davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17

and drove me home, little knowing then
that in all probability he had saved my
life.
II was treated by many doctors, and no
doubt they did their best, but 1 knew my
case was hopeless.
Nevertheless, when Mr.. Buffers, the
Plymouth oculist. pronounced my final
doom, 1 being then sixteen years of age. it
came a most terrible blow, and for some
minutes 1 could not speak; there was a
great lump in my throat and a tear in my
eye Mr.. Buffers sought to comfort me by
telling me that his own sight was falling,
and that in a few months time he, like me,
".Ah, yes, said, bitterly; but you have
shall
II remained thinking for a minute or
possessed, said:
eft God wills 1t, He knows best. What
must be will be. And added, putting my
hand up to tear that trickled down my
face. God helping me, this Is the last tear
shall ever shed for my blindness 1t was.
my father did all he could for me- DR..
Gale went on. when l became blind he
gave me the choice of either having a
couple Of persons read to me and write for
me or else Of going to some institution for
the blind. 1 decided to employ secretaries
to read to me- and by this method-and by
closely training my memory-I soon found
that l was able to make progress in my
studies. In those early days l was deeply
interested in chemistry, and before many
years l managed to master the subject
fairly well, SO far it then went.
ION one occasion 1 was experimenting
with some gunpowder. In order to deaden
its explosive effects mixed with 1t some
fine sand To my surprise, found that the
explosive power of the powder was de-
stroyed. In after years, when 1 wished to
invent a non-explosive form of gunpowder,
I made this childish experience the basis of
my experiments, and was successful not
only in inventing non-exploslve powder.
but managed to enlist the substantial in
terest of the British, French and other gov
ernments. An interesting test to which my
invention was put in those days was the
filling of one Of the Martello watch towers
on the Sussex coast-built to repel the ex-
pected Napoleonic invasion-with Ave tons
of gunpowder treated by my method. Not
only did the powder not blow the tower up,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17

licity and resulted in a gleeful and COM
pletely successful campaign against the
invading army of camera men, Weary and
unfortunate reporters with ordinary cam
eras gave up the chase very early In the
day. The dissemblers who carried lens and
plates concealed in innocent looking boxes
Jared no better, and even the overzealous
apshotter who followed the pursuit for
weeks on a bicycle failed completely in his
picture quest The Roosevelt youngsters
slipping behind tree boxes, lodging around
corners and concealing their keen boyish
faces under dropping hat brims, entered in
to the exigencies of the situation with all
the zest of their sporting blood and the
gentle art of outwitting the photographers
became not only a science, but an absorb
ing game in which the small, brave band
of palefaces, faithfully carrying out the
orders of their great chief, baffled their
redskin foes at every turn. Thus it hap
pened that even the photographer duly au-
thorized by the President to make some
pictures of his children found the boys
securely locked in one of their own rooms,
| the more cautious ones not taking any
chances and carefully hidden under the
bed.
Once the ban was raised. however, and
| the picture making received the parental
stamp of approval, the two younger boys
particularly, became intensely interested
in every phase of the process The ap-
paratus was inspected and inquired into
infinitely in every detail from tripod to
lens. The characteristic attitude of the
entire Roosevelt family toward things in
general was unconsciously voiced by little
Quentin when. with his small tow head
cooked on one side and his blue eyes spark
ling in anticipation. he peered intently into
a mysterious bag and said: rs it something
funny?'
Something funny carries an irresistible
appeal to every member of this merry
household and jokes are of such prime i'm
portance that, when any of the children
are about, and the White House corridors
do not echo with frequent shouts of laugh
ter. II argues a grave and unusual state of
affairs. So, with the unaccustomed hush
and quiet brooding over the house, the anx-
! ious vigil of the President and his wife has
| been shared by Arches countless friends
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17

