songs by Mrs
e. S. York Were enthusiastically re-
ceived. Master Tetreault played the
violin obligato and Miss Helen York
the piano Accomplishments for Mrs.
York.s songs. to the great delight Of all
present. The last half of the evening
was 5passed in playing progressive
triads Miss Adah Plummer winning a
picture of Beethoven as prize.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

AS far as can be learned from rec
ords ut the State Insane hospital here
and the Office OF the attorney general,
the great grandfather OF Van Dein. the
boy bandit and murderer in custody
III Chicago. did not murder his wife
and daughter in Maine. as reported,
nor did he die at an insane hospital in
Maine. The records at the hospital
were searched back to its institution
in 1884 for the name Van Dcin or for
Il similar case. No record OF such 4
criminal case with the murderer dying
in an insane hospital is recorded in the
attorney generals office.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02
PERSONAL MENTION.

Kent Murray Of Windsor, was in
town, yesterday.
DR.. f. L. Jones of Watervi!le, was in
the city. yesterday.
J. Longfellow. of Windsor, was in
town on business, Tuesday.
Percy y. Swift. Esq, of Fairfield. was
in the city on business, yesterday.
Mrs. c. L. Marston has returned
from visit to relatives and friends in
Bangor.
Frof. W. J. Thompson of South
China. the State Grange lecturer, was
in town, yesterday.
Edward Porter, the druggist, Of
Boothbay Harbor. was in the city on
business, yesterday.
John A. Dunn of Bowdoinham. who
has been visiting his brother, Roscoe
Dunn Of this city. has returned home.
Andrew Leighton has returned to his
work in Augusta, after spending a few
days with his family at Jefferson.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02
MARKET REPORTS.
Augusta Market.

Augusta, December !.
BEANS-Pea. Maine, $3.50; n. Y. $3.50
yellow Eyes. $3.50.
BUTTER-Creamery. &c; ball, 2oc.; sol.
Id. 1Sc
EGGS-35c. per dozen.
GRAIN-Corn SIC; meal Sc Per. bu !;
mixed feed. Sl.20 cwt.: cottonseed meal,
81 .0gCt2S.Go; bag lots. $l.45.
FLA Y--Loose. retail, $1,000 per ton.
pressed, SIS; straw retail. s.; pressed. SO.
SCGAR-4Iec. por leo HIS.
f. HONfiY-I3oX, sI8& EEL
MUTTON-Sc. per H.. spring lamb, &c.
OATS-45c. per 50 ID. bushe!.
POTATOES-e0c. per bushcl.
POULTRY-Fowl. PC: chickens, 15c.
WOOL-Unwashed. 1s12Uc
WOOD-Drv hard. $G.O0aS.C0 per cord !:
soft. sl.00Q 800.
HIDES Low and steer. 5ac.: COW hides
Nc; bull hides. SIC; calf skin. 12c.
VEAI-709c. per ID. .. ..-
BEEF-Sides. Gfls}ac. per 10: kinds, SO
l0c;: fores, 514a61.c-; rounds, and TANKS
9d0llc.; Pumps and loins, 1aGD1Ic.; rsinps.
12al13c.; rattles, SEC; backs, .Gp7l!c.
joints, 1e@1sc.; spring lamb, 7@9c.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

Melvin Wixon of South China, was
in town. Tuesday, and brought in a
buck which he had shot. Monday noon
The buck he had was q big one and had
4 handsome pair of antlers, containing
II we'll developed prongs and some
smaller ones, but unfortunately the
head was spoiled for mounting pur
poses, as in dressing the animal the
throat was cut clear to the jaw bone.
The buck will be cut up by Locke &
Hewitt
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

Four carloads of telephone poles have
arrived in the Maine Central yards, for
the New England Telephone and Tele-
graph Co., to be used in extending their
lines about the city and into the rural
districts.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

1t is not too soon for the little fellows
eyes to giisten as he looks ut Brooks
Hardware COS. windows and sees the
new sleds, skates. polo outfits and that
he just knows Papa. or Mamma. have
1t in mind to give him for Christmas.
and. oh. how long the time seems. Here
also the snow shoes. moccasins. sleigh
bells, fur robes, fancy whips, and lots of
useful things are being made con-
spicuGus Ill this immense stock.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02
NM0MMSaSIl2zN,
Dr.. Emmons'

Monthly Regulator has brought happi-
ness to hundreds of anxious women
Longest and most obstinate irregularities
from any cause relieved Immediately. No
risk whatsoever. Have never had sin
gle failure. No pain. danger or intcrfer-
once with work. Success guaranteed at
any. stage. BY maih see. Further par:
letters truthfully answered. Money let
tiers should No registered. DIR. j. w.
Emmons Co., 40 fremont ST., Boston.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

There WIGS supper in the vestry Of
the Free Baptist church, last night.
An unusually large number were pres
ent, called by the fine weather outside
and the supper inside.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

LOCAL MATTERS.

An announcement is made of the en-
SaseIHent OF Charles f. Lane of Madi-
son, and Mrs. Nellie l.. Perkins of Au-
gusia.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

Among the recent births recorded at
the Office O. the city clerk. is that of a
daughter which was born to Mr.. and
Mrs. Michael Lambert, Nov. IS.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

r. Z. Bickford, who has been spend
ing Thanksgiving vacation at his
home in Mt. Vernon. has returned TO
his work in Hayes restaurant
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

folks. cloth heads. $10A7lJ0; Jersey
double heads, $3.001f. %
SCGAR-Retined sugar steady: cut leaf
and crushed, ',.i0c: pulvcriZed, i.9Jc.: pow
dercd, a.sSc.; granulated, 1850.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-12-02

FRANK E. SMITH Traasure,
HIRAM l.. PISTON, Assistant Treas
fankfEg hours 9 to daily. excent Sat
ufday. Saturdays to - nj
The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1903-03-14
HONOR THE MULE.

