davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Arizona republican., 1906-12-25

was looking listlessly over the stretch of open water.
 "Oh. yes" he drawled, but like auto mobiles and race horses and stag din- ners and other fast things. not quite reliable. Suppose your 12-horsepower engine gets balky-then where are you? I think they're downright dan gerous," he added languidly.
 'I am sorry to be the cause of ex- posing you to so many dangers" re- piled Miss Chester coldly. l am afraid that with the early rising, the possibility of a snowstorm, the pres ence of a firearm in the boat, and, above all. the prospect of the dangers of a breakdown you will be quite pros trated after your Christmas holiday. I am sorry that l omitted to bring my salts: also that none of the men under stand this engine so that you could have gone on the steam launch with papa and the girls
 q am much happier with you" he replied with unruffied calm. "even de- spite the perils and privations of this sea going automobile. If l was aboard the Silver King l would probably be- come unpopular by begging the girls not to eat so many bonbons or to stand too near the rail. You see l am cursed with a spirit of caution and ar inclination to follow the line of least resistence. and by the way, you had better not sit quite so near the fly wheel, as your skirt might get caught and throw you into the machinery. l once heard of a girl who"
 Spare me-" cried Miss Chester, throwing out both hands imploringly.
 Before long they were half-way across the mouth of the inlet. The tide was ebbing like a mill race and Carling found it necessary to head well above their destination to avoid being carried out to sea. Far in the ofling they could see the Shark Shoal lightship-the only break in the bleak horizon.
 Think of the poor fellows spending their Christmas out on that desolate water!" exclaimed Miss Chester. How forlorn and sad it seems-and how sell fish it makes one feel. I wish that we could go out there and and take them some of the good things which we eX- pect to bring back with us-don't you?'
 'I should like to send them some thing" agreed MT. Carling, condition ally. but" he glanced at the sky to windward, q think l could forego the
Arizona republican., 1906-12-25
Christmas on Shark Shoal Story of q Girl. Motor Boat q Lightship
 By HENRY C. ROWLAND

, denly. as he watched. all three lights expired, 'and almost at the same mo- ment the swift sunlight touched with | color all that had been but monotones of gray.
 Really. it's not half bad" said MT. Carling to himself. rather surprised at his enjoyment of the bleak surround ings; nevertheless, he was glad when his launch slipped up to the landing, for there was a raw chill in the air which made the prospect of coffee and an egg most attractive. When he accompanied Miss Chester to the landing after luncheon the char acter of the day had undergone a change. The cloud-bank in the north west had covered half of the sky. and the air was several degrees colder.
 Tt will snow before night" observed Carling.
 q think not" she replied; |" it is too far south. A snowstorm is rare down here"
 Miss Chester seated herself; then, as Carling was about to shove off, she sprang to her feet.
 ''I mean to bring my rifle," she ex- claimed.
 Its not worth while,' he replied discouI agingly. You could never hit a duck from a boat like this: also loaded gun in a boat is a dangerous combination. Nine-tenths of the acci- dents"
 You may lie down behind the engine when I shoot" replied Miss Chester sharply. ''I wish to take my rifle. and I will ask you to wait until I get it."
 She stepped out of the launch and walked toward the club house while Carling. a flush on his high cheek bones. rolled a cigarette and waited in silence. A few minutes later Miss Chester returned carrying a small thirty-two repeating rife.
 As the swift launch tore out of tho 1 little cove the exhiliration of the mo- ton banisked the girls resentment and | she glanced more kindly at her silent | cavalier.
 They are wonderful machines. are | they not?r she exclaimed to Carling | who with one elbow resting on the rail |
Arizona republican., 1906-12-25

