davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
His Social Experiment


"Well, that spoils the evening for
me-" observed Strong, gloomlly finger
ing note which said that the gril
would prevent Il certain young lady
from attending the opera that night
Sorry Gladys Is sick-nO, conGOund II
If | amt These eleventh hour excuses
are getting too frequent | won't stand
for II. | wonder If Elizabeth Miller
will CO." he mused, continuing his
dressing. mo, I'll stay Mt home to,
night. What right has Il girl to make
a fellow miserable, anyhow? I-comc
ln."
"And here's your mendin, Mr.. How
ard" said the young woman who en-
tered. She addressed him according to
a custom In his family before the
death OF his parents had given him
Into an apartment house, where he had
found a position for the faithful ser
want.
THANK you, Mary" said Strong,
without pausing In his wrestling bout
with collar button. Mary. | have
couple of extra tickets for the thea
ter tonight. Can't you get Pat to take
your
ITS always Pat you're teazIn' me
about, Mr.. Howard, and there amt a
Pat-not for me, amt pretty enough,
and then I'm 35. Sure, it's many a
year since I've seen theater. All
our money goes to the doctor. ia have
to go alone"
mo, Mary; you must not be neg,
lected in that fashion," he said, turning
abruptly from the mirror. Let me
be Pat tonight"
"oh, Mr.. Howard couldn't--tt
wouldn't-no, sir. oh, Mr.. Howard
It's Jokin' you are, after all" she ex.
claimed, as a smile spread over his
face.
mo, Mary, never was more serious
In my life | am going to give you,
Mary McGinnis, the best time of your
life, Put ON your best bonnet and be
ready by quarter to s, You live
Rt--T
"on Third avenue, 27S6, back, three
flights up. But Mr., Howard"
"No excuses, Mary Now goodbye,
or we'll both be late"
Throughout dinner at the club that
piKht Strong's face repeatedly relaxed
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18

ing and lifting. The operator is also
relieved of the necessity of STOPPING SO
low as he does in shovels of the or
binary construction. He Introduces a
supplemental handle, which is secured
to the handle of the shovel the oppo-
site end extending forward of the rear
end of the blade, being supported from
the latter by braces. The supplement
tai handle is engaged by the forward
hand of the operator, the latter being
thus greatly relieved of weight. 1t
avoids the twisting strain of the BODY
caused by lifting a heavy load when
the forward hand is placed low down
upon the usual handle. The hand Of
the operator can be readily slid back
aid forth in the various manipulations
of the scoop, rendering 1t more con-
venient and efficient in use, adapting
it to be used with decreased power and
strain
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
A New swindIe ON Farmers.

An entirely new but highly successful
scheme to separate farmers from their
money has been worked in South Da-
kota during the past few months.
An oily CRATER calls on a farmer aud
makes bid for his land. The figures
are absurdly low at first, but by de-
grees are raised as high as $50 an acre,
and the farmer consents.
Then the visitor explains that he Is
only an agent, but that he can sell the
land at the price named If the owner
will agree to pay for advertising at the
rate of 80 cents an acre.
The "agent" promises orally that the
advertising money will not be payable
until the land is sold, but this stipula-
ton is not contained in the contract
that the farmer signs.
In few days he receives a copy of
an ad and not oyercourteous demand
for money. y
1t is said that twenty-five agricul-
turists were caught with this bait in
Brown County and that one Of them
gave up $500.
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
THE ART OF GARGLING.
Not the Same Thing as the Process
Usually Followed.

