davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1906-11-25

lishmenf OF the rural free delivery. The
latter, by encircling village at ra-
dius of four or five miles. oftentimes
eliminates the necessity of sustaining
little crossroads postoffices which had
been stations on star route
Persons dwelling in the large cities
who are aroused every morning by the
merry whistle OF the letter carrier al
he trips lightly up the stoop, leaves
his mail and goes merrily whistIing
up the next-door neighbor's stoop cam
not very readily appreciate the con-
tract of the service away out over the
plains. They would scarcely give
cTedence to the statement that there
is one star route connection between
railroads in the West 43S miles In
length, which is the sole means of COM
munication for several large counties
with the outside world.
One of the most perilous OF all the
star routes in the United States
proper lies in the mountain districts
Just west Of Cheyenne, wvo. 1t ex-
tends from e town called Encampment
to village called Rawbler. a distance
of only about thirteen miles, but those
thirteen miles make a journey most
hazardous to human life.
The mail has to be tied to the shoul-
ders OF a man who travels on snow
shoes a great part of the year, as the
route leads over points about 10000
The San Francisco call., 1906-11-25

the contrary. 1t Is singular fart that
few OF the contracts are procured by
persons residing in the locality where
the route is situated. Most of them are
obtained by professional bidders, who
make a study OF the routes as busi-
ness, who pool one route with another
in their calculations OF profit and sub
nit bid far under that the local man
may file with the Postoffice Depart
ment. 1t not infrequently happens that
these professional bidders sualet the
contract to the local bidder for less
money than the latter demanded Of
the Government.
There are 17,1ss ar routes" in the
mail service today, and they cost the
Government annually s7,10s, ,067.o3
There are only 1854 railroad routes,
and they cost an annual expenditure
of sSs.sss, ,o70.75. There are 222 steam
boat routes, which require an annual
outlay of s7S7.oe7.5S. There are 40
electric and cable car routes, which
cost little more than half a million
dollars yearly. and only FIVE pneumatic
tube routes, which cost 500. 600 annu-
ally. From these figures It will be
seen that the star route" is essentially
an American institution of perform
ance, though the umber of routes have
been greatly decreased in recent years
ing and more recently by the estab-
The San Francisco call., 1906-11-25
KElyDEER
NAIL.
SEENcr

routes the Government sought to es-
tabiish. To kill mail rider and tear
the mail to shreds was considered a
contamination most devoutly desired.
Among the relics at the Postofice De-.
partment at Washington is a small
pouch left by the Apaches on the spot
where they killed r. NJ. Peterson.
mail rider, in Pima County. Ariz.. In
1885. The oil mail bag was the only
iEh assassination and bears the san
culinary stains Of the victim. The other
pouches were cut to pieces.
The San Francisco call., 1906-11-25

HE mail rider, as he is called
throughout the countryside, is
an unsung hero. Away of there
IN those remote landscapes Of
the United States, plodding
etong the dresry trail. spurring his
pony over mountain peak, whipping
his stage team through treacherous
river fords, tramping behind his dog.
sled IN the ice fields OF Alaska. clucking
90 his reindeer above the Arctic circle.
N6igging heels into his lazy donkey on
The plains of Porto Rico--wherever
one takes him. his life is so isolated
from the great world of tranic-choked
cities that he is almost a stranger in
Brother Jonathan's household.
Time was when he held, like bride
reins, the very arteries of a nations
commerce in his clutch. Today he fills
gaps between railroads. But how many
Of these gaps there are. The mail riders
OF the United States cover a mileage of
2ls,zeo, while the railroad routes COM
bined are only 100000 miles. The car
riers Of the rural free delivery-and
have 35,5s7 routes. averaging twenty
three miles. So they cover every day
1873 miles, and it has been estimated
by the Fourth Assistant Postmaster
General that they serve 3.1S2.65o fami-
lies, or l5,474.O65 individuals in their
daily rounds OF free delivery. A very
great gap. indeed, then, this man with
the horse fills in the stupendous postal
service Of his country. and yet he is
little known and seldom praised except
by the grateful villagers or farm
dweiiers along his route.
Over the mail riders head many post
once scandals have been exploded ever
since the infamous star route" frauds,
which for years kept Congress in a
stew investigating and revising the
system OF letting contracts for these
cross-country routes. This shameful
blot. however, had nothing TO do with
the man outside the mail-bagged horse.
AS little heard Of then as now, he kept
on riding his lone journey day in and
day out. over hill and dale, through
forest and across stream Drawing all
billiards. or torrid sands with unyieId-
ing devotion to duty and laudable self
effacement.
All on Star Routes
These men of the star routes en-
deavor to live up TO the three requi-
sites from which the name star route"
was coined-"celerity. certainty and
security" When Congress in l845
passed a law repeating a former act
and stipulating that the contracts for
these routes must be let TO the person
making the lowest bid 10 deliver the
mails with celebrity. certainty and Sc
curity." and the clerical force at WASH
ington began TO note these routes on
the records with three stars ("ss),
which annota" ms were taken up off,
cially, the words Hsfar route became a
fixture. being used in legislal on at the
national capitol But while the rid
ers are diligent in pursuing their jour
neys they rarely ever turn a deaf ear
20 the Inhabitants Of the farmhouse,
miners camp or hut alons the way
when a message is to be sea. to town
or some little purchase made
II must be borne in mind that the
man who rides the mall is not neces-
sarily tie star route" contractor. On
The San Francisco call., 1906-11-25

