davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The midland journal., 1903-12-25

Col. Battersly, not having seen his
Christmas at her house A desultory
correspondence had made him vaguely
aware of the fact that her husband, Cal
vim Murdock, had grown rich, and that
she had two children. boy and girl.
But he was not prepared for the luxuri-
ant conditions which he found upon en-
tering their splendid home. He was
never estranged from his sister, but
when she married Murdoch the soldier
brother had made up his mind that his
sisters husband was not "his kind.
In frontier barracks and foreign camps,
Col. Battersly's life had been lonely.
He was a silent, elemental, passionate
man, whose rigid habits gave cold and
even hard exterior to nature essential
ly tender Murdoch was man OF much
SNUG piety, who knew that Sunday
school class does not hurt mans credit
with the bank.
But the Murdocks gave Uncle Batter
sly grand welcome. His sister kissed
him, the two children gave him their
hands with trained graciousness, and the
head of the house said: welcome to
the warrior-see, the conquering hero
comes!" This made the old campaigner
ill at ease. He blushed like girl, and
thereafter found restraint in the, to
him, artificial atmosphere of the grand
house. When he went out for walk
Mrs Murdoch said:
Poor fellow; how he's changed
''Out of his element with women and
children" growled Murdock.
What makes his neck so red ?" asked
the boy.
When the Christmas presents began
to arrive, and his sister showed them to
him, the colonel suddenly realized that
he must buy something for the children.
He said nothing about it, but spent half
of the next day buying for his niece a
French doll, with complete wardrobe
and fully equipped steam battleship
for his nephew. 1t was soldiers
choice-love and child for the little
woman, power and war for the little
man. He was very careful about the
address. Mrs. Murdoch, 2441 Penrose
street"
He wondered why his gifts did not
soon appear in the grand array, but said
nothing to his sister, showing each day
an increasing interest in the accumulat-
ing presents in the locked room. and
finally, on Christmas eve, late in the
day, going back to the store where ne
had made his purchases to ask what
had become of the doll and the war
shin. It took a long time to find out the
The midland journal., 1903-12-25

gloomiiy in the corners of the room
while the dancing light glinted along
the smoky rafters as ii eager to dispeI
all thought of loneliness.
MRS. Cameron glanced upward In
the years agone, when the rafters were
not so smoky and the dear old rooms
not so dingy as now. the Halfway
house was the social hub OF the noun
tain side. But now
4 sturdy lad of ~ years came hust-
Iiug in with his arms full of holly and
his pockets full of mail
The road down to the village is as
smooth as glass;" he said. brushing
the snowfiakes from his clothes on to
k*e bright hearth. Horses win have
70 be sharp shod to make the slide to-
MORROW, know
Handing some letters to his mother.
he began to plan for Jolly good
time" the next day, while he sepa-
rated the sprays of the glossy ever
green.
Attracted by his festive manner. his
sister volunteered to help. and fell to
sorting the crimson clusters for deco
rating the table and brightfaing up
The rooms on the morrow
The midland journal., 1903-12-25

right man. but al last very polite
clerk who had been answering questions
as fast as dozen people could ask them.
turned TO him and said:
Murdoch? What address? Penrose
street or Penrose avenue
Are there both?" asked the colonel.
as the possible blunder dawned on him.
Yes; one on the West side. one on
the South side. Where did you wish
your goods to go?"
OF course. Penrose avenue is on the
South side and Penrose street is on the
West side. and Col. Battersly had him
self made the mistake. The goods had
been receipted for. the clerk told him.
1t was pretty late to attempt getting
them back, but they would try. The
clerk made some notes, ratified on few
words about the terrible rush. moved
IN and left the colonel standing dazed
in the crowd. He went home, and as a
preeautton got out Of his trunk .
The midland journal., 1903-12-25