racing tide.
 Rather chilly facing the wind is
 it not-hello-what's struck the en-
 gine!" cried Carling suddenly.
 An odd. choking rattle was proceed ing from the laboring machinery. A
 series of quick gasps followed by loud
 report ensued and the next instant the
 wheels had ceased to revolve.
 What has happened!' cried Miss Chester. nervously. as the bow of the ! launch began to swing off to the cur
 rent.
 'I can't quite make out" replied Car | ling in a puzzeled voice as he rapidly went over the different parts of the engine "Sparker's all right-seems to i be in the feeder-and did you ever smel; such a reek of gasoline? Well upon my word-feeder must be choked- there's not a drop of-no, pumps ali right. I'd think she'd run out of gaso- line if I hadn't filled the tank myself this morning. By love" He started rapidly forward and as Miss Chester saw the expression on his fine features the blood left her cheeks.
 What is it?'' she asked sharply.
 He turned to her slowly and with an air of calm regret. His brief examina-
 tion had shown him that the stray bull let from the girls rifle had cut through the side and bottom of the tank. allow ing the last drop of fuel to escape.
 I'm awfully sorry" he began hum bly. but the tanks sprung leak and
 there's not a drop of gasoline left. I'm afraid we'll have to anchor-if we can, . he added under his breath. No gasoline!" she cried in horror.
 ''Why. how will we get back?" ! "Oh we'll drift back with the turn of the tide" he answered carelessly, and | began to clear the anchor line. Miss ! Chester watched him dumbly. marvel i ing at his calm, for to her the situation l seemed desperate.
 Even if we we can't hang on here.' he said. |" the water shoals farther out
 and we're bound to bring up there.' ! He did not add that with the wind off ! shore and freshening. the turn of the | tide would make bad weather across the shoal for broken down speed | launches.
 "A vessel is sure to come up before dark" he told her reassuringly. You
 know they are constantly going in and out" He had dropped the anchor over the bow and was cautiously slack 1 ing. the line. When he had paid out about five fathoms he felt the vibration caused by the sliding of the anchor
 along the hard. sandy bottom. "It is not as deep as I had feared
 he began, when there came a sudden
 tug at the line that almost hauled him [ IL, ( | by gripping the painter,at the same time dropping the anchor line which
 ran out over the side like snake. Re-
Arizona republican., 1906-12-25

covering himself, Carling threw it into the chock on the bow, and picking up what slack was left. caught a quick ! turn on the bits. He had scarcely done so when the line sprang taut, the trend being astern and under the boat. He tried the slack out gradually in order to give the launch time to swing head up, but he had not sufficient line left The full force of the ebb tide caught the long boat broadside on, heeling her until the gunwhale was awash; the next instant the cable parted under the terrific strain. the launch righted quickly and went sweepin out to sea.
 Mir. Carling turned to his companion with an air of profound though calm regret. His arms felt as though stretched on the rack and the palms of both hands were raw.
 What happened?" asked Miss Ches- ter wildly
 I'm awfully sorry. but we've lost our anchor. It suddenly held on some- thing and wouldn't give an inch; must have fOuled a piece of wreckage, as there are no rocks hereabOuts."
 But what can we do now?' Shs gazed back in hopeless horror at the dwindling shore.
 ''We'1 soon be picked up-don't wor- ry," he answered, comfortingly. 'I
Arizona republican., 1906-12-25

think that the joke is on the rest of the people"-he waved his hand at the pile of provisions-here We are sailing put to sea with all of the eatables and drinkables that make a Christmas din- ner worth the effort. Are you warm enough?"
 'I am more frightened than cold" she admitted faintly, her self-assertior all swept away by surrounding dang CTS. She found herself looking to him childishly for reinsurance. and gainel the greatest comfort in his quiet smile.
 Carling stood up and searched the bleak horizon. All at once his eyes rested on a distant, uncouth object on
Arizona republican., 1906-12-25

