davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01

EUTIe1 ses c9N
and were just delighted to get it,. The
agent said you had been looking at it.
Wait minute until take off my
wraps"
She left the room. The two young
people she had left looked at each other.
And you've signed the optionr' ex-
claimed Dorothy.
YES" said Wilson, suppressed and
eager. There's only one thing to do
now"
whats that?' asked the girl shyly
and with averted face.
Take the house ourselves"
When Bertha came to the door Of
the room a moment lI,cc sic did not
enter, as she had intended. She gave
one look. saw Dorothy and Wilson
standing in the middle of the room.
very close together, and then she fed.
AS she fed. though she heard Wilson
say somewhat TREMENDOUSLY:
Don't blush so, dear. It's a cousins
privilege, you know"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
8he Hrgus Daily Short Story
Hunting House.-By Frank H. Williams.
Copyrighted, 1908, by Associated Literary Press

Wilson tangled the big bunch of keys
as he inserted one of the number into
the lock of door on a large empty
house, turned the key and threw the
door open.
'Step in, Miss House Hunter For An.
other" he exclaimed, with masnifi-
cent wave of his hand.
Dorothy White laughed as she en-
tered
Il only hope Bertha likes the house
we pick out for her." she replied
"Bertha's the first prospective bride
ever knew that couldn't find time to 90
house hunting herself. And 10 is just
as bad. It's a wonder to me they ever
found time enough to decide to get
married"
while We" assented Wilson, mo-
only have time enough to investigate
innumerable dwellings for them, but
also have so much leisure that we
could get married several times if we
cared to-"
(which we don't" the girl promptly
cried. I'm going to be a bachelor
girl she added, with a certain air oil
defiance.
Wilson laughed.
What" he cried. "a bachelor girl.
And with those rose petal cheeks ant
those twinkling eyes and
You mustn't say those things" Dor
Othy, blushing prettily, stopped him.
Its a cousins privilege" declared
Wilson.
But you're only third cousin
That's a good enough excuse" de
ciared Wilson and continued as though
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
Campaign Doodle.

The eminent Wall street banker. Mr.
Sheldon. who, by the grace of Candi-
date Taft, was made treasurer of the
republican national committee, is said
to be having great success in raising
campaign DOODLE 1t is understood that
Mr.. Sheldon does not stir from his
office at No. 2 Wall street, but Just
sends word to the corporation mana
gers that they are expected to call or
send their check for reasonable
amount" These contributions are for
what Mr.. Sheldon calls the "legiti
mate campaign fund of $4,000. 900 >
Whether Mr.. Hartman is to under
take the collection of the doodle
fund" as he did in 1904, at the request
of President Roosevelt. is yet uncer
tain. but probably someone residing
outside of the state of New York will
be selected to collect this campaign
fund, SO that the publicity law of>that
state will not apply.
Since Candidate Taft has bceI
driven to the necessity of declaring
that no contributions from trusts viii
be accepted, there is d great desire
to know whether Mr.. Sheldon will re
turn their contributions from the
trusts he has already received. There
is an evident feeling abroad that al
this fuss about publicity after cleo
ton and the refusal of trust contri
buttons is a republican fake.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
Bryan's Real Victory.

Springfield (Mass.) Republican: With
few and admirable exceptions it is the
evident purpose of the democratic lead
ers to appeal to the people on behalf
of the republican president as agains'
his own party. Nor in doing SO does
the Bryan party react or retreat to
ward the republicanism of 1896 or 1900
1t is the republican position which has
been moved forward on the great eco
nomic questions of the time, and no
the Bryan democratic position which
moved backward If the Bryan demo
Gratis are found now standing prett!
close to the president, it is becaus,
the latter has become located on dem
ocratic ground.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
johnson at Forty-seven.