Every farmer recognizes the supe-
riority of the mule over the horse for
ordinary or extraordinary farm work.
Hardness, exemption from disease,
economy of keep, long life Of useful
ness, endurance under stress OF heavy
work or exposure, docility, freedom
from blemishes, and patience under
all sorts of adversely are some of the
prominent characteristics of the mule.
Mules are always in demand, and It
will be many years before there are
enough mules raised to meet this de-
mand, and in case of wars here or
elsewhere the demand will increase
and the patient beast will command a
higher price. The average price OF
mules has always exceeded that of
horses by 80 to so per cent. Ignor-
ant or malicious paragraphers have
slandered the mule by their silly at
tempts to be witty at his expense, ana
caricatures of flying debris driven to
windward by the heels of the mule
have afforded amusement to the ig-
norant, who would hardly know
mule from jack rabbit if they should
meet one in the public road. Com
pared with these libelous scribblers
and debasers a we'll bred mule, whose
manners have not been corrupted by
association with men of low degree, is
a gentleman or lady, as the case may
be. But honestly and truly the
mule is the most valuable beast of
burden known to civilized man and
the most profitable to use or to sell
and consequently the most profitable
to raise. For honest, faithful, self
sacrificing work the horse has never
equaled the mule. The horse may
have more style and greater speed,
but he stumbles and falls or flies the
track and wrecks the vehicle, but his
patient, sure footed, plodding, long
cared half brother, the mule, IS often
at the goal waiting the arrival OF the
skittish and tickle steed.-Fayu ana
| Ranch.
The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1903-03-14

fit. Laugh Well, he simply roll
ed all over the floor, and he was in a
happy mood all during that day.
That's his idea of humor, and he is
always up to some prank of this sort.
like the trait, and not infrequently
these little happenings serve to
change whole trendof my thoughts
and put me in a better humor with the
world and mankind. In a less de-
gree nearly all dogs have this trait.
Some Of them, of course, outgrow it.
In other cases it develops and be-
comes more marked as the dogs be-
come more resourceful as the result
of experience.
'There is a whole lot in that old
nursery saying it made the little dog
laugh to see the dish run away with
the spoon, for the dogs often have
fine sense of humor, and when it has
the element of spontaniety it is rich,
rare and racy."-=MezO Orleans Times
Democrat
The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1903-03-14

Ruth Williams had lodged no for
NAL complaint. All she had said or
would say was:
"Mr. Ridgely was to write to me.
He must have written. What has
become of the letter ?"
The inspector was forced to spend
several days in listening and ques-
tioning. He might have doubled the
days had not the dead letter office
solved the mystery. It returned to
Miss Ruth Williams of 'Cressville of
Copesville. She opened it in the pres
ence of the inspector and fifty of the
interested villagers. 1t was from
young Ridgely, and it read:
MY Dear Mss Ruth One of my
sleeve links has been missing since my
return. Did I lose it on the piazza
the last evening of my stay in your
restful little town? With kind re-
membrance to all"
"This is not exactly a proposal, ;"
said the inspector as the letter was
read.
"N-no,'' replied the blushing
Ruth.
But it may lead to one, and, while
/ congratulate you on the one hand,
on the other I think you all owe an
APOLOGY to Miss Sweet"
The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1903-03-14
STEEL Ms.

"Steel pens did not really come
into common use, until about the
year 1886" said a stationer, 80 that
this now universally accepted writing
implement has been generally adopted
less than seventy years.
"Originally all the steel pens used
in this country came from England ;
and England is still great producer /;
there are as many steel pen factories
in England now as there are in all
the rest of the world put together.
There are, however, only about twen-
ty steel pen factories in existence all
told.
"But in 1883 the manufacture of
steel pens was begun in this country
and now of the steel pens consumed
here only about one-third are i'm
ported. The rest are of domestic
production and the actual and proper
tionate sales of American pens are in
creasing. While once we imported
all the steel pens used here, producing
none, we are now not only making
here the major part of the steel pens
consumed, but for about twenty five
years we have been exporting steel
pens. The exports are not large but
they are increasing, and American
steel pens go now to every civilized
country. They do not compete in
these countries, but with the cheap
est productions of foreign countries,
but with the best and the American
pens commend themselves to critical
users everywhere. Among other
strong recommendations they have
the negative one that they are not
scratchy and the positive one that
they are easy writing.
"Steel pens are made now in far
greater variety than formerly. Peo-
pie who can think back fifty years
recall that then the styles were few.
But now steel pens are made IN many
styles, and in hundreds of varieties.
Take the steel pen, brought out in
1870; it is now made in score OF va
riations, at least.
"The consumption of pens? Prob
ably not so great as you would think.
There are about twenty steel pen fac
tories in the world, and they can sup
ply the demand. l should say that
in this country a family should use
about twenty pens a year ; or to put
it in another way, that the Ameri-
can consumption of steel pens would
be somewhere about four pens pei
capita, or say about goo. 900, 900 an
u1a11v -