davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1905-03-11

SOULS coLLBo4 10 the xeeding. and
8r.iisS rrSinine school In the south.
n = recognized everywhere - Vide
Avaire. Prsctacal, Reliable, Progressive
Popular and oucceosfu1 school: y makee
oOUL0 C0LLBoH owns and 0ccupie
SAo Haneot Business school Duuding u
Amefiea. 70 Experienced Teachers. Book
keenefo ond otenOgraphefo fecommeQde0
eSnd ~ New illustrated Circular
gro. SOULS Z SOFA
The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1905-03-11

A carload OF Caddo cotton an(
corn fertilizer for sale by j. H. Nc
Nicely.
The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1905-03-11

Mr.. A. B. Perkins was out on the
streets yesterday, after two weeks
struggle with In grippe.
The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1905-03-11
Advertised Letters.

The following is the list OF letters
remaining uncalled for in the Colfax
postoffice March /, 1905. If not call
ed for in 80 days they will be sent to
the Dead Letter Office at Washington,
ID g.
The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1905-03-11

Mr.. Roland Easterbrook. OF Pine
VILE, spent several days In Cola,
this week with friends.
The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1905-03-11

The Federal grand jury was dis
charged mt Shreveport last week,
after finding twenty true bills.
The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1905-03-11
LOCAL DOTS:
Buy your fertilizer from McNeely.

Farmers Institute Monday, March
18th, at the court house.
The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1905-03-11
Letter to COlfax Brick Plant,

March Z, 1906.
The Jewish outlook., 1905-09-08
Wealth Of New Religions

America has always had weakness for
fantastic religions, remarks Mr. Louis Paul
Kirby who writes of some of the curious re-
ligious sects which have sprung up and flour
ished on American soil. Mr.. Krbys exam
inaton of these sects concerns itself not
with any esoteric truths they may claim to
embody, but with their efficiency as money
making ventures. ut takes no capital to
start religion, he asserts, and while
the inventors of novel sects and the found
ers of queer communities sometimes meet
with storms, they Oftener enter placid wa
ters, and their guerdons surpass the dreams
of avarce.' Millions of dollars he alleges,
amassed by thrift, industry and self denial,
are swallowed up every year by greedy
schemers masquerading as prophets or in
spred teachers Among the sects discussed
by Mr.. Kirby are the Christian Scientists,
the followers of Dowie, the Mormons, the
Spirituaists. the Economics, the Theoso-
phists, the Sun Worshpers, the Angel Dane
ers, and the Holy Ghost and Us Society.
One of the worst effects of new religions,
he claims, is the Turing of farmers and their
families into communities and towns. On
this point he writes further, in Public Opin-
ion. New York:
Religious enthusiasts and fanatics are
found in great numbers among the agricul-
tural classes, and they, as a rule, pos
property of value, the inventors of re-
ligions and founders of communities
particularly interested in them.
1T often happens that men who have
spent all their years up to middle age on
farms induced to move into towns where
they speedily exhaust their resources and
find that they are in no way fitted to grap-
pie with the new conditions in the struggle
to provide food and shelter for their fami-
lies. They are soon turned adrift for their
leaders, however eloquent they may have
been in urging them to desert their farms,
not willing to be burdened with follow
ers who are not entirely self-supporting
Mr.. Kirby proceeds to sketch the histo-
ries of some of the most conspicuous and
fourishing Of the novel sects in America. He
thus outlines the development of Christian
Science:
I'm the beginning, Mrs. Mary Baker G.
Eddy opened a sort of faith cure boarding
house which she called by the grandioquent
name of Massachusetts Metaphysical Col
The Jewish outlook., 1905-09-08

Turning to the Mormon Church, founded
seventy-fve years ago by a wanton boy Mr.
Kirby writes:
1T has become vast machine for Great
ing rich men. Beginning with Brigham
Young, the heads of the church and their
chief lieutenantS have been able in one way
or another to amass millions for themselves
Scattered throughout Utah, the stronghold
of MOrmOniSm, immense warehouses,
built by the church authorities, for the
cepton of the fittings contributions of
the faithful This ten per cent. of the years
gains is regularly paid, sometimes in money,
but Oftener in farm products, cattle
goods.
1T is in the handling of this church reve-
nue. that the leaders sometimes grow fat
with loot. In former years the Mormon
Church spent millions in building the great
Temple in Salt Lake City and smaller ones
in other places. That work was completed
years ago. The faithful among the Latter
Day Saints believe that the enormous reve-
nues Of the church are now being spent in
sending missionaries throughout the world
and in fighting political battles, but they
have no way of being certain, the heads
of the church are not required to give an ac-
counting of the money that passes through
their hands. Millions could be pocketed and
there would be no questions asked"
1t is estimated, says Mr.. Kirby, that there
100000 persons in this country who be-
lieve in Spirtualism. The cult is divided
into nineteen state organizations, six hun
uleu anu SlAly SoclelleS III Clues anu loWHo
and fifty-tWO camp meeting associations Ten
thousand approximately represents the num-
Der of alleged medums.' We read further:
'The most conspicuous of the Spiritual
lists at present is Mrs. Pepper. She holds
services in edifice which she calls the
First Spiritual Church, in Brooklyn, and pre-
tends to work wonders. The contributions
of those who go to see her enable her to lead
a life of almost Oriental luxury
The story of the Economic Society,"
whose wealth, admitted to be 900 and
by some estimated to be nearer $50, 900 900,
has passed practically into the hands OF one
man, John Duss, is told follows:
"The 'Economites,' under the leadership
of George Rapp, settled in Beaver county
about seventy years ago. They believed that
Rapp had divine attributes and that when
he died they would all ascend into heaven
in a body with him. In this expectation they
agreed to remain celibates, and this rule
The Jewish outlook., 1905-09-08

