davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
THE BoRANs OF AFRICA.
A Cowardly Tribe That SACRIFICES
Its Children and Cattle.

It's Children and Cattle.
A cowardly tribe in the interior of
Africa, the Borans, is thus described
by British explorer: ''They carry
long spears with huge blades, which
look grotesque in the hands Of such a
craven race. They wear loose knickers
of American cotton cloth and wrap
Of the same material over their Shout
ders. These garments are treated with
waterproof. This American cloth is
very durable and is the only cloth for
which there is any demand. 1t is the
ordinary medium Of exchange among
the tribes from Dirri to the coast. The
Boran either shaves his head or keeps
his hair short or long in CHI covered
ringlets, but he always wears small
pigtail. He ornaments himself with a
necklace of small beads or plated
giraffe tail hairs; also with many
heavy bracelets of metal and ivory,
which often incase his arm up, to the
elbow. Each of these is supposed to
represent some dangerous animal, in
Guiding man, which he has slain.
Bands and tabs of giraffe skin CON-
plete his costume
Borans are polygamists if they can
afford the luxury. Their women have
to content themselves with leather gar
ments made Of bullock hides scraped
thin, clothing being considered much
too valuable for them. They are weigh
ed down with many bead necklaces.
Their religion consists in a belief in a
spirit, "Wak." The vagueness Of their
conception Of "Wak" Is shown by the
fact that the same word Is used in the
Boran tongue for the sky. They do
not believe in any future state of ex-
istence, but try to avert present calam-
ity by propitiating Wax. This is done
by sacrificing their children and their
cattle. A Boran Of any standing when
he marries becomes a "raba," and for
a certain period after marriage, proba-
bly, four to eight years, he is obliged to
leave any children that are born to
him to die in the bush. No Boran cares
to contemplate the fearful calamities
with which Wax would visit him if he
failed in this duty.
After the ''raba" period the Boran
becomes "gudda." This word" SAYS
the traveller who describes the natives,
Happens to be the Hindoostanee for
ass but if there were any connection
the Boran would certainly be entitled
to the rank earlier in life" Wax has
no claim on Gudda's children, but nei-
Their has Gudda himself. He has to
send them off at very early age with
a present Of cattle and sheep to be
brought up by the wata, who are the
low hunter caste. of the Borans. They
remain with these people till they are
grown up and then return to the bosom
Of their people.
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
Long WidOwhOOd.

In 1853, in the ninety -sixth year Of
her age, died Jean Countess Of Rox-
burghe. She was not very remarka-
BILE woman, but her memory is pre-
served on account of her long widow
hood, which lasted seventy-one years.
Her father, the first Lord Tweeddale,
fought at Marston Moor in 1914
This Countess of Roxburghe's long
widowhood is insignificant compared
with that of a certain Agnes Skinner.
According to an inscription in Gambler
well church, this worthy woman died
in 1499 at the age of 119 years, having
survived her husband only eight years
less than a century.
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
Japanese Swords.

Unlike the famous blades of Toledo
and Damascus, Japanese swords are
not flexible or elastic. They are I'M
equaled for strength and hardness and
hold very keen edge. Japanese steel
is said to excel even Swedish steel in
purity. The manufacture of the
swords is very elaborate process.
Some ceremonials and superstitious
practices are intermixed with the scien-
tific operations. The sword hardener
Is regarded as the most important per-
sonage connected with the manufac-
ture. 1t is his name that is inscribed
on the hilt and his reputation that en-
hances the value Of sword. Those
who shape the blade, sharpen and
adorn it are Of minor Importance
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
TRAINING VOICES.
Quack Music Teachers and the Harm
They Do PuDils