There is much OF the soldier spiris
in these mail riders. They seem 10
have a realizing sense above all else
that they are working for the majesty
OF the republic. bearing Ills for the
honor OF the flag. There is. IN fact.
more real esprit de corps among them.
both OF the star route and the rural
free delivery. than II to be found In
either army or navy. One not frs-
quentiy hears Of rivalry and jealousy
In the army and fusses and lights
among the navy. but enc never hears
OF such differences among mail riders.
Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1906-07-04

Formers down ln Richmond county
on Dry Fork, North Carolina. are
blowing mp many old Polns. on
the south side OF the creek cope
pieces bearing The name OF George
Washington are being found, and ON
the north side the coins uncarthcd
bear the names of kings Of England.
Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1906-07-04
N MY! 5 MN0itoIk&WeSterT
w. S. BECK Err.
Superintendent
Schedule In Effect
May 81. 1906.

Leave Blueheld $50 m. for r,
anoke, LynchbuSg, Norfolk and all
points on the Shenandoah division.
Pullman SleeTe' to Roanoke ami RO-
anoke TO New York, via Hagerstown
Parlor car Roanoke to Norfolk
S:15 a. m. daily for Roanoke and
intermediate points.
ESQ p. m. for Roanoke and Lynch
burg and intermediate stations and
the Shenandoah Valley. Philadelphia
and New York. Sleeper to PhiladeI-
phia- Roanoke TO Richmond
9 80 p. m. for Roanoke, Lynch
burg, Richmond, Norfolk, Pullman
sleeper East Radford 10 Norfolk and
Lynchburg TO Richmond Cafe Car
Trains arrive at Bluefeld from the
east at 5S, a. m, l:55, y. m, 3: 05
p m, and 3 05 p. m.
From the west at 500 a. IN. 9:2O
a. m. 2:05 p. m. and 8:1S p. IN.
Leave Bluefield at 8:15 p. m for
KenOva. Columbus and an points
west and northwest. Pullman sleep.
ers for Columbus and Cincinnati, o
Cafe car.
9:OS a. IN. for Kenova, Cincinnati
Portsmouth, Columbus. St Louis
Through Pullman sleepers 10 COlum-
bus Cafe car.
Leave 9:15 a m and 2:i5 p. M
daily for Tazewell Norton. and ali
stations on Clinch Valley division.
Arrive from Norton and all points
on the Clinch Valley division at Z.35
and 7.J5 y. m.
Leave so a. m for Kenova and
intermediate stations via Wayne
Leave o 90 and $50 p m for
WEIGH and intrmediate stations
For Pocahontas $50 a. m 9.O8
a. m. 2:3O D. m. and $40 p. m. Ar
rive from Pocahontas at 500 a. m.
2:O6 p. m. and 8:18 p. m.
For Bramwell, leave Bluefeld 5 so
a. m 9:0S a. IN. 2 80 p m. and $ -
p. m.
Call on agent Norfolk and Western
railway, for tickets. maps, and add
donal Information
W y BEVtJB, @. =. A.
poanota vs
Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1906-07-04
NORFOLK AND
WESTERN SCHEDULE
For Special Train for Fourth oi
July Travel.

