davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09
Martha clutched the ran.

Martha clutched the ran.
as this proposal. BillyT' she asked
in odd tones.
81 guess it is. dear-at least" said
Billy as he put his sunburned hand
over hers, I've been trying to ask you
for the past seven years. and now I've
done it all of a sudden, with. the kitch-
en- furniture thrown in. What's my
anSwerT'.
Billy was eagerly waiting for the
answer when tall colored man dress
ed in black frock coat, white tie and
vest and silk hat touched him on the
shoulder.
.'Thars the stove. sir, and here's
the parson." and with a low. sweep
ing bow. hat in hand, he bent his old
back before them.
The situation was irresistible, and
all three. regardless of race. creed or
color. joined in a hearty laugh.
I'm afraid the ODDS are very much
against me-" parted Martha. at
would seem that the only way out of
| it is for me to say Yes Let's go
home and tell Dolly"
As q rule. Billy was not considered
| charitable man, but he turned TO the
old colored preacher who had helped
| to shape his destiny and handed him
| a crisp yellow backed bill.
Treat the congregation to popcorn
and lemonade. won't you?" he said as
he followed Martha down the runway
| They We're seen rounding the point.
and in great gIee they landed at the
Alders' float. The house party await
ed them on the piazza. Billy helped
Martha across the lawn, over many
| imaginary stones and up the steps
His face had taken on a boyish look.
while Martha was more beautiful
| than ever.
81 wish 1 had lemonade" sighed
| Paul Westover
| "All right said their host. What
| will you have. Fredy''
Fred glanced first at the young cou-
| pie. who had just stepped on the
porch. then slowly turned and looked
at his hostess. Dolly Alder.
Il believe I'll take a pint of peanuts,
IL you don't mind"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09
Living Expenses.

Is the cost of living cheaper or
dearer?
This is the national issue with which
the masses of the people are morecon-
cerned than with the patter of politi-
clans or even the important questions
pertaining to civic affairs.
Bradstreets, the great Amesican
financial authority, and the London
Economist, which is looked up to on
the other side of the water, agree that
there has been decline in the cost OF
commodities and staple prices are now
the lowest in three years.
During the first four months of 1908
according to the English publication,
there has been decline in prices av-
eraging Z per cent and drop from
the highest point of last year to May
of this year of 15h per cent. A fall
of 1211s per cent from the top figures
of last year is shown by Bradstreet's
index number of New York prices.
But, while the commodities gener
ally have lowered in price,; the cosi
of the necessities of life is greater
Bread and meat in March, 1ssS, show
led as to the former an advance of q
per cent over March, 1907, and as (
the latter decline in the wholesale
price of per cent, which probably
does not affect the retail price to the
consumer.
Prices of packed provisions, accord
ing TO Bradstreet's figures. are down
per cent from last year, fruits so pei
cent, and leather, textiles, drugs. Goa
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09
A Foe to Malaria,

That most animals have some spe-
eific function to perform is well known.
Now scientists claim that species
of fish exists in Australian waters
which feeds on the larvae of mosqui-
toes and SO reduces the prospects OF
malaria. 1t belongs to n family of car
nivorous or flesh eating fish which is
tropic zones and usually in shallow
water. Very small in size. being only
about one and half to two inches in
length, 1T has. in the male. yellow and
black striped fins. while the eye is of
a bright blue. The fms during certain
seasons of the year acquire great bril-
liancy.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09
A June Spasm,

IT'S good to be alive in June,
When all the world is new,
When fields are in their emerald gar
And skies above are blue;
The threshold of the harvest time,
When, with her cheeks aglow.
Old Mother Earth eXpectant waits
Her bounty to bestow.
The cherry trees inviting stand,
With ripened fruit aflame,
And in their summer setting bright
Look good enough to frame.
The sod is soft as velvet way
And yielding to the tread.
While modest little yellow flowers
Look from their lowly bed.
The air is fragrant with the breath
From fields of clover bloom.
And every gentle breeze is rich
With natures sweet perfume.
The bees their simple measure hum
Around the sheltered hive.
And. sizing up the case all round,
IT'S Well to be alive.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

The New York Tribune insists that
caution should be exercised in accept
ing the story that the Coey balloon
Travelled more than 500 miles in II
hours. 1t says the maps make the
distance between Quincy and Clear
Lake a trifle more than 400 miles
Besides, nothing less than hurricane
could have enabled an airship which
merely drifted TO move at the rate OF
rs miles an hour. The most remark
able feature of the aerial journey
from Illinois to South Dakota was the
direction taken by the Chicago, which
was northwesterly. The longest
flights in the United States and Eu
rope have invariably been to the east
ward
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09
Past Presidents.

The only living American expires
ident celebrated his list birthday last
month. Grover Cleveland has been q
private citizen for IL years. Benja
min Harrison lived eight, years after
his retirement, but Chester A. Arthur
survived less than 20 months Hayes
lived u years and Grant survived
for % years. Fillmore q, Madison
and John Quincy Adams each 10, and
Jefferson II years.
In 1865 there were three ex-presi
dents still living-Filmore, Pierce and
Buchanan-but since 1875 there have
never been more than two alive a
the same time.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

Il
slow and sure, but when he sees his
opportunity he'll jump at 1t. all right,
and probably land his mouse. I'll tell
you what" he continued-"I'll wager
you six perfectly good pairs Of gloves
against pint Of half roasted peanuts
that they marry within six months, :"
suggested Fred.
"Well. Of course. in these hard times
cannot afford to throw away six pairs
| of Gloves" soliloquized Dolly, but.
frankly. / feel as IL were taking
money from child. However. the bet
is on
Harry Alder came from the house at
this moment and went to the rail of
the piazza. scanned the various groups
of men and girls and at last cried out
to Billy and Martha in their coy
corner.
II say, Billy Richards, it's time you
had bit of exercise. and wish you
e.. lsEs-t ksssa<-.z.A-a2---S
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

perity congress, who has had the or
ganizing of the association in hand.
said that the individual councils of the.
United Commercial Travellers associa-
ton, whose headquarters are at Column
bus. o.. and those of the Commercial
Travellers Protective association, with
headquarters in st. Louis. had taken
up the project and were doing all that
could be done to help the good cause
along.
William McCarroll. president of the
New York Board of Trade and Trans
portation association and a member of
the public service commission, said
that he was heartily in favor of the
proposed prosperity congress
Conditions are much better west OF
| the Alleghanies." said Mr.. McCarroll,
than they are in the east. principally.
| believe, because it is farther from
| the financial center than the country
east of the Alleghanies. We need
something more than talk to restore
confidence and revive trade, but / am
very hopeful that everything will boom
again after the presidential nominal
| tions are made"
| The prosperity congress movement
was started under the joint auspices Of
| the United Commercial Travellers. with
| $4,000 members. and the Travellers
| Protective association. with $4,000
members. Mr.. Metz was drummer"
ON the road for several years, belong
ing to the Il. =. a.. and it was because
of this fact that he was invited to be-
come head of the movement.
The programme of the two days con-
vention is as follows:
Friday. Aug 14-Pubic convention,
to be addressed by leading citizens and
prominent national officials.
Saturday. Aug 15-Banquet. amateur
sports and ball at the Manhattan
| Beach hotel.
An Awful Mishap.
Two passengers on an Atlantic liner,
| one an American and the other an Eng
lishman,. did not exchange the farewell
courtesies when the steamer reached
her pier usual between voyagers who
have occupied adjoining staterooms
and hobnobbed' during an ocean voy-
age. A plausible explanation was
youchsafed by the American.
During the voyage the Englishman
persisted in fraterniZing with the
American in most obTusive and an.
| noying manner. Within two days OF
Boston the Englishman one morning
hunted up the American and found him
in apparent dependency, gazing sea
ward from the hurricane deck
COMPOUNDED blue this morning, ole
chap. What's the matter?' And the
BritiSher slapped his companion on the
back.
| Matter enough growled the Amer
lean, ships lost. Captain dom
know which way to steer Forgot Il
wind the compass last night"
The Englishman listened with moutI
agape. then rushed off to tell his
friends of the consequential mishap
Evidently the guliible Britisher wa:
pushed along" for some time until In
found everybody guying him.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

On a wager of 50 a cadet of mill
tary school in Illinois ate hoptoad
alive. Are the higher educational in
situations going back in a circle to
the days of the worst kind of savagery
asks the Baltimore American, indig-
nantIy
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

An Indiana man of So years of age
is starting for Alaska on his 45th I'M
successful pilgrimage for gold. His
life, remarks the New York Herald
teaches young men two valuable les
sons-the nobility of perseverance and
the elusiveness of riches.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

Taft being master of the situation
is naturally in position neither to
give nor to offer compromise to the
allies
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

even browns out the boom of Can
non.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

The wrinkles in our faces are rarely
caused by the. hard work we do.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09
THE ARGUS.

Published Daily and Weekly at 1924
Second avenue, Rock Island, Ill IEn-
tered at the postofiice as second-class
matter.l
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09
Hul11or auo'P Philosophy
BY DUNCAN NJ. SMITH
PERT PARAGRAPHS.

Sometimes when a man has, no
ground for divorce he endeayors to
rent his neighbours.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

When you smile at trouble, it some
times takes that as an invitation.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

Some people are dissatisfied the mo-
ment they find themselves completely
satisfied.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

An ounce of prevention may be worth
a pound of cure, but pound of cure
is worth small fortune.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

Will the prohibitionists let Spring
field pull off corn exposition?
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

1t is good thing to work hard, bu:
a hard thing to work good.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09
Knocking a Weapon.

Expect to kill anything with that
gun?'
Nothing but time
"PshaF, you will do well if you kill
time wiA itg'
It's Headed This Way.
I wish that May
In garb of green
Would ever stay
A smiling queen,
For then might we
With lips that smile
So gladstone be
Most all the while.
But May. sweet May.
Is bound to pass;
She will not stay,
The winsome lass.
Comes in her stead
1t makes us sigh
Hot, screaming. red
Fourth of July.
OF Course.
"Why does woman always want to
be in style?'
Give it up"
"But 1t is so easy"
"Well?"
Because 1t is questionable not to-"
Born That Way.
what makes you act so foolishg
asked the exasperated lady.
Comes NATURAL" solemnly replied
the offending youth.
No Defeat, Though.
Gle met his Lu at bathing beach,"
"Good swimmer"
I'm the sea oil OF the time,
"Then be met his water Lu."
Never Was There.
II am sure of one thing"
What's that?''
there's plenty of room at the top.
SLOW do you know
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

There is no question that the citizen
who sleeps out loud is an undesirable
associate.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

were all on the same side of the ques-
ton.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

TERMS-Daily, 10 cents per week.
Weekly. 81 per year In advance.
All communications of argumentative
character. political or religious. must
have real name attached for publica-
ton. No such articles will be printed
over fictitious signatures.
Correspondence solicited from every
township in Rock Island county.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

A girls idea of
Il good time is all
play and a dish
of ice cream.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

Some pc ople
would rather be
contrary t Ii a n
right any day.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-06-09

that they just cant help making fools
of themselves.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

That he is not a Christian that
he does not believe in the divin.
ity of Jesus Christ, and that he
repudiates most of the Bible
these are charges made against
Taft by the National Negro
American independence political
league, which says it represents
a voting strength of more than
80, 300 ninety per cent of which
is opposed to Mr.. Taft being
elected president. The charges
were read at colored mass meet
ing in Washington a few nights
ago by DR.. J.. Milton Waldron,
president of the organization,
being punctuated by loud "am-
ems" from all parts of the house.
In contradiction of the rumors
current Rev. G. A. Thayer of
Cincinnati, states that Taft is a
member of his CUnitarian)church
but that he has not attended the
church very regularly during
latter years.
On account of Taft's religious
affiliations prominent churchmen
throughout the country are
waging a war upon him. A re-
cent dispatch from Lincoln, Neb.,
says {:
An organized effort to get
Taft's scalp by the Methodists of
Nebraska and those engaged in
the work say that the movement
is not sectional. Rumors to this
effect were in circulation during
the session of the Epworth
League convention at the Chau-
tauqua assembly and these are
given official confirmation by
George E. Tobey, secretary of.
the association. Mr. Tobey was
until recently private secretary
to Senator Burkett and is a good
Republican.
The Methodist preachers at
the assembly," said Mr.. Tobey,
have gone wild over Bryan.
make no secret of their op-
position to Taft"
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

Philippine speech in which he
expressed the opinion that men
who enlisted in the army we're
usually of "the lower classes
and represented the ''rowdy"
element.
Remindful of these unpleasant
remarks and other ill-treatment,
concerted action has already been
taken and local clubs which have
been organized have adopted
strong denunciatory resolutions
regarding Taft's attitude toward
them.
The soldiers of the Spanish
American and Philippine wars
represented the best families in
the land-bankers, lawyers, doc
tors, ministers, and other bust
ness and professional men; stu
dents, mechanics, teachers, in
fact, men from all walks of life
and from all sections of the coun-
try. Over 300, 900 of them re-
sponded to President McKinley's
call for volunteers. 1t is safe to
say that not one of them cher
ishes Taft's remarks about them.
On the other hand, VIM. j. Bryan
served as Colonel of the 3rd Neb-
raska Volunteer Infantry and is
held in the highest regard and
esteem by his comrades who will
always remember his self-sacri-
fees, his devotion to his conrad
es and the magnanimity of his
nature during the soul-stirring
in the fever-stricken camps
of the South where more men
died from disease than from bat
tie wounds. Colonel Bryan is
very strong in the affections of
his comrades and they will no
doubt rally to his support in
numbers.
1t is stated upon good author
ity that members of the Grand
of the Republic and other
veteran associations of the Civil
war will take an active part in
presidential campaign this year.
Memorial Day speech, in
which he attacked Gen. Grants
character, is still ranking in the
old soldiers hearts and they can
not forget the slight to the men,
Dry of their great leader and
comrade. The old soldiers feel
very kindly toward the soldiers
Of the Spanish American war
and a great many will support
on this account-Dem-
Ocracy.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

An eastern paper says: Vote
for Taft-you can vote for Bryan
any time" Bryan must a nigh
ty good and popular man, Or we
would not have the opportunity
to vote for him for president
three different times. The Re-
publicans never wanted Taft, but
he was forced upon the party by
the office holders. It's a dead
sure thing you'll never get to
vote for Taft again for he is an
on the party.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

We advise Taft voters to
scratch Sherman. He represents
interests opposed to the very re-
forms to which Taft is morally
pledged. Sherman is a geo
graphical candidate" He is
bounded on the North by Special
Privilege, on the South by Stan
dard Oil, on the East by Wall
Street and on the West by "Let
us alone. Puck.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15
Academy idaho
POCATELLO.

Offers the following courses +:
~ College Preparatory Courses.
Classical Course, Scientific Course,
and applied Science Course.
(2) Technical Courses.
Commerce, Shorthand, Domestic
Economy, Mechanic Arts, and
Music.
The Academy plant comprises six
buildings. Dormitory accommodation
for both boys and girls; splendidly
equipped laboratories. A good work
ing library; Gymnasium; Athletic
field; Beautiful grounds, etc.
The fall season will open Sept. 81.
80 Write for catalogue giving full
information.
MILES F. REED, Principal.
PoCATELLo, IDAHO
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

The opening of the Primary
Election must be at 3 o'clock P.
M. and held open until 6 o'clock
P. M. in country precincts; and
from 2 O'Clock P. NJ. to z o'clock
P. M. in city or town precincts.
The Committeeman in each
precinct will post notices in at
least three public places of his
precinct, stating the time and
place of holding primary, and
will also perfect all arrangements
for the holding of same.
By Ordero of Democratic County
Central Committee.
NJ. M. SWEET, Chairman.
w. J. LAMME, Secretary.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

Chairman Hitchcock has open
ed headquarters in the Harves-
ter building in Chicago. That
won't assist the farmers in get
ting the harvester trust.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

Having helped Mr.. Bristow to
win a seat in the Senate, Mr..
LaFollette can count on at least
one enthusiastic listner the next
time he makes a nineteen-hour
speech in that body.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

We don't see the Republican
state ticket at the head of the
Statesman's columns. Nor do
we see the Hawley ticket at the
head of the Capital News col
umns. 1t is u case of too much
Brady in both instances, says
the Boise Citizen.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15
THE TARIFF.

The Republicans are trying to
make the voters believe that
there is practically no issue in
this campaign, but issues are APP
pearing rapidly and issues of
such character are developing as
will overwhelm them at the Nov
ember polls. The tariff has loom
ed above the horizon in a very
threatening manner to the Re.
publican interest.
The Republicans have been
preaching the doctrine of pro
lection for years and years and
the fallacy of that doctrine has
been overwhelmingly establish
ed and in fact, the word protec-
ton means now nothing more
than protection to the trusts.
The protective tariff is not in the
interest of the people but of
these %rapacious trusts that ire
gouging every cent possible out
of Americans. For instance, the
great steel trust is selling steel
rails in London for SD per ton
and are charging the Americans
S2S per ton. If it were not for
the tariff they would be COMPEL.
ed to sell the steel rails to the
Americans at the same rate that
they sell them to the English
but they having the benefit of
high tariff, can exclude the com.
petition of the English manufac-
turers and thus pray on the Am
orleans at their pleasure. The
same is true of the wire nail
trust which is charging the farm.
ers 90 per cent more for their
wire, fences and nails than they
do the foreigners. The same is
true of household articles; the
sewing machine trust is selling
machines in London and Paris
for about S15 less than they are
in America. The same is also
true of the watch trust and mum
bers and numbers of articles can
be mentioned along the same
line. The American people have
been tricked and defrauded on
on these lines long enough and
the worm is going to turn and
with it, they will turn the Re.
publican party out of power, for
they have not only permitted
tAis tariff robbery to go on but
they have done absolutely moth
ing effective in the way of curb.
ing these great trusts. In fact,
they are as strong today as they
were when Roosevelt came into
power. This is shown by the
with which they nulli6ed
the s29, 900, 900 fine against the
Standard Oil company in the
Circuit Court of Appeals. The
trusts absolutely own the Re-
publican party and the Judges
which have been appointed by
that party. We cannot bring re.
lief to the people until the Re-
publicans are kicked out.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15
WHAT CONGRESS- DID.

Farmer-Son, what did them
fellers do down at Washington :?
Son-They put the motto I'm
God We Trust" back on the coin,
and then spent the coin.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

George Coryell could have got
the nomination for Mine Inspec.
tor had the not been pledged to
French. What has French ever
done for Custer county ? Let
some Republican answer.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15
There is no such thing as''Too
Much Johnson" in Minnesota.

A movement is now on foot to
organize the soldiers and sailors
of the S~panish-American and
Philippine wars throughout the
country into an effective political
organization. The veterans of
1898-99 have not forgotten Taft's
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

The brevity of Mr.. Sherman's
speech of acceptance was not
able. But he might have been
more brief. For instance, when
he said, Il am a protectionist, "
he might simply have said; Stand
NAT
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

1t is said Debs Red Special
train costs 500, 900 for the trip.
Debs will have a fine trip even if
he is not elected president.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

Two Pittsburg banks went to
the wall in one day last week.
Republican prosperity, we sup
pose.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

1t is going to be a whirlwind
campaign, but so far we've had
more wind than whirl.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

The tariff is the mother of all
the trusts in America.
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15
TAKE NOTICE

BY direction of the Custer Co.
Democratic Central Committee,
notice is hereby given that Pri-
mary elections will be held in
the several precincts of Custer
County, on
Monday, Sept. %, 1908,
for the purpose of electing dele
gates to the Democratic County
Convention, to be held at
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

Shall the people or the Trusts
rule &?
The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1908-09-15

If all the campaign lies are to
be spiked, the nail industry will
advance in price.