,4uack MuSlc Teachers ana the Harm
They Do Pupils.
t'Ninety.five per cent of all vocal
teachers are quacks," said an old mu-
stefan. Few singers would doubt the
assertion. Probably in no other kind
of work can man who knows practi-
cally nothing about subject do so
quickly a lucrative amount Of teach
ing. There are many common types
the piano teacher who cannot get
enough pupils to make a living, the
lict Of the concert halls, who never
could sing himself, and many more.
Their half hour lessons may be said to
consist one-third Of chat and gossip,
one-third of scales and exercises and
one-third of the singing of the pupils
favorite songs, all interspersed with
just enough commentator and criti-
cism to keep the pupils good opinion
Of both himself and Of her teacher.
There are teachers whose training has
not only ruined voices, but temporarily
harmed general health as WE'LL Over
against these charlatans of the profess
sion there are conscientious men and
women who can detect faults in a
voice and know how to correct them
and who work carefully and enthusi-
astically for each individual pupil.
1t is not easy to tell the good teacher
from the quack, and you will find bit
ter early experiences in many q sue
cessful singers career.-Leslie's Month
IN IL Il
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
An Accommodation Train,

In the lake district of England there
is tiny railway which has only one
train run by two officials, one of whom
is managing director, ticket collector,
guard and porter and the other chief
engineer, engine driver and stoker. The
train stops anywhere. 1t frequently
goes off the line, but crowbars are car
ried, with which the train is persuaded
to return to its proper position. When
friend of either official is observed
the train is brought to a standstill. At
one time, when the managing director
was counting the daughter Of farmer
through whose lands the line ran, the
young lady would take her stand ut q
certain gate every evening, the train
would be stopped, and the young man
would kiss her good night.
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
BE Just a Man.

Don't be gentleman Lincoln was
a man. Who ever spoke of the "gen-
tlemanly Shakespeare Think of de-
scribing Grant as q gentleman! How
would it look in history to read about
our great gentleman, George Washing
ton? Nobody ever dubbed Solomon
with the name of gentleman" "a
gentleman" is the snob,s title for a
do nothing, fellow about town., a
tailor made loafer, confidence shark
or a society stalk. Be man.-Hay-
field Mower
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
Preferred Jail,

A convict in New England prison
who had been sentenced to a life term
for murder In the second degree, hav.
ing served considerable number of
years, was told that he would be re-
leased were he to pledge himself to 90
back to Italy, his native country, and
never, never. return to America. He
declined the offer Of freedom on the
ground he could earn 80 ltttis
money In the land Of the ancient sR0.
mans that be would be hungry III thl
time at home, whila IN YANKEES prison
be would set enough 70 eat at worst.
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
Prank of the Lightning.

In 1874 a fishing smack off one of the
Shetland isles was struck by light
ming during fierce storm. The bolt
first struck the mast, which it splin-
tered completely. 1T then passed to a
watch in the pocket of man sitting
close to the mast and completely melt
ed it. The man not only was unin-
jured, but he did not know what had
taken place till he took his watch from
his pocket and found it fused into q
mass a1
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
The Thirsty Elm,

1t has been computed that if the
leaves Of an elm tree sixty feet high
were spread out ON the ground edge to
edge they would cover five acres of
land. These leaves, averaging 100000
toa full grown tree, will absorb water
to the amottnt Of seven tons during the
normal summer day. Were 1t not for
The ingathering by the stomata during
The night few elms would soon draw
81 all the water from a district.
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
A Good Plan.

Mae-Are you going to the matinee
this afternoon. Blanche No, / must
Stay home. The hairdresser is coming.
Mae-Why don't you have two sets7
Then you could leave one. Cleveland
Leader. @31f5is 3aa 70
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
Poorly Rehear.ed.

"What is your favorite opera 2" asked
the young woman who was trying to
make conversation.
Mr.. CumroX looked startled
Il can't say" he answered "My IA
yorite poem is The Recessional,' and
my favorite painter is Rembrandt, but
l forget what mother and the girls
told me to say my fayorite opera is.''-
Washington STAR.
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
WindmliIls.

II never knew till now why this was
such windy country said the bright
little girl travelling through Illinois.
"'And have you, discovered. why?r,
asked her father.
"Of course. See all the windmills on
these farms we're passing Philadel-
4phia Ledger.
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05

II you can't tell all you know about
any one, don't hint that You can tell
something and make It worse. -Atchi-
son Globe.
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
Cause For ssn.,,.a,,x.,

Cause For SORROW.
Brown roke1's down With brain fe-
yer. The doctor says IL he RECEIVERS his
mind will be blank. Green-I'm sor-
y. to hear That. He. owes me $40. b
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05
His Method.

