davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
,SFNTT1S
What seest thou on yonder desert


What seest thou on yonder desert
plain,
Large, vague, and void?
see city full of flivkering streets;
hear the hum of myriad engine beats
What seest thou?
see desert plain,
Large, vague, and void.
What seest thou in yonder human
face,
Pale, frail, and small?
see soul by tragedy worn thin;
read page of poetry and OF sin.
What seest tsou? -
I see human face,
Pale, frail and small.
What seest thou at yonder dim cross
roads
Beside-that suffered inn?
Untraveled Possibility,
The Inn Of splendid Mystery.
What seest thou?
I see the dim cross roads
Beside suffered inn.
Florence Wilkinson in McClure's.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

er each one of them was hero. Ths
coy, forgetting where he was, began to
.pring up and down on his airy seat,
keeping time to the music of the band
as he waved his hat and cheered.
But all at once, when the band was
directly underneath and the Claypool
company half a square away, Knocker
became aware that something was
wrong with his seat. Letting go his
hat, the boy bent over and clutched
the end of the board with both hands.
When the plank came to rest, Knock
er found his end had sunk down three
feeit below the edge OF the building;
and although he had ceased to spring
up and down, 1t stiIl continued to sink.
Like snail it crawled past the angle
of twenty, then thirty degrees, while
the boy sat clutching the board in
horror.
He realized what was happening. In
his excitement in tying down the othee'
end Of the plank, Knocker had used,
instead of the square hitch he had In
lGluCQ, VIC lSlahOlS b. SNS'-S
but surely it was giving way.
At last the boy opened his eyes in
relief to find tho board had come to
standstill. He remembered that in
one end of the lashing he had used
there was a hard knot. Thinking this
knot had travelled up to the granny,
and that the latter was now as safe as
square hitch, Knocker began to
squir1n back up the plank. But this
proved an indiscreet move, and al
most fatal one.
The granny had not been stopped by
the hard knot, but merely by frayed
edge on the rope. Hardly had the boy
made his first move when this pulled
through, and tho plank gave little
lurch downward.
Knocker had all but overbalanced,
and saved himself barely by again
clutching the end of the knot. 1t
sedmed then as If Knocker had ruined
his only chance for life. The plank
slowed down again to its former move
ment, but it continued to sink under
the boys weight.
Below, the parade came to halt, all
but the leading band, which, uncon-
scious of the pending catastrophe,
went marching gaily up the street.
All other eyes we're gazing at the
helpless boy. AS the plank passed the
thirtieth degree and seemed fairly to
stand on end, some turned away their
faces, unable to watch longer.
Among the iron workers were men
who had witnessed some fearful falls
and terrible accidents, but even they
were rendered helpless at the sight Of
their youthful friend in such posi-
ton.
There was one exception, however.
A big man, with courage and determin-
alton showing in his cldar blue eye
and square jaw, sprang from the ranks
and pushed his way swiftly through
the crowd A moment later he reach
ed the high board fence which shut
in the Claypool Building from the
street. With agility that would have
done credit TO a sailor, Big Jim scaled
the fence and disappeared inside the
enclosure.
Meanwhile, with each instant
Knoclser found his position harder to
maintain splinters from the pine board
pierced his hands cruelty. but .'H''77'
4 only set -tisasrtzWs and girls
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

haunted huts, constructed of cane or
boards, with front and rear doors, and
shutter window, and often with
dirt floor. They dress scantily In the
cheapest cotton stuffs, while their chill
dren below the age of Z or years run
naked. They use primitive household
utensils, and cook with simple char
coal outfit; and at night their only
light is the tallow candle. though, be-
ing unable to read, they have little use
for better. Such, them are the masses
of Porto Rico. whom the Americans
have begun to upllft to higher sta.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

architecture are carried out here, as
revealed in the various colors of the
crosses which mark the graves; but
suddenly, and without warning, the
vision is astonished with n grotesaue
contrast, which is truly shocking
commentary upon civilization.
1t appears that the ground in this
cemetery is leased. not sold, and If
after term of five years the renewal
rent is not paid the dead forfeit Their
resting places. The bodies are ruth
lessly dug up and cast into common
leap, exposed TO public view along
with thousands of other skulls and
bones of men, women and children
WHO can never be traced by posteri.y.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

to the teachings Of all history philosophy and religion is
the Idle man or woman
think every one will understand that my pity is for
all ldlers make exception. understand how
eitner possession position of any Justify b
man being In leading idle life the sweat of thv
proW hou shalt eat thy bread is the divine decree written
IN every atom of mans being Our must be quick
ehe strengthened pericd perfected by USE but thew
must all be used God designed being for brain
Work exclusively and another for work exclusively
Neither has he intended that few should have
ost In slough Of sofa pillows wondering what they ss
Duy next and add nature has wisely provided that
TINS sort does not cmber the is not Of the
KIND that obeys the Scrptural injunction to multiply and
replen!sh the earth
Believing in unity, in democracy. IN Christianity can
not understand how be Chose ideals md hold
any human being in mental relation place nv finger
uon we can never have social peace political Justice
SO og as we burden democracy this asphcmors
heritage of arlstocrncy
The highest title that be conferred on me is tlot
OF man. Than that no should seek higher Yet
what do we see every side of In this Democracy
OUT tfere on the street 'o No' some ono
nasty and kind enough to inform That is the ov
ernor SENATOR" and So-andso "hs royal hirhnessp
Prince soand-so Is there anything our vaunted democ
racy SO utterly inconsistent and wtal completely dis
gushing? And yet 1t is habit that is apparently ngrowu
III the grain of the American people, this habit of Worship
ing place position or money.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
The Intelligent Farmer.

Giving the farmers tnffy before cleo
ton and promising them legislation
that never was intended to material
lze, is favorite game of the Republi-
can leaders. 1t is therefore not IN un-
expected pleasure to read the first in
stallment of CUFF and bluff given out
by Hon. Joseph Weeks Babcock, chair
man of the Republican Congressional
Committee, in which he brings in the
Intelligent farmer" as the standby of
the G. o. r. Mr.. Babcock says he has
implicit faith that the Intelligent
farmers" will vote the Republican
ticket for they have telephones in their
houses and read the daily newspapers.
That Mr.. Babcock really believes the
.'intelligent farmer" will support the
party in League with the trusts and
corporations is doubtful, for he is EVIL
IDENTIFY much exercised, though he says
he is not worrying over the outlook for
Republican majority in the next Con-
gress. Yet Mr.. Babcock evidently is
alarmed about what the Intelligent
farmer will do, for he also says: at
keeps member Of Congress busy all
the time to answer the questions they
ask him about public affairs" Maybe,
Which he gave out that interview, Mr..
Babcock was thinking of the uncom-
Portable questions that. many OF his
own constituents have been asking
him about the charges of his too close
connection with the railroad corpora
tons, the padding of the mails in the
interest of those institutions and his
failure to push his bill to reform the
tariff schedule that shelters the steel
trust, though he had declared the tar
If must be reformed. Or. possibly, he
was thinking of tie charges made by
Secretary Bristow TINT over 100 Re-
publican Congressman, including him
self, had been mixed up with the post
Office grafters. If not in league with
them.
The Intelligent farmer" who reads
the daily newspaper could hardly
have missed knowing about those
charges and a number of other scan
| da!s that Mr.. Babcock and his party
are responsible for. and 1t is hardly
any wonder that II las kept those
members of Congress busy. MS 1t has
Mr.. Babcock-for he tells us so-ex-
planning and twisting and turning, to
answer the questions, of not only the
intelligent farmer" but to others of
his and their constituents.
No more favorable news for the
Democrats hns been published than
this acknowledged interest the farm
ers are taking In public affairs. No
doubt they are inauiring about Repub-
lican extravaganza. about the enor.
nous Increase III price OF what they
buy and the cause for 1t. They doubt
less want to know why the packers
combine is paying less for cattle and
hogs and yet the price OF meat to the
.eeeasamer y relatively higher tran y
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

subsistence easily assured unless he is
handicapped with an unduly large and
unproductive family. Fresh meats are
too expensive for him, however; he re-
lies for food on bananas, beans and
rice. In fact, so bananas or plantains
are frequently accepted as the equiv
alent of days wages of about 30
cents.
This condition of the laboring class
is far from satisfactory. Thousands
are upon a level with the poems of
Mexico. They are anemic in appear
ance: they live In squnl!d aud vermin-
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
Saving U. from Roosevelt,


That Mr.. Roosevelt is a menace TO
national peace and safety as presi-
Dental incumbent Is frankly and sig
niacantly conceded by the Globe. In
Fridays edition this Republican organ
INDUCED in the following paragraph:
ITO the big brain and: steady nerve
of Secretary Hay is due the fact that
we got through the Panama canal
deal without a war;" ,.
Thus we are told Tint the ra.,ancs
protagonist was saved from himself by
his secretary of. state; that Hay was
the balance wheel which checked the
rash impetuosity of the buccaneering
gentleman who now bids for continue
ance in the supreme executive post.
Let us, therefore. thank our stars for
a balance wheel. But in 30 doing we
should contemplate sthe periis, s,ig-
gested by this, eminent Republican or
gan, of future characterized by
President Roosevelt. II possible We
would be spared a four years admin
stration during which our safety from
rash wars would depend solely upon
the big brain ana steady nerve OF some
one Other than the President himself.
We would prefer to have the big
brain and stehdy nerve reside in the
same person upon whom the direct re-
sponsibility rests, and In whom also
rests the power to inclte wars and call
for armies.
We must view with fear the posses
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
6 Knockers
Last Granny
(By Frank caldwell.)

Perchad high on the steel frame
work of tail building, "Knocker" sat
moodily eating his MONDAY meal
There was something wrong with his
appetite that day, for he did very un-
common thing-he left the second
piece untouched.
From where he sat on the fat roof
truss, the lad could look down on any
side through tangled web-work of
steel beamms, nine 3tories below. To
any one not accustomed to climbing,
this would have seemed a dizzy
height; but to KnocSer, who had help
ed erect the building, it was very un-
interesting thing.
Knocker had won his remarkable
name from the many positions he had
held on the Claypool Building. Begin.
ming In the basement as water boy. he
mad worked his way up during the
erection of the building to the dignity
OF rivet-beater. That was something
to be proud of, thought Knocker; but
after all, what did it amount to If he
could not become union man?
That had been the height of Knock.
er's ambition, to become a union man,
and march with the iron workers in
the Labor day parade But Labor day
had come, and 1t had found Knocker
keeping solitary watch over the build
Ing while the union men were off en-
5oying the holiday.
"All on account of not knowing how
to tie the square hitch" muttered the
boy to himself. as he closed the I'D
Of his dinner basket
All the long summer Knocker had
bedn diligently preparing for the ex.
animation he would have to pass be.
fore entering the union. The day be.
fore he had taken the examination,
and had failed in 1t. 1t was, as he
said. all ca account OF not knowing
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

Persia, the Car owns II greater for
tune in diamonds and precious stones
than any man in the world.
When Nicholas III. was crowned a
few years ago, the Emir of Bokhara
and the Khan of Ehiva, his two prin-
cipal vassal princes, We'd with one an
other in making him the richest gifts
within their power.
The Khan gave him priceless rope
of pearls, which is said to be the fin
est in the world. besides diamonds,
emeralds, and rubies. His presents are
estimated to have been worth at the
lowest computation, $2,5QO,OO0; but no
price could really be put upon them.
His rival, the Emir, was not far be-
Hind Inn, uHd the Hetman of the Don
Cossacks, Prince Sviatopolsk Alirski
H., came forward with some hand
some contributions, as did all the lead
ing mobiles and princes of the Empire,
to say nothing of foreign potentates.
The Gar is the luckiest man on
earth in the matter of "windfalls." His
loyal subjects are constantly leaving
him large sums of money by will.
which are not always accepted. Deli
cate diplomacy is required to Induce
the Cur to accept legacy. These
legacies, when accepted, are never
used by the Gar fos his private grail
flcation. He regards them as trust
fund, and they have been so regarded
by most of his ancestors. This fund
Is drawn upon for charitable and re-
ligious purposes.
Two and half million dollars We're
given from 1t to relieve the starving
peasants during the last terrible fam
inc in Bessarabia. But 1t is not con-
fined to Russian objects alone. The
Gar made liberal donations from it
to the last Indian famine relief fund
and in aid of the negro peasants of
Martinique who suffered by the erup-
tons of Mont Pclee.
ut is impossible to arrive at any
! exact estimate of the wealth of His
Imperial Majesty" said high dipio-
matist, ''but l should think that, on
the most conservative estimate, he
must be worth, from all sources far
more than S5O,00O,G0O year. This is
actual revenue. and does not take into
account the huge treasures in specie,
bullion, and diamonds which are stored
In the vaults of the Peterhof Palnce,
| In the citadel at Kronstadt and else
| where"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

