davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-12-28

Margaret" replied her aunt. 'But
about Bertram Wingate, do not think
you are acting right. He seems to care
sincerely"
ooh, not really, I think" said Mar
garet, lightly. "He just thinks it looks
well to be a good deal at our house.
You know he believes that things like
that help him in his profession. He
lives at the West for the sound of it.
Has little bit of a room at the very
top, the boys say And they say his
Office boy takes his breakfast to eae of
fee from Russell's. He calls it his Sec
ond breakfast and says he acquired
the habit when studying in France
but the boys think"
Margaret" exclaimed Miss Red
mond, sharply.
81 didn't mean to gossip, really,
Aunt Madge," said Margaret hastily.
81 don't care what he does, although it
seems foolish for a bright man to try
to keep up with things he can't afford.
Men wouldn't think any the less of him
for sticking to his work now, and when
he has succeeded he can put on all the
frills he likes. There, must be going
now. You have made me feel quite un-
comfortable about that invitation to
the New Years dinner, though truly it
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-12-28

was to increase his already large for
tune, was to share the Little millions,
and 'the boys" would no doubt laugh
behind his back because he, Bertram
Wingate, had angled for them in vain.
The whole shallow mockery, which
lay bare to others, for the first time
seemed thoroughly contemplate to
him. Angry tears smarted in his eyes
and his hands were clenched in his
pockets with fierce determination to
win an enviable position without the
help of society; to live life too busy
for the tolerant patronage of women
or the amused contempt of men.
He had walked for nearly an hour
before he became conscious that his
feet were numb with cold and his face
no longer felt the sting of the sleet.
Pausing irresolutely to get his bearings
before seeking the nearest car line, he
stood for a moment in a shaft of light
from the window of a pretty cottage.
A young girl, turning briskly to
enter the house, exclaimed: so you
have really come to see us at last. This
mother said she would write and tell
you we were here but we thought she
had forgotten. Mabel is teacE6ng, I'm
going to the conservatory, Bob's in
business college and fathers got a
good job buying wheat for the Consol-
idated. Why haven't you been to see
us before?'
Wingate murmured something about
being very busy, as he meekly followed
the girl into the house.
81 suppose you're always busy" COM
mented the girl kindly. "Out this way
on some building I guess? I hope you
haven't been to dinner
Mother, here's Bertram Wingate.
He was out this way and has looked US
up" she said, ushering Wingate into
the CHEEKY sitting room.
He was thankful for the easily as
sumed explanations and glad to follow
the girl into the cosy room. Mrs. Whit
comb greeted him heartily and the
whole family gathered about him,
pressing him to stay and asking news
Of his people. There was an air of
pleasant affection and Difference for
his accomplishments which was soOth-
ing to his wounded vanity.
When he took his departure, Mrs.
Whitcomb said, kindly, Cant you
spend New Years with us, Bertram?"
cit would be real charity on your
part if I may" said Wingate, flushing
warmly at the thought of the other
charity dinner he had expected to eat
"It's nice of you to speak that way
Bertram,'' said Mrs. Whitcomb, strok-
ing his sleeve, but you know the pleas
ure will be ours in having a friend
from the old Dakota home to share the
day with u.s."
The New Years dinner was by no
means the last which Bertram Win
gate ate in the little cottage.
In the spring Molly, the irrepressi-
ble wrote to her Dakota confidante,
mabel and Bertram Wingate are
going together good deal. He isn't
bit stuck up as some of the Dakota
people used to say he was. Father says
he has drawn the plans for nearly all
the big buildings to be put up this
summer. If he's going to be my bro.
ther-in-law, / hope he'll plan a cute
little house for Mabel. I think mother
knows all about it, but she won't tell"
Washington Home Magazine.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-12-28