for this article. were the last for which ne
ever posed.
Dr. Gale lived in a modest fourstory
mansion in Adelaide road, Hampstead. The
place is called "Galesmead," and on the
door was a large brass plate with the
legend ''Dr. Gale, Consulting Electrician"
on calling upon the doctor L was shown
into a large back room, the table Of which
was covered by electrical and scientific APP
paratus. In a few minutes there was q
quick step outside the door and DR.. Gale
came into the room. He walked over,
shook hands without any hesitation or
feeling about" and then looked at me in
an inquiring way. His action was per-
fectly natural his light blue eyes seemed
so expressive and clear that no outward
sign gave any indication of the fact that
he was totally, helplessy blind.
Il have made it principle all my life"
he said. after | had explained my errand.
never TO allow any one to assist me. From
the very earliest days-I lost my sight at
fifteen and now am more than seventy
! have done everything that was possible
alone.
My boyhood was spent In the town of
Tavistock. Devonshire," DIR. Gale contin-
ued. land attended the local school there
before / became blind. For some years l
had noticed that something was wrong
with my sight, but l was so sensitive ABOUT
this defect that for long time l managed
to conceal from my parents and teachers
the nature of my trouble. / remember
schemng 10 be placed at a certain position
in the line in the class so that / could reel
off from memory portions of my lessons. l
could not the print-everything was a
blur to me; and / memoriZed word for word
pages of various matter reciting it per-
fectly when called upon to do so, as If read
ing from the book. Even in our games
such as leap-frog-I used to have to Mace
white handkerchiefs on the back of my
playmates so as to see where to jump.
II concealed my trouble for long time
from my parents, and then the family doc
tor was called in. l doubt IL my sight
could have been preserved even with the
most skillful attention. but whatever
chance there was Of 1t he destroyed by
ignorant treatment When was taken to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17

baby of the family groom ~as sent alorS
to see that Algonquin did not tumble him
off too violently. Even at this tender age
the funny little chap was conscious OF his
superiority in years over his cousin Mas
ter Cowles who was then but two and
half years old. The latter had come to
play with Quentin. but something went
wrong and his youthful relative rent the
air with indignant bowls. Quentin looked
at him scornfuly, and from the heights of
his SUPERIOR wisdom remarked "Oh, don't
mind him. He doesn't know any better
He's nothing but a baby Quentin shares
all of Arches popularity, and is much like
him-a sweet-natured, friendly, unaffected
boy, full of vitality and of a deep. inquiring
turn of mind He and Archie were prob
ably the first persons in Washington to ex-
anime infinitely every detail of the Alaskan
mail carriers outfit on the completion of
his 10000 mile journey. and ten minutes
after the adventurous klondiker had driven
his extraordinary team into the White
House grounds it is safe TO say that the
two little lads knew the name of every
dog and just how the queer sledge was con-
structed.
But to Archie falls primarily the role of
friend to everybody, and right well does he
live up to the demands made upon him. To
him was intrusted the entertainment of the
four proud sailormen who came to wash
ington representing the crew of the Louis
lana in the presentation of very beautiful
loving cup to Mrs Roosevelt. After the
President and his wife had received the
tackles in the blue room they were turned
over to Archie, who escorted them all over
town in a big landau from the White House
stables 1t is a safe guess that the dull
hours of many a long cruise will be en-
livened by remembrances OF that adVen-
ture. and the slender, friendly little lad
who did the honors so gracefully.
A friend to everybody! That is the rea-
son why the yellow square of light from
the White House window has had many
anxious watchers in the night and also
whv all Washington, on getting up these
mornings. eagerly scans the newspaper
with the query, "How's Arche?-progress-
ing fayorably? Isn't that fine
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17
Copyright. 1907. by Frances B. Johnston,