lege' That was thirty years ago. Mrs. Eddy
was then an attractive young woman who
had been twice married, and was seeking
pleasant means of earning her bread and
butter. She probably had no idea at that
time that great riches would be poured into
her lap, that her Church of Christ, Sci
enlist, would such numerous deser-
tions from the older congregations OF the
land to alarm the clergy.
For fourteen years Mrs. Eddy plOdded
along with her faith cure boarding house.
Then. sixteen years ago, she opened her
First Church of Christian Scientists, in Bos
ton, with twenty-siX members. 1t had taken
her all those years to gather together that
little band of followers After that, things
went with leaps and bounds. The Mother
Church in Boston now has $4,000 members
and there are more than 500 Christian Sci
ence congregations scattered throughout the
country They increasing every year.
Some of the Christian Science temples are
structures of great architectural beauty. In
New York the two churches facing the west
side of Central Park regularly visited by
Sight-seers.
THE immense profits that accrue
through the invention Of new religion are
made clear by the admission of Mrs Eddy
that she abandoned her metaphysical Col
lege, although her income from it was $4O,-
600 year. to devote her time exclusively to
the upbuding of Christian Science. That
this step was not in the nature OF sacrifice
is shown in still further dmissions-made
by her secretary-that it is her custom to
give away in charity more than 100000 every
year and that she began this liberaty as far
back 1895 when her church only six
years old. During the past ten years
Mrs. Eddy's profits, including bequests, are
said to have amounted to fully $1,OOOOOO.
Then follows the story of John Alexander
Dowie, founder of Zion City, self-styled the
Prophet, Elijah III. Dowie once a Con-
gregatiOnal preacher in little town near
Sydney, Australia. Fifteen years ago, al
most penniless, he went to Chicago Since
then his scheme of creating property
values by massing his followers upon farm
and changing it into city met with such
success that he now intends to set on foot
a similar enterprise a larger scale in
Mexico" In of his addresses Dowie says:
Il have listened and l have looked at the
whole situation and my conviction is that
$15O,OOO0OO will flow into Zion within five
years"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

valets or maids, but frequently from genteel ruffians, who have gained the confidence and affection of trusting women. He deals with no niggard hand. I happen to know that he paid seven hundred pounds to a footman for a note two lines in length, and that the ruin of a noble family was the result. Everything which is in the market goes to Mlverton, and there are hundreds in this great city who tuin white at his namo. No one knows where his grip may fall, for he is far too rich and far too cum ming to work from hand to mouth. He will hold a card back for years in order to play 1t at the moment when the stake is best worth winning. l have said that he Is the worst man Tn London, and l would ask you how could one compare the ruffian, who in hot blood bludgeons his mate, with this man, who methodieally and at his leisure tortures the soul and wrings the nerves in order to add to his all ready swollen money-bags?'
 I had seldom heard my friend speak with such intensity of feeling.
 But surely" said I, the fellow must be within the grasp of the law?'
 "Technically, no doubt, but practi- eally not. What would it profit wo- man, for example, to get him few months imprisonment, if her own ruin must immediately follow? His victims dare not hit back. If ever he black mailed an innocent person, then in- deed we should have him, but he is as cunning as the Evil One. No, no,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