# - -

measures and men. When he is in full sympathy with
what that party is doing he should identify himself with
as prominently possible When thinks it is doing
badly he should keep out of those offices where he will
be forced to support which disapproyes We
attach ourselves to party when believe is doing
good; and as long have sympathy with its general
aims and purposes and believe that 1t doing more good
than harm there is obligation upon separate our
selves from because there within its pale whose
conduct we disapprove articles in platform concern
ing which we feel some doubt
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
Havana,s Goleotl,a.

When Americans visit Havana they
are confronted with many peculiar
customs. Ono OF the most startling
and revolving is that which prevails In
regard to the dead. Colon cemetery,
abcaut!ful burial ground, laitl out in
romantic walks, arched With superb
trees and adorned with costly mon;i-
ments and classic cenotaphs. is the last
home for all, grandee and peasant
alike.
Tho rainbow effects Of tho clty's
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
THE IDLE MAN A p,r,ABLE OBJECT.

~ BY . ri JG:fes, Mayor OF Toledo.
1t is sad reflection that present day civil.
zsation is largely poisoned with the idea that an
idle life is desirable life, and that this delusion
should ensave the American mind, or indeed that
1t should find dwelling place among us at all.
somehow, some way, somo time we must grow
out of this stupefaction, for all the deplorable
things, Of all the pitiabe objects that incumber
the earth TO-DAY. the most denlorahle acnoriin.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
HOW TO BECOME INFLUENTIAL IN POLITICS.
By Arthur D. H.dley. Preside.

The quickest way for q man to secure infu-
encc in politics is to identify himself with some
party, take Its nomination for Office and look for
the promotion which is about us certain to follow
in politics as in any other business where man
accepts the rules of the game and plays it skill
fully. The disadvantage connected with this
way Of doing things is that such man secures
his Influence at the sacrifice of his indnnendence
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
Mus. Work Harder Than Ever.

$50 hear you have taken farm
fifteen miles from the city. VIXEN do
you retire from business:"
WHO said anything aLout retiring
from blsiness?'
1t stands to reason you can't farm
and attend 10 business here ut the
same tlme."
who's going to support the farm Il
I quit business ?"-New York Pre- s.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
A Little Remembrance.

"A 4ltkSAS MGmGmUT0nCSs
Big events at present scarcely grant
us an interval in which to notice NIL
nor episodes. But there is often proft
In small things and 1t may. pay Us to
consider for moment tie adjourn
ment Of the Republican Congress-. Con-
gress sought to sneak .out unobserved
while great wars, the Worlds Fair
and other tremendous concerns occu-
pied the fore; and the attempt was
well-nigh successful. The difference
between Congress in session and out
Of session is impercepHble anyhow,
and except for the empty felicitations
and formalities In both houses there
was nothing unusual to signify the
close.
Congress, however, leaves us little
something by whieh to remember IT.
deficit Of 81, COO. 600; the appropria.
lions for the coming fiscal year made
by the present session being 97Bl ,57A,-
629 and the estimated, revenues being
but e704, 472. 060. The chairman Of the
Appropriations Committee charactsss
lies. this financing as "laudable econ
omy." But Senator German, with
much more reason and regard for fact.
calls 1t amazing extravaganza and at
tributes large part Of 1t to the Inn
perialistic and rash ambitions Of Mr..
Roosevelt. Be that as 1t may, $77, O0O,-
600 Is a rather stable and menacinR
deficit and points in the direction Of
either bad financing OF considerably
raised tax rate, or both.
incidentally we may Inquire: where
Is the boosted benefit of Dingley .'pro-
lection" to the people, the taxpayers?
The taxpayers are $77,000.Oo0 ain the
hole" Dingley protection" has done
better by the trusts. To be sure, they
are not "out" 1000, 600 ON account Of
1t. Our political economists, and espe-
cially those who are both political and
partisan, might not support the propo-
sition; but court OF equity sitting
upon the question of adjustments
would require the privileged monopo-
lies to pay over the sum of the deficit
Into the treasury and make up the peo-
PIES losses. Robbing the people to en-
rich the trusts Is good economy from
the Republican standpoint, but It is de-
cidedly inequitable and uncomfortable
burdensome to the country MS whole.S,
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