THE White House, beautiful at all
times in its simple dignity, has,
at night, a new and mysterious
charm which even sunshine and
blue skies cannot give.
BY midnight, usually, all lights are out,
and the stately old mansion stands dark
ened and silent, the classic columns of the
great north portico rising soft and silvery
from the vague shadows of the encircling
trees. But in the last week or so there
has come a curious and disturbing change
Night after night the belated wayfarer,
passing up the broad emptiness of 1.-The
avenue" In the small hours, has seen
square yellow patch of light rudely break
ing the darkness which enfolds all the rest
of the house. That yellow patch of light
came from a big window high up in the
second story, and flashed a signal which
must touch the hearts and the sympa tines
of the people everywhere. Rightly inter
preted ii meant that not the Presidents
son, but just very sick little boy lay
there watched over by an anxious father
and mother who were held by the same
fear and sorrow common to high and low
alike The recent serious illness of plucky
little Archie Roosevelt, aside from making
the whole world his kin in a genuine con-
Germ for his speedy recovery, has served 10
emphasize the great care WHICH the IIesl-
dent has always taken to keep his children
real children, untouched by inJudicious fiat
terry and attention.
The President not only knows how chill
dren ought to be brought up. but, in charac-
terstic fashion, he has put his theories into
eminently successful practice, and his small
sons have come through the five years OF
his administration utterly unspOiled, unaf-
feCted and as thoroughly democratic the
sons OF any humber citizens in the land.
1t is needless to say that the Roosevelt boys
are all chums, the closest sort of comrades
OF both their father and mother, and imme-
diately on their arrival in Washington to
take up their residence in the White House,
they were banded into a league, offensive
and defensive for the preservation of their
unalienable right TO remain boys, just like
any other boys in spite of the fact that
their father had happened TO become Presi-
dent of the United States.
The leagues choicest efforts were array
ed against unsought and indiscreet pub
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17
BLIND INVENTOR" DIR. JAMES GALE x Il Il

rodio.Ty wrong BY letting these charges
mass through my own hands l am generally
able to tell whether portion or a patient
bodv is healthy or not. Unhealthy tissue
has a sort of spongy feeling to my touch,
while healthy tissue has not. In the latter
there is a sort of elasticity which unhealthy
flesh does not possess.
People have come to me with some very
remarkable complaints" he went on. 'One
man came who was suffering from paraly-
sis the result of lead poisoning, and every
doctor had given him up. / placed him in
a bath, treated him electrically and in the
water; and in the course of time l man
ager to get white lead, ooZing from the
roots of the finger nails. On another oc-
casion | treated woman for mercurlal
poisoning. When she would leave the cleo
trio bath you could a thin, dark line
which, when rubbed, showed a silver mer-
curial deposit on the side of the bath She
also had been pronounced incurable
1T was the same with my millionaire
patient. Sir William Furguson gave him
just six days to live. and advised me Tor
the sake of my professional reputation not
to touch the case. He had gangrene OF the
big toe and aneurism of the same leg lie
was too old a man to operate on. Otherwise
Sir William would have taken OFF his TOOL
l took him on, believing that might cure
him by electricity and massage. Before
very long i had the bad place down TO
the size of a dollar. then down to pinnead
and then, finally, he was cured, ana Ineu
several years afterward. He was SO gra re
full that he insisted on paying me d iee
that was a record breaker.
Despite DIR. Gales afhiction. ne was aS-
lively engaged most of his life not only IN
daily medical practice, but IN many pusi,
ness enterprises. When the Briton Medical
and General Assurance office failed some
years ago DIR. Gale was appointed to repre-
sent the policy holders; and ne managed the
concern for some years until 1t was ac-
ouired by the Sun Company. He was con-
suited by Engineer Cox with reference to
the heating of the Bank of England, and
for many years was electrician for the Ply
mouth Electric Light Company, and also
for the first telephone company in London.
At the close of our interview DIR. Gale
came himself to the front door. opened IT,
explained the mechanism of a patent bur-
glar alarm he had placed on the door and
bade me q CHEEKY farewell.
CHARLES O6DENS.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17
AK@E AND QUENTIN At ATTENTION

any impartia1lty in his friendships It is
probably leaning toward his stanchest adj
mirers, the policemen stationed on the ex-
ecutive grounds. These are all picked men,
OF long and tried service on this special
duty, and for quite a time the names Of
both Archie and Quentin have been duly
carried on the rolls members of the
White House squad. In former days when
the captain of the watch occupied a small
rustic lodge just east of the mansion, Archie
and Quentin reported every morning
promptly at o'clock for inspection and roll
call. Standing gravely in line with their tall
friends, their small hands went to their
blond forelocks in salute as their names
were generously called by deep-chested
six-footer of a sergeant.
Archie still holds many confidential con-
fabs with his comrades in arms, and there
is not a man of them in blue cloth and
brass buttons who would not cheerfuly go
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17

