davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12
These Were Intelligent Elk

We had stopped at his cabin for the
night, for the tact that we had been driving
in the rain for half day wasn't induclVe
to our wanting to camp out.
He was a grizzled old fellow, but straight
backed and trim built, with a little twinkle
in his eye and a big perpetual quid of to-
bacco in his mouth. Although he was not
at all extravagant with his words we felt
that he must nave a goodIy store Of remt-
niscences. IL we could only get him to open
up.
So. after supper, when we had turned the
kitchen into a library by spreading a
week-old paper, which our friend watched
with greedy eyes. on the table and leaned
our cracker-box chairs against the side
OF the cabin we began Fostering him with
fool questions. But we didns learn any
more than that he was retired prospector,
who had made his pile and was now taking
life easy-also taking in any tourists that
might stray his way. And when he told us
that his pile was nothing more nor less
than a pile of elk teeth, we certainly were
curious to know how he could have accu-
INFLATED enough elk teeth to have secured
himself competency.
We'll, I'll tell you, that's IL you'll say
you won't tell anybody else, fer it's perty
rich vein that you all could get piece of
II you wanted, and l would not want II
spoiled he said b., ..
OF course we all promised eternal secrecy,
but to ourselves we began to figure how we
would spend the money II he should let us
in on how he got them.
You see. me and my partner, him that's
dead now he went on, was diggin'
around up in the north country, and after
a perty long stretch of dull luck we de-
cided we'd have to get after something
there was more ready money in So we
went to huntin and trappin'. We did perty
fine the first winter and was surprised to
have our elk teeth that we had got pan out
as much as all the rest o. the fixin's, so, as
furs and hides meant lot of work. We
sorteT decided to go for just the teeth
alone. .r..
80 we got some long-range guns and
went after EN-, and we got en- too. II
was a pity, but then somebody else would
have to get them some time, so what's the
use And we got them elk so scared OF
US that-well, don't like to tell yeh.
cause you may not believe It, but them
there elk knew we just wanted their teeth,
so whenever we got a bunch Of em COR
nered they would run up tree. jab their
teeth into II. and break them on; yes, sir,
and all we had 10 do was to go along with
a basket and pick out what we wanted"
And that's how he got this pile of elk
teeth, as far as we know, for, with the
twinkle stn in his eye, he would not d.
Vulge the secret to any of us.-Denver Post.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12

us $3.50 year. AS our expenses are over
31.COO the difference must be made up by
the members out Of their own pockets or
by calling on their friends. 1 don't think
this should be necessary. II a body OF
young men are willing to devote their time
and energy to perfect themselves as sol
diers, those who benefit should provide
them with home. The Commercial club
would. without any trouble, be able to
raise funds to build a suitable armory. II
could be done by inducing the large cor
porations such as the railroads, packing
houses and other large employers OF labor
to join with the business houses and help.
Business interests should consider a ma
tional guard as so much insurance, They
pay the police and deputy sherifts for pro-
lection. But II the police and sheriff fail
they call on the National Guard. It would
not be necessary to build costly build
Ing or provide any luxuries. All that
would be necessary would be substantial
building large enough for a drill hall for
all and a locker and lounging room for
each company. There should also be a
shooting gallery. fer a man must learn
how to shoot to be of any value All the
cities of the east provide armorles for their
militia. Even Council Bluffs, as small as 1t
u.s. has provided the finest kind of home
for it's company. 1t will be necessary to
do something toward building very soon
or the Omaha companies must go out of
existence. Rents have been raised so that
it is now impossible to get a place to
quarter a company"
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12
Money well snent.

Constantine ]. Smyth says: Money spent
in the direction of an armory is we'll spent.
What they need is fair-sized hall on the
ground floor. New York has provided mag
nificent armories. Philadelphia, gives $500
per year and the state gives an additional
$500 toward rent for each company in the
state. There is no reason why Omaha
could not provide as well. We have had
some famous companies here. Prize win
ners in many contests. and It is up to us to
help in their last extremity. We haven't
done IT before. It is time we should do it
now"
Captain w. +. .Baehr says: mo one will
ever know the endless struggle we have had
In all the history of the Thurston Rifles to
find and keep quarters. In one place we
went TO the expense OF $3.50 TO have a hall
refioored and before we had had any good
of the Improvement the owner or. manager
at least broke his contract with us and we
were out. 1t has been so ever since. I have
often been on the point OF giving the whole
thing up. have paid out of my own pocket
$50 during the first six months of last year.
threw my account book away and went
on paying"
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12
Interest in the movement.