! didn't come by them honestly-that is.
! from his point of view. You won't feel
/, hurt. will you. brother? Papa is so diff
| ferent from YOU
1 So the brother, flushing red, took back
| his barbaric gifts and went to bed In
the morning, soon after breakfast, he
went out of the house, called cab. and
bade the driver take him to 2441 Penrose
street. The doll and the battleship had
not arrived, and he was going after
them. He got out of the cab in squalid
! street, and went into the only house in
the block. 1t was dirty, tumbledown
cottage. built below grade and with
sign For Sale" nailed to the rickety
fence. A thin woman. in an old. faded
wrapper. came to the door.
Il came to see if"
sOh, knew somebody nd come" she
interrupted him. Il knew they wasn't
for us, sir-won't you come in?"
He stepped into the dingy room and
saw big-eyed, frail girl of seven fond
ling the great French doll
You see, sir" said the woman.
breathless to explain, "the things come
while was out-I work over at the shoe
factory, and-my name is Murphy, sir
and when the things come nobody was
home, sir. but Mamie and the boy. He's
mine. and he's out there now pIayin'
with tn steamboat. and when the wagon
| came. Mrs. Tracy, she lives in the next
block. she seen It, and she ran over and
signed book, and the driver jumped
on his wagon and went away, an. of
course, the children seen the bundles
an nothin' would do but they must open
EN-. That's all sir; we didn't want to-
hope you don't think we'd steal em."
she was out of breath now, and the
two children-the boy, a sturdy lad of
ten, had come in-were staring, fright
/ ened. at the colonel. He looked at them
a moment and then at the mother.
Il don't understand you, madam, I" he
said. Il called to look at the house. It's
| FOR sale. you know"
He saw the look of anxiety pass from
her homely face. The children, delight
ed with the reprieve. ran back to their
splendid toys. He made show of look
ing through the stuffy rooms, and when
he was going gave each of the little
ones a coin.
''Good-by, madam" he said to the
mother. You have two fine children. 20
And when he was in the cab again he
stroked his gray mustache and
ehuckled:
1T was lucky blunder, after ALL I'll
go down to the store in the morning and
tell 'em it's all right. Chicago Record
Herald.
The midland journal., 1903-12-25

brothers palm, wondering if by that
time anything would happen that they
would not have to go at all
Ned tossed the note into the MAJ
ternal lap contemptuously and his sum
ny face darkened. who cares for his
charity extension, I'd like to know?'
he exclaimed. Its only because he
can't do otherwise and make it pay"
His lip curled disdainfully and quiv-
cred into silence. He did care, after
all, poor little brother. And Edith's
heart smote her as she kissed his
flushed cheek in sisterly sympathy.
After all, he had been Drawer than she.
ITS veritable toboggan, . ex-
claimed Hermon Camerons wife as
the fine team cantered up the treach-
erous Slide" Really am afraid of
an accident"
Fudge, Mrs. Faintheart; what can
lshappen?" laughed her husband, gayly,
as he cracked his whip over the sleek
bays.
Truly, it did not seem possible for
anything to happen out of harmony
with the lovely holiday. Nevertheless,
a few minutes later the serenity of
Camerons. Frightened at something
by the roadside, the horses became
unmanageable and, in twinkling, be-
coming detached from the sleigh, ran
wildly around the upper turning,
throwing Mr. Cameron heavily to the
ground.
The impetus of the accident sent the
vehicle spinning down the CLASSY in
cline. its occupants perfectly helpless
to stay their mad flight.
The Fultons, startled to see a run
away team dash into their grounds,
ran out to recognize it as that of their
friend. Cameron. and in a short time
they were bending solicitously over
the unlucky man who, prone on the
sciously
I'VE will take him up to the Wild
ow's,' said Mr.. Fulton, glancing in the
direction of the friendly gables. while
you go for the DOCTOR" addressing his
son, 'and then we will look for the
rest of them"
Prudence Cameron prepared couch
for her unfortunate brother-in-law.
with a queer sensation tugging at her
heartstrings. He had meant to stop.
but not in this manner Surely there
was Providence in it.
Here are some papers we picked
up" said Mr.. Fulton, laying roll in
the widows hand They must belong
10 him. Examine them and see
haven't my glasses with me-"
In her own room Mrs. Cameron
looked the papers over "Of course
they're his" she mused, unrolling the
grimy outer wrapper. Unfolding the
inside paper she read: Il hereby give
and bequeath the Halfway house to
my sister-in-law, Prudence Cameron.
and
She read no further. Down at the
bottom of the instrument was the Pc
! culiar chirography of her injured broth
er-in-law.
"lt was never lostl" she exclaimed;
"but Hermon never meant that
should see this
Putting the precious document away
carefully. she went downstairs with a
queer little smile triumphant on her
patient face.
The physician and Hermon's family
had arrived and the wife was saying:
I'VE went right on tobogganlng down
to the uneven road at the lower turH-
The midland journal., 1903-12-25