ness for pets, which range In size from the
calico pony to Kermit's kangaroo rats and
Arches guinea pigs. Their variety, too, Is
surprising, and one can never be certain
what small, but animated, treasure is likely
to be fshed out of any boyish pocket one
of their proudest possessions used to be a
huge macaw, known as Eli Yale, who sport
ed a gaudy plumage of bright blues, reds
and yellows, a terrifying beak like a tin
ner's shears, and strong, raspy voice in
which he made frequent remarks, probably
most personal and ill-natured, If one could
have interpreted them properly. The
Roosevelt boys handled this awful bird with
the utmost fearlessness and unconcern. but
it was whispered that the only thing on
earth that the President was afraid of was
Eli Yale. However. Algonquin, the calico
pony, is probably the greatest favorite. as
all the younger children, Ethel Archie and
Quentin. have taken their first riding les
sons upon his sturdy back. Algonquin is a
spirited little thoroughbred with fine, slen-
der legs, a satin coat, long, flowing mane
and tail and a kindly but mschievous eye.
He is size or two larger than a big ST.
Bernard-pampered and spoiled to the last
degree, but almost as much member of
the family as any of the children them
selves. On one occasion when Archie and
Quentin were laid up in quarantine with
the measles the grownups of the family
we're electrified to learn that Algonquin had
been smuggled into the White House eleva-
tor and carried up to the sick room to see
the small invalids
The children are all perfectly fearless
riders, and, at times, it is most amusing
| to watch their pranks with the pony. With
one Of the youngsters perched astrde OF
him Algonquin ambles gently and peace
ably along until he gets tired. when he
stops, humps up his fat, cream-colored
hind quarters and calmly dumps his rider
| Of caught unawares) on the lawn. The
| children seem to take this surprising per-
| Torrance part of the game and, just as
calmly, pick themselves up and climb on
| again.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17

through fire and water IN his service, IL
need be.
Arches boy friends and intimates are
chosen in the most democratic way-for
what they are, not for what their fathers
happen to be. The children dress in the
simplest fashion-sensible tweed and linen
according to season-and live plainly, as do
all the rest of the family when iust among
themselves.
The Presidents sons have, at times. been
In attendance at the public schools of Wash
ington, where 1t is told of Teddy. jr., that
although carrying his arm in a sling from
some academy he promptly proceeded to
lick a teasing schoolmate who ventured
to call him the first boy in the land II
wish father would soon get through hold
ing Office he remarked, disgustedly. Il am
tired and sick of the whole thing"
The Roosevelt children all love out-of- door
games and sports, and have great fond
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17

Copyright in the United States and Great Britain
10y Curtis Brown. All Rights Strictly ReservedJ
LONDON. March Z, 1907.
r. JAMES GALE, who has just died
in his seventy-fourth year. prob
ably was the most wonderful blind
man who ever lived. The victim
of a terrible and crushing physi-
cal affection in his early youth, he
triumphed over it by sheer force OF mind
and character. and won for himself the
proud but pathetic title of the blind in
ventor." by which he was known all over
England.
That however. conveys but faint idea
OF his various claims TO distinction. His
many degrees included those of doctor of
philosophy and master of arts. He was "a
fellow of the Royal Geological Society and
the Chemical Society. He made many val
liable scientific discoveries. His inventions
covered wide range from rapid fire breech-
loading rifles to electrical alarm clocks. As
a doctor he once saved u mllionaire's life,
and was paid the biggest fee ever recorded
in the annals of medicine-S2JO 600. lie did
a score OF things, any one of which would
have sufficed TO win distinction for a man
possessed OF all his faculties. His greatest
achievements were those which would seem
TO demand good eyesight above everything.
The man himself was a greater marvel far
than any OF the wonderful things he did.
His death entirely unexpected. He
was sturdy. vigorous man, on whom the
burden of old age rested so lightly that he
carried himself as straight as a pine tree.
Quite recently-never dreaming that his
death was near at hand-l called upon
him to obtain from his own lips some ac-
count of his wonderful and inspiring life
story for American readers. At his request
l sent the report of the interview to him
for revision, for he was great stckler for
accuracy. Shortly before his death was an
nounced ! received the manuscript back,
with some corrections and additions which
he had dictated to his amanuensis. To the
world at large. therefore. il may be re-
garded as his last message. which lends I'M
usual and pathetic interest to IL. The pho
tographs accompanying 1t, especially taken
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17
THE REMARKABLE LIFE STORY OF ENGIAND'S "BIlND