Not the Same Thing as the Process
Usually Followed.
The proper method of gargling is
thus described by a writer in the Med
ical Record:
The patient (at first under the guild
alce Of a physician) should sit we'll
back in a chair, take a swallow of wa
ter in the mouth and bend the head as
far back as possible.
Now he must protrude the tongue
from the mouth (the tip of the tongue
may be grasped with handkerchief) =,
and in this posture with protruding
tongue he must try to swallow the
water. The physician should control
the patients vain efforts, for it is i'm
possible to swallow under such circum-
stances.
1.-THE patient has the sensa ton is if
he actually had swallowed the water.
Now he must start to gargle, to exhale
air slowly. One can see plainly the
bubbling of the fluid in the wide open
pharynx.
After gargling thus for a while the
patient is ordered to close the mouth
and quickly throw head and body for
ward. Thereby all the fluid is forced
through the choanoe and nostrils, wash
ing the throat and nose from behind
and eXpelllng all the accumulatlons
that had been present with great force.
This should be repeated several
times, as the first trial is not always
successful and satisfactory. 1t is an
act that must be learned.
"When properly executed the sensa-
ton, as the patient will assure you, is
that of great relief not had by any
other method. 1t will be wise for the
practitioner to try the method first on
himself Even small children who are
at all clever learn the method readily
and rather enjoy It,"
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
Thunder and Milk.

To many persons the curdling Of milk
In thunderstorm is mysterious and
un1ntelligible phenomenon. Yet, ac-
cording to scientists, the whole process
is simple and natural. Their claim is
that milk, like most other substances,
contains millions of bacteria. The
milk bacteria that in day or two,
under natural conditions, would cause
the fluid to sour are peculiarly sus-
ceptible to electricity. Electricity In
spires and invigorates them, as alco-
hol, cocaine or strong tea affects mel.
Under the currents influence they fall
to work with amazing energy, and In
stead of taking couple of days to
sour the milk they accomplish the task
completely in half hour. With an
electric battery 1t is easy on the same
principle to sour the freshest milk.
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
Farm Help Less Expensive.

Farm labor Is cheaper than it was at
this time last year and is pretty sure
to continue so for the season. There
has been some curtailment in manufac-
turing throughout the country, the re-
suit being that great many men are
out of work. With this condition farm
ers t1ad that they can get help more
readily now than they have been able
to for several years.
1t is ascertained that where contracts
have been made in the Middle West and
Southwest for farm hands the rate of
wages averages about IS per month low
er than that prevailing year ago.
A common rate of pay for farm hands
at this time ls $25 per month, as against
$50 last season. Competent men with
experience in special departments OF
farming will command more, but not as
much as in 1906 and 1907. Good live
stock hands receive $35 to SIS. but
above this there are few men hired even
for fancy farming or the specialties who
are receiving more.
Youths and Inexperienced immigrants
are offering their services for from SIS
to $50 per month
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
Cultivation of Corn.


Corn makes a rank growth both above
and below ground, and for that reason
requires treatment somewhat different
from what is given to wheat or oats.
Planting in rows is necessary not only
to permit full development of the stalks,
but also to give plenty of feeding room
to the roots. Corn roots, if they have
chance, will occupy every inch to the
depth Of from three to five feet and
the yield Of the corn, will depend on
the completeness of this occupation.
The feeding ground, or, in other words,
the corn root pasture, depends mainly
on the preparation and cultivation OF
the soil. 1t may be limited in many
ways, so that the farmer, instead Of US
ing from three to five feet Of his field
as soil, will use only small portion of
1t. If the land is not properly drained,
either naturally or artifcially, the corn
roots cannot penetrate into the regions
saturated with water for the water
shuts out the air. If hard pan comes
near the surface the corn roots cannot
reach into that, and he may be culti-
waiting but six, eight or ten inches of the
field as soil. If the land be heavy and
ploughed wet, full Of Jumps on the sur
face or resting on the plough pan or
bottom of the furrow, the corn roots
cannot utilize these, and hence his soil
is limited. If he has ploughed under,
In dry time, coarse manure, so as to
shut off the supply of water from be-
low, the corn roots are again limited.
1t Is, therefore, about as necessary for
the farmer to understand corn roots
and their habits and ways as it is for
the surgeon to understand the anatomy
Of the system, where the bones lie, and
where the arteries, veins, nerves and
muscles are hidden under the skin.
The corn plant, it will be seen, has
no top-root. The first roots start out
from the seed grain and 60 down.
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
GIGANTIC OFFICE BUILDINGS
STEEL CONSTRUCTIONS CLIaAX.