ance, marred only by the insincerity of the fixed smile and by the hard gilt ter of those restless and penetrating eyes. His voice was as smooth and suave as his countenance as he ad- vanced with plump little hand ex- tended, murmuring his regret for hav- ing missed us at his first visit. Holmes disregarded the outstretched hand and looked at him with a face of granite. Milverton's smile broadened, he shrugged his shoulders, removed his overcoat folded it with great de- liberation over the back of a chair, and then took a seat.
 This gentleman?' said he, with a wave in my direction. "Is it dis erect? Is it right?'
 ''Dr. Watson Is my friend and part ner."
 Very good, MT. Holmes. It Is only in your clients interests that 1 pro- tested. The matter is so very deli cate"
 "Dr. Watson has already heard of it."
 'Theh we can proceed to business You say that you are acting for Lady Eva. Has she empowered you to ac- cept my terms?'
 What are your terms?.
 Seven thousand pounds?
 And the alternative"
 My dear sir, it is painful for me to discuss 1t, but if the money Is not paid on the 14th. there certainly will be no marriage on the 18th" His in- sufferable smile was more complacent than ever.
 Holmes thought for little. You appear to me- he said, at last ito be taking matters too much for granted. I am, of course, familiar with the contents of these letters. My client will certainly do what l may advise. l shall counsel her to tell her future husband the whole story, and to trust to his generosity"
 Milverton chuckled.
 You evidently do not know the Earl" said he.
 From the baffled look upon Holmes face, I could see clearly that he did.
 What harm is there in the let ters?" he asked.
 "They are sprightly-very spright- ly," Milverton answered. "The lady was a charming correspondent. But I can assure you that the Earl of Dow However, since you think otherwise, we will let it rest at that. It is purely a matter of business If you think that it Is in the best interests of your client that these letters should be placed in the hands of the Earl, then you would indeed be foolish to pay so large sum of money to regain them" He rose and seized his astrakhan coat.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
The Adventure
 of Charles Augustus MiIVertOn By A. CONAN DOYLE.

question of personal risk. Surely a gentleman should not lay much stress upon this. when a lady is in most desperate need of his help?"
 You will be in such a false position"
 Well. that is part of the risk. There Is no other possible way of re- gaining the letters. The unfortunate lady has not the money, and there are none of her people in whom she could condde. Tomorrow Is the last day of grace, and unless we can get the let ters tonight this villain will be as good as his word and will bring about her ruin. I must, therefore, abandon my client to her fate or I must play this last card. Between ourselves, Watson, it's a sporting duel between this fellow Milverton and me. He had, as you saw, the best of the first ex- changes. but my self-respect and my reputation are concerned to fight it to a finish"
 "Well. 1 don't like it, but suppose 1t must be-" said 1. When do we start?"
 You are not coming"
 "Then you are not going" said I. 'T give you my word of honour-and l never broke 1t In my life-that I will take a cab straight to the police station and give you away, unless you let me share this adventure with you"
 You can't help me-
 How do you know that? You can't tell what may happen. Anyway, my resolution Is taken Other people be- side you have selfrespect, and even reputations."
 Holmes had looked annoyed, but his brow cleared, and he clapped me on the shoulder.
 Well well, my dear fellow. be it so. We have shared thia same room for some years, and it would be amusing if we ended by sharing the same cell. You know. Watson, I don't mind con- fessing to you that I have always had an idea that I would have made a highly efficient criminal. This Is the chance of my lifetime in that di- rection See here" He took neat little leather case out Of drawer, and opening it he exhibited a number of shining instruments. This is a first-class. up-to-date burgling kit, with a nickel-plated jemmy, diamond tipped glass-eutter, adaptable keys. and every modern improvement which the march of civilization demands Here too. Is my dark lantern. Every thing is in order. Have you a pair of silent shoes?"
 1T have rubber-soied tennis shoes"
 "Excellent! And A mask?"
 q can make a co,rple out of black silk"
 q can see that you have a strong ~-~------------>---------
 Continued on Fifteenth Page)
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
7e must find other ways to fight him"

we must find other ways to fight him."
 And why Is he here?Y
 Because an ilustrious client has placed her piteous case in my hands. It is the Lady Eva Blackwell, the most beautiful debutante of last sea- son. She is to be married in fort night to the Earl of Doyercourt. This fiend has several imprudent letters imprudent, Watson nothing worse which were written to an impecunious young squire in the country They would suffice to break off the match. Milverton will send the letters to the Earl unless a large sum of money is paid him. I have been commissioned to meet him. and-to make the best terms I can"
 At that instant there was chatter and rattle in the street below. Look ing down saw a stately carriage and pair, the brilliant lamps gleaming on the glossy launches of the noble chestnuts. A footman opened the door, and small, stout man in shaggy astrakhan overcoat descended. A min ute later he was in the room.
 Charles Augustus Milverton was man of fifty, with a large intellectual head, a round. plump, hairless face, a perpetual, frozen smile, and two keen grey eyes, which gleamed bright ly from behind broad, gold-rimmed glasses. There was something of Mir. Pickwick's beneyolence in his appear
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26
Holmes was grey with anger and