their port bow. He turned joyfully tC Miss Chester.
 "The lightship!" he cried. q had | forgotten all about her." Something in his tone sent a quick thrill through the girl. In spite of her agitation she realized that it was the | first time she had ever heard his voice raised from its usual unruffied calm. "Where?" she asked. eagerly; 'oh, | yes, l see her but isn't she a very long way off?"
 Not over four miles; but the tide | is setting to the southward of her. I will have to rig some sort of a sail His voice still carried the quick. eager tone that made the girls heart beat faster. He leaped down and began to haul the tarpaulins from under the cushions of the launch, and the next moment had spread them open and was lacing them together by run ming the twine from the parcels through the eyelets.
 "The big sweep will do for a mast, ,' he explained eagerly, "and that boat hook is long enough to use as a yard''- he cut away one of the small pulley leading the tiller line to the wheel and lashed it deftly to the end of the sweep. You see. I can stay the mast with what's left of the anchor line and reeve a halliard through the block" He worked quickly and skillfully as he talked. and Miss Chester, watching him wondered if this could be the same man whom she had SO condemned for lack of animation. Voice. manner, ac- tiOns, even appearance. all seemed new to her, and as she watched his purpose full efforts she forgot the dangers about them, and a new sentiment. strangely sweet. and one which seemed to bid defiance to the chill of the darkening December day. gradually possessed her.
 Take the wheel. Doris" he said pres ently. and keep her before the wind while l get up this sail
 She obeyed with a sense of pleasure at doing his will, especially as uttered in a terse command. Carling was woik king at his improvised sail, and as she sat with the little wheel in her hands Doriss eyes rested idly on the bulkhead inclosing the tank A blOtch on the light woodwork attracted her attention. and the next instant she had discovered the fatal bullet hole which was the cause of their mishap.
 Dick" she called sharply. and leav- ing his sail unhoisted Carling sprang to her side.
 What is it, Doris?" he asked con- cernedly. She pointed at the bullet hole.
 Did you know it, Dick?''
 "Yes. dear" he answered gently.
 And you never said a word Her big, blue eyes were raised to his, and as he looked into them they brimmed over There was a suspicious quiver to her lips.
 He rested his hand upon hers as it held the little wheel.
 Tt was an accident, Doris. Anyone might have"
 But you never told me. and l was you-fOr not keeping a better There came a break in the sweet voice. Carling squeezed the cold, little hand.
 Never mind, dear. it will soon be alright" He returned to his impro- yised sail, which was soon set and irawing strongly.
 Satisfied that it was ample to furn- l
 Continued on Page 10.
Arizona republican., 1906-12-25


 A few minutes later they reached the landing and with the expenditure of a little time and some northern gold. suc- ceeded in inducing the express agent to send the supplies down to the launch. As they started back Mir. Car ling observed that the breeze had fres- ened and that there was a suspicion of rawness in the air.
 They were crossing the mouth of the inlet when suddenly Miss Chester whose eyes had been resting on the expanse of cold gray water, sprang to her feet.
 There goes a flock of geese!" she cried excitedly. "-see-straight out close to the water-there, they have lit. Let us run down and get shot at themi"
 Carling turned the wheel and headed the launch seaward.
 Look at her go!" he cried with certain awe in his voice as they shot past a black and white mid-channei buoy. "The tide must run four knots. Do you think it well to start on this wild-goose chase with this tide to buck on the way back?"
 I'm going to get a shot if I have to chase them outside the Capes." she answered stubbOrnly. They dashed on until they were almost abreast of the outer entrance and could soon distin- guish the big birds quite plainly.
 Now stop and let her drift" whis- pered Miss Chester. Carling obediently turned the switch and the drive in the cylinders ceased.
 All at once Miss Chester raised her weapon. but before she had time to aim there came sharp report. The flock arose. and although she fired several times in quick succession she was un- able to score hit. She turned to Car | ling
 "The wretched thing went off before | was ready" she almost sobbed
 Never mind" he answered comfort | ngly, there's one more happy goose in | he world and We really did not need | lim." He started the engine and, turn ng the launch, they began to stem the |
Arizona republican., 1906-12-25

pleasure of taking them in person this afternoon"
New-York tribune., 1906-12-16
MAY AMEND RATE LAW.
To Remedy EuiIs Resulting from
Car Shortage.
IFror The Tribune Bureau.l