For the accommodation OF those
oeslrlng 10 attend celebrations al
PVcanontas anu Blueheld on Wesnes-
day. July am We will run special
tram from Midemoutn. Crane Greek.
anu GOODWILL anu return Ola tna,
date on the following scneduie
Leave Menouah. -. 400 a. IA.
Nora ..... > 80 a. IA.
Goodwill. -. $40 n. Ia.
- Pouahontas. IU.lO a. IA.
Arrive Blueneld 49,. lU:I5 a. IN.
stopping at all Intermediate
points.
Returning the train will leave
Blueneld a. d. 40 y. IA.
Extra passenger service Tor coal
neid travel viii be performed July
4tn. as follows:
Special train to handle passengers
Only and Viii make ali stops, ana
wall stop al Nemours anu Orran ON
signal.
Leave Vivian ...... 400 "A. IA.
Arrive Blueneld 800. 800 "a. IN.
special train plueneld to VIVIAN
will run ON the 4th ana Will make
all local passenger stops out VIII
not handle amy baggage or express.
Passengers desiring to go TO Po-
cahontas on this tram VIII change
ears at Bluestone anu 30 into Poca
hontas ON Widemouth special leayin
Bluestone at .. 5S a. N.
Passengers for Pocahontas de
string to so west on this train viii
come out of Pocahontas on No. 20
Leave Blueheld ........ $50 a. m.
Arrive Vivian ...... 1905 a. m.
Train No. 2 Will be run in two
sections Vivian to Pocahontas. First
section of No. will handle passen-
gers only and the second will lee the
regular train.
Trains Nos. 81 and will be run
in Two sections Pocahontas to Key
stone. First section handling passen-
sengers only.
Train No. s will run in two sec
lions Keystone to Bluedeld.
Train No. 3 will run in two sec
tions Blueheld TO vivian. II regular
No. 3 is on time the second section
will make all local stops BmeReld
to Vivian and if regular No is
10 minutes or more late the FIRST
section leaving Bluefeld viii make
all local stops.
The section OF No. which makes
all local stops will make connection
, lMth to and from Pocahontas
~ agents will please circulate
Wnformation as much as possible
amongst the people and get every
body possible on the special trains
ia order To tighten the travel on
regular trains.
Yours Truly,
w. S. BECKER.
Superintendent
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-12-16

I smell the breakfast and must draw this to close
 ''Tell grandpapa and grandmama I send lots of love and kisses to them. l also send abundance to my papa and mama. A handshake to Puggie and Tab by. Your little girl,
 ''LETTIE." After breakfast they started out, very merry party indeed. MT. Thomas hustled them onto street car which would take them to Central Park. As they rode along Brlcktop and the Twins were very much entertained by watching the crowds on the streets and looking at the gay shop windows.
 All too quickly, so thought the visitors. the ride came 10 an end and they were soon going through the gates into Cen tral Park. Once before they had been there with their parents but their visit that time had been marred by Lettie get ting the stomach ache, which caused them to go home before they had seen much of the park and the many wonders 1t con tained
 Well go and take peep at the ani- mals first" suggested Uncle Will. lead. ing them directly to the great Geological Garden, near the place where they en-
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-12-16

As the date of our Savlour's nativity approaches 1t is well for all grownups as well as children to All their hearts with the Christ spirit Think not too much on your own pleasures, but devote more of your time to making those happy who are less favored fin the world than yourselves. If you do not feel justified In spending money on the poor about you there are many things In your own homes which can be spared 10 give to them. Several families in a neighborhood might combine their efforts to give re- lief to the poor about them and furnish them with q happy and bountiful Christ mas. There are the childrens last years toys, which may be frightened up a bit and given to the little ones whose Christmas might otherwise go by without a single gift There are the little frocks and suits outgrown or cast off by the children of the wel-to-do which may be mended. pressed and nicely folded into boxes and sent to the needy children whose garments are scunt and ragged.
 And when cook Is receiving her orders for the Christmas dinner do not fall to have her prepare an extra allowance of some of the good things to be sent to the table of one whose lot is poverty.
 Last Christmas time little girl friend of the writer took it upon herself to play the Lady Bountful to some of the poor fin her town. There were half dozen families living in 4 dismal, ill-kept street, not so very far from the beautiful nve- nue where the llule girls own splendid home was situated. and their sad condl- lions of life had reused the sympathy in our little friends heart. So when Christ mas time was coming she thought of the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-12-16
Little Lady Bountiful.