competent oculists in Plymouth my case
was hopeless.
What mental and physical agony 1 suf-
fered during the gradual eclipse of my
sight no human tongue could convey. Once
may God forgive me, almost made up my
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17

senses, and finding myself on a lonely
moor for l had wandered from the road
way, and coming to quet-fowing stream
lay down close to the bank and the
thought came to me that If I rolled over I
should soon be relieved of all my torture
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17

Quentin began his equestrian training
when he was barely four, but being the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-17

VHE White House, beautiful at all
times in it's simple dignity, has,
at night, a new and mysterious
charm which even sunshine and
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-08-12
TROLLEY CAR POKER.

From the Baltimore News.
 Have you indulged in the latest diver sion-poker without cards on the trolley cars? Well, it is just this way:
 No cards are required that section Of the indicator on which shows the total fares registered being your hand" You arrange with the friend who boards .ha car with you that he or she, shall hold" the hand" shown on the indicator when with the hand" indicated when you leave the car.
 Example: Boarding the car, you find the indicator at e 654 If you know any thing about poker you know that, re- duced to it's clements, this number repre- sents pair of sixes and pair of fours, or. in the vernacular, "sixes up''; not much of hand, to be sure. On leaving the car the hand registered is s 6, or four sixes. a pretty good bunch in any sort of old game. Of course. the last hand" wins the box of chocolates, cigar, or whatever was agreed on just to maSe it interesting" Several persons may par tioipate in the same game by agreement before boarding the car upon the owner ship of the hands shown on the in dicator at stated points along the c1r line. Remember, there are no face cards in this deck" all the naughts counting as ten-spots. Also, remember that poor memory may lose the pot at the end of the route when hands are compared.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-08-12
Cannot Get the Steel.

Our financial plans and the matter of selecting location was up for the pro- posed plant to manufacture steel horse and mule shoes" said w. D. Merritt of the American Bolt Works
 ''H Lee Brown, who has been extensive ly engaged in the lumber cutting business in the wire grass" and myself, together with Richmond parties, who are skilled and experienced in this particular line of manufacturing, were ready to begin erect ing plant with a capital of s1OO 0O0. We had some interviews preliminary with the makers of steel here, and in Gadsden. and we were led to believe that we could get soft steel for our purposes when needed.
 Tt now appears that 1t will require some months of waiting and additions to the plants of the steel makers to supply the raw product for our purposes We would use about ten tons per day of soft steel, employing about seventy-five hands. most of them skilled labor. Machinery Is coming more and more to take tho places of certain labor, but increasing the earning capacity of those who are employed
 Our plant would add to the monthly pay roll of Birmingham several thousand dollars. and would also add many work ngmen and their families to the popula- ton.
 we are assured that in the course of few months we can get the raw product Until we can do this. of course. all our plans are necessarily held in abeyance"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-08-12

certificates and treasury notes of 1890.
 Subtracting from the 1s9,294,507 cash in the treasury, the total of s115,8s9. .S6s. so-called current liabili- ties, actually more than the required working balance, there remains for use in assisting the money market nearly s75,0oo ,OO0.
 The Wall Street Journal concludes: Granting for the sake of concession 10 prejudice due to the manner in which the treasury department has heretofore been made up. that $23,- 000,000 should be reserved for a work ing balance in addition to the so- called current liabilities, 1t thus ap- pears that the secretary of the treas ury will be able to deposit $50.000,000 in national banks during the coming crop movement, if so much money should be needed to prevent stringen- cy in the money market"