"Of course he can't care much she
whispered. rebelliously. watching the
satisfaction shining on the boyish
face.
Wen have popcorn and cheslnuts,
and Drowned birds and everything, :,
cried Ned. as his plans bubbled over.
" Everything" repeated his sister.
bitterly, "and then by and by have
nothing =
But Ned did not hear, for his mother
was saying: Here's note from
Cousin Jessie, while smile lighted
up her careworn face.
Then she passed the paper to Edith,
murmuring: "All winter long in the
dear old house.
Papa has concluded to let you stay
in the house until spring. as he can
not find q tenant before that time. He
will stop on his way to Fulton's in the
morning and talk with you about the
matter was what Edith read. Then
she laid the slip Of paper on her
The midland journal., 1903-12-25

customs. and there isn't one single one
that do not religiously obey.
Mr. Van Tucker (softly)- Every single
one?
EdytheA-Yes, every one. Mr.. Van
Tucker. Whynot?
Mr.. Van Tucker (still more softly)-,
Even the one about the mistletoe?
Edythe (blushing) Why, Mr.. Van
Tucker!
Mr.. Van Tucker (relentlessly) There's
sprig of mistletoe hanging over iris
sofa. No. don't go. Remember what you
said. o. you mustA "A kiss.l There,
you've kept your word
Miss Smithers-Mr. Van Tucker, you're
just awful
Enter the maiden aunt-Well. Edythe.
did the best | could in fixing up the
room. I put the mlstletoe right over the
safa, where you wanted it so particu-
larly.
Edythe-Why, aunt.
Mr.. Van Tucker-Um-m.
Curtain.
Chicago Daily News
The midland journal., 1903-12-25
An Expioaed Myth.

DO your little oaes believe in Santa
CLAUSE"
mo. They did till last Christmas,
when their papa played the part. had
the children in the halt-and he was %
come from upstairs with lot Of pres
eats for them
sves:''
Well. we had the lights turned low
and he thought he was down when he
wasn't They recognized his language. !"
Chicago Herald.
The midland journal., 1903-12-25

Mamma-But these cheap toys break
so easily.
Papa-Exactly. Johnny is never
satisfied until he breaks his toys. so /
thought I'd give him sc-aething that
won't give him much trouble Brock
Iyn Life.
The midland journal., 1903-12-25

Aunt Mae-What are you crying for.
Johnny?
Little JOHNNY belong to two Sun.
day schools and they are both going
to have their Christmas trees ON the
same night.-N. Y. Truth.
The midland journal., 1903-12-25
rhe Christmas TnrEex.

Never buy yellow-fieshed turkey u
is sign of poor feeding. A fine turkey
should have firm, white flesh. Purchasers
should also notice that redDess and
coarseness about the legs are the sign OF
an old bird
The midland journal., 1903-12-25
UNDER THE MI sTLEToE.
A Little Comedy Act I'm which the
Maiden Aunt Played the Part
of Villain.

Scene-A parlor in a fashionable home
Everything on stage that can be bor-
rowed from the upholsterers on the
strength of line in the programme: "Ac-
cessories rented from Varnish & Suffers,
the popular upholsterers.
Dramatis personae:
Mr.. Van Tucker.
Miss Edythe Smithefs.
A maiden aunt
Crutain raises, disclosing Mr. Van
Tucker and Miss Shithers ensconced on
Varnish & Suffers finest sofa
Mr.. Van Tucker-Nice old custom, this
Christmas business. DON " think so?
Edythe-Yes, indeed | do, Mr. Van
Tucker. love every one of the dear old
The midland journal., 1903-12-25
BY. JOHN H. RAFFERTY.

BH-JOHM n. EtAHtEkSAAs
strangely carved bracelet, antique, ORR
ental-a noble present. he thought, fol-
his niece; and for his nephew an old
bejeweled war mask-it had been
mandarin's And he took them to Mira
Murdock, saying nothing OF their great
value, and said they were for her girl
and her boy. But after dinner that night
Mr.. Murdoch tapped at the colonefs
door, saying:
Il hope you won't think of giving
those rare curios to the children, colonel
They're worth their weight in money
Didn't cost me-, cent, Murdock,"
blurted the soldier They're part of the
well, the loot-that is, picked 'em ur
in China and-they-t the children will
appreciate them more as they grow
older"
Murdoch walked away without an
other word, but that night the woman
told her brother, softly and with evil
dent desire to be grateful, that papa
was so scrupulous, he didn't want the
children to receive such presents =
"You know. brother" she said, "he's
so conscientious that he thinks you
The midland journal., 1903-12-25

II is not the rainy-day stocking that
gets hung up at Christmas. .-gudeA
Newport daily independent., 1903-04-11
NEW FLIGHTLESS BIRD.
It's Discovery on mn Island or the Coast of Ecundor Was Surprise
 to Naturalists.