Holmes was grey With anger ana modification.
 $ too fast. We should certainly make every effort to avoid scandal in so delicate matter"
 Mllverton relapsed into his chair.
 ..I was sure that you would see it in that light" he purred.
 At the same time" Holmes con tinued, Lady Eva is not wealthy woman. I assure you that two thousand pounds would be a drain upon her resources! and that the sum you name is utterld beyond her power. I beg, therefore, that you will moder- ate your demands, and that you will return the letters at the price l indi- cate, which is 1 assure you, the high est that you can get.
 Milverton's smile broadened and his eyes twinkled humorously
 T am aware that what you say is true about the ladys resources" said he. At the same time you must ad- init that the occasion of lady's mar riage is a very suitable time for her friends and relatives to make some little effort upon her behalf They may hesitate as to an acceptable we'd ding present Let me assure them that this little bundle of letters would give more joy than all the candelabra and butter-dishes In London"
 "It is impossible" said Holmes.
 Dear me, dear me. how unfortun- ate!" cried Milverton, taking out a bulky pocket-book ''I cannot help thinking that ladies are ill-advised in not making an effort. Look at this' He held up little note with a court of-arms upon the envelope. That be- longs lowell, perhaps f is hardly fair to tell the name until tomorrow morning. But at that time 1t will be And all because she will not find a beggarly sum which she could get by turning her diamonds into paste. 1t Is such a pityi Now you remember the sudden end of the engagement be- tween the Honourabie Miss Miles and Colonel Dorlxing? Only two days be- fore the wedding, there was a para graph in the Morning Post to say that it was all off. And why? It is al- most incredible, but the absurd sum of twelve hundred pounds would have settled the whole question. Is 1t not pitiful? And here I find you, a man of sense, boggling about terms, when your clients future and honour are at stake You surprise me, Mir. Holmes"
 What I say is true" Holmes an- swered. "The money cannot be found. Surely it is better for you to take the substantial sum which I offer than to ruin this woman's career, which can profit you in no way"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

stretched his legs before the fire. 'Is anything on the back of the card?"
 turned it over.
 ''Will call at 6:30-C. A. M.,' read.
 .Humi He's about due. Do you feel a creeping, shrinking sensation, Watson, when you stand before the serpents in the Zoo and see the slith- cry gliding, venomous creatures. with their deadly eyes and wicked flattened faces? We'll, that's now Milverton impresses me. I've had to do with fifty murderers in my career, but the worst of them never gave me the re- pulsion which I have for this fellow And yet I can't get out of doing bus iness with him-indeed, he Is here at my invitation.''
 ''But who is her"
 ''Pll tell you Watson. He is the king of all the blackmailers. Heaven help the man, and still more the woman, whose secret and reputation come into the power of Milvertoni With snil- ing face and heart of marble, he will squeeze and squeeze until he has drained them dry. The fellow is a genius in his way, and would have made his mark in some more savoury trade. His method is as follows: He allows 1t to be known that he is pre- pared to pay yer yhigh sums for let ters which compromise people of wealth and position. He receives tf~se wares not only from treacherous
The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-26

There you make a mistake, MT. Holmes. An exposure would profit me indirectly to a considerable extent l have eight or ten similar cases ma turing. If it was circulated among them that l had made severe exam pie of the Lady Eva, l should find all of them much more open to reason. You see my point?'
 Holmes sprang from his chair.
 Get behind him. Watsonl Don't let him out! Now, sir, let us see the contents of that notebook"
 Milverton had glided as quick as a rat to the side of the room, and stood with his back against the wall.
 MT, Holmes, MT Holiness he said, turning the front of his coat and eX- hibiting the butt of a large revolver, which projected from the inside pocket "I have been expecting you to do something original. This has been done so often, and what good has ever come from 1t? l assure you that l am armed to the teeth, and 1 am perfectly prepared to use my weapons, knowing that the law will support me. Besides, your supposition that I would bring the letters here In a note book is entirel ymistaSen. I would do nothing so foolish. And now, gentle
 
 views this evening. and 1t is a long drive to Hampstead" He stepped for ward, took up his coat, laid his hand on his revolver. and turned to the door, I picked up a chair, but Holmes shook his head, and l laid 1t down again. With a bow, a smile, and a twinkle, Milverton was out of the room. and a few moments after we heard the slam of the carriage door and the rattle of the wheels as he drove away.
 Holmes sat motionless by the fire, his hands buried deep in his trouser pockets, his chin sunk upon his breast. his eyes fixed upon the glowing em- bers. For half an hour he was silent and still. Then, with the gesture of a man who has taken his decision, he sprang to his feet and passed into his bedroom. A little later a rakish young workman, with a goatee beard and a swagger, lit his clay pipe at the lamp before descending into the street. "rll be back some time, Aatson," said he, and vanished into the night. I understood that he had opened his campaign against Charles Augustus Melverton, but I little dreamed the strange shape which that campaign was destined to take.'
 For some days Holmes came and went at all hours in this attire, but beyond a remark that his time was spent at Hampstead, and that 1t was not wasted, I knew nothing of what he was doing. At last. however, on a wild, tempestuous evening, when the