Bertram Wingate closed his desk
with weary sigh as the bell in the
courthouse tower struck five. The
plans for the Better hospital were not
going very well. There are times
when even rising young architect"
ceases to feel the stimulus Of his up
ward movement. Wingate paused a
moment before the window to look out
upon the swirling snow which was fast
converting Nicollet avenue into white
desert.
wonder if I can have a carriage to
go to Minnie Norton's tea?" he thought
1--WE had to buy my dinner at the club
three nights this week. Every one re-
covering from Christmas, 1 suppose,
and too tired to entertain. Club dues
on New Years with the usual tips and
presents. No, the Eighth avenue will
have to do me-"
He hurried to the hotel and after
brief toilet boarded a car for Park ave-
nue. The rooms were crowded when
he arrived at the Norton home. The
heavy odor of roses, the suspicion of
charcoal from the samovar, and, above
all the animated chatter from the
guests made his head ache, so he was
very grateful when Bessie Shaw mo-
toned him into deep window seat
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-12-28

velvet in the peacock blue, one OF the
small tip-tilted affairs we expect and
see on every other woman we meet.
Although the style is common, many OF
the individual hats are not at all COM
mon, still spell style. A peacock green
cloth of softest, most beautiful appear
ance, had one feature particularly no.
ticeable; the sleeves slashed to the
shoulder to disclose cream net under
sleeves and the vest made with V at
the neck to give another hint of the net
waist.
Brown, which we seemed to think
quite out of fashion, promises presently
to be in the height of fashion. A warm
shade in velvet is most effective when
employed with rich dark furs, and re-
Gently we were attracted by handsome
seal coat made with rolling fronts and
a straight, loose front of brown velvet,
embroidered delicately in gold. Brown
crepe de chine is exquisite. This well
appreciated material now comes in all
shades Crepe de chine loses none of its
vogue; we should say it is more in favor
than ever. The lovely dahlia shades are
particularly lovely in crepe; and also
the lighter shades of red at present so
much approved, the old rose and pinks.
Yesterday a girl out for walk flashed
by in chic costume of rose broadcloth,
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-12-28
HER RULE OF XMAS GIFTS.
Painstaking Aunt Has System Of
Her Own byWhich She Distributes
Gifts to Fer Relatives.

The right rule for a gift, according
TO Emerson is that it should be some
thing which will convey to some per-
son that which properly belongs to his
character, and is easily associated
with him in thought"
There are few people indeed who
do not at least try to consider the
particular taste and character of the
friends to whom they give, says the
Youths Companion. But once IL
awhile a matter-of-fact person quite
fails to perceive that this is necessary.
A good thing is a good thing, in the
eyes Of such giver, and it may be
assumed that the recipient will there
fore like it, and be grateful, unless, in
deed, he happens to have it already,
which is the one possibility to be
dreaded.
There is a placid, painstaking, pro-
sale, but much beloved aged aunt to a
large flock of youthful nephews and
nieces whose system, based upon this
consider even the drawback of du-
plication. Every Christmas she makes
everything she gives, and her pres
ents are of two kinds: one for girls
and one for boys.
One year it may be penwipers for
the brothers and needlebooks for the
sisters, the next, mufflers for the one
and mittens for the other. These
articles she patiently and ieisurely
produces for weeks beforehand. They
are always tasteful in tint and ex-
quisitely made, and are usually well
come.
An unfortunate schoolgirl whose
birthday in November had brought her
already two pairs of bed-shoes, in
what she had discovered to be Aunt
Elmira's bed-shoe year, tried to avoid
a third pair by word in season con-
veyeo discreetly through cousin.
Dear, dear!" murmured Aunt FL
mira, softly, hating her knitting
needles for an instant. Both pairs
blue, did you say, child? l must be
sure that my pair is pink, and-yes,
that is a very good idea--I'n knit
them a size or two larger, so she can
wear out the other first, and be quite
sure they will fit when she is ready
for them. Pink with white fnish
should be pretty"
Very gently the cousin limited at
some other present, but Aunt Elmira's
head was shaken at once, slight but
decisive shake.
mo, DEAR" she affirmed, TRANQUILITY,
two kinds OF gifts are all can make
in one year without feeling myself
worried and flurried. Ruth will find
her bed-shoes just as serviceable and
just as pretty a year or two later, il
she can't wear them now; it doesn't
matter. My mind was made up long
ago, my dear, that too many Christ
masses we're spoiled by worrying"
Perhaps Ruth was not wholly CRATE
full for the pink shoes. and the system
may be questioned; but Aunt Elmira's
friends certainly find the spectacle of
one person always unhurried, unwor-
ried and unruff1ed, even in the Wild
weeks before Christmas, soothing
and refreshing sight.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-12-28