poor whose holiday would pass without good cheer unless the hearts of those In more affiuent circumstances were opened to their need. Procuring six good sized baskets our little Lady Bountfu dis tributed them among the well-todo neigh bors, keeping one basket in her own home, of course. Inside each empty bas- ket was a note written by the little miss to the mistress of the house where the basket was left. asking her to have 1t "flled with good cheer and sent on Christmas Eve to the place of address which was to be found plainly written on the handle of the basket" post script was added to each note limiting that neat bundle of cast-of clothing accompanying the basket of Good Cheer" would not be aInss.
 You may believe that each basket was filled to oyerfowing. other baskets hay- ing to be used to carry the overflow. And boxes and bundles of clothing and toys and picture books went along with the original baskets that bore the ad- dresses on the handles, addresses written by n dear little hand that rejolced to give to those In need.
 Thus thru one little girls generosity and sympathetic heart six families were fed and clothed on Christmas.
 And who more fitted to perform the no- ble work of ministering to the poor and bringing sunlight Into their unhappy homes than the dear children whose hearts have not been scared with selfish ness and greed.
 Our Saviour said: Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven" MARY GRAHAM.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-12-16
Bricktop and the TlUiz1S See the
 City.
BY HELENA DAVIS.

Early on the morning following their arrival in New York city Bricktop and the Twins were up and stirring long be- fore their aunt called them to breakfast Although Bricktop had sent a telegram home asking his father to send the trunk he had so thoughtlessly left behind, he desired to write letter telling his par ents of their safe arrival at their uncle's home, and the more than cordial welcome they received there Seeing their brother thus engaged, the Twins decided to write to their parents also Lettie sug- gested that they divide the news between them. she telling half and Bettie half, thus avoiding repetition of each others letters.
 "Ill tell of the journey, and you tell of our arrival and about Uneles family" said she. And Bettie agreed. So they set themselves to work, and had their letters completed before breakfast was announced. Bettie's letter ran as fol- lows:
 My Dearest Papa and Mama, Puggie and Tabby: Puggie was the dog and Tabby the cat belonging to the Perkins famfly)-We had such a lovely time on the train coming. Brlcktop looked after us just splendidly. ana we looked after him. When night came sister and I got his nightie out of the bag and laid out a clean shirt for him to put on in the morning. We all put our shoes very handy. so that the porter could find them to give them a shine. In the morning Bricktop gave the kind old porter n dime. Sister and I thought he should have had nickle apiece for the shoes, so Brick went after him and gave him hn tpo IIo to appear stingy. Oh, what a good din- ner we had! l ate so much that l dreamed horribly all night I said lhe next morning I'd never do like that again. Sister had the same difficulty. It was very naughty of us to eat so much ice-cream and pudding just before go- ing to bed
 shared the dressing-room with US and called us little pets' She tied the rib bons on our hair, and kissed us as we left the train. Sister and I both fell in love with her, she was so much like our own dear Granny. Brlcktop talked with several gentlemen on the train. One gave him late magazine, telling him that maybe the, little tots meanlng Sister and mel wonld enjoy the pictures. And we certainly did. Bricktop thanked him very nicely for his kindness.
 Now, as 1t is most breakfast time shall stop. We are going out to see the sights today Uncle, Aunt and Cousin Bert are so nice.
 With heaps of love to Papa. Mama. Grandpapa and Grandmama, and kisses all around BETTE"
 Lettie's letter ran as follows:
 My own dear papa and mama; oh yes, and don't forget Puggle and Tab by: We are safe and sound in the nice city home of uncle and aunt When We got off the train at the station, some
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-12-16

his mother, crying Mama. I'm going to bo q morter-a real morter. The good-boy part of me is going to down the bad-boy part of me. I'm going to just buckle down to my books and never, never miss my lessons again. Then I'll not be kept in after school any more"
 After some questioning Den's mother began to understand what her little son meant by saying he was to become ''morter" The good lady praised his splendid determination. but asked him whether II were not better to term him self little sodler-fghtng for the right than q martyr, She tried to explain the real definition of the word to him, but Den, his face couded. said: Il want to be a martyr. just like Dolly Is. and If I've got to be anything else 1 shall not stick as tightly-I feel quite sure of It, mama.'
 And mama put her arms about her little freckled Den (who was beautiful in her eyes) and said .'Yes, darling boy, you shall be q martyr, and may heaven help and fustain you in the good reso- luton. Now, I'm sure we shall have a good and great man out of this little martyr when he has grown up."
 And Den began that very day being martyr" finding 1t quite easy after little while to keep his mind from wan dering from his books 10 the playground. If bad impulse seized him he would i'm mediately glance towards Dolly. and see ing her pretty face puckered over some difficult problem he would again seek his book, saying "I must never let girl beat me at being martyr"
 And he did not.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-12-16

