davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-07
(To be Continued.)
THE COTTON TAX.

Story Of Great Outrage Perpetrated
on Southern People.
Partly to raise money to carry on
the war against the south, but chief
ly to punish the southern people,
congress, in June, 1861, levied a tax
Of one cent a pound on all cotton
held or owned by any person on and
after October 1, 1862. The tax was
successfully raised to two and to
three cents a pound, and was abolish
ed in February, 1868. 1t is this tax
which hundreds Of southern people
have been living in the hope Of see
ing refunded by congress. We know
Of one man who lived in Charlotte
who went to the postoffice daily for
ten years or more in expectation Of
getting a check for 100000 refunded
cotton taxes. He died in the expec-
tation, and his next best friend Is
even now keeping his papers in hand.
1t Is explained by The New Orleans
Picayune that at first the tax could
only be collected in such districts as
were permanently occupied by the
Union forces. but as the war closed
in April, 1865, and the tax was contin-
ued through the balance Of 1865 and
the whole of 1866 and 1867 over
the entire country, It Is easily seen
that all the cotton districts Of the
south suffered this unjust burden that
was inflicted on the people of a Sec
ton and not upon the entire country
in proportion to population. David
Y. Thomas, writing in the North
American Review for November, notes
that by far the larger part of the
tax came from the lower south. Geor-
gia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Mis-
sissippi, Tennessee and South Caro-
lima paid $5S,OOO,0O0 out Of a total Of
$6S,OO0,OOO. In 1867 the corn crop Of
the United States was worth $780,
94S,39O; the wheat crop, s42,796,460
the hay crop, s372,S54,6SO; yet all Of
these were tax free, while cotton, worth
$2O1. .47O,495, paid a tax Of s22,500,-
947.77. He declares that this cotton
tax for extortion by conqueror out
did the 10 per cent tax levied on the
Holland Dutch by the famous or infa-
nous Spanish invader, the Duke Of
Alva. In some instances it amounted
to as much as 80 per cent. In 1851 a
tax of s20,00O,OOO was levied on lands
and dwellings and was apportioned
among the states according to popula-
ton. There was no question about
the legality of this act; yet, thirty
years later, the amount collected un-
der it, less cost of collection, $14,OOO,-
900, was returned as a gratuity to the
states whose citizens had paid 1t.
The fact that the tax had operated on
only one section Of the country the
seeding states paying very little, un-
doubtedly was one cause of the repay
ment May not the same principle be
applied to the cotton tax At the time
the south was paying this tax-only
about $3,O0O,O00 was collected before
the close of the war-it was also pay
ing its share Of all other taxes. 1t
is all interesting history, but 1t is true,
as the Picayune says, that the reviv-
ing of the cotton tax question Is like
disinterring a mummy. 1t Is only
relic of the past, and has no other
value than as a mere curiosity to put
in a museum. The cotton tax can be
hung up with the French spoliation
indemnity. Charlotte Observer
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-07

"Oh, then you intend to remain to
see the forging of the gun yourself?"
Sommers smiled at him.
rs that surprising? I'm somewhat
interested, you know"
We're glad to have you, of course,
Mr.. Sommers." spoke up Durant. "Ev-
erything Is at your service. Good
night, sir"
The steel man shook hands and,
turning, st.rted to his study Pinck-
ney remained a moment behind.
"Of course" he began rather eau
tiously, I'VE are glad to have you, as
Mr.. Durant says, Mr.. Sommers, but
with your gun so we'll under way !
don't see how you can possibly be of
any help to u.s."
[ Just a slight hardening of his tone
made Pinckney's speech mean only
too plainly, There's no use in your
staying because we don't want you -
But the naval man overlooked entirely
the implication. Instead Of taking Of
Tense he smiled courteously.
II had no idea Of being of any help,
Mr.. Pinckney. 1 only wan. to be on
hand when the tempering Is DONE"
You mean at the work in the fur
mace room?" gasped the manager.
Sommers smiled.
That's 1t exactly"
Pinckney was beginning to lose his
temper.
May I ask why?" he said sharply.
Sommers continued to smile.
"Only to be sure 1t Is properly done,"
he explained.
Frances was standing by, watching
the men and in her mind comparing
them. She saw Pinckney, big, aggres-
sive, strong, an iron man, used to
overriding all who opposed him, now
matched and held by this quiet, smil-
ing man, whose GOODNESS and evident
plant strength reminded her more than
anything else Of the finest tempered
steel, tough, elastic, unbreakable, that
outlasts iron every time. Now Pinck-
ney was losing more Of his temper.
Have you any idea we are not COM
petent enough to, handle this job?" he
demanded.
Sommers still smiled.
"Oh no, Of course not only I pre-
fer to see for myself, that's all. Ali"
He turned to see Mrs. Durant, who
had entered. Mrs. Durant, / fear I
must say good night, much as I hate
to. Thank you for splendid evening"
Mrs. Durant shook hands cordially.
Good night Mr.. Sommers. I hope
you'll come up often while you're In
town."
Sommers bowed.
Thank you. You may be sure Ill
come as often as 1 d"re," he said
Then he turned and helu out his hand
to Frances.
Good night, Miss Durant."
The girl shook her head.
I'm going to see you OUT she said.
He smiled gratefully.
Thanks"
Next he turned to Pinckney.
Good night, Mr.. Pinckney. What
time will that gun be in?"
Pinckney hesitated a moment.
1.-TWO o'clock sharp. Good night"
Sommers bowed, turned and follow
ed Frances out into the hall, leaving
the girls mother and Pinckney stand
ing in the doorway staring at each
other
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-07
CHAPTER w.
A Desperate Game.
Dy WNNClIELL oTIIII, fNLOLtIS
THOMPSON and PAUL ARMSTRONG



Lieutenant Sommers looked around
at the complete little workshop in
amazement. Besides the wireless out
fit, he saw tools. models, sharps, a
drawing table, a little workbench
everything, in fact. that 1t seemed to
him a mechanical inventor would
really need.
you use all these!" he exclaimed.
why, Of course!" she said. THAT
Is my fun. I work up here on dark
days, and we have plenty Of those in
Pittsburg, you know"
The man could not have controlled
his establishment. He examined sew
eral OF the models. They were on
Improvements in wireless telegraphy,
various mechanical devices and on
even the model Of little gun.
"Oh, I've patented them all! ex-
claimed Frances. II don't know that
any Of them amounts to much, but /
patented them just the same. You see,
you're not the only gun inventor, Mr..
Sommers."
Then the Sommers gun has to COM
pete with the Frances Durant gum"
he asked quizzically.
She shook her head, smiling.
No; I'll tell you a secret wouldn't
let them make gun OF mine If could
patent 1t, but that is just little model
Of the Rhinestrom gun. which Edward
has great faith in. Marsh made the
model for me-"
"Oh, the Rhinestrom gum" said Som
mers, with lifted eyebrows. I've
heard something Of that around the
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-07
CHAPTER V.
Honest Man and knave.

II wish to talk to you, Edward"
began Mr.. Durant. His manner was
serious, and Pinckney, who had known
him so long, realized that he was seri-
ously put out about something. AT
such times there was only one way to
handle the steel magnate-that way
was absolute obedience and prompt
replies to his questions. Pinckney
became all attentions at once.
Yes, sir. What is it?" he asked.
hand.
THE royalty on this Rhinestrom
gum" he asked-"am l correctly in
formed about it?"
How much did you think it was?"
asked the manager.
According to the papers, we pay a
royalty of $4,000 for every gun six
inches or under and $1,000 an inch ex-
ira for every one over six. So for
these twelve inch guns we are to forge
we must pay $4,000 EACH"
That's correct, sir" said Pinckney.
Its too much" declared the steel
magnate sharply.
His manager ventured a protesting
gesture.
Il wrote you," he said, "and cabled
you before l signed the contract. 1t
was too risky waiting until your re-
turn"
II don't see why" exclaimed Du-
rant impatiently. Il think you've
made a mistake this time. Edward-a
er outrageous"
The manager had to make fight.
I'm very sorry, sir" he said apollo
getically, but you know I have your
interest at heart, and it seemed to me
the only thing that could be done. You
have trusted my judgment. l had to
exercise it. The government liked this
gun. and it meant an order that will
keep us busy for a year. If we con-
troled the patents they were obliged
to give us the contracts. There was
no competition. you see. and then our
price to the government leaves US a
very fair profit even after this big
royalty is paid.
Durant shook his head.
Penny wise, pound foolish, I think
it, Edward. To make profit we have
to charge the government a tremen-
dous price that doesn't help our future
business. 1t will give us black eye
when we want work next time"
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-07
The Jews.-"If the Jews of America

The Jews-"If the Jews Of America
were all gathered together in a COM
munity where there was no other creed
or people they could not live by their
own efforts 48 hours"
This declaration was made by Sam
uel Alschuler, a Jewish scholar, in an
address to the Kadimah, Jewish so
ciety Of research.
I'm such a community" he declared,
there would be representatives Of ev-
cry profession and none Of trades.
There would be a Jewish doctor for
every Jewish patient. There would be
many Jewish lawyers. civil engineers,
more Jewish merchants than custom
ers, and many Jewish pawn-brokers,
but where would you find the man to
drive the nails, to build the homes and
till the soil? You could not find them,
because the Jewish parents object to
their children soiling their hands.
There should be less Of this spirit,
among the Jews. There should be
more Jewish farmers"
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-07
A TEXAS SNAKE FARM.
Where RattIers Are Kept For seien-
tific Purposes.

tifio Purposes.
Emerson somewhere says. "A fly is
as untamable as a hyena," and no
doubt he is right; but every now and
then some new sort Of animal Is
brought into subjection to the mental
ascendancy Of man, and 1t is hazard
Gus to say that there is any sort Of
living creature which absolutely can
not be tanned" F. B. Anthony, Of
Brownsville, Texas, is described in the
Wide World Magazine as In a fair way
to make the deadly rattlesnake amen
able to discipline.
His establishment, known by the
name of the "Rattlesnake Ranch" Is
on the Mexican border, within mile
Of the city of Brownsville. The ranch
consists Of a tract Of land surround
ed by high fence of boards, so tightly
fitted together that nothing can get
through, not the slightest crack being
allowed. There are no doorways OF
any kind, entrance being effected by
means of ladders over the top. Inside,
the space is divided into three en-
closures for the safety and comfort OF
the snakes, some species Of which are
deadly enemies to others. Brush and
dried grass afford hiding places and
shade. In these pens, and in boxes In
which the snakes are shipped, hum
dreds Of snakes, many Of them mon
sters in size, are kept in stock.
The snakes are captured by Mexicans
all over Texas, Mexico, Arizona and
other states and territories, and are
sent In with the certainty Of sale, for
Mr.. Anthony has a market for them.
The Mexican snake hunters punch
the snake with a stick until the infu-
rated reptile coils to strike, meantime
keeping up a rattle which sounds like
a clock running down. loop OF leath-
er attached to the top Of the stick Is
deftly dropped over the snakes head,
and from that time, rattle he ever 80
fiercely, he is a helpless captive. His
captor then drags him ignominiously
to camp, where he Is handled with an
immense pair Of wooden tongs. 1t
takes strong man to negotiate an
enraged rattler when fully aroused and
writhing with his immense power OF
muscle, for the creatures weigh many
pounds, are from six to nine feet long,
and sometimes as thick as a mans leg.
The snake is next put into box with
a sliding lid. This lid Is carefully
drawn back until the snake protrudes
his head, and is then shot forward so
as to clench the neck behind the
head. The snakes head is now forced
back over the side Of the box until the
Jaws open; a glass is held conven-
iently, and the head released, where
upon the jaws close on the rim of the
glass just as II the snake had struck.
This is done to collect the deadly
virus, which runs down the side into
the glass and is bottled for sale to
physicians and chemists for expert
mental purposes.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-07

works. Your man Marsh seems to
have great faith in it. Who is this
Rhinestrom?"
Frances shook her head.
"I don't know. Think he must be
some German Edward just told me
that We had bought the patents and
controlled them. But that doesn't af-
feet your gun any, does it?''
Sommers looked up from the model
he had been studying.
Frankly" he said, 'if this model is
correct it won't affect my gun. The
Sommers gun has the good points Of
this one and a new principle which I
expect will partly revolutionize things
for whoever manufactures it.
1T all depends on the forging. If
my gun is forged right and properly
tempered, welP'-he paused, then went
on with a confident smile-"I don't
want to brag, but honestly I am not
afraid Of any gun that ever was cast.
1t will all be in the forging, and tomor-
row will tell that. Well put it through
tomorrow night"
"oh, I hope it goes through all
right" cried the girl. 1T must go
through! 1t would be terrible to think
of failure"
YES" he said grimly. 1T would"
TT would mean," she asked, "the
blasting Of your hope?"
He shrugged his shoulders.
THAT would be a minor considera-
ton. 1t would mean death to the men
who are handling the gun and court
martial and disgrace for me. You see
why I'm interested"
But there's no chance Of failure
she exclaimed, her eyes big with
alarm.
Sommers laughed.
mot of the Durant works. I think, +"
he said. That's why I was glad when
the government decided to have a gun
cast here. Your fathers plant there
has a reputation for the highest class,
most careful work, so feel safe, even
II YOU do own patents on the Rhine
strom gIn."
you'll be here for the forging?" she
asked.
"Of course" he replied. "Tll be
down in the works experimenting as
much as can"
And l." murmured the girl, half to
herself, will be up here waiting ca
gerly, anxiously, watching for you 10
come with the news that everything
has gone right Oh, what a pity II Is
that you should invent this gun and
not get anything for your brains and
your labor!"
He shook his head, smiling.
NO" he said; its right. That
part Of the contract made with Uncle
Sam when he took me in at Annapolis
He educated me, gave me the chance
TO work, and l promised to devote my
life to him.
Were all merely cogs in the big
machine, Miss Durant, we fellows
from Annapolis and West Point, coss
in the machine that makes the flag,
and the flags the biggest thing to US,
YOU know. It's hard sometimes, fear
fully hard. We have to give up lot
But it's duty, and duty is what we
must think Of"
The girl had been looking at him.
admiration and just hint OF some
thing more showing in her face.
YES" she said at last; after ALL
you men of the navy and the army are
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-07

~ Cattle raising Is the chief industry
of Abyssinia.
,rJA fly bacteriologically examined has
been found to carry one hundred thou
sand bacteria.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-07

,ea' Artificial legs may cost as much as
two hundred dollars each.
rtz There are sixteen cables across
the North Atlantic ocean.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-07


for a moment wondering just how to
ore -on. Ids .s-------G .s--'---~ :
Yes, understand your interest"
said Durant kindly. Il understand
that"
Thank you, sir" exclaimed Pinck-
ney gratefully. You know, then, how
hard 1t is for me to see her associated
with such a fellow as Sommers and
what a blow it would be If he were to
make her fond Of him."
Durant looked at the younger man
keenly.
do you mean there's anything
against this young fellow" he asked
ANY reason why Frances should avoid
him?"
It'd rather not say. Mr.. Durant,"
hesitated Pinckney.
Durant was a straightforward old
fighter who liked to have people come
right out.
IF you can't say right out why do
you intimate, Edward?" he demanded
sternly. Il don't like people who beat
about the bush. If you have anything
on this young fellow, come right out
and say so. Be prepared to prove it
and don't beat about the bush and
suggest all sorts Of things against him
merely because he's paying attention
to Frances"
Pinckney rose and drew himself up
to his full height
I'm very sorry, Mr.. Durant, that
you should think me capable Of such a
thing" he said with dignity. Il
thought my interest was too we'll prov
ed for you to think thai I would do
anything underhanded. / say nothing
against this fellow Sommers now, be-
cause I'm not prepared to prove 1t; but,
remember this, Mr.. Durant, he's no
good, and sooner or later you'll find 1t
out. l only hope it won't be too late"
Durant looked at his young mana
ger keenly. He had no reason to sus-
pect that Pinckney would lie or do
anything maliciously underhanded
merely to put a rival out Of the way.
He had known Edward from a boy
and found him always apparently de-
voted to the Durant interests. All this
made him judge kindly when from an
other man he would not have tolerat-
ed mere backbiting.
"All right, Edward" he said kindly.
you've proved yourself devoted to
me. 1 think this is just a little over
enthusiasm in the Durant interests.
AS a general rule, I've found these ma
val chaps straightforward, decent
young fellows, and I'd hate to believe
otherwise However, We'll watch him
and see Come to me If you get any
thing on him, but you know will not
stand for mere rumors and suspi-
cions."
He stopped abruptly, for the door
opened and the man of whom they
were speaking, with Frances, came in.
The quick eye Of the girl caught her
fathers angry mood.
"lldl Tie IlltllSlp ueiu' SllC dohSu.
The old man turned to her, with a
smile.
Nothing at all, little one except
Edwards been saying some things
that interest me greatly, and to show
him what think I'm going to ask him
to come to the study and continue the
conversation. I'll leave you to enter
tain Lieutenant Sommers If you'll ex-
cuse me.
Mr.. Sommers was just going" said
Frances.
Yes" broke in Sommers, that bad
time when must say good night has
arrived"
How much longer will you be in
Pittsburg, Mr.. Sommers?" asked Du-
rant
"Only until my gun is forged" re-
piled the lieutenant.
Pinckney looked up in surprise.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-07

fl Dogs kept solely for the guidance
of blind persons are exempt from tax.
Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-12-07

well, I'm sorry, SIR" said Pinckney
apologetically. Il was working only
for the best wanted to insure our
contract with the government. AS II
is, you see, we do not begin work for
| two months, and there'll be a lot OF
wire pulling and hauling first"
Durant nodded.
Yes. If they find q gun they like
| better they can countermand our or
der"
Pinckney hesitated. He felt he had
| to go cautiously, but 1t would not do
to let Mr.. Durant guess his hand.
YES" he said slowly, this fellow
] Sommers is here to have a gun forged
that he's invented. He's got some pull
at Washington, I'm certain Of that"
Don't see what difference that
makes" replied the steel man.
"Oh," protested the manager, sup
pose after they test the Sommers gun
they give it preference over the Rhine-
strom gun and countermand our or
der"
Durant nodded, pleased.
II wish they would" he said. I'VE
could still get the business and not
gouge the government Sommers is an
officer in the navy and can claim no
royalty. 1t would reduce the cost of
every twelve inch gun $4,000" i
Pinckney bowed in agreement, then
suggested. \
You are partly right, Mr.. Durant,
but If they took his gun there would
be no certainty about our getting the
order. We would have to compete in
the open, and some one might under
bid u.s."
I'VE can't help that" replied his
chief. "Is Sommers' gun better than
ours?"
Pinckney looked up Indignantly.
"Of course not" he exclaimed, but
Sommers has influence, and 1 do not
trust him. I think he'd be capable Of
any dirty trick to have our gun turned
down."
Durant laid his hand on the young
managers arm in kindly fashion.
Now, now. Edward" he said mean
ingly. Il like your enthusiasm It's
good for the business, but you must
not let your enthusiasm lead you to
foolish hatred. This young Sommers
seems to me to be a very decent sort
Of young fellow. never saw him be-
fore tonight, but was quite favorably
impressed. Frances also seems to like
him very much"
$50 you've noticed that, too. have
you?" sneered the manager.
Frances father looked up sharply. I
"Yes; have you" he asked.
Again Pinckney hesitated 1t was
time for careful work now. He could
not afford to make an open rupture or
say anything about a direct explana-
ton, 80 he began using all his diplo-
macy. suggesting by look and gesture
rather than by open accusation what
he meant.
"Yes, have noticed it, Mr.. Durant,"
he said. II hoped I was mistaken. I
would hate to see anything like that,
because you know my interest in ev-
erything that concerns you, and par
ticularly in Frances" He hesitated
for a moment, wondering just how to
ore -on. Ids .s-A------ll .~-'--~ =
The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1909-04-05
ALL TIRED OU !

Elndrodu Mere Ia Guthrie Il The
Same plight.
Tired al the time;
Weary aud worn out night and 4ay
Back aches: side aches,
All on account OF the Kidneys
Must help them at their work.
A Guthrie citizen shows you hew.
Mrs. N. Y. Jones. 6e2 West liaf,
rison street. Guthrie, Okla, SAYS =
wish to ndd my few words Of praise
to the many already given Tor Dpau's
Kidney pills. was al run down IN
health and lie seemed a burden.
used nearly all The ao.ealled kidney
remedies on the market but was dls'
tuaragad as ] found no relief NY
hats< Rus 80 veal, tia could hardly
sfand ana OF times WIS Intensely pain
sa. Tha seