The independent. [volume] (Lincoln, Neb.) 1902-1907, 1904-08-04


erature and if any they were known
to be SO Drejudiced that they wouldn't
read paper if it was gwen to them,
we would go and throw some in their
yard so they would find it. Some
times a person will read anything if
they think no one knows II.
BY this time things began to be
lively; other clubs began to FORM
Members Of other clubs came to hear
and take part in discussions. But
the great attraction to bring them was
reading the story and some Of the far
mers' wives came to hear But the
club was poor and more funds was
wanted to get speaker. 1t was dis
cussed in the club.
One OF the farmers wives got up and
said: "Mr. Chairman: | think we
can manage that all right. We can
have little social up TO our house;
and as it isn't for the minister, the
young people can come and bring
violin. They will spend about SO much
the campaign fund.- 1t was a sue
cess. Every one, nearly, came to the
social, irrespective Of political belief,
and it broke the ice little. Those
that had been very much opposed to
the new party got SO they would read.
papers, and by the way, don't forget
that when man reads he is great
deal more apt to study and think of
it, than he would be II you talked
with him. for then he would talk
back and not think.
Farmer Johnson was democrat be-
cause he was a democrat and all the
republicans were aboIitionists. Farmer
Johnson was big, black and swarthy;
he talked very loud and we couldn't
get him to the club. None Of his
folks should come to the id aboli-
ton club" He had nine sons, some of
them voters and some that would be;
and also wife and one daughter.
Uncle Reuben was the reverse of
johnson every way. He was small and
weakly; but mentally one OF the best
you would find. Reuben's land and
Johnsons joined-but Johnson had
half section, 800 acres, while Reuben
had only forty acres. They agreed
well on every thing but politics, and
Johnson used to say he had rather
have Uncle Reuben's opinion on any
subject than that of any other man
he knew-except politics.
Well, Reuben tried to get johnson
to read his papers. No. he wouldn't
have any id abolition papers in his
house. But Uncle Reuben had a girl
about the age of the Johnson's girl
and the two were great friends. Reu-
ben's wife was an invalid and Reuben
took Uncle Toms Cabin home for his
girl to read to her mother. One even
ing Johnson's girl came down and they
were reading the book and she wanted
to take it home to read to her mother
Uncle Reuben told her the book be-
longed to the club; that her father
would burn 1t UP; and he didn't want
to let her have 1t on that account
Well, she said she could read ii when
father was out; but if he burned it up
she would pay for 1t.
SO she got the book and in the
evening when her father was out and
al odd times she read Ii to her moth
er. But murder will out. One even
Ing Johnson came In and slipped his
boots of and the door being open into
the sitting room, and the women being
interested In the story. he slipped in
and sat down on the lounge. How
much he heard read no one ever knew.
But he said: Carrie, what book are
you reading there?"
"Oh. ah, nothing. father, Just a story
got down 10 Uncle Renben's."
We'll. have been listening to your
reading and | have got interested In
the story and want you to commence
again aud read II 20 me-
Johnson ruled his own house; HIS de-
cree was law. and Carrie with many
fears. read him the book
After he had heard the book he met
Uncle Reuben and he said: Reuben.
| believe win read some OF your pa
pors II you will lend me some. | have
been hearing that book read which
Carrie got down 10 your hcAse-~and |
believe they have been lying TO me-"
After he read q few papers he camo