So thoroughly has the world been explored that the discovery of hith- erto unknown bird is most notable event from geological viewpoint. Hence it is that the finding of large species of water fowl on an island of the Galapagos group has attracted the attention of naturalists every where. The matter is additionally in teresting for the reason that the bird in question is unable to fly. It is a cormorant, and the only t1ightless member of it's family. The Galapagos cormorants paddle about among the reefs that surround Albemarle island, but, owing to their lack of wings, have never crossed the four miles of wa ter which separates them from the nearest bit of terra firma in the group. It is quite little archipelago, com prising five big and Il small isles, and
Newport daily independent., 1903-04-11
BRIGHT EYES BIRTHDAY BALL,

Said Mrs. Mouse to MT. Mouse.
 Within the pantry wall: really think, my dear, that we Must give a birthday ball To celebrate the grand event,
 Our Brdght-Eyes' coming out; Just leave arrangements all to me know what I'm about
 Expense? Oh, that is nothing, dear You need not have care know where there is dainty food In plenty and to spare The invitations shall be sent
 In proper form-you see our Bright Eyes must be introduced To good society" The evening came. The lights were bright In MT. Mousies hall, And 1nirthful squeakng there was heard At BrightEyes' birthday ball. When suddenly the awlul voice Of Floss. the pussyeat, Cried out Meow meow. meow! l wonder what you're at?" (Twas very rude of her, you know She was not asked to come) With squeak of terror and alright Each mouse rushed madly home Said little Bright-Eyes to herself, Amidst the shocking din ''Oh dear! if this is coming out, l think I'm safer in.'' Marian Isabel Hurrell in CasselPs Little
 Folks
Newport daily independent., 1903-04-11
MOTORS PROPEL THE ANIMALS.

mals to please even those who find the carrousel of to-day tame affair. The principal feature of this new inven- tion is an underground conduit, in which small truck is mounted on rails, with an electric motor on the truck and a vertical shaft extending upward to support the animal in po- sition for use. The movement of the truck is under complete control of the rider, who may travel fast or slow, according to the pressure which he ap- plies to the bridle leading to the horses mouth. Inside the animals mouth is the switch through which the current is turned into the motor, and pull on the reins swings the lever which makes the contact. The current is taken from trolley wire suspended overhead in the conduit, and a train of wheels gears the motor down to the proper speed of revolution for the traction wheels. Louisville Courier-J ournal.
Newport daily independent., 1903-04-11
LARGEST CAPTIVE BEAR.
The Distinction Beyond Question Goes to a Grizzly in Golden
 Gate Park.

Without doubt the largest captive grizzly bear in the world may be seen in the Golden Gate park, San Francisco, Cal. This bear was captured by an old and experienced bear hunter and trap per; was purchased by a wealthy gen. tleman, and presented to the city of San Francisco and placed in the park. The hcge animal is one of the most attractive features of the place, says the American Inventor.
 The bear was caught in powerful log trap away up amid the rugged soli- tudes of the great Sierra Nevada noun tains. The trap was temptingly bait ed and the animal deliberately walked to his fate, and became a prisoner. At the time of his capture the bear was full grown, in fact was middle aged. For time the animal was sullen, fero- cious, and wild with fury by turns. It was no easy or safe task to trans fer the bear to a strong iron cage and bring him by team and rail to San Francisco. But finally the savage, powerful monster was safely landed in the park. He was appropriately named Monarch, by reason of his enor- -m9Us- size and weight. From his nar- row prison Monarch was transferred to a large spacious cage constructed of steel. Escape from this inclusure is impossible.
 As to his exact weight there is much conjecture. That has not been deter mined, as the bear has never been placed on scale. Good judges esti- mate it at not far from 1900 pounds. The bears appearance justifies that conclusion. The animal is kept "roll- ing fat" He has very comfortable quarters and plenty of food which tickies his palate. Near the center of his cage is q long, deep iron box kept full of water Like every other bear, Monarch hugely enjoys his bath, and spends much of his time disport- ing in the water.
Newport daily independent., 1903-04-11
MECHANICAL RACING.
An Artifi cdnI Course Upon Which In~ dividunI Motors Propcl the
 Various Animals.

There is probably no form of amuse- ment which is more popular with the children than riding on the merry-go- round, and it is frequently noticed that the older people indulge in this pas time, probably for the same reason they go to the circus-just to give the children a treat. If the amusement ap- paratus designed by Benjamin Beer wald, of Philadelphia, Pa, should be utilized to supplant the common form of merrygo-round there will be suf- ficient excitement and genuine pleas- ure connected with ride on the ami
Newport daily independent., 1903-04-11
FOR INGENIOUS BOYS.
This Article Tells Them How to Make Shelf and Drawer for Their
 Sisters Rooms.

This is for boy to make for his own
 room, or for his sisters room, for girls like shelves and drawers for knickknacks, as well as do boys. Three pieces of board, ten to 12 inches wide and 26 inches long, will be need ed-two to incase the drawers and one for the shelf at the top. Separate the two lower boards by end pieces of board three and one-half inches wide, this being the depth of the drawer. Make four square corner supports, sawed in strips from an inch-thick
Newport daily independent., 1903-04-11
lNOU51RY& &..5,1s e. ''1 1Sz SznEcHhal9s ;
ALCOHOL FOR FUEL.
With Tax Removed, It Would Be Far Cheaper Than Coal, Petroleum
 or Fuel Gas.

Since Chicago professor has pro- scientific value as food Detroit chemist has discovered that the fiery liquid could justify its name even further, and prove to be cheap fuel that would relieve all danger of coal famine if the government would only remove the heavy internal rev enue and import taxes.
 The chemist is J. F. Ingram, who has made a deep study of the cost and methods of manufacture, in con- nection with the agitation in the senate for the removal of the taxes on alcohol. He has found out that alcohol can be made for ten cents a gallon, and that at that price more heat can be produced for the same money than from hard coal at nor mal rates. Naturally the mine own CTS and coal roads oppose the change.
 The federal tax on alcohol now is $2.10 a gallon. Its market price is $2.40, showing that makers can sell it fer 30 cents under present condi- lions. In Germany and France, where there is no tax, the selling price is 15 cents, but the chemist de- :lares the fluid could be made much more cheaply in this country, because of the greater natural resources.
 Alcohol is made from all vegetable substances containing starch or sugar. Corn is oue great source. All roots, such as sugar beets and pota- toes, also contain alcohol. If the tax were removed the thousands of tons of waste from the beet sugar factories could be utilized for fuel. In the great districts of the west, where fuel is so scarce and high that corn is sometimes burned, the chem ist says apparatus could be installed in every house at a cost of $25 whicE would turn out fuel enough for the family from the waste products of the farm.-Chicago Journal.
Newport daily independent., 1903-04-11

board, and carefully planed, and fas- ten them in position with small brads' Put in with brads two end pieces at each end of the same material, Tn the manner shown. The little balls that are used can be procured at cabinet makers, and at many hardware stores. They are held in place by long, slender brads driven through them. A small brass rod is secured in front, and from this is suspended, by small brass rings a little curtain of silk or other material, which a mother or sister may be asked to contribute. The whole is supported by neat bronze brackets from the hardware store. The man ner of constructing the drawer IS plainly shown in the second cut, eX- cept that it may be stated that the bottom of the drawer is fitted to go in- side of the front, back and ends, being held in place by brads through the ends and Washington Star.
Newport daily independent., 1903-04-11
This Bank has an authorized
 CAPITAL of $Ioo, ,OOO .OO.
THOs. J. GRAHAM, J. w. GRUBBs,

An authorized subscribed Capital is convenient thing good thing advertising purposes but to be perfectly honest patrons the truth it really counts for little We could have had just easily Subscribed Capital of $500 OOO It would not have cost us one cent more.
 What patrons really interested in knowing s this has invested .in its sbusness of ITS OWN MONEY, $5S 900 GO OF CASH; PAID IN CAPITAL and undivided profits That the this Bank is prepared to take good care of your And you that MORE CAPT. TAIL WILL PAID IN believe it be safely and proftaby invested.
Newport daily independent., 1903-04-11
THE BANK OF NEWPORT
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS.

CIV DECKER President A. D. BAILEY, Vice President M. JOHNSON, Cashier. T D. AMMAN Asst. Cashier. WY IN T. FLYNN, w, GRUBBs, N.
Newport daily independent., 1903-04-11
Germs in Tenement Houses.

Tests in tenement houses show that in five minutes after sweeping 2,500 germs settled on a saucer three inches across. In the same length of time before sweeping 75 germs settled on the saucer.
Newport daily independent., 1903-04-11
Eupiorl Oil

When buying Illuminating oil insist on having EUPIoN, the family safety. This is adouble distilled process oil that is oDoRLEss and absolutely safe. If you will use clean burners and wicks and EUPIoN OIE you will have best light obtainable. The only merchants in Newport that sell this high-grade oil are Wolff Goldman Nero. Co, w. B. Chastain, Wilmans Bros, R. D. Wilmans, Heiliger's Union Market Co.,, Martin Bros., liar ris & Daugherty l.. G. DaVaul and o. M. Bowen.
 Waters-Pierce Oil Comply
Newport daily independent., 1903-04-11

with large entered through wds in the dining-roon finished
 The to the celia accessible with dnngroom which could economically be with ample closet All direct access ulyequppd bathroom The deck or will valuable adjunct giving pleasant 
 to description Good House keeping