thunderbolts of fire and steel as to re-
duce the city to heap of ruins?
These are questions that are being
asked these days not only in New
York city, but throughout the whole
country. for no such calamity as was
limited at by Prince Louis could Defau
the eastern metropolis without AFFECT
ing the entire nation. Perhaps these
oueustions have been answered before,
but lust now people want them an
swered again, if for no otner reason
than to prove that our royal guest ala
not know what he was talking about
The Is forts and batteries in and
about New York harbor answer an en-
phatic no to the questions propouno-
Oh There are nearly 200 massive, pow
erful guns mounted in those forts and
batteries ready at an instant's notice
to thunder forth such mighty denlal
of the charges of weakness ana lnenl-
cheney as to make a veritable sieve out
of every armorclad battlesn1p tnaC
would have the temerity to poke its
nose within speaking distance OF the
American shore and New YORK narpor.
Nearly 5000 soldiers are on the alert
dav and night and drilling con5tantly.
Every day the big guns are oiled and
polished and made ready for the time
when they may be needed
A hostile fleet approaching New York
would be greeted by the shot and shell
from Forts Hancock, Hamilton, Wads-
worth. Rodman, Trumbull, Wright.
Terry, Slocum, Schuyler, Totten, Jay
and other powerful batteries, long be-
fore they could COM to and get into
action. At Fort Hancock, on Sandy
Hook. the most powerful guns in CO..
mission are mounted, and admitting
that an attacking squadron would De
ahie TO safely run the gauntlet OF
mines with which the outer harbor
would be filled, it would have to reckon
with them One of the guns is To-
inch giant, capable of hurting 2,4OO-
pound projectile 81 miles at the rate OF
2.3OO feet per second. While this gun
IS not mounted, it being inexpedient to
keep it in training in time of peace, It
could be quickly placed in position and
sweep the harbor approaches with its
terrific fire. And even granting it's in
effectiveness at the 20-mile range, there
is no question that it would be for
midable weapon at the 10 or 12-mile
range.
Should the attempt be made to reach
the city by way of Long Island sound
the invading fleet would have to run
a gauntlet of forts, beginning with Fort
Rodman, near New Bedford, to Fort
Trumbull, at New London, and on
down the chain to Forts Wright and
Terry, standing on islands that divide
the fairway of the sound into narrow
channels. But should the enemy get
into the sound. feat BIZ the way which
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-12-28

was only out of charity. I half -ex-
pected Mr.. Wingate would be here to
accept in person, he so dotes on going
to teas in business hours, but perhaps
the fates will be kind and he'll refuse
Good-by, must run on. Don't forget
your promise about the reception"
AS Miss Redmond and Margaret Lit
tie moved away Bessie Shaw returned,
and it was some time before Wingate
could excuse himself from the discus
sion of cotillion favors and escape into
the cold twilight.
Although he had quite convinced
himself that he cared for Margaret
rather than John Little's heiress, Win
gate found his indignation at her mis-
apprehension of his motives quite swal-
lowed up in the misery of realization
that he was being laughed at for the
very pretensions which he had fiat
tered himself were assuring his sue
cess. He turned away from the hand
some house on Park avenue and walked
briskly toward the outskirts of the
city. There was some satisfaction in
crunching the snow under his feet and
in feeling the sting of the splitting
sleet which cut his cheeks, where the
red of angry humiliation burned
through the tan so carefully acquired
on the Minnetonka links. For six
years he had struggled for position
in society. He had dropped old friends
and cultivated men in whom he felt
no real interest; he had been errand
boy for the matrons and cavalier for
the buds. he had joined more clubs
than he could afford and had pinched
in many ways to make up for the ex-
penditures. He had told countless
stories of his life at Harvard, but never
spoke of his family in Dakota. He had
often referred to incidents of his trip
abroad, without limiting that he had
been tutor to rich youth; he had told
dreamy tales of winter in Mexico,
carefully concealing the fact that he
had been assistant to an invalid archi-
tect He had talked wittily of plays
and operas, gathering his ideas from
the daily papers rather than from OBJ
servation. Indeed, he had done every
thing in his power to seem man of
the world and favorite in society.
And now-when he had thought his
position assured-when he had
dreamed of spending John Little's mil
lions with perfect taste and passing his
days in an atmosphere of wealth and
leisure with the grace of one ito the
manner born" he found that he did
not seem to belong anywhere and
was to be given a New Years dinner
out of charity, while little Charlie LET
fingwell, who never managed to get be-
yond his freshman year at Yale, whose
only accomplishment was driving an
automobile and whose one aim in life
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-12-28