Washington, Dec. 1h-The President has
urged the members Of the Interstate Commerce
Commission TO prosecute the investigation of the
car shortage in the Northwest and the whole
subject throughout the country with the utmost
expedition in order that if the results show that
the Rate law is not sufficiently comprehensive
to give the commission the authority necessary
to correct the evil an amendment may be pre-
pared which the President will send to Congress
with an urgent recommendation that it be enact
ed at this session of Congress IL possible
Senator Hansbrough of North Dakota, IN
whose state the present hardship resulting from
a shortage Of cars exists, has urged that every
thing possible be done to expedite the inquiry.
and Commerce Commissioner Lane has been
pressing the investigation for several weeks-in
fact, ever since Senator Hansbrough reported
at the White House the menacing conditions in
his state. OF course, Mr.. Lane will say nothing
regarding his findings until they are completed
When the Rate bill was under discussion, the
attention of the Senate called by Senator
Spooner and others to the fact that much of the
discrimination practised by the railroads against
the smaller producers. and especially against
those producers who came into competition with
companies owned by the railroads. was effected
through the improper distribution of cars II
has been repeatedly found impossible by rail-
roads which directly or through their directors
own producing companies to furnish cars TO
competitors because of a shortage Of rolling
stock When the amendment to the Rate bill
prohibiting railroads from transporting coal the
product Of their mines was adopted II was
largely with the purpose of correcting this evil
OF course the situation in North Dakota is of
somewhat different character but that II has
been brought about by an unwise or unsystem-
attic distribution Of cars is obvious, and tho
suffering which is resulting and which to
still greater extent seems likely to ensue has
served to emphasize the necessity of federaI
regulation under the existing law, or an amend
ment TO that law dealing with this subject and
calculated effectually to remedy the evil
New-York tribune., 1906-12-16
Y. S. BILL AGAINST CUBA.
Nr. Taft Explains Finances to
House appropriations Committee.

Washington. Dec. 15.-The Cuban financial
situation was explained to the House Com
mlttee on Appropriations to-day by Secretary
Taft. Through his explanation it was ascer
tained that American intervention in the island
made necessary the expenditure of something
more than $2OOO,0OO. An itemized account OF
expenditures has been kept the basis OF the
claim of the United States against the island
government for reimbursement 1t IS the
understanding that this claim Is not to be
pressed Immediately. although ascertain
ment Of the condition of the Cuban finances an
order may issue from President Roosevelt to
the provisional Governor of the island to trans
fer a monthly sum from the Cuban to the
United States Treasury payment on this
claim.
The present expenses OF the army Of inter
vention and all other expenses incident TO
American administration OF affairs in Cuba are
being paid directly out of the Cuban Treasury
New-York tribune., 1906-12-16
WANT AMERICANS ONLY
Foreign Contractors Barred from
Panama Canal Work.

Washington. Dec. 15-Fo-eign contractors are
to be barred from competition for the compile
ton OF the Panama Canal Chairman Shonts of
the Isthmian Canal Commission made this an
nouncement to-day Many changes have been
agreed to In the form of contract to be en-
tered into for the construction of the canal
but the most important is the limiting of pro-
posals to American firms. The right will be
reserved to reject all the bids submitted in
case none is satisfactory. and the commission
will then either throw the competition open
to foreign bidders proceed with the work
without contract. January II is the date
for the opening of proposals.
A substantial reduction in the bond of the
successful bidder was also made by the COM
mission, in compliance with the request Of
prospective bidders. The bond will be only
S2.OOO,OO0. and the total liability OF the con-
tractor is to be limited to the loss of percent
age and premiums otherwise payable and S3.-
100000 in addition. Chairman Shonts indicated
other changes follows:
To relieve the contractor from responsibility
for the use of defective materials, or for the
preparation for use of the same. provided he
has requested the chief engineer in writing for
the definite approval of the materials or the
preparation for thereof, and the chief en-
gineer after reasonable time fails to act upon
such request.
To provide for a later change in the estimated
agreed to by the-engiEeering committee in case
the plans and speclncat tions for the construction
of the canal shall be materially altered In any
respect; if it shall be made to appear to the
President of the United States that the esti-
mates are based on physical data so erroneous as
to materially affect the estimated cost and time
of construction; that the estimates have be-
come substantially inequitable by reason Of the
intervention of an act Of God or a public enemy;
for any other material cause which shall not
have been taken into account by the engineer
ing committee in ma king their estimate and for
which the contractor is not responsible.
II was also provided tat in the govern
ment should decide to terminate the contract
when the contractor is not In default the con-
tractor shall be paid the cost of the work per-
formed by him to date and S250OOO in addition
to such percentage as may have been earned by
him upon such cost up to that time.
The responsibility of the contractor to the
commission for all injuries damages inflicted
upon the plant, canal or it's auxiliary works is
limited to negligence Of himself any of his
employees or sub-contractors or the employees OF
such sub-contractors.
New-York tribune., 1906-12-16
TUNNEL SECTION READY.
Long Island City Contract Com
pleted-Progress of the York.

One section Of the Pennsylvania Railroad tunnels
has been finished and is ready for the laying
of rails. This section is in Long Island City, be-
yond East avenue from the Long Island Railroad
station. and is known as the supplementary con-
tract" of S. Pearson Son. For about 10 feet the
tunnels are Just they will be when trains run
through-thick concrete lining. concrete and brick
arched ceiling, and wide benches the sides
for walking space. Even the conduits for tele
graph. telephone light and signal wires all
complete
Progress the tunnels bound west from the
East shaft has been more rapid than is
realized by any except the men who work in them.
The iron tubing in tunnels and B. the two toward
the north, is practically complete from the shaft
to d point only $50 feet from the river shaft. Con-
creting has already been begun in these tunnels.
and the 22-inch lining and the side benches
being put in rapidly Tunnel D has gone even fur
ther. and the heading is Ier the con-
course of the Long Island Railroad station.
Air locks and shield have been installed in Tun-
mel d, and the boring is done under air pressure
eighteen pounds 10 the square inch. The heading
Is only about 2i0 feet from the river shaft and is
getting about twenty feet every week
Preparations are now being made to install air
locks and a shield in Tunnel and to do the re-
manning distance OF 400 feet under pressure. When
tunnels c and D have reached the river shaft the
sne!ds and air locks will be taken out and used in
SON Ihe ssuPplemssnttarv contract" which s. Pear
Wor sGn snd h1ws tbns is and brick aeh
four tubes come to end at East avenue and
20 surface level The difficult feature of the
Ioo, perhaps. was the moving of a large sewer that
lay IN the way. II is built all over agnin and
runs over the top of the concrete tunnels.
Gong out under the East River. toward Man
haitian. the tinneiers ere getting of rock into
sort sand and gravel, This work is different from
all other similar jobs around New York in that
the air locks are far ahore ground, instead OF
under II. In other words. the shafts are under
pressure as we'll as the tunnels. When man
enters the lock TO go dcwn into Tunnel =. for ex-
ample he is in sight of the ferry slips the East
River ri & end M9nhattan Island. He descends nifty
or sixty feet through crculer, iron alright shaft
tn
and D. ,' ~
So far the pressure has been only from II to 20
pounds to The square inGh. AS the rock disap-
pressure will have TO he gradually raised 70 keep
the water out. Cribhing and riNrap beneath the
piers now present difficulties which will disappear
when the tunneers pass the pier line CLAY in
large Quantities is dumped into the river to make
firm bed. -
New-York tribune., 1906-12-16
NEW YORK TRANSFERS COMPLAIN
Make Charge of Discrimination Against the
Southern Pacific Railroad.
IFrom The Tribune Bureau.

Washington. Dec. 15-An unusual complaint was
filed with the Interstate Commerce Commission to-
day against the Southern Pacific Railroad by the
New York Team Owners Association, who aleye
that they are Disseminated against in the carriage
Of Southern Pacific freight at the stations In New
York.
The petition recites that the Southern Pacific
pany has adopted rules governing the reception
Of freight at its stations in New York under which
the trucks bringing property to 1t for shipment
required to form in line in the order of their ar
rival and TO drive into the stations and unload
their freight according to their respective places
in the line. The company. Notwithstanding these
rules says the complainant has repeatedly grant
ed and continues habitually grant to the trucks
or the hrm of Kelly & Buck which is not
member OF the Team Owners Association the priv
iiese Of passing into it's stations in New York and
unloading out of the order of arrival and in ad-
vance Of other trucks, thereby discriminating
against them. to the damage of their business.
This, the complainant rectes, is discrimination
in restraint Of commerce. and restraining order
New-York tribune., 1906-12-16
PENSION DAY III TIE HOUSE.
Three Hundred and Fifty Bills Passed in
Less than an Hour.

Washington. Dec. 15.-The House to-day passed
$50 invalid pension bills in less than an hour.
Before taking up pension legislation the Commit
tee on Appropriations reported urgent de-
hciency BILL carrying s5:l500. for the various de-
partments of the government. including $4,000 for
mileage OF army officers and S25Oo0e to carry out
the Pure Food law.
Representative Patterson of Tennessee rendered
his resignation as a member of the Insular Affairs
Cohrhttee and the Speaker appointed Repre-
sentative Garrett OF Tennessee, to the vacancy
sunday January 20, SET apart for services In
'ei'0'S oi senator William T. Bate. of Tennessee