John Albert Johnson, governor OF
Minnesota is just AZ years old. 1t is
remarkable that the men most in the
public eye at this time are practically
the same age. Taft is 81. Roosevelt is
80, and Bryan is As. OF all of these
Johnson had the least early advantages
and the smallest chance. His father
was a dissipated blacksmith, his moth
err had to earn bread for six BARNS at
the washtub. John Albert went to
work as soon as he could. Beginning
his career as clerk in a general store
at $40 a month, later becoming drug
clerk and finally the editor of coun-
take an active part in politics until
about 10 years ago.
Johnson's speedy rise to fame is al
most record breaker, even III Ameri-
ca. When he celebrated his 10th birth
day seven years ago, Johnson was the
editor of a little paper in the little
town of st. Peter, Mimi. and was hard
ly known outside of his home county.
Today his influence extends over the
nation. and he is even better known in
the east and south than in the north
and west. In 1898 he was elected to
the Minnesota state senate, and imme
diately became a force for reform. In
1904 he was nominated for governor
of Minnesota on the democratic ticket
No one thought he could win-eXcept
Johnson himself Although Minnesota
is overwhelmingly republican, and in
that year gave Roosevelt a majority
of 161 900, Johnson carried the state
by 1000. In 1906 he was reelected by
72,G00.
Whether Johnson, the erstwhile
country editor, will some day become
the greatest man of the nation, is q
question for the future to decide. TC
his friends such elimination of his
career appears not only possible, but
probable. What will he be at 572
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
What He ENJOYED.

Mr.. Makinbrakes was trying to say
something complimentary to the dis
rfnguished actor to whom he had just
been introduced
what l particularly enjoy about
your Acting. Mr. Strutters.'' he said.
is your perfect naturalness. You can
take an old mans part, you know,
without the slightest necessity for
making up-that is. l mean you don't
have to change your-your voice, you
know, or-why, take it in that play
saw you in the other night, when you
appeared as an old man. All you had
TO do was 10 be just your natural-er-
self. though, of course, there were
plenty Of wigs and wrinkles you could
have put on if you had-er-needed
them-which isn't quite what / was
trying to get at either-for anybody
could see how admirably you fitted the
the part. you know. without any
and all that sort of-what do you think
of this new theory, Mr.. Shutters. that
man can live on peanuts ?'-Chicagc
| Tribune.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
HUMAN MONSTERS.
pesenerates Who Have Reveied In
Deeds of Blood.

No country is free from nightmare
creatures, twisted natures apparently
born without the slightest respect for
human life. Some, indeed. seem ac-
tually to take horrible delight in the
destruction of their fellow creatures.
Such a one was Alfred Knapp, execut-
ed at Hamilton. o., in August, 1908,
for the murder of his wife and four
other women, After his conviction
and when he saw that no hope of life
remained he coolly admitted that he
had been stranger for years. pounc-
ing on little children, throttling them
to death and hiding their bodies.
The ''human mole" was a German
degenerate whose horrible crimes
shocked not only Germany. but the
whole world. Johann Bobbe was his
name Though thin aud weak looking,
his hands and arms were abnormally
developed. and his finger nails We're
simply claws. Without any other tools
than his hands he could burrow into
the solid earth.
He had little tobacco shop in a
back street in Berlin. and here he ex-
cavated a deep pit under the floor and
arranged trapdoor over it. At the
bottom of the pit was huge iron
spike. He would decoy his victims
on to this trap and hurl them down to
be impaled on the spike below.
No one knows the full tale of his vic
tins. A deep pit was found in the
yard adjacent. which was half full OF
molderipg human remains. Among
others was Bobbe's own. wife.
Another German criminal of sim
liar type was the schoolteacher Muel
Ter. who was arrested on suspicion OF
murder at Duernburg. mar Bayreuth
Evidence against him was only cir
cumstantial. and it seemed that hi
might escape till the magistrate hat
the remains of widow. who was sup
posed to be victim 'of his. dug up
and Mueller was confronted with them
Then he broke down and confessed Il
string of murders extending over {
period of eight years. The details were
so terrible that the court was cleared
AMI later the magistrate himself CAM
out white and shaken.-London An
SwerS
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
T. RRoRS in addition are the cause
IL of more work, worry, lost time,
delayed statements-more ex-
pcnse than all other forms of miscal-
culation combined. If the
Observation-Disclosures

did nothing but eliminate these errors
it would be worth many times its cost
to any business. But it does more.
1t cuts the time of listing in half, in
creases the efficiency of your book
keepers, insures. prompt statements
and trial balances, etc.
The Universal will handle figures
faster, easier, more accurately, neater
and keep on doing so longer and more
economically than old style machines
which do not possess its many advan-
tages, l. e.: A carriage that permits
the printing of regular or irregular
columns any distance apart on the
same sheet; totals and subtotals in
red; paper roll, carriage, counter and
register in plain view of operator, and
many others.
We solicit the opportunity of
demonstrating to you on your
work, in your Office at our eX-
penSe, the proof of our claims.
Forest H. Montgomery, District Sales
Agent, Suite 1S34-1S36, Commercial Ma
tional Bank Building, Chicago, Ill.
Universal Adding Machine company,
st. Louis. Branch Offices in all prIn
clpal cities.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01

The players are all dandies. They
are nicely groomed with fresh pink
faces and many of them are adorned
with gray Dundrearies. One of the
players has been at the game over
so years.
The father of Governor Hughes OF
New York is an enthusiastic player
anc was a member of the Union club
until he moved to Brooklyn, where
he joined the Brooklyn Croquet club
which has zoo old and enthusiastic
members.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
Croquet in New York.

You'd hardly expect it in these
strenuous days, but nevertheless the
good oldfashioned game of croquet is
still a popular sport in New York
The pastime is by no means confined
to the side lawns of private homes,
but there are actually three well
known clubs with large memberships
that devote themselves exclusively to
the game. Two of the clubs have
their grounds laid out under the big
sneitering trees of Central park. the
other has its location in Brooklyn
On pleasant day in Central park
40 or so players may be seen. who
are generally members of either the
Union or New York clubs. There is
the greatest rivalry between these
two organizations, although they never
meet in competition. 1t is purely i;
social rivalry. The New York club il
very exclusive. being made up largel.
of men of great wealth. who have re
tired from business. There is scarce
~ young man in either club ant
it is not uncommon to see a group o
: enthusiastic players not one of whom
is less than four score years of age
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01

some couples said Wilson, but hon
estly, Dorothy do you think that JIG
and Bertha with all their money
would be content 10 begin life in a
humble cottage like this. in the hum.
BILE way you suggest?
why. Harry. of course they will-'
the girl exclaimed in hurt tone.
when they see what dear house il
is they'll just fall in love with it, as
| have"
Maybe" said Wilson obviously.
but it strikes me that it would be
more suited towel. say, for example
a couple like us-if we were married.
The rent of this house can't be much
and | haven't got much money. You're
in love with the house. and I'm in
love whit too. Now
Goodness she exclaimed. We'll
have to hurry if were going to in
vestigate all those other houses
Somewhat sulkily Wilson locked the
door of the little house. But he and
afternoon, for Wilson very suddenly
became converted to the idea that
Bertha and 10 would be charmed by
the little house, and nothing would do
but he must see the real estate agent
and secure an option on it. The girl
demurred at this at first. but Wilson
finally convinced her that Bertha and
10 would be nightly pleased at their
action in securing such desirable
home for them.
The real estate dealers Office was
finally found and the option secured.
Then the couple started on their jour
| ney to Bertha's home. where they
would acquaint her with what they
had done.
They'll he very happy there" said
Dorothy somewhat wistfully as they
| left the office.
Sure they WILL" assented Wilson
ANY one could be happy in a little
| house like that
For some, reason Wilson's mood haG
| become rather joyous. He solicitousI,
J took Dorothy's arm and skillfully guild
| ed her through the crowds. 1t was be
coming dusk, and the street lights were
not yet out. They turned into Il sid,
street on short cut to Bertha's home
| which was a big, ornate affair. l
looked blatant and uncomfortable. The
| little house from which Dorothy ant
| Wilson had come by the comparison
to them seemed much more desirable.
Bertha had not yet arrived wheI
they entered but moment after the.
had seated themselves in the DRAWN;
| room she few in. As usual, she seemed
very busy and was in a tremendon
hurry.
"Oh, I'm so glad you came. people,.
Bertha exclaimed. II won't have t
put you people to any more troubi'
trying TO find house for us. 10 ant
| managed to find time to look at on,
this afternoon. 1t is a nice big one
has large rooms and aI-biG bay window
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01

and let the officers of troops of life be
held as much gentlemen as the officers
of troops of death. and all is done. But
neither this nor any other right thing
can be accomplishment can't even
see your way to it--unlesS. first of all,
both servant and master are resolved
that come what viii of 1t. they will do
each other justice. People are per-
petually squabbling about what VIII he
best to do, or easiest to do. or advise
ablest to do. or profitablest to do. but
they never. so far as | hear them talk,
ever ask what 1t is just to do. And
it is the law of heaven that you shall
not he able to judge what is wise or
easy unless you are first resolved to
judge what Is just ard to do it.--John
Ruskin.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
A Saiaried Bluff.

Oh. what a large. imposing cinch
To be the weather man,
Who tries TO lay the future bare
And does the best he can,
And, though he makes few mistakes
Most every day or two.
His job is not in jeopardy
If Guesses don't come true.
He peels his ancient weather eye,
And with careful glance
AT signs and tokens in the sky
He writes and takes chance.
Some days are wet and some are dry
They are not all one style.
And SO he can but get it right
Most every little while.
1t does not hurt his feelings, though
The weather may be dry,
When he has promised that food
Shall drop down from the sky
Or. though around the zero mark
The temperature may play.
When he has promised we shall have
The very wsrmest day.
For all he has to do is make
A venture and look wise.
No matter II he draws a blank
Or carries off a prize,
His salary goes on the same
As though he were hot stuff.
His capital and stock In trade
A fine, impressive bluff.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
to HANNIBAL HAMLlN.
How He Won the Title 1.-THE Cartha-
gilman of Maine"

Among the many stories Of Hannibal
Hamiin's early experiences in the
Maine legislature none is more animat-
ed than his tilt with John Holmes. in
teresting besides. because it gives the
origin of 1.-The Carthaginian of Maine"
a name that stuck to Hamlin through
life. Holmes had been in the United
States senate, and at this particular
time, wrote General Hamlin, member
of the state house of representatives,
was endeavoring to domineer over ii.
Hamlin disputed the leadership with
him, and Holmes attempted to crush
his young opponent by coarsely ridicul-
ing his swarthy complexion. Instantly
Hamlin jumped to his feet and, point
ing his finger at Holmes, retorted: IF
the gentleman chooses to find fault
with me for my complexion, what has
he to say about himself? l take my
complexion from nature. He gets his
from the brandy bottle Which is
more. honorable" This retort was
greeted with great applause and cries
of go on"
Hamlin then continued. pointing his
finger at Holmes Il will also tell the
member from Alfred that he is more
conspicuous for trying to run dryshod
over young men than for trying to en-
courage them. But as long as they
are true TO themselves and to nature
and as long as the member from AL
| fred sticks to the brandy bottle they
need not fear him. AS soon as the
cheers of the house could be sufficient.
| ly silenced Holmes retracted his
| words and made manly apology
"Ihe young Carthaginian routed the
old Roman" was one humorous com
ment on the incident. and from that
time Hamlin was thus frequently char
acterized.- Journal.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
Earth and Moon.

The moons real diameter is 2.160
miles, not much more than fourth of
the earth's. Her surface is 100000
square miles. or between a thirteenth
and Il fourteenth of the earth's.. The
earth's volume exceeds the moons
nearly forty-nine and one-haif times,
but the moons material is lighter than
the earth's. for the earth's mass ex-
ceeds hers not forty-nine and one-half
times only. but nearly eighty-one and
one-half times.-New York American
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
One Way to Look at IL,

Cornish humor is often unconscious,
a writer in the English Illustrated
Magazine says, and proceeds to fur
nish a concrete example.
"Gwain to larn your boy the fiddle,
are 'ee?" asked one Cornishman Of
another.
"ISS,' was the reply.
He WANT never play the fiddle
| tall"
"Ow shouldn't aw?"
Zoos his heads too big"
go on with zee. The bigger the
| head the more tunes he'll hold
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01

THERE'S ONLY ONE THING TO DO Now"
he had not been interrupted. and with
those lips-thoSe kisSable lips~
He advanced toward her. ...-.-
I've heard something more about
cousins privileges" he exclaimed
The girl made quick retreat across
the length of the big room in which
they were standing to the big bay win
dow that overlooked the porch.
This house seems almost too big"
she exclaimed hurTiedIy. 1T would
take lot of furniturevto make it seem
cheerful and lot of people, too, /
think. T.
Il guess you don't like your little
cousin" sadly murmured Wilson from
his post across the room.
"Oh, pshaw, of course l do.' Doro,
thy exclaimed. laughing and blushing.
Don't be a goose.' She hurried on:
for this place. Let's try another
house"
PLENTY more to try" declared Viii
| son. I've got the keys here for about
a million and half" And he tangled
| the keys again.
They left the big house. with its big
rooms. big bay window and big veran-
da, and turned away. Wilson consult
ed list which he had in his pocket
and then directed their steps into a
| quiet, pretty. little side street where
the houses were mainly cottages with
miniature gardens and lawns in front
and where general air of homely
coziness and comfort seem to prevail.
| In the middle of one of the squares
stood an especially attractive little
home, with tiny veranda and a tree
or two in the front yard. The house
seemed to have saucy air, as though
it were saying to every one: I'm all
nice, and coy. Don't you wish yoil
were as comfortable as | amp"
The girl clapped her hands when she,
saw it,
''Oh, what dear little house." she
cried. "Oh, | just love it,
Its one of those I've got key for.
too" said Wilson.
The girl clapped her hands again
and. opening the gate, ran up the lit
tie path to the veranda, where, shading
her face with her hands, she peered
into the interior.
Its just dear"' she cried again as
Wilson opened tie door and she ran
in.
From room to room she darteo
breathlessly; then. the inspection finish
ed she sat down on the third step OF
the stairs which ran from the hall tc
the second story.
ITS just the thing for Bertha and
Jo." she cried at last, 81 know jus
how they can arrange everything. The
front room they'll have fixed up nice
and livabie. 10 Will have big cas-!
chair there by the window. where ht
can smoke and read In the evening
and the piano will be opposite the win
dow, with its side to the wall. so tha
Bertha can play and yet see 10 while
he smokes. And then that open fire.
think how coy it will be for them il
the winter.
YES that would be- all right 70
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
Reciprocity.

Men are enlisted for the labor that
1.-THE labor of war. They are count
ed, trained. fed. dressed and praised
for that. Let them be enlisted also
for the labor that feeds. Let them be
counted. trained. fed. dressed, praised
for that. Teach the pillow exercise as
carefully as you do the sword exercise
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01

During the last 10 years the con-
sumption of cigarettes among the
Danes has increased from about TO-
900 600 TO about 100,000.000. This fact
leads the Houston Chronicle to con-
clude that there is something rotten
i'll the state of Denmark"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01

There is a gentleman in Pennsyl-
vania, according TO an exchange,
whose name is Zero Snow, and an
other named Freeze Quick. Either
ought to secure profitable engage
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01

The Moline Dispatch celebrated its
3Oth anniversary yesterday by print
ing admirable group pictures of its
own happy family. May the Dispatch
continue in good health and continue
happy is the wish of its newspaper
friends.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01

1t was probably little oversight
on Judge Taft's part, but it seems a
little mgrateful, nevertheless, that
lie should have omitted saying some
thing about Brother Charles.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
C. C. WILSON.

Being candidate for the democratic
nomination for representative in the
Legislature from the Thirty third sena-
torial district, subject TO the decision
of the primaries of Aug. s, 1 respect
fully solicit the support of my friends
and all those who deem me deserving
and worthy. Fl. l.. WHEELAN.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
ANNOUNCEMENTS.

/ hereby announce myself as candi-
date for the democratic nomination for
representative from the Thirty-third
senatorial district. subject to the de-
cision of the democratic voters of the
district as voiced at the primary cleo
ton Aug. 8. and ask the support of all
who deem me worthy.
C. c. WILSON
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
No LONGER a Secret.

$50 that great inventor is dead and
his wonderful secret is lost
"Not at all. He told it to his wife
Just before he died.
'Yes that's what 1 an."-Philadel-
iphia Press.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01
Just as Good,

Heard she was threatened with ap-
pendicitis."
she was, but she changed her
mind
What did her mind have to do with
it?'
Everything. She looked around first.
like good business woman, and found
it would be much cheaper to have nerv-
Gus prostra ton"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01

Iouisiana's anti-drink law now bars
the individual flask. Do they expect
the thirsty to drink out of bung-
hole?
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-08-01

The health bureau announces that
carrots are four times as nutritious as
cucumbers. That is not saying whole
lot for carrots, either.