davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-20
A POLLY PIPER PARTY
An Amusing Entertainment for tho
Porch.
Written for The Evening Star.

Written for The Evening Star.
Porch parties are now the vogue.
clever hostess recently sent out Invitations
for Polly Piper" party. The cards gave
no clue to the nature of the affair and each
guest was left to wonder what a Polly
Piper might be.
When the guests assembled on the wide
porch they found it set with low tables
and chairs of all sorts and conditions. Gay
cushions promised comfort. plants ana
hanging baskets offered sweetness, but no
Polly Piper was in evidence.
On the small tables an array of clay pipes
was spread, all new and weet-smeIling
Were the fair guests invited to a smoker
The appearance of the hostess. loaded
down with SheaveS of tissue and crepe
paper of every imaginable shade, with scis-
sors and with mucilage bottles, relieved
their perplexity. When she announced that
each guest must make her own Polly
Piper" there was an instant babble or
questions and eXcla ma lions.
Each guest was given a pipe, with In
strucions that she was to dress 1T within
forty-five minutes. at the end of which
time prizes were to be awarded to the two
whose work should be judged best Each
one might select three strips of paper from
which to fashion costume. To make the
doll complete, each one must have a face
drawn also.
The guests went Immediately to work
selecting their papers with reference of
the character which their particular doll
was to assume. Gray and white papers
were chosen for the doll which was to don
Quaker garb. navy blue and red for the
Salvation Army girl blue and white for the
yachting costume. while the gayest colors
on the table went to rig out a veritab bic
Topsy. Needles thread and thimbles We're
furnished, and paste for those who pre-
ferred to it.
After selecting her materials each guest
was expected TO seat herself as far as pos
Sible from the others. in order to give I'M
divided attention to her own doll At first
it seemed impossible to do anything with
the awkward pipes. but by degrees the in
terest quickened, and one after another be-
came absorbed in her work.
At the end of the time allowed the dolls
were required to be handed in for criticism.
There were babies in lolg dresses ballet
girls in short full skirts, summer girls with
frou frous of drapery, fun ruffs of softly
crumpled paper and picture hats nurse
maids-indeed. all kinds of dolls were repre-
scented. But the first prize was given to
Little Red Riding Hood" whose costume
was not only well made, but whose face
had been drawn upon paper and fastened
over the open end of the pipe doing away
with the little knob nose which every
other doll possessed. She also had been
made complete with paper arms The sec
ond prize was awarded to a Chinese man.
DARN. whose oriental robes were well simu-
lated.
The award of prizes was followed by the
serving of luncheon. and the affair was
voted one of the most successful of the sea-
son.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-20
Fresh Milk.
From American Medicine.

From American Medicine.
1t has not been sufficiently well recog
nized that one of the most important prob
lens of the milk supply of a large city is
the avoidance of too old and of soured milk
because of the time required between the
country milking and the feeding OF the dis
tant city babies. With the advent of the
summer the Chicago health department
reports an increase of thirty-three and one
third per cent in the number of deaths I'M
der five, of children-13S week before last,
1874 the next. This is charged to milk of poor
quality, due chiefly to the fact that farm
ers and poor city families often have no
ice, and that the milk may be from thirty
six to sixty hours old when given to the
child. Under such circumstances there
must be a rise in the infant mortality.
With the trolley lines now running into
every part of the neighboring country the
abuse of long kept milk should be instantly
abated. There is no reason why cold and
pure milk should not be delivered at the
doorstep within few hours after the milk
ing. This is one of the great possible
blessings of the development of the trolley
system. Let our health boards at once set
about It's utilization.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-20
Useful for Building Purposes
and for Clothes.
BASKET WEAVING ART
GREAT INTEREST SHOWN IN THIS
INDIAN INDUSTRY.
How the Fibre is Extracted and the
Uses to Which the Rest of the
Tree Are Put.
Written for The Evening Star.

Written for The Evening Star.
There has recently been manifested in this
country a lively interest in basket making
especially among teachers and students.
The forms used by the Indians are closely
followed. and little book by Prof. o. l..
Mason of the Smithsonian Institution has
rendered excellent service in furnishing de-
signs and details of weaving. \ large pro-
portion of the material used for making the
baskets is sold as Rata fiber. Some of 1t
Is doubtless the genuine fiber. but not I'M
frequently sedges and grasses from South
America are probably substituted
The true Rata palm is indigenous to
Madagascar. where it supplies nearly all
the wants of the natives, including the ma
terial used in constructing their dwellings,
and also for their clothing. Moreover, II
forms one of the few staple articles or
commerce exported from that island.
When dried it is shipped to Europe and
America in skins and bales, largely for
horticultural purposes, as well as Tor the
manufacture of cigarette paper.
The center ribs of the palm are used in
Madagascar for making fish nets, rice
winnowers. baskets and fine mats; the edi-
BILE tops are used for food. and the large
ribs furnish material for house building or
for palanquins ladders and other purposes.
The fleshy top. while not quite so palatable
to European and American taste as that of
the cocoa-nut palm, is highly relished as a
salad.
The fruit of the Rata is not good to eat,
but the shell of the nuts has a commercial
value for ornamental purposes, while the
kernel, properly treated, could, in the opin-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-20

ion of those best able to Judge be convert
ed into a very excellent article of vegeta-
BILE ivory although so far known this
phase of the palms utility has never yet
been exploited
AS stated, RATA Cor Rata fiber) is one OF
the most staple of Madagascar products
and II is even said to find a more ready
market than rubber or caoutchouc. The
price ranges from . to cents pound for
first quality, while red Rafia-a condition
resulting from its having become wet in
the process of curing-usually brings about
cents a pound less. Practically every one
doing business in Madagascar handles RAJ
fla, either buying 1t for speculation or taxi
ing II in trade for other goods.
The Rata palm is found everywhere
along the coasts and needs no cultivation.
1t sends out enormous branches from near
the ground. and in a fine specimen one
branch alone is as big as an ordinary tree.
a single rib may reach a length of twenty
feet The ribs are of a pearly gray color,
smooth and shiny and fiat on the surface
although otherwise round. They are so
hard that in most instances a rifle ball
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-20

leafy flesh about one inch from the base
The fiber. which exists in the shape of a
vegetable film or covering. the under
side of the leaf spear. is then pressed up,
loosened with knife and ripped off. The
same process is repeated with the other
half of the spear This operation becomes
easy from pratice that an experienced
person can readily strip enough in a day
to YIELD five pounds or more of fiber.
The curing of the fiber comes next, and
consists mainly of spreading the strips out
in loose punches upon mats in the sun to
dry. When partially dried they are knot
ted into one pound lunches and spread
along the edges of the roofs of sheds or
other outhouses. and here they must be
carefully guarded against rain dew. In
three clear days the fiber is cured and
ready for market Here. as everywhere.
the temptation is strong to make money
as easily as possible and this natural ten
dency prompts the native to market his
fiber after only one days curing; for, of
course. the grcener the fiber the less it
takes to make a pound.
In preparing the Rata for shipment it is
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-20

another one of me petticoats off me clothes
line. l says. And Mrs Brady. she"
And SO that's the baby. is it?'' from a
passerby. who has recognized an acquaint-
ance. The dear little thing-and you've
got a new baby carriage for it, too That's
what III have to be getting If | hs.v. any
more-the old ones been used so much it's
all worn out"
When All is Over.
Sd h is the park on a summa.'s risht
whiic tie Lard plays. But when IA, rn:,sic
celScs and tie cornetist puts his instru-
meat III ITS case and the brass horn dis
appears in the big. black bag. then the
mothers and fathers arouse sleepy and
sleeping children, the solitary figures on
the edges OF the park break tleir reveries
and slip back whence they came. and be-
hind them sounds the shuffiing of Many
feet pointing nomeward Of parent and
child, of incipent masher. of all the peo-
pie within the gloom OF the trees except the
lovers
In the words of a policeman whose beat
takes in one of these metropolitan trysting
places, They sit and spoon and look at the
moon till all hours, and you can't drive EN-
out with night stick. Lord I've heard so
much do-you-love- -deaTie talk since I've
been on this beat that | dream of il and
talk it in my sleep every night
Yes, sir, that's true-lea stways that's
what my wife says. And before she got on
10 the causc of il she WAS fighting Jealous
Ihought nay guilty conscience was giving
me away while l slept. Yes, sir: but now
she knows better, and when L talk particu-
larry bad she says next day:
Must have been an uncommon Iot Of
spooners In the park last night?'
anu don say word, but just YEARLY
nod my head
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-20

simply twisted into switches weighing two
to four pounds each. and somewhat re-
semblinE the old-time home made twists
OF tobacco. which we have all seen. These
twists. or hanks" are then tied up into
bundles and sold to the trader or specula-
tor
Unlike most crops. there is no special
time for preparing. cutting or curing this
one. 1t may be harvested to suit the mood
OF the natives and the fiber is receivable
in the seaport towns at all times and sea-
sons.
There seems to be only one limitation to
the use OF this palm for the production Of
fiber. which is. that after it once fruits
generally 6etvao'f the twentieth and TWEEN
ty-hfth yo B.. &C. Fog W. thc leaf spears
are no lcG2Ni ~urcoSe: nor
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-20

would fail To sink in. At tho h.sa tl.ov are
about as large as champagne bottle
though tapering to point aJ tie top. the
inside consists OF a light pi;h. which can
be split into layers of varying thickness.
and this substance is utilized for making
helmets for wear in hot countries.
Sprout Two at Time.
When the leaves have attained a height
of some seven feet and are just beginning
to spread open. the natives cut them. Two
leaves always sprout out at the same time
from each tree and from one sheath. and
fully-opened leaf very much resembles The
leaf of the cocoanut palm o. the plume Of
an ostrich. As auaa F- t'fs ,cl.es arc cut
off, they are '.s-5 .posts ue-
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-20
Cold Food.
From the Boston Transcript.

This seems to be as favorable a season
we can have for testing the theory that
combining ones diet to cold things, eatables
and drinkables, will reduce the flesh The
theory that it does work this TRANSFORMED
ton comes from Paris but it is not at
tended by any scientific facts to back IL
up. However, it does not, like most diets
recommended for removing burdensome
flesh. leave out the things you like best.
1t just says you shall take them cold
that's all. And in summer they are IN
many instances more desirable cold than
hnf
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-20
Forgotten, but Not Lost.

From the Chicago Tribune.
MY dear said Mr.. Pewnyhub, ventur-
ing to put in word as she paused for
breath, may l ask what you are scolding
about?'
Il can't remember il just now" replied
his irate spouse. you've driven It out Of
my head But if l hadn't a good reason
for it do you suppose I'd be mad as I
ann"
And she broke loose again.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-20
One More Unfortunate.

FL
One more unfortunate
Under the wheel,
Smashed to pulp by an
Automobile.
Lift 1t up tenderly,
Move it with care,
Or you'll be getting 1t
Out of repair
Oh, that sad slip Of hers,
What a delay 1t brings,
Think of the trouble ard
Exc the dismay it brings.
But for the heedlessness
And for the needlessness
or the child's fall
The chauffeur perhaps had made
Runs other chaps have made
No good ut all.
Why did her father
Or else her mother,
Or her big sister,
Or her big brother,
Not keep her out Of sight,
So that she never might
Have caused all this bother7
There! We're all set again;
Now. then. come ont
She IL never fret again!
Three minutes zone!
Never mind chickens now,
Go like the dickens now,
Just let her zip.
Maybe we still may make
Up down the hill we take
-. E. KISER
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-20

He-"Did you notice that woman who
just passed."
She-"What. the one with the dyed hair
and false teeth. and nasty ready-mado
clothes on. all tied up with ribbons ana
things? No. 1 didn't notice her particu-
larly."-Punch.
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-02-26

an easy matter. Tell your friend the
puddlcr he need not worry over Mr.. Grip
in the least"
It was not until he was in the street
again, and alone, that Mayberry sudden
ly remembered his engagement with his
friend and fcllow-clerk, Parker.
"Therc is but one thing for me to do"
said Mayberry to himself. 81 must sec
Anterior before supper, or not later than
supper time at the most"
Then he asked himself, as his steps
were lightcncd by the anticipation of an
early meeting with Miss Atherton, if
there was such a thing as love at first
sight, and he pretended to think he was
a fool; but all the while he was planning
how he could manage to dress so as to
look his best, before supper, and yet be
in time to meet his friend Parker and
keep his engagement wich that young
man.
Hang i'll" Arthur Mayberry exclaimed
"Now | know what they mean
when they talk about love and business
being too much to manage at one time"
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-02-26
Tomato Soup.