With the announcement from New
York that the Equitable Life Assurance
Society intends to erect the tallest
building in the world arises the ques-
tion how far architects and builders
will go before reaching the limit Of
their efforts to pierce the clouds. A
few years ago the Masonic Temple in
Chicago and the World building in
New York were looked upon as mir
acles. They are commonplace to-day.
The projected Equitable Life build
ing is to be siXty-two stories high and
its top will be 900 feet above the side.
walk. The Flagstaff crowning this stu
pendous structure will be 100 feet above
the roof, making the height to the tip
of the pole 1859 feet, or about one
fifth of mile. The Eiffel tower in
Paris is seventy-five feet lower, being
0S4 feet above the ground.
Following are the tallest buildings
and other structures in the world:
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
and other structures in the world:
An Uncnnny Plant.

On the shores of Lake Nicaragua is
to be found an uncanny product of the
vegetable kingdom known among the
natives by the expressive name Of "the
devils moose" Dunstan the natural
list, discovered it while wandering on
the shores Of the lake. Attracted by
cries of pain and terror from his dog
he found the animal held by black,
sticky bands, which had chafed the
skin to the bleeding point These bands
were branches of newly discovered
carnivorous plant, which has been aptly
named the "land octopus" The branch
es are flexible, black. polished, without
leaves, and secrete n viScid fluid.
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18

times the lady that some one thinks
she is" he said seriously.
But why did you call me duchess?"
That WAS little joke on the boz
gus count" he replied, his face relax
ing. THAT will make both of them
think bit. But here we are at your
home. And you say your father is too
i'll to work, and you support the fam
ily? Well, you are a noble girl, and
| don't half appreciate the way you
look after me and my apartments" he
said, as he assisted her from the car
riage and slipped a $50 bill into her
hand.
Thanks, Mr.. Howard" she said
gratefully, thinking it was her monthly
tip of S5. This will help father a lot.
Mr.. Howard, you've given me the best
time / ever had. I"
Tut, tut, Mary. It's been a selfish
pleasure with me, l fear. l took you
as an experiment and lucky one it's
proven. You have helped me open my
eyes to the true woman-the woman
of my heart, l can never forget that.
Good night"
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18

to Elizabeth or the arrival of the
countg He could not determine.
At first Mary was i'll at ease that
night with Strong, the luxurious car
riage, his evening dress and polished
manners being strange to her, but his
genlality soon put her at ease, On the
way he stopped at florists.
These violets are for you, Mary.
and the roses for another nice young
lady who is ill.," he explained.
Thanks, Mr. Howard, and it's the
lady with the beautiful eyes that is
sick? oh, l am so sorry" she ex-
claimed.
"Yes, she has beautiful eyes, Mary,
but where did you see herr"
AT the tea you gave In your apart
ments last year, She thinks everything
of you, Mr. Howard I could see that
plain, and If she grows up to be as
hne looking us her mother why, you'll
you'll"
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18

at the oddity Of the experiment. Its
uncOnventiOnality did not worry him,
for the wealth and social position of
the Strongs put him beyond the sting
Of criticism.
Opera tonight, StrongT drawled
young Castlewood, whom he partlcu-
larly dislllled, dropping into vacant
seat.
No; had planned to surprise Gladys
Hastings with that new play-Man-
ton's-for change, but she's sick.
However -"
"Well, you needn't waste any time
asking Elizabeth Miller" laughed Cas-
tlewood, "for I'm going to take her
myself"
"Oh, don't worry" replied Strong,
nettled
"No offense, old man; knew you
were inclined in that direction, though
between two fires at present. But, by
the way" he added, aiming Il parting
thrust, II hear that Count de Migny
arrived here today, en- route for San
Francisco. Guess you've heard Gladys
speak of him. Keep your eye on him.
He's a clever chap"
Smooth might better describe him.
l know absolutely that he's bogus" re-
piled Strong.
"Oh, have your way" drawled Cas-
tlewood, departing. Strong was be-
tween two fires, and knowing it, re-
sented all the more these insinuations.
Which disturbed him more, the thought
of Castlewood dsrecentmarked attention
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
The CoddIInr Nrnth

About one-fifth of the first laying of
eggs by the coddliLg moth is on the
fruit, the rest being on the leaves and
branches. The young larva that
matches from the egg is able to feed
on the foliage to some extent and NAV
come into maturity without entering
the fruit, although it rarely does so.
About so per cent Of the first brood
finds Its way Into the apples at the
calyx, while the rest eat In at other
points, principally at the stem. Only
about 2S per cent of the second brood
enters at the calyx, the others eating
in where the apples touch each other.
or leaf at the stem end. The aver
age life of the adult insect, or moth.
Is about four days
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
Concrete Outdoor Cellar.

A simple method of constructing a
cool, outdoor cellar in localities where
the common house cellars are too
warm for use during the summertime,
is shown in the accompanying sketch.
1t is cellar made under the pump,
so that the water pumped by the
windmill has very cooling effect.
In places where it is difficult to obtain
ice, it will prove Indispensable to the
dairyman who keeps few cows. An
other important item is the fact that
man does not find it necessary to
pull up all of the pipes every time
that he finds 1t necessary to repair the
pipes aid pump. 1t is constructed of
concrete. The top is REINFORCED with
one-half-inch steel rods placed one foot
apart each way and the concrets Is
about six inches thick. The sides are
made by using form and t1e stairs
are also made of concrete and are re-
enforced by small steel rods. The cost
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18

But her mother was not there" he
said, coming to her rescue.
"Oh, yes, she kept saying Elizabeth
this and Elizabeth that She -"
But l am not talking about Eliza
beth. These flowers are for Miss Hast
ings, the girl with the heavy auburn
hair" replied Strong amused
"Oh, l remember her." she said dis
appointedly. II am so sorry. l
thought it was--I meant-oh. | don't
know what l mean. Pm an old goose,
Mr.. Howard" she finally exclaimed,
much distressed.
They were now at the Hastings
where Strong has ordered the coach
man to stop.
How is Miss Hastings?" Strong in
quired at the door.
"Why-why-oh, she's better" re-
piled the well-drilled man, recovering
himself. Strong left the flowers and
returned to the carriage with strange
misgivings.
Strong did not heed the many won
derlng glances his friends cast in his
direction that night, for he was doing
his best to make it red-letter occa-
sion for Mary. Moreover, he was hav-
Ing a heart-to-heart talk with himself,
In which two young women prominent
ly figured. What Mary said and what
Mary did In a situation new to her is
another story, but when it was over
she sighed as if waking from a beau
tiful dream.
Hello, Strong, got here after all,
see" came to his ears as they were en-
terlng the foyer Turning, he saw
Castlewood and Elizabeth Miller.
How are you, Elizabeth?" he in
Qulred Miss Miller, let me present
Miss McGinnis; and Mr.. Castlewood-
Miss McGinnis." Castlewood, gazing
in wonder, forgot to bow, but Eliza
beth greeted Mary cordially. 1t was a
friend of Strong's. That was sufli-
cient for her. Soon, they passed on.
"Oh, Mr.. Howard! That's the girl
with the beautiful eyes," exclaimed
Mary. "Aint she handsome, though!
And you don't care-you-"
Il have not said l did not care,
Mary he said simply, but earnestly.
AN, oh, Mr., Howard, there is the
girl with the auburn hair, too! - she
interrupted, why, l thought she was
the sick one"
GLADYS Hastings" involuntarily
came to his lips, as he followed Marys
gaze. In moment, he was opposite
her and their eyes met,
"0h, Howam-I-I thought wei
thought you were going to the OPERA"
she exclaimed in confusion. "You see
the count came and l was so much bet
ter couldn't disappoint him, as he is
here in New York for only one even
ing. But pardon me-let ME present
Mr.. Strong-Count de Mlgny" And
then her eyes wandered haughtily to
Mary.
"And let me introduce the Duchess
of Kilkenny--Miss Hastings and Count
de Mingy,' said Strong gravely, though
smiling inwardly, The counts French
manners brought forth low bow,
while Gladys, scarcely nodded.
And wasn't that the girl2" asked
the mystifed Mary when they We're in
the carriage,
YES" Strong replied, but he was ST.
lent for a long time.
"She was so upplsh to me-" Mary
finally ventured, while Miss Miller
treated me as If was real lady"
And you are, Mary; thousand
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
LOVES THREADS OF GOLD.

In the night she told a story,
In the night and all night through,
While the moon was in her glory,
And the branches dropped with dew.
Twas my life she told, and round it
Rose the years as from a deep;
In the worlds great heart she found i
Graded like a child asleep.
In the night saw her weaving
BY the misty moonbeam cold,
All the weft her shuttle cleaving
With sacred thread of gold.
All ! she wept me tears of sorrow,
LulTing tears so mystic sweet;
Then she wove my last tomorrow,
And her web lay at my feet,
OF my life she made the story;
| must weep-so soon twas told!
But your name did lend it glory
And your love its thread of gold!
Jean Ingelow.
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18

With the one exception of Theodore Roosevelt there
Is in the United States whose face and person
aity familiar to people than are those of VIII
liam J. Bryan. The marvellous whrwind campaigns
which he conducted after receiving two occasions
the Democratic nomination for the presidency together
with his many lecturlng tours and his writings, have
made him known throughout the length and breadth Of
the republic poor and but little known outside
his State he sprang twelve years ago into the lime
light of publicity when he made his famous free silver
speech In the Democratic national conventional speech
which made him the presidential nominee Of his party
Since that time he has proved himself marvel Of tire
essness stump and lecture platform He has visited
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
Fun I'm space.

l dreamed last night that was pres
ent at committee meeting of the sun,
earth, moon and stars.
I'm no coward" said the earth.
NO, but you have two great fears"
said the sun hotly.
"And those are?"
"The hemispheres.
you've forgotten the atmosphere"
put in the moon And the comet. who
had no business TO be there, wagged
his tail with joy.
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18

almost every nook and Of the United States; he
has made extended tour of the world; he has
Quoted newspaper, farm, ecured and written
And all the time he has retained his hold upon the adm
ration and confidence of hundreds of thousands of persons
For these reasons aside from any interest felt in
themselves personally, the members of his family
of more than ordinary interest to the public In the
above engraving present in the upper Mrs Bryan,
who Miss Mary Elizabeth Baird until she married
the coming statesman at Perry, Ill.,, in 1884, w. j. Bryan,
Jr, and Miss Grace Bryan In the lower row are shown
Mr.. Bryans elder daughter Mrs. w. H. Leavt wife of
Paris artist of some merit and the handsome farm
idence of the Bryans, Lincoln. Neb.
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
Confidence.

Jackson Heaven bless him. He
showed confidence in me when the
clouds were dark and threatening vii
son-In what way? Jackson-IIe lent
me an uahs2isa-London Telegraph.
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18

designed a device
for tools of this
kind by which the
weight Of the load
can be more ef-
fectually balanced
and the forward
hand of the opera
tor shifted in a
IN ore convenient
manner to facili-
tate the operation
~
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18
Improved shovel Handle.

In a scoop-handle for shovels, spades
and similar articles recently patented,
an Illinois inventor claims that he -
The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1908-09-18

including the labor, amounted to about
$50 In the west and southwest it will
also answer the purpose of storm
cave, which is considered fixture on
all farms.-Farm and House.
Charlevoix county herald., 1908-08-08
SAVED FROM MATERNAL WRATH
Boys Fervent Prayer Was Answered
in the Nick of Time.


A suburbanite is fond Of telling this
story Of his five-year-old son Bobby.
Being of an inquiring turn of mind
the youngster one day managed to
turn on both faucets In the bathtuh
to see what would happen. 1t CHANGED
that the stopper was in place, and the
tub rapidly filled up, to the great de
light of Bobby. Finally. however, ttte
tub became so full that it threatened
to overflow on to the floor, and Bobby,
having a proper respect for the mater
nal slipper, became frightened and
tried vainly to turn off the water. Be
ing unable to, for some reason, he
gazed tearfully at the ever-rising flood,
and then, mindful both of his religious
training and the occasional visits OF
the plumber, he plunged down on his
knees, and his elder sister, who hap
pened to be passing at the moment
heard him exclaim, fervently:
20, Lord, please stop this water
running! And, o, Lord, IL you can't
do it, please send somebody that cant"
Ills prayer was answered, for his
sister rose to the occasion and turned
off the water and temporarily saved
Bobby from the much-feared slipper.