In Lowell. Mass, there are 1900
notwithstanding operatives who cara
for $4,000 spindles and earn over
100000 = month,
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
In,portnnt Gle.

SHAY, othsher." Sbegn
citizen. "I-hic-.want y,
home. Yo,l--hic-knoy
housh is, don't youg'
LET me see," mYsed
whats the name Of &c
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
Iy'tF MARRIAGE ne SHOULD De lNDissol tBlE.

BY Rev. Or. David N. Greer
recognize the necessity at times for a sep
aration where, for any of various reasons, the
home is impossible. Never however, should the
separation carry the privilege Of remarriage In
the lifetime of both parties, because marriage is
an indissoluble relation, to be broken only by
DEATH Even before separation lie granted every
other means should first be exhausted, but If by
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
stlf-RE6ULAIloN IN THE LIVING ORGANISM.

Dy Ut. X NJ FTHHcc
sef-regulation means the tendency of living
organisms to counterfeit, by biological or struc-
tural changes, influences of destructive or de-
leterious nature. Some Of the regulative phe-
nomena Of the human organism are well known
and recognized as such by science. 1t is gen
orally known, for instance, that perspiration is
regulative phenomenon the object Of which is
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

was. There is no end to the ques-
tons that intelligent farmers will ask
candidates for Congress that will pux-
Gle the Republicans to evade, let alone
to answer. That is Just what the Dem
ocrats want-full and free discussion
and intelligent inquiry by all voters.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

Between Fri,
Phyllis-I understan'
ing to be introduced te
It Ii o case Of love at
6ylvia-Poor fellow
awfully Dear-sighted!
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
Easy, Yet Hard.

The merchant was booking an order
for customer whose name lie had en-
tirely forgotten. He tried TO get the
name without betraylns himself, and
made mess of 1t, as is usual in such
cases.
Let me see" he said. "You spell
your name the easy way. don't you?"
yes" replied the customer. II sup
pose 1t seems easy to most people, but
it's really Hard"
This did not help the merchant any.
81 beg your PARDON" he confessed,
"but shall have to ask you how to
spell IT.
"oh, it's quite easy to SPELL"
But didn't You say moment ago
that it was hardY"
yes; and SO it is. But It's easy,
too"
How do you make that out;"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

There Ii. as yet, eli,
dence from reputabl'
Fadlu,l, has actuall,
csnsypagtoa
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22
IIc NiaY he Good NoM.

81 never trouble myself about the
future" he said.
mo wonder" she replied ut must
keep You pretty busy thinking about
your past"
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

It's useless for some women to deny
that they married for money after you
see their husbands.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

He Is In large measure bound by the platform Of the party
which nominated him to Office Seeing the evil which re
suits from this loss of independence are inclined
to the ohor extremeto loose from party
cations altogether voting for the best measures
best men without regard to the question which parts/
ports them Those who hold this view say that
small minority of independent voters could force 4
lar party organizations to compete for their ma
thus compel those organizations to do better t, - the
country than would otherwise be probable q
believe 1t is possible to take mdde = ii between
the theories of the extreme partisan e hand and
those of the extreme independent Ter. In taking
this middle ground should advise bt to go into poll
CIV he had some lndepender q ms of support sufi-
lrrFat 1SZfom starvation unnn
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-06-22

l wisht at they'd stop spoen!
A sittin' OIL th' sofn-sny!
l saw him put his arm nrou.
Moll's waist, I did, las Sat
l visit at they'd get marie.
We wouldn't have q pri,nr
They amt no fun in livin' i
Sence Sister Molly's got
AT whiskcred man.
News,