For this soup use one-half of can Of
tomatoes, or one pint of fresh stewed
tomatoes. If you use the canned goods,
don't leave the other half In the can;
pour 1t in a china bowl, and if con-
venient cook it little before you put
1t away. 1t will keep in a cool place
two or three days. 1t is said that peo-
pie are poisoned by using canned goods.
only because the article is allowed TO
remain in the can after it has been
opened. But about the soup-one-haf
can of tomatoes one pint of water, Il
small onion chopped. bay leaf and n
sprig of parsley boiled together for fir.
teen minutes. Press through fine col
ander, return to the kettle and add .
teaspoonful of salt, two of sugar and
shake of pepper. Rub together one
tablespoonful of butter and one of aour,
and stir into the soup when it hollis; sti;
until it thickens. Serve with squares
If toasted bread.
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-02-26
Brief Sugrestions.

little salt will make a delicate,
wholesome supper for children.
If mutton chops are rubbed over
with lemon juice before broiling, their
flavor will be much improved.
Rice cooked in milk instead of water
has a much richer flavor. 1t must be
watched closely while cooking, as it
will burn quickly.
To soften hard water add little
borax Water thus softened is whole
some for cooking purposes and is use
full in laundry for whitening clothes
and effecting a saving of soap.
A thin flexible steel knife is one of
the most useful of kitchen utensils.
This can be used for many purposes,
for loosening cakes from the tins, for
icing cakes, scraping dishes or cutting
delicate cakes and puddings whose
ightness would be quite ruined by
using IA heavy dull knife.
If the parattin paper, which comes in
the packages of fancy biscuit is saved
and used to wipe the bottom of the
irons on ironing day the effect on the
SmOothness of the irons and the tenn
per of the maid will be quite notice
able There is just n sufficient guam
tity of wax in the paper to make 1t a
splendid cleanser.
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-02-26
The Worlds Sponges.

Greek and Turkish sponges have been
known to the trade for hundreds of
years. Syria furnishes perhaps the fin
est quality, and shipments are made
from Tripoli and Latakia to Paris Lon
don, Trieste, Hamburg, New York and
Piraeus. During the last fifteen years,
however the output has greatly dimin-
ished, owing to the introduction by
Greeks of diving apparatus, which
proved ruinous to fishermen and fisher
les alike. 1t is estimated that the an
nual expectation of Syrian sponges at
present hardly exceed $4,000 in value.
In the adjoining territorial waters of
Cyprus sponge beds are being worked
with varying success. Sponges were
exported from that island in 1898 to the
amount of $10,425, and in 1899 SOS, 1886
worth were shipped. Egypt, Barbary,
Crete, Rhodes, Samos, Calymnos and
other islands Of the Turkish and Greek
archipelagoes also produce sponges for
export. A large share of this trade was
formerly in the hands of merchants
with headquarters in Smyrna and Trl-
este, but it is now centered in London
and Piraeus. The United States annu-
ally buys sponges abroad to the amount
of about 100000.
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-02-26
The Widows Cruise.

The man who is seeking for perth
nent illustration is wise If he turns to
the Bible for there is matter for our
light as well as for our serious argu-
ments.
The New York Times says that when
]. ]. Hill, the president of the Great
Northern, started out from New York
with party of friends there was great
curiosity as to the destination and OBJ
ject of the cruise. The public thought
it had a right to know, but when 1t
asked Mr.. Hill, he only smiled, and re-
piled, vaguely:
Labrador"
But, Mr.. HILL" said one of his inter.
viewers, do you mean that your cruise
has no definite end? Can't you even
say when 1t will terminate?"
NO" said Mr.. HILL with a smile.
This cruise is just like the Widows
cruise Of oil. 1t will last just as long
as it needs to; and 1t won't be wasted,
either"
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-02-26
NOT CATEGORICAL.
Persians Deem a Blunt Direct Answer
Impolite.