Mrs. Newpop-Why don't you stop
whipping the child? You make it hol-
Ter. Mr.. Newpop-pm licking it to
make it stop hollering. Chicago Jour
nal.
The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1904-08-05

That they afe sinners few are willing
g deny; that they ere Mig few aEs
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15
New Bank Officers.

AT the annual meeting of the stock
holders of the ]. V. Brinkman Co.
Bank the following officers were elect
ed: ]. V. Brinkman, Pres; ]. Geo.
Brinkinan, V. p; Arthur E. Taylor,
Cashier and F. w. Brinkman, Asst
Cashier.
The new officers are not new to
our community, and it is with pleasure
that we note the advancement of Mr..
Taylor who for several years was con-
nected with the bank here but for the
past two years and half he has been
cashier of the Brinkman-Brack State
Bank at Olmitz. Mr.. Taylor will not
assume his new duties at present as
the person who is to take his place at
Olmitz has not yet been selected.
The new asst cashier, Frank w.
Brinkmau has been with the bank
four years and has proven himself
worthy of the new position.
These are both young men who
have grown up in this part of the
state and we should be proud of their
advancement which they have merited
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15
Athenian Club.

The Atheian Club met at the home
of Mrs. Swartz, Monday, January IL,
with Mrs. Cox as leader. After
business session the following pro-
gram was rendered.:
Hans Sac hs, The Cobbler poet,
Mrs. L. Grimes
A class study of the lesson (chap-
tiers 50-56) war of Austrian success
sion was conducted by the leader,
Mrs. Cox.
German legends, Mrs. Minnie Cole
Early German Art, Mrs. L. Zuta-
vern.
The Club adjourned to meet Janu-
airy I8, with Mrs. Gertrude Moses,
Mrs. Swartz Leader. Each member
is requested to bring favorite quota
tion written, to be used in quota
ton book.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15
lvertisers Use the Democrat Columns
Concerning the Opera House.

A special meeting of the city coun-
Gil was held on Friday, the Sth, to
hear the report of committee to in
vestigate the condition of the Great
Bend opera house. Following is the
official record of the action taken:
fThe Fire Committee made verbal
report that the city has no control;
that the Statute, Chapter 80 A, COW
cred the case and that this state law
has not been complied with in any
respect and that the hall is unsafe.
The committee recommend that the
hall be closed until the owner COM
plies with the Statute. On motion the
following was adopted:
"Resolved, that the owner of the
Wilmer Opera House be requested to
comply with the State law, also make
door or exit on the west side of the
gallery and an iron or wood stairway
running down to the wooden stairs
and that the wooden stairs be replac5
ed by iron or wood stairs, that the
stairs from the gallery be not less
than four feet wide, from the audi
torium not less than five feet wide
and the lower section of stairs not
less than 6 feet wide, all to be pro
tected with strong railing at least 6
feet high opposite the exits and four
feet high the balance of the way"
AS to the safety of the structure
outside of the escapes and preventa-
tives, Manager Lewis informs us that
the mayor and councilmen made a
thorough examination of the building,
from basement to roof, and gave it as
their opinion that the building is
strongly and safely constructed, and
that there is no danger of it falling
down or collapsing.
Nothing concerning this however
appears in the official report
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15
Reliable People Read Them.
The Annuity Union.

A FrateTnai Beneficiary Association
chartered and Incorporated under the
laws Of the state of Kansas, with
headquarters at Topeka, organized a
local union at Claflin, last Thursday
evening with 5 present and as many
more applications. The following
officers were elected and installed:
Pres. Ora L. Evans; Y. P, Mrs.
Fannie Dowse; S. V. P, DR.. H. w.
Jury; Sec, Lewis A. Janzen; Treas,
Mrs. DIR. Curtis: Chaplain, Gerry Lin
booker; Marshal, D. Lorencz; Guard,
G. Y. Davidson; Sentinel, Chas H.
Ward. The organization will be COM
pleted next Thursday evening when
the balance of the officers will be
elected and drill team organized.
Claflin is one of the best little busi-
ness towns in Kansas, her people are
pleasant to be with, they are friendly
and intelligent, they know good
thing when they see it, which ac-
counts for the splendid success with
which the Annuity Union is meeting
in her midst. We are glad to note
this, for this association is worthy of
your patronage. Its officers are good
business men, its plan is correct and
its protection the best, and does not
conflict with with any other organiza-
ton, its government is purely repre-
sentative. Clahin will have Union
of which she may we'll be proud and
the organizers Mr.. and Mrs. Law will
return to their field of labor, happy,
because they have met with success
and that they have many warm
friends at Clahin.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15
Here is a Bic BARGAIN.