OF late the Omaha Commercial club has
taken an increasing interest In the militia
companies here and move has been con-
templated toward securing quarters for
them. Among the most enthusiastic MEM
bers in this project is o. ID. Kiplnger. He
says the matter was preached to the Audi
torium management, but was promptly re-
fused. The old market house on Thirteenth
and Capitol was also considered. He says:
What the boys need is a good, new arm
ory one that will accommodate four COM
panies at least 1t don't have to be an
elaborate building at all, but place where
they can meet to drill and have a few
rooms for reading and amusement Council
Bluffs has furnished its one company with
excellent quarters, while Omaha and the
state OF Nebraska have done next to moth
ing"
]. A. c. Kennedy, a member Of the
Omaha Guards during the late war, in
which he held the rank Of first lieutenant
and was detailed to the commissary depart
ment. says: THE money question OF the
militia companies in Omaha has always
been a financial nightmare. They have al
ways been crowded for cash, and the work
of the officers has been full of worry and
care ! am in favor of a policy in the
states to reduce the necessity for a large
standing army by making II possible to
have better militia companies. 1t can not
be done as long as the members must
furnish all the means OF their maintenance.
The state could we'll afford to build arm
cries I'm its three largest cities The safety
of the state and the country at large de-
ponds on an effective militia and It has done
next to nothing to make it effective"
W. ]. Foye has been connected with the
Nebraska National Guard for eighteen
years, more or less. He has held all offices
up to the rank of captain. He says: There
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12
omnha,. "nabyn Company.

The fourth company to be organized In
Omaha was the Omaha Light Infantry. or
Company OF the Second regiment of the
Nebraska National Guard. This was organ
ICED in March. 1901. Captain Baughman
was the first commander of the company.
Under him the company gained its greatest
strength. He was succeeded by Captain
George Sores, but was shortly afterward
mustered out. The company was reorganT
ICED by Major Osborne in 1904 during the
month of June Capt in Ed B. Cooper then
took command, but was succeeded soon
after by Captain A. w. Kroeger who has
been the commanding oficer since Decem-
Der 81. 1904 Being the youngest company
in the city, it has been found that the task
OF keeping up vigorous organization I'm
the face of the competition Of the two
older companies and the cost of maintain
ing quarters is very severe.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12
Men of influence.

Such is brief outline Of the militia COM
panies of this city. Every one of these
companies has reflected credit on this
municipality. They have always stood
ready to serve the city as protector to
preserve the public peace inviolate. They
have always turned out to make display
whenever the guests of the city required
that they should be received with dignity
becoming their fame. II you read the
rosters OF the various companies you will
find the names of many Of our most nonored
and influential men. Take the names OF
the captains and see how many you know.
In the Omaha Guards they are Captain
Scharff, Captain H. b. Milford, Captain
W. B. Ten Eycke. Captain Eli Hodgina,
Captain o. G. Osborne, Captain James AL
len. Captain Deising and at present Captain
A. d. Falconer. In the ThuTston Rifles are
Captain A. II. scharff Captain w. J. Foye,
Captain Wallace Taylor, Captain w. Z.
stockham. Captain Richards and at present
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12
Prattle of the Youngsters