BerAiun9 Deem a blunt Direct Answer
Impolite.
No self-respeCting Persian ever an
swers a question by bold affirmative
or a blunt negative. He always reserves
margin. Wilfrld Sparrow, tutor
to the Persian royal children, asked
Mira Saleh, turbaned llnguist, in
regard to servant, Hail Isma'il.
us he hOnesti"
Mira Saleh was busy with the pages
of a dictionary.
"Little-take care-Hajl IsmaiPs
God-money is" said he.
THAT is no answer. l want one
word. Is he honest?'
Mira Saleh closed his eyes in medi-
tation, opened them and shook his head,
closed them again, and then sat buried
in thought, his fingers on his eyelids.
BY and by he looked up, baflled
zone word, sahib?" said he, as one
who should assert, THE task is impos-
sible
Certainly. One word"
He shut his eyes for the third time, as
If he would keep the truth from pop
ping out unawares. When he opened
them at last, it was to search for the
English Of the word he had chosen.
When he had found it his face broke
into an expansive smile.
"Sahib," he cried, triumphantly, ode
fi-ci-entr'
Deficient is good"
at is not bad" he replied, in a tone
of modest pride.
81 will engage another servant, then"
said the Englishman, laborlously, In
Persian.
ut behtar would be, sahib."
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-02-26
AUTO DOG AMBULANCE.
tai. The rear portion is similar In de-

tai. The rear portion is similar in de
sign to the ordinary runabout, but the
front portion has been enlarged to sus-
tain a platform containing a wooden
case, which is divided into upper and
lower sections, the upper portion being
used for cats and the lower portion for
dogs. The sides of the case have Sits
protected by wire to admit the air,
while each contains a dish Of water.
The portion for the dogs is divided also
Into two sections. so that three or four
canine patients can be taken at time.
The accompanying illustration shows
tomobile, with his two pet bulldogs,
who usually accompany him.
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-02-26
GIVING HIM A SHOCK
Old Chief Insisted that It Was Mighty
Power that Hoisted Him.

Old Chief Insisted that 1t Was Mighty
Power that Hoisted Him.
II was q clerk in the traders store
at the Pawnee agency for three or
four years." said a Detroit grocer the
other day, land, of course, l had q
good chance to study the Indian.
There was chief named Leaning
Tree who never smiled or laughed.
He had no curiosity. He had no in
!erest in anything belonging to the
white man-not even whisky. He was
the nearest thing to stone man you
!ould find, and his imperturbability
vexed me. l made up my mind one
day to arouse him or perish.
THE chief used to come down 70
the store every morning and sit on an
Empty barrel on the porch. l put half
lpound of powder under that barrel and
one summers morning Leaning Tree
took up his usual roost. l waited
about fifteen minutes and then fired
the fuse. Ten minutes later there
was an explosion that sent the chief
twenty feet high and ten rods away,
and Of course, there was a rush from
every side to learn what had hap
pened.
THE old chap must have felt his
hair curl and been greatly mystifed,
but he got up without the slightest loss
Of dignity and when asked to explain
he struck his breast and replied:
Heap lightning-heap strike-heap
go up, but no heap hurt me! Let more
thunder come.
"His dignity was a good thing ror
me- said the eX-trader according ia
the Detroit Free Press. There was
an investigation, and they would have
made it hot for me, but when the of.
fcers questioned Leaning Tree he
proudly answered:
No powder-no blow up. Light
ning-thunder-earthquake-big wind
But was 1 child to be afraid? Bar.
rel-humph! Powder-humphv
Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-02-26
CHAPTER VII


Arthur Mayberry was at a loss to know
what to do-whether to enter and breach
the subject uppermost in his mind to Mr..
Mead, or call the next day.
Then, with the Impulse born of youth
and hope, he resolved to determine the
matter then and there. He entered the
inner office, and inquird il he could have
audience with Mr.. Mead. One OF the
clerks inclined his head to the door of Mr..
Mead's private room, and Mayberry en-
tered. Mr.. Mead greeted him cheerfully.
81 have called upon a business mat
ter. Mr.. Mead. l will occupy as little
of your time as possible"
IF it concerns you, there is nothing
pressing me just now" said Mr.. Mead. in
n kindly tone.
1T is concerning a new process for
making iron"
"Ah! Your ownT
"Oh, no! | am sorry to say | am rot
able to invent, or likely to discover. any
thing so valuable as the idea | desire to
interest you in"
"WellY
Mr.. Mead looked so frank and kindly
that Mayberry was induced to speak free
ly and at great length. He outlined-de-
scribed all that Atherton's process would
accomplish. He was unable to enter into
details; that was left to the practical
mantle discoverer Of the new process.
There was something in Mr.. Mead
manner-it was his silence, possibly
that puzzled the young man.
This is not your idea, you say"
1T is an idea a puddler named Ather
ton has worked out"
Are, you sure it is his ideaT
Quite"
MIR. Mead was silent Mayberry recall