$50 acres of good land 8 miles
northeast from St. John, Stafford
county, Kansas. Improvements, 4
room house, stable for IA horses,
granary for $500 bushels of wheat,
crib for 400 bushels corn, 2 wind
mills, 3 wells, fish pond and 10 acres
of good orchard, 1876 acres in cultiva-
ton, 125 acres in pasture. On the
place are 100 acres of growing wheat
which all goes with the place if sold
soon.- This land is all fenced. Write
for prices.
DAWSON & ZUTAvERN,
Financial Agents,
Great Bend, Kas.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15
Postmaster John Typer Dead.

Another of the early settlers of
Barton county, and one who has been
closely connected with the history of
this city from its first settlement.
John Typer, postmaster at Hoising
ton, died on Wednesday afternoon,
the 18th, at an advanced age. The
funeral will be held at the house in
.Hoisington at 1:30 p. m. today, the
18th, under auspices of Pap Thomas
Post G.. A. r.
We hope to give an extended no.
tice in the next weeks issue of the
DEMOCRAT. 1t is desired that as
snany of the Post members as possible
attend.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15
A Wolf Hunt.

On Wednesday, Jan. Goth, there
will be wolf chase, south of the
river, as follows:
South line, form at county line
Elmer Dale, Capt.
West line, form on North and
south road by the Taylor school
house-Louie Woodburn, Capt.
North line, form at the Arkansas
river-D. c. Luse, Capt.
East line, form at east ST. John
road-Oscar Norris, Capt.
Lines start at 10 a. M, round up
at l p. m. on the Nick Smith farm,
Sec. "a, west of the Ira Brougher
timber claim. Everybody invited to
participate, and obey the rules and
captains,
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15
The Progress Club.

The Progress Club met with Mrs.
R. H. Moses on Monday, Jan 18th.
The program was exceedingly inter
esting presenting Chaucer and read
ings from the Canterbury Tales.
From the Conquest to Chaucer--
Mrs. Russell.
Review of Canterbury Tales, with
Readings-Mrs. E. r. Moses.
Vocal Solo-Mrs. Leland.
Roll call-Ouotations from Chauc-
er.
Mrs. Moses served delicious re-
freshments to her guests at the close
of the program.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15
Teachers Association Program.
MORNING SESSION.

MORN1NG SESSION.
Roll Call
Short Book -"Innocents
Abroad" (Twain) Mamie Lorang
"Saracinesca" Francis Marion Craw-
ford). ... Sylvia Smith
Round Table-Chapters 7 to II in
elusive of American Writers of
Today Led by Helen Minnis
AFTERNOON SESSION, 200.
Music. Ellinwood High School
Third and Fourth Grade Reading,
Kathleen Grant
Eighth Year Civics. j. C. Wright
Current Events .Heiko Bunger
Oral Work-Grades one to four,
Julia Miller
Music. -. Ellinwood High School
Round Table-Question on chapters
9to 10 inclusive of 'White's Art of
Teaching" Led byM c Martin
Entertainment Committee:-M. &.
Martin, Mrs. Nettie Warwick,
Kathleen Grant, Helen Minnis, Julia
Miller.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15
The OrioIe Club.

The patrons of the Oriole Club
should understand that they are being
presented with a rare attraction in
the Walter George English Concert
Singers. The nominal charge for re-
served seats will not pay half the
actual cost of bringing this large
company of artists to the city. The
Oriole Club are paying a handsome
price for this number to make good
with abundant measure, pressed down
and running over, the course of en-
tertainments promised their patrons
and they trust these efforts will be
rewarded with a splendid and apprec-
iative audience
At Methodist church Monday eve
ming, January 18th.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15
LAW POINTS AFFECTING SCHOOLS.
Opinions of State Superintendent of
Public Instruction.

The teacher is entitled to pay for
legal holiday.
Pupils must conform to the course
of study prescribed and program of
exercises.
A child comes under the truancy
law the day after he is eight years old
and passes out from under the law
the day after he is fifteen years of
age.
Teachers must obey the law in the
matter of making their monthly re-
ports under the truancy law regard
less of-the fact that it may displease
some parent. The law is plain on
the matter, and no teacher should
. fear to do his duty. If they do their
duty under the law they will have the
respect of law abiding citizens, and
who cares for the censure of law
breakers? / think it a wise course to
use discretion in ali cases, but when
it comes to face an absolute duty,
there is but one thing to do, and that
IS to perform that duty without fear
or favor.
hSiS ollii iiuSSio III lllC uiiiidS VI
some the idea that pupil has only
to go to school four months out of
the year, but this is mistake as the
new law provides that the pupil must
go to school regularly every day that
there is school in his district. Every
parent that keeps a pupil out of
school to work unless the parent is
dependent upon the child for support
IS liable to a fine of from five to
twenty five dollars. The parent who
keeps his twelve year old boy or girl
out of school for commercial pur-
poses is an enemy to his country,
our country's hope is an intelligent
citizenship. Educate the child that
he may be a self supporting member
of society. Help him to become an
independent and not a dependent.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15

The ]. v. Brinkman Company
Bank enters upon its 31st year
during 1904, having been established
in 1874. The bank has steadily
advanced from its establishment until
to-day it stands as one of the oldest
and largest banks in the state. The
deposits of this bank have been one
ii ird of the total deposits of all the
banks in this county, the county
having the largest deposits per
capita in the state.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15

Geo. Brown, who runs a rooming
house on lower Main street, and who
has gained quite reputation as a
booze fighter and wife beater, got on
another one of his tantrums on Fri
day evening of last week. He tried
to resist marshal Wilson when the
latter went to arrest him, with the
result that he Lit out in the middle of
the street. Police court fines seem
not to have the desired effect OF
STRENGTHENING. out his kinks, and he
was this time turned over 20 the
county authorities. His trial was
held in Jennison's court Tuesday and
he was. given 80 days at the Bunting
Palace Hotep in the 1st ward. &c
minutes in which to get out of town
would have been a better punish
ment. There are some things thai
don't go, and the offense with which
he was charged is one OF them.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15
Letter From OImitz.

1t seems that our local cor
respondent has big eyes and long
ears for every little thing that inter
ests or not interests our town people
and our country neighbors; but he
has over-seen and overheard the
grand school children Christmas
entertainment, which was given in
Brack's hall and was conducted bv
the School Sisters.
The commodious hall vas over
crowded, and many people, who
came several miles distance to enjoy
that evening with the little ones, were
disappointed because there was not
room enough for them in the hall.
kll the little ones did so well that
everybody present excepting perhaps
the writer of "Olmitz Notelets" were
more than surprised. There were
speeches, songs, addresses, dialogues,
school playing etc, on tine program,
and all the children did exceptionally
well, which filled the hearts of their
parents with just pride. AS 1 hear
the writer of "Olmitz Notelets" was
also present, but in his last writing in
the DEMOCRAT he silently passed it.
Very probably he didn't want to
praise and he couldn't abuse. Is it
malice or bigotry?
The little ones and their friends
herewith express their thanks to Mr..
P. Brack who allowed them the use
of his hall and to Olmitz Cornet
band, who furnished fine music for
that occasion. which was highly
appreciated by the children as we'll
as by the grown people. The
children also give their thanks to all
those who during and after the
entertainment through their good
will and words of praise or any other
way encourage them in their studies.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-01-15
Winners at Kansas City.

On the seven birds sent by Great
Bend specialists to the Kansas City
Poultry Show. four were prize win
ners. Axel Wemmergren won 1st
prize on cockerel, and 1st and End on
pullet, on his Silver Penciled Wyan-
dottes. F. L. Marsh won 1st prize on
White Wyandotte cockerel. Our boys
are proud of the valuable prestige
this gives their fowls.