Small Ethel had accompanied her parents
10 a family reunion and upon returning
home she astonlshed her mother by ask
ing: Mamma. was papa related to US
before he married into our family?"
Ragged Boy 80 Please. sir, give a poor
orphan few pennies"
Pedestrian-Have you no parents?
Ragged Boy-No. sir. They were divorced
last week.
Come, now" said mamma, who had
taken the children for a walk through the
Zoo. lets go home and see papa"
"oh, no." protested Elsie. lets see these
other monkeys first"
Pa Twaddles-I can't see why that young
idiot who is calling on Molly hasn't sense
enough 70 go. It's midnight.
Tommy Twaddles-'Tain't his fault He
can't go 90 sisters settin' ON him.
Johnny" said the mother Of strenu-
Gus urchin. how is It Willie Jones wins
a prize each week at school, and you
never get one?"
"Hugh!" rejoined Johnny. He don't win
nothin but 'good-conduct prizes. The rest
OF us fellers don't want EN-"
Tommy's Grandmother On the capacity
OF hosteSs)-You're welcome 10 eat all you
want, dear but how on earth can a slim
little boy like you hold so much7
Tommy with his mouth fulD-Hughl
You don't know how / stretch whsn / eat.
grandma
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12

Douglas, the Daily News building. They
are at present located on the third floor of
the building which stands on the northwest
corner of Fourteenth and Douglas streets.
Here they have only the scantiest accom-
modations. There is no place for company
drill and If they have 1t at all they must
drill in the streets.
1t is very hard for drill company to
get suitable, quarters. They have often
been obliged to move because the march
ing was found to be injuring the buildings.
In other instances the rent has been sue
cessively raised beyond enduring. This last
is the stern fact that is facing all the COM
panies at the present moment
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12

Veterans of the Service.
OF these companies the Omaha Guards II
the veteran company. II was organized as
an Independent company October a. 1887.
That It was so organized was due to the
fact that the regiments of the state militia
were then completely filled. The original
promoters of the company were w. A.
Webster, Nat NJ. Brigham, Minot Tirrell
and s. b. Reed Permission to bear arms
and parade was secured from Adjutant
General A. v. Cole April II. 1888. but there
was no financial encouragement, nor did
the state agree to furnish supplies, nor
uniforms A subscription by Omaha citi-
zens of 5000 enabled the company to buy
and furnish the old Casino skating rink at
Seventeenth and Douglas streets. This was
the first armory. On March 5, 1888. A. H.
Scharff, of General Crooks stan, became
the FIRST regular captain OF the company,
and under him the company attained a
great degree of proficiency. 1t won its
first trophy October &c. 1888, in a competi-
ton with the Dodge Light Guards Of Coun
ell Bluffs. This was the bridge trophy.
given on the occasion of the opening of the
Omaha and Council Bluffs bridge. In Mo-
vember, 1888, a bazar was conducted for the
benefit OF the Guards and 5000 was raised.
This was expended for uniforms and equip
ments. On June 5. 1882 Hhe Guards won
the first prize in the drill of maiden COM
panies at Kansas City, where they had to
compete with ten other companies. The
. prize offered was $1,000 In october of 1890
Lieutenant H. b. Milford solicited and Sc
cured funds TO purchase a gatling gun and
afterward a gatling section OF the Guards
was organized. The Omaha Guards won
the governors cup from the Thurston
Rifles during the state encampment in
August, 1894, and the gatling prize in the
interstate contest at Memphis, Tenn, con-
Quoted in that city, during the month OF
May, 1896 This prize was 500. No other
cash prizes have been won although the
company. still holds the governors cup for
proficiency in the state contests.
or actual service this company has seer
the following: On August 9, 1894, they were
marched to the scene, of the paclSinghouse
strike in South Omaha, where they did pa
troll service for three days. During the
Month of May, 1898, they were mustered
out as a militia company to become Com.
pany @ OF the Second regiment of Ne.
braska Volunteers, During the Spanish.
American war they saw service In the
mobilization camp at Chickamagua, Tenn
Their losses from camp DISEASES were al
most as great as the losses OF the Thurs
ton Rines, who were in active campaign,
in the Philippine islands. After returning
they were reorganized into the militia.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12
Record Of Thur.ton RIne..

The ThurstOn Rifles were the next COM
pany TO organize. They were first Orga-
nizsd as marching company to assist in
the republican campaign during the autumn
OF 1898. After the campaign was over the
comradeship among the members had be-
come so eongenial that It was determined
to make the organization permanent one.
Captain A III. Scharn, who had been
connected with the Omaha Guards for six.
years, but who had severed his connection
with them in 1885 was chosen their hrst
captain. They at once took rank with the
Omaha Guards. and since then have been
the most formidable rival company. With
the first reconstruction of the state or
ganization. the Thurston Rifles were adj
mitted as Company l. OF the First Regi-
ment OF the Nebraska National Guard.
In the first state eneampment after their
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12
Edwara oretEhton Guard..

