davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Blue-grass blade. [volume] (Lexington, Ky.) 188?-19??, 1908-02-09
THE MATERIALISTIC
CONTROVERSY.

The discussion that is now going
en- BETWEEN the Secretary of the Ma
terialist's Association, her friends
an1I critics, is assuming quite an in
teresting phase, as bringing into the
crucible of thought the different
names and appellations used by men
to designate particular forms of re-
ligious belief or disbeliefs vivisectiny
them as it were, and by comparison to
with the other, more clear.
All this controversy RACES around
and about the god-idea. From the
ignorant and superstitious past men
have held and taught various conflict
ing notions concerning god that out of
such confused mass of thought it is
almost an impossibility to extract any
clear idea. 1t is undoubtedly true
that pOlytheism was the original con-
ceptiOn of a god-gOverned universe.
Different natural phenomena were be-
lieved to be controlled by a different
set of deities. The ancients could not
harmonize the thought of good and
wise deity dispensing suffering and
torture and these were attributed to
bad deities. Not until centuries had
passed away did MonOtheism set in,
and this notion held and taught by
Judaism did not satisfy the Christian
believer and the latter invented three
gods and became worshipper at the
Trnitarian shrine.
Upon this subject Freethinkers hold
diverse views. The extremes, if they
may be termed such are found in
Agnostcism and Atheism. The form
er is an avOwal of having no know
ledge on the subject, position as
sumed by many brilliant minds but
the more daring go even further, and
while refusing to deny god, lacking
the knowledge necessary to justify
such a denial, simply announce an OPP
position to Theism, whatever it is and
in all its forms, and this is Atheism.
For years the Atheist stood upon that
ground, but it remained for Hugh 0.
Pentecost, Of New York, to make an
open, public declaration of a denial
of god, on the ground that as the
Theist was unable to prove god and
that which was incapable of proof was
really unproven, he had a right to
deny until such proof was offered that
would satisfy the inquiring mind.
Modern schools of thought are in
Blue-grass blade. [volume] (Lexington, Ky.) 188?-19??, 1908-02-09
GENERAL BUSINESS RULES.

ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS to the Blade will be
discontinued at the expiration of the term
for which the subscription has been paid up
in advance The address slip on the paper
will show subscribers the date Of expiration
. of subscription Back numbers or numbers
omitted will be sent, II asked for, upon
renewal In case of discontinuance.
SHOULD ANY SUBSCRIBER change his or her
address advise this Office. giving both old
and new address, desired.
THE OFFICE Of publication Of the Blade Is at
126-128 North Limestone Street, Lexington,
Kentucky, to which all Freethinkers will
be given a hearty welcome.
THE BLADE Is entered at the Postofhce at
Lexington, Kentucky. as second-class mall
ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO THE
BLUE GRASS BLADE, p. O. Box 1893,
Lexington, Ky.
Blue-grass blade. [volume] (Lexington, Ky.) 188?-19??, 1908-02-09
BLUE GRASS BLADE.

can the society flourish where narrow
mindedness prevails. Thought must
not be imprisoned in an iron cage.
Liberty demands that thought shall be
as free as air and as universal as the
morning dew. Claiming to be free,
liberal and humanitarian, we violate
those essential principles when we
ruthlessly close our doors against
those who differ with us and deny
them the same privileges we enjoy
and demand for ourselves. If OrthO-
doxy is hidebound Freethought cannot
be, else we belle the name.
Following the same line of conduct
in the publication of this paper where
by we give space to Mr.. Kerr's crit
icism, though manifestly unjust, the
Blade, conscious of it's integrity to
truth, has published articles upon sub
jects of economics with which its ed
itor does not agree, but that disagree
ment does not lead the editor into that
great error of ruling against the cause
because he does not advocate it in
person. If there is any intelligent
Christian in the wide world, who can
write an interesting article on his be-
lief, sincerely believing that we are
wrong and he is right, our columns
are open to him, we, of course, reserv-
ing the right to criticise what he has
to say, and our readers have access
to make reply to him.
This is the Blade policy and it ex-
poets to adhere rigidly thereto no
matter the criticism. 1t is not adverse
to criticism. On the contrary it well
comes all honest criticism. On this
ground Mr.. Kerr's criticism is well
coined. The Blade is not perfect.
We know this. Honest criticism may
induce Improvement, if not, the crit
icism would be useless. The Blade
does not complain because it has been
criticised in that it fully realizes the
impossibility of agreement upon all
questions. Viewed in this light the
Blade can see no valid reason or ex-
cuse why it's policy should be changed
to the exclusion of all matter that
does not comport with the principal
object of it's teaching and mission.
The more criticism we have the bet
ter for these expose our faults where
the praise of our friends spur us along
certain and definite lines.
Blue-grass blade. [volume] (Lexington, Ky.) 188?-19??, 1908-02-09
ADVERTISING RATES.