,orget not the beggar in his rags. Deserted unhappy and oldi The gifts TO" make to such as he Will return to you tenfold. ieIp lift the burdens from off the hearts Of those in grief and woe; Let your face reflect generous heart Wherever you may go.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-12-16
Den, 751e Little Martyr.
BY MAUD WALKER

found himself seated on a chair by the teachers desk, where her keen eyes could keep watch over him the while she heal I'd the pupils recite. He bent his eyes dutiful- ly on the page of his book, tracing a line that marked river on the map that spread before him. "The Nile rises in" But Den paused to find Just where the Nile found its starting place, and while thus engaged ne fell to won dering If that world-famed river ever froze over. If so. what fine skating 1t would afford. Then he was lost In fan cies again, and a few minutes later his eyes wandered to the window opposite to his own desk and travelled the snowy hillside far away. "Geel this was awful this being housed up when such hIllsides, covered with such hard, smooth snow, beckoned to him so temptingly."
 "Dennis!" And this time he got a shock besides that carried in the teach er's voice. ohe took hold of his ear and steadily turned hts head. which she shook vigorously before she let 1t go What am l to do with you, sir?' she asked In very stern tones- "One minute more and you will be called upon to recite your geography lesson- Have you learned it?'
 Den felt truly ashamed, and his face, ns red as a cherry, bent over his book. Why don't you answer meT' demanded thC ttaShch. aofS yOu Jour lessonT
 Not quite, ma'am," faltered Den.
 You'll remain in this evening till .-ou do have it," said Teacher. Then she called the geography class. and, of course, Den knew nothing about 1t ex- cept that he thought the Nile 'froze over sometimes-may be-"
 Teacher looked disgusted "Go to your seat,' she said, grossly. And unless you have your other lessons today I shall re- port you to the principal. And don't for get 10 remain In this evening-do you hear?"
 ''Yes'm," answered Den. And the tears rose to his big baby blue eyes at thought of remaining in minute longer than was really required of the school. All those precious minutes gone-gone, when he might be enjoying them playing snow ball or coasting down q steep rect near his own home- Oh, oh, 1t was indeed cruel And for what? Did It matter to him where the River Nile found it's source? Or did 1t matter to him what the capital of Egypt was? He never ex- pected to go to Africa-not he. Then what was 1t to him whether 1t had river and cities or not?
 Thus reasoned poor Den, his heart heavy. his eyes full of unshed tears. vast
The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-12-16

ing his time instead of stud"!ng the les sons which must be recited before even- Ing Indeed, there was the spelling to come before noon and le had not looked at single word of 1t.
 As Den left the schoolhouse at noon his little friend Dolly Bryan. ran to join him. "Denny." she said in confidential tone, I've got something to say to you very private.
 What is it?" asked Den. his interest reused at once. Den, like everyone, grown up or small loved 10 share private news.
 Why don't you he a martyrT Dolly almost whispered the last word, giving 1t great significance Pm one.
 "A what?' asked Den, wonderngly
 "A MARTYR" again half whispered Dolly, glancing about to see that no one overheard her conversation with her play fellow.
 But what Is 1t? Is there any fun in being one?" asked Den anixously
 "0h, no-o-ol" said Dolly, shaking her head slowly and looking most serious. Being a martyr means doing what you don't enjoy. You do 1t because 1t IS right. l heard mama telling q lady the other day that her slster-my Aunt Min nle-would have been martyr had she lived during the time of Christ. And then l knew what was meant by being a martyr, for Aunt Minnie is always doing things for other peope-things what she doesn't enjoy at all, but she does them because she's a good Christian and they must be done, even if ir killed her to do them.''
 But what good is It to do that wayT asked the obtuse little Den.
 Good IS GOOD. isn't itT' asked Dolly, phllosophicalv. And it's all the GOOD ER when It costs you a lot to do it, 100. You can't be a MARTYR unless you suffer, you know.'
 "How?'' asked Den, not quite catching