and the Narrows, the case would be
quite hopeless.
But another factor must be reckoned
with in considering the fcsces against
which hostile fleet would have to con-
tend, and that is the fighting ships,
big and little-from the great battle
ships down to the submarine destroy
ers and torpedo boats-of Uncle Sans
growing navy. What would this force
amount to? There are five 16,O00-ton
battleships, which entered the water in
1904-1905, while there are others yet to
be launched, Is in all. namely me
Connecticut, Kansas, Virginia, Nebras-
ka, Georgia, New Jersey, Rhode Island,
Mississippi, Idaho, Louisiana, Mime
sofa, New Hampshire, Vermont, South
Carolina and Michigan. The Connecti-
cut and Louisiana were launched
year ago and both are under contract
to be delivered next year. The Vir-
ginia, Georgia, New Jersey Rhode
Island and Nebraska are also a. hand,
and the contract for the New Hamp-
shire has been closed, step yet to be
taken with the South Carolina and
Michigan.
In addition to the above the amored
cruisers California, South Dakota
Tennessee and Washington are all IS
per cent. completed, as are the protect
ed cruisers st. Louis and Milwaukee,
while the Charleston can be put in full
war trim on slight notice. And to
these must of course be added the
Maine, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois,
Alabama, Iowa, Massachusett, West
Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado,
Kearsarge and Maryland, the ships
which comprised Admiral Evans
squadron when he prayed host to
Prince Henry.
Ger. Grant, who is in command of
the Atlantic seaboard defenses, smiled
when asked if New York would be
jeopardized by hostile fleet in time
of war, and said emphatically:
''It would be absolutely impossible
for any hostile fleet to approach near
enough to even cast an occasional shell
into the city. OF that the city and
country may rest absolutely assured.
The inhabitants of New York could
sleep as secure from fear of lombard
ment in time of war as it may now in
time of peace.
80 we'll guarded is the city that the
combined navies of the world, includ-
ing our own, could not lay waste the
city or reduce it to anything like ruin.
But the city is not absolutely impreg-
nable, except to sea attack. 1t might
be possible for hostile army to land
somewhere along he coast and attack
New York from the rear. But there
would be few obstacles barring the
way to the back door as well as the
'front.'
WILLIS S. EDSON-
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-12-28
Why New York Need Not Fear
a Hostile Fleet
City Too Well Defended Suffer from Attack of Most
Powerful Foreign Foe.

The visit of Prince Louis of Batten-
berg to this country is now but a men,
ory-pleasant and picturesque-bu
the question which the British admiral
raised as to the helplessness of New
York before fleet of the most mod
ern and powerful battleships is still
a living issue. In fact, like Banquo's
ghost, it will not down, at least not
until it is downed by the array of
formidable facts as to the defenses
of the great eastern metropolis
Prince Louis is reported to have said
either in jest or in earnest-that the
Is battleships and cruisers which
sailed into New York harbor under
the command of Admiral Evans and
himself could reduce the city to a heap
of ruins in less time than the chef on
the princes flagship, the Drake, could
prepare an omelet, and naturally the
remark created no little sensation, and
Father Knickerbocker nearly had
cold chill, Notwithstanding the warmth
of the reception given to the royal
guest, and forthwith the nervous old
gentleman began to take an inventory
of fighting stock and enumerate the
strongholds which could be depended
upon in the hour of danger to pro-
tect the vast wealth and interests. OF
the city.
Are the defenses of New York city
incomplete and insufficient?
Could such fleet of fighting ships
as Britain might muster, or France,
or Germany, get within striking dis
lance of the city and pour in such
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-12-28
ELBOW SLEEVES IN M1DwINTER-

tartan garment Of course this means
expensive long gloves. What is saved
In sleeves is more than lost in hand
shuhe."
The fashionable long glove for even
ing wear is the white suede, and 1t is
often seen with the dressier afternoon
costumes It makes one long for the
excellent and cheap London glove; here
in America we have to pay so much for
this trifie of the toilette. To those in
terested in economy we would add that
-he long black suede glove is in excel
lent style, and that long glove may mean
the s, IL or "a button. A black glove
makes the hand look small, AMI the
suede outlines the arm prettily.
We note the number OF attractive hats
that are trimmed with illusion. This
morning we saw very good one with
a lace crow, the crown = low cone, the
brim edge with white velvet; a run
of white Illusion almost concealed the
hriH and mounted well I'D on the crown;
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-12-28

a cluSted of three cameliaS nestled IN
the illusion on one side, we'll toward the
front, and under the turned-up back was
a quantity of ribbon the same soft shade
as the camelias, a pinky white.
A beautiful largish hat-none of the
hats this year are very big-Of violet
panne, was a dream. The panne fitted
smoothly, this giving a satin sheen
much better than folds or putfs would
have BEEN The shape was not unlike
longish sailor of years agone, the only
trimming a ruche of white illusion.
And concerning the color of hat one
should wear, taste is divided between
the hat that matches the costume exact
ly and the one that contrasts. An ele-
CANT gray gown and wrap were worn
with hat of peacock blue velvet; the
effect very good. Peacock blue and
peacock green are in highest favor in
feathers have not driven them out.
A maine neck ruff usually proves
very becoming, and not few are seen
at opera and theater. They come in the
delicate shades, perhaps are most pop
ular in white. For afternoon occasions
furs take their place. Afternoon toilettes
are marked by rich colors, evening
gowns seem best this year when in the
delicate shades. Nothing is in higher
favor than pale blue, pink and old rose.
Soft materials lead, the clinging kind.
White lawn and nainsook waists have
an unprecedented vogue; where silk was
considered the only choice OF waist, now
we have the dainty and seemingly SIM
pie lawn and nainsook. These materials
are also forward for chemisette and
undersleeve with gown of velvet or
broadcloth, the white goods daintily
hand-tucked. 1t is a very pretty fash
ion. ELLEN OSMONDE.
River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-12-28

the North Atlantic squadron failed to
accomplish during the naval maneu-
vers two years ago, he would still have
to silence the powerful batteries of
Forts Slocum, Schuyler and Totten. BY
reference to the map it will be seen
that Fort Slocum stands off New Ro-
chelle, while Schuyler and Totten stand
sternly vigilant five miles nearer the
city, AMI would be sure to bring down
any shi ps which might possibly get
by the suns of Fort Slocum. In these
two forts there are l6 great guns. and
no battleship or company Of them
could hope to survive their raking
fire.
Every device and agency known to
modern warfare have been mustered
to render these defenses of New York
impregnable. At the prpesent time
Fort Hamilton is being rapidly
strengthened, and in a short time will
be the finest fort owned by Uncle Sam.
Between 100000 and $3,000,00O have
been asked for to make this possible
The map shows how the deep water
channel runs directly under the guns
of Fort Hancock, on Sandy Hook, and
then, bending abruptly northward,
races through the narrow gateway be-
tween Forts Hamilton and Wadsworth.
Military experts declare that owing to
the narrowneSs Of the channel, il is
doubtful whether any ships of war
could be brought so near the city save
by American pilots, and when the hos
tile ships had to deal with the deadly
mines strung between Romer shoals