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Blue-grass blade. [volume] (Lexington, Ky.) 188?-19??, 1908-02-09

lions of approval are always encour-
aging, especially to one who was COM
PEELED by necessity, to assume such
burden as that of editing a Free
thought publication.
Blue-grass blade. [volume] (Lexington, Ky.) 188?-19??, 1908-02-09
SUBSCRIPTION RATES.

BY mail, postpaid. . $3.50 per year, in advance
Five new yearly subscribers at one remit
lance, 100 each.
Five trial subscriptions sent in with one
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Trial subscriptions Is cents per month.
Blue-grass blade. [volume] (Lexington, Ky.) 188?-19??, 1908-02-09

The Blade was gratifie1 to notice
that one of it's recent editorials on
the subject of nothing being necessary
as substitute for Christianity, was
reproduced, with credit, in the London
Freethinker. Being the most progress
sive up-to-date Freethought publica-
ton in the civilized world. The Blade
also considers it an honor at the rec
IGNITION accorded Such manifesto
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
N pRopArE-vERNoN couNIY couRr
Calendar for January Term. to be held
January J. 1908.

Estate of ]. P. Sullivan-Hearing on
claims.
Estate of Charles Beal-H Hearing on
claims.
Estate of L. C. Rice Hearing claims.
Estate of Jefferson Shumate-Hear-
ing on claims.
Estate of Thomas Petition for
letters of administration
Estate of Sally L. Trip Petition
for letters of administration.
Estate of Ole G. Theige Proof of
will.
Estate of VIM. A. Colt Proof of
will
Estate of Ole Steenerson-Proof of
will.
Estate of J. P. Sullivan-P Petition for
| sale of real estate.
Estate of Andrew A. ThompsOn-l e.
tition for sale of real estate.
Estate of Hans Ruud-H Hearing on
claims.
Estate of Patrick Lynn Hearing or
claims.
Estate of VIM. Eric kson- Hearing or
Claims.
Estate of Oluf Peterson Hearing or
claims.
Estate of VIM. Hutchinson Hearing
on claims.
Estate of VIM. STRENGTHENING or
| Claims.
Estate of VIM. Bamberg Final set
tlement
Estate of Chas. w. De Lap-Fina
settlement.
Estate of Martin Huntington Fina
settlement.
Estate of Joseph Barbour-Fina
settlement.
Estate of Franz Michal- Finel settle
ment.
Estate of Halvor 0. Mueller ina
settlement.
Estate of C. j. Blowers Final set
Element.
Estate of James Moore Final set
tlement.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01

this Dominion unrest and dissatisfaction
is everywhere rampant. And now, as
a last stroke, the Prime Minister Sir
Joseph Ward, is going to try and regu-
late the wheat and flour market. Such
a course will only cause trouble and
annoyance and prove utterly inadequate
to remedy the evil it is intended to
operate against.
GROWTH OF SOCIALISM.
The one enemy which threatens the
interest of the Dominion generally, and
employers in particular, is the growing
socialism of the labor party. 1t is
manifest that before long the indie
pendent socialistic labor party, whose
aim will be to exploit parliament in the
interest of one class to the exclusion of
all others, will have to be cont ended
with. 1t therefore behooves employers
to strengthen their organization and
to maintain their finances so that they
may be ready to meet all emergencies.
In addressing an employers association
rencently the speaker dealt mainly with
the arbitration act. He commended that
the act could never fulfil the purposes
for which it was created. 1t was an
act that was to be used for interven-
ton when strike was imminent. They
knew too well to their cost that it had
never been used in that way, but in
totally different directions, to the de-
moralizing of the working classes and
the weakening of the friendly relations
that should exist between employers
and employees. 1t had been very
expensive experiment and stood con-
demned as a failure. The position
reached today was that persistent eff
forts were made to prevent young peo-
pie from learning trades and to pre-
vent elderly men and those unable 20
claim first-class rank from earning
livelihood, to seriously reduce the eff
ficiency of labor, to lower efforts, to
destroy ambition, to repel capital, and
to widen the breach between capital and
labor. HENRY C. WILLARD.
AUCKLAND, New ZEALAND, Nov. 81.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
NEW YEAR NUGGETS.

Start right.
Wind up right.
Keep to the right.
Resolve and right about.
Don't sham, but be real.
Be content with the little you have
Think evil of none, but well of all
Keep busy in order to be healthy.
Consistently add to what you have
got.
Undertake something good ard sticl
to It,
Advertise from the start and make
business thrive.
Have push and get-up and show that
you're alive.
If you break your resolve, don't give
up in despair.
Redouble your efforts, show manliness
there.
Break away from bad habits, evil
companions and vile books.
Cultivate courtesy, kindness, cheer
fitness, carefulness and promptness.
Aim to be something, do something,
get something and keep something.
Keep your word, keep out of DEBT,
keep good company, keep your owl
counsel.
Don't kick, don't grumble, don't crit
icise your brothers. shortcomings, tue
smile at your obstacles and be gracic u
and forgiving.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
HELD ON A GRAVE CHARGE
A La Crosse Physician Laneuishes in the
Vernon County Jail

Last Saturday Sheriff Silbaugh went
to La Crosse, placed under arrest and
brought to this city DIR. d. F. O'Brien
of that city, who is held on the serious
charge of committing an unprofessional
and criminal operation upon Anna Oh
son, an unmarried woman, who had
long been kitchen servant at Hotel
Fortney. Because of such alleged oper-
alton, which is stated to have been per
formed in La Crosse on December 18th,
the girl died on the 9th, and her re-
mains were taken to Esofea for burial.
She was daughter of Hans Olson, the
old tailor.
DR.. 0'Brien was arraigned for pre-.
iilninary trial before Justice POLLARD
last Saturday, but owing to absence Of
District Attorney Bennett the hearing
was postponed till next Monday.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
A BIG HOLIDAY BUSINESS.

The Viroqua postoffice was by all o6ds
the busiest place in town for two or
three days preceding Christmas. On
Monday alone more than $500 pieces of
mail were handled. There were weigh
ed al pounds of first-class matter, f06
pounds of fourth-class. Receipts of the
Office that day were $50 for merchandise
sent, sos for stamps sold. This is a
business equal to town of 5000 In
habitants. Five and six persons were
busy in the Office from early morning
till late at night.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
Something of a Family

Our townsman and his good wife, n.
J. Beaver, were the center of a happy
Christmas family reunion at the home
of Hobe Groves in Ross. There were
assembled their six daughters and hus-
bards, two sons and wives, thirteen
grandchildren. Only one of kindred
was.absent, the younger son Leslie, who
is in Montana. The families were those
of Willard and Pearl Beaver, Ed. w.
Cox, Hobe Groves, Mack Stout, Jos. E.
Hayes, Henry Graham, Thos. Crooks.
All of the Beaver sons and daught srs
are badger born except Mrs. Cox, who
is buckeye. These family gatheriI gs
are slated for each recurring Christm as,
and it is a custom worthy of emulation.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
THE GOOD TIME COMING.

How sweetly all the winds will blow.
How splendidly the stars will glow.
How cheerful all the days will be.
How fair the distant hill viii seem.
How gladly every winding stream
Will babble downward to the sea.
How proudly all the flags will wave.
How seldom men viii look forlorn,
When people learn that it is brave
To bear the ills that must be borne
Without expecting others, who
Are hopeful, to be wretehed. too.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
Tsmnsr,ncs Talks in County

w. d. Cox of Milwaukee viii make
a trip through Vernon county. making
several points. Mr.. Cox was formerly
pastor of Milwaukee NJ Z. church and
is in touch with the picket guard of the
prohibition movement now sweeping
the south. To hear him is to hear one
who knows what to say and how to say
it interestingly. Dates and places:
Sugar Grove, January 9; Readstown,
10; Viola, ID; La Fargo, IA; Ontario.
Is; Mt. Tabor, l6; HillsbOro, II.
W. J. ROBINSON.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
: Beautiful opening of the New Y,

t1Nt3NINI4N1 VI e u VIIN W = W.T.
Mrs. C. w. Graves is i'll with la
grippe.
Harold Call of Westby is visiting
at Solfest Stegne's.
Chester Silbaugh was La Fargo
official visitor on Monday.
H. E. Anderson of Milwaukee was
a business visitor in Viroqua.
Prof August Smith is receiving a
visit from sister of Berlin.
First sleighing of the season is now
being used, snow to the depth of five
or six inches having fallen on Sunday.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
-Dr. G. B. Peterson Of cashton !