The first rival company to the Omaha
Guards was an organization known as the
Edward Creighton Guards, which orga-
nized a few months later. 1t was also an
independent company and was attached TO
General Cooks stan for brigade purposes
They first drilled in st, Philomenas hall
which was situated at Ninth and Howard
streets. Later they occupied quarters i'm
the Ware block. Finally they used a hall
connected with Creighton college. They
were trained by General Kenyon OF General
Crooks stan. and during the greater part
OF the time Constantine j. Smyth served
as captain. The state never allowed them
anything for armory purposes. although
they received remuneration when they were
called on TO drill with the brigade During
this time Lieutenant Green. also of Gem
eral Crooks stan, was drill-master for the
Omaha Guards, and very pleasant rivalry
existed between the two organizations.
Financial matters was the great burden, as
Il Is, and has been, i'm all the companies.
The company was disbanded in 1889.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12
As a Busines. Proposition

Captain A. D. Falconer says. 1.-THE
maintaining of a militia company requires
an endless amount OF work On account
of members leaving the city or engaging
in business that will not permit of MEM
bership, we are constantly after recruits
1t is the hardest kind Of work to get men
to join and ask them to pay 81 per month
dues for the privilege of drilling. 1t would
not be so hard II other inducements could
be offered besides drill. As It is now. the
average expenses OF this company are
about $50 a month; $50 rent SO lights 81
telephone, IS janitor service and about SIS
a month for miscellaneous, such as library
supplies, insurance postage and repairs to
furniture. The state Of Nebraska allows
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12

month and year at Memphis, Tenn. She
was so thrilled with the brightness and
beauty Of that military review, which she
had witnessed, and in which she had seen
the companies of her own city carrying or
the first honors. that she could not restrain
a note Of triumph.
But It is not the intention to exploit the
splendors and pompous displays of military
accomplishment in this article except inso-
far as these triumphs give reason for
more serious considerations. Yet who is
there who cannot see in the glitter of uni
forms, in the FURNISHED arms, and the flag
over all, the tangible expressions of our
deep. undying patriotism? Can we afford
to dispense with our militia companies?
The First regiment of the Nebraska Ma
tional Guard was organized by Colonel L.
w Colby in 1880 There are at present two
regiments OF twelve companies each Three
of these companies are located at Omaha.
They are the Omaha Guards or Company
@. of the Second regiment; the Thurston
Rifles. Company L, of the First regiment
and the Omaha Light infantry, Company /,
OF the Second.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12
What Is Needed.

Major o. G. Osborne says: 1.-THE boys
cannot drill in barn. They must have
an inviting place to meet. They must have
rooms where they can enjoy themselves
There are too many attractions to expect
that young men will put up with priva-
lions for the sake of being patriotic At
present the boys dig up for all the accom-
modations they have An armory should
be provided, with drill room, a place to
store arms and equipment, club rooms and
reading rooms. These need not be elaborate
but at least comfortable. An appropriation
for an armory, 1 think. would be better
than rent" ~e.
Captain A. w. Kroeger OF the Omaha
Light Infantry says: III we only had
money we could build up a good third
company and fourth no doubt The $3.50
allowance from the state may be enough
in the country, where the rents are low
and where the quarters are often free, as
is the case in Kearney, but il is entirely
too small here, where the cost of accom-
modations of the most CALLING narrowness
must be paid for at an. increasing rate"
w. B. TenEyck says: you can put me
down as one in favor OF better provisions
for the accommodation OF the military
companies here. They have never had the
support morally or materially from the peo-
pie Of Omaha that was their due. / remem.
Der when the Omaha Guards came back
from Kansas City. after having won the
first prize for maiden companies. that we
marched from the station to our quarters In
the old Casino and no one cheered mol
looked our way except Mr.. Hayden during
the entire distance. For the most par,
that has been the treatment since. It IL
not because there is any sentiment against
the Guards, but It is lack Of sentiment
either way 1 hope to see better things
If not, it will not surprise me to see all the
companies here disband."
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12

} SANG Wilma Jarratt in a
local paper May %. 1895. She drew
her. inspiration from the martial
scenes which attended the inter
state drilling contests Of that
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12
Part of the FightinE First.

Then comes the late Spanish-American
war, during which. as members OF the
famous First Nebraska Regiment of United
States Volunteers they won a name and
showed a valor which will make them dear
to this state and city. They spent year
and six months in the Philippines, and were
in every important engagement from the
time they landed until they were recalled.
Notably they assisted in the Spanish cam
paIgn, and the assault on the City OF
Manila when that stronghold fell into the
hands of the Americans. They then assisted
in the policing of the city for two months.
During this time they were detailed to take
charge of the custom house. in which capa-
city they had more delicate situations to
handle than any other company in the Ne
braska regiment, or, in fact, in the whole
Eighth army corps. At the first intimation
OF trouble with the Filipinos they with their
regiment were sent to the outer line Of de-
lenses at Santa Mesa. Here they helped
meet and repulse the first attack of the In
surgents during the first weeks Of Feb
ruary 1879. The First Nebraska regiment
then held the center of the line Of march
from that point to Malolos, the stronghold
OF Aguinaldo's forces
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12

admission the Thurston Rifles received the
governors cup, presented by Governor
Dawes for the best drilled company in the
state. They were not allowed to keep it.
however, because It was learned that Cap
tain Scharff had not observed some minor
point in the regulations of the competitive
contest. So the cup was returned to the
Omaha Guards, which company had pressed
them closest in the contest.
The Thurstons have always been prize
winners. During the month OF May, 1895,
they were the only complete company from
Nebraska to compete in the interstate drill
ing competition at Memphis, Tenn. Here
they took four first prizes and the first
prize for individual drill. They came home
with s4,S75 in prize money to their credit.
This is a remarkable record when 1t is re-
membered that the company was a new or
ganization. Since that time it Is question
which is the leading company in the mat
ter of discipline, the Thurstons or the
Omaha Guards.
The first actual service OF this company.
as with the Omaha Guards was during
the packing house disturbance August to
IL 1894, at South Omaha.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12
MENT, n. n. G.

oh for the gift Of the ancient bards.
Who sang Of valor I'm We olden time,
To sound the praise of the Omaha Guard
And make them famous in every cline.
Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-11-12

is no real pleasure in being a member of
the militia nowadays. A. is constant tax
on mans pocket andthis patience. Quar-
ters are scarce and rents always going up.
My work has taken my interest away from
the guards of late, but / would like to see
the companies here provided with suitable
quarters. There IN no reason why the
state or the city might not furnish an
armory."
Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1905-01-14
Afraid of the Wet.

The crew of certain life saving sta
ton on the New England coast has many
times proved itself brave and efficient IN
time of need, but of late its skill and
bravery have been useless. like so much
treasure locked IN vault. There has
been no wreck. The sea has been kind
as big dog.
InactioD had inevitably bred soft hab-
It's of life, and the idle crew had given
the summer visitors much to JOKE about.
Th If SatiTical comments were rather Nm
grateful, for TIE practice drills of the
crew were ? part of the entertainment OF
the seaside resort
Twice week the crew pulled ont the
brass cannon. shot n rope over dummy
mast which is set mp on a point of land.
and then practiced sliding down IN the
breaches buoy. The small boys Of the
place We're glad to play the part Of res
cued mariners, and altogether this Sc
nous drill, required by law, was pretty
holiday sport.
One rainy day. at the appointed time
the crew failed to appear at pract'rF'
The summer boarders on the hotel yeran
da waited in vain for the exhibition
which should vary the monotony or
dull day. Finally. one of them wen5
over TO the quarters of the crew To learn
the reason.
= say, aren't you going to practice 20
day."
No. sir"
why not?"
Then the brave life saver, hero nj
many rough seas. made an explanatory
gesture +oTarG the weather and SAID:
what. in this inT"-Youth' ) Com