Ut. u d. peterson OF SaSnJOn VS.
tied Viroqua the first Of the week.
-Budd Shumate of La Fargo was at
the county seat yesterday on busine IS.
Money to loan on real estate sec II.
ity. Butt & Bu tt.
DIR. and Mrs. c. S. Smith of Elr ~,
are guests at the senior Proctor no NJ
today.
Miss Lizzie Shower came do W
from La Crosse for a couple of d; u
visit at Yiroqua.
Cast iron tank heaters that g We
satisfaction, Soc Call and be eonvincs q
T. C. Knudson 4. Co.
r, J Bryan of Bangor came Oh
Monday evening for visit at the hoiae
of his daughter, Mrs. F. H Graves.
Miss Alma Larson came home fr, M
Deerfield to spend the holidays with | e.
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. C. NJ. Larson.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01

20. j. Stoke and family, were here
for some days. They are moving to
Hartford for new home
Christmas observance in Virooua
was of quiet nature. Tuesday even
ing well-ladened trees were unloaded
to the delight of the Sunday school
pupils at all churches, appropriate pre-
grams following distribution of gifts.
Christmas was more quiet than an or
binary Sabbath, given over to family
and neighborhood gatherings and feast
ing. TIE band dance at Opera house
was largely attended and proved most
delightful evenings pasttime. The CON
cert preceding dance was a cleverly
rendered program, executed in the best
style of musical art. The boys real
lied neat nest egg financially.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
GOOD PLACE To INVEST.

Wanted, $50, 900. 90 as loan at 6 per
cent interest for period of from two
to four years, to the wish of the lender.
Note of reliable party with first mort
gage on $500 acres of good Mussel-
shell valley land to sell, in town and
country. If interested write, L. d.
GLENN, Harlowton, Montana.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
LAND FOR SALE

| will offer at public sale on January
the A, 1908, in the city of Viroqua, at
the office of Proctor & Proctor at 10
O'Clock a. M, 80 acres of land situated
in the south east corner of the town of
Viroqua, known as the VIM. Erickson
estate. G.. l.. BoGGS, Administrator.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01

Harry E. Wulfing arrived home iol
an indefinite stay with the editors ia n
lily. He has held some very responsible
positions as electrical engineer in d f
ferent states since graduating from tao
university school of engineering thre e
years ago.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01

While here last Friday his age Mt
VIM. Lewis disposed of /. W. Switze IS
tenement house and lot in the rear of
Proctor's block, to Peter Thompson of
Jefferson. Tie gentleman will reno We
from his farm to this city in Februai y.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
Boot and Shoe Repairing.

Commencing with the New Year,
grill be prepared to do all kinds of e
pairing in boots and shoes. Location,
Favor's harness shop, Opera block, Ii
roqua. Give me call. L. P. JUL
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
Lost and Found

LOST between Genoa and A. Davis ,
three yarIs of red silk Finder please
mail to A. Davis, Genoa, Wisconsin.
| will return postage to finder.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01

Inc new WaIerWOrkS system Oh GdyS
Mills has beed accepted by the village
board. The total cost of the system
with appliances was 7,975.4O.
The Black River Falls Journal sug-
gests thai so long as the state board of
| veterinarians has ruled that dehorning
cattle is sur zeal work and requires a
license, that the state medical society
make a ruling that haircut is a sur
gical operation and requires a licensed
surgeon.
Luther Basford, Lancaster citizen,
is ninety-three years old, vigorous
and clear headed man yet Mr.. Basford
witnessed the completion of the first
railroad in the United States, and had a
ride on the first train, from Albany to
Schenectady.
John Lawrence, a Rockton citizen,
! had an experience that he will not soon
forget. In Chicago hotel he went
close to death door by Illuminating gas.
He was discovered in his room, IL an
unconscious condition the doors broken
open and rescued in the nick of time.
Prompt work of physicians saved him.
Mr.. Lawrence went to market with
stock, accompanying Chairman Viii
Setback. If Selbach had blew out the
gas it would have furnished a proper
subject for hearty chatting for the next
| hundred years. There's a difference in
blowing out the gas and blowing off the
foam.
Soldiers Grove experienced fire a
week ago, when the meat market OF
Geo. Dupee & Son was almost totally
destroyed. Fire started in the rear end
of the building and at two O'Clock when
it was discovered, it had gained such
Roadway the fire department had hard
work to save the adjoining buildings.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01

By ". J. Roberts. ESD December 25 Mr. Jacob
Lo'vry % Myrtle Green. at the houne Of tire brides
parents. NJ. and Mrs. Arson Green.sr tha town
OK STARK Afesr ceremony bountF Jus dinner was
~:salting Of which al partook vita the greatest Of
FiestsS.-e- The bride and groom ara both @mabse
young peypie Of In Fargo. and NAV their life be a
,olig ard happy one IS the wish II their many
ArAsAus. WIZ
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
NOTES FROM NEARRY PLACES.

The new waterworks system of Gays
Mills has beed accepted by the village
board. The total cost of the system
with appliances was So, 975. 40.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
WANT AID. COLUMN

Insertions Under this Head 5 Cts
per Line. No AID. Taken for Less
Than IS Cents.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01

Try CENSOR Want ads.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
MARRIED.

December "a, in the German Lutheran church
at Chasehurg Miss Hazel Turse to Mir Joe Dingle-
dine Few. POycheck officiating.
AT the Lutheran parsonage ard by Rev. Gull
grandson IN Westby, December 21 Mr. Henry
ha,.son and Miss Ingebor Upsahl. both Of Cashton
visinity.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01
For Sale

For SALE-Tarm and eight young
horses. N. l.. Ewers, Readstown, Wis.
Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1908-01-01

Foa R.HT-3 or uostair rooms for
light housekeeping. No children In
qlire CENSOR.
The Brownsville daily herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1897-1910, 1908-12-03

tariff. My friends, I am interested in
| this tariff question, not because
have ever been a candidate for Of
! fee, but because I am interested in
my country l am interested in its
future and / am not willing to fasten
upon posterity the evils of private
monopoly or allow it to go down in
the ages bearing the burden of such
monster wrong as this tariff is now
working against you, myself our great
country.
I'm regard to the tariff question,
the Republican platform for this year
was a little worse than usual. In
fact. | think it about as bad as | have
ever known it to be. 1t was so bad
why, my, friends, it was SO bad on the
tariff question that the editor of the
Omaha Bee, one of the Republican
! leaders of the West, actually had an
editorial denouncing one plank of the
tariff because the editor thought it
was one of my speeches. What do
you think when the Republican plat
form gets so bad that it can be mis-
taken for one of my speeches? He
went to work and riddled it and de-
nounced it and tore it to pieces and
there was more truth in the Omaha
Bee nthat day than | had seen in
its columns for twenty years. 1t all
came about because the editor made a
mistake and attacked what he
thought was one of my speeches.
! The platform began by the use of two
words that ought to have made it RI
diculous. The platform says that the
Republican party promises 'Unequiv-
ocally to revise the tariff immediate
~" "Unequivocally," That is a
new promise given in lieu of the old
promise that they have not kept in
twelve years. It's a confession that
I their promises have never been kept
It's confession that the tariff is not
right; il merely serves to allay our
suspicious. You go to the bank to ar
range for a loan, agree on the amount
and the rate of interest and the sure
ties and the cashier will write out a
note and it will read We or either
of US promise to pay"-and here
you just put in the word unequivo-
cally." ''unequivOcaily promise to
pay" hand it back to the cashier and
watch what he VIII dO-he VIII ask
you to get another surety on the
note. If you have good credit he
doesn't need it, and this applies to
the Republican platform. 1t says
Immediately They have had Ov-
err eleven years to do this. Why hurry
now? The reputation of the party
is strained to the point of breaking
It amounts to this: We will do i'm
mediately'' what We ought to have
done years ago, if you will just let
us in once more. / insisted that Mr..
Taft tell us what he was going to do;
did he ever do it? You can revise d
tariff up and down, in and out, side
ways and crossways; it has latitude
and Notwithstanding but GER
tainty You cant hold anything on
revision You can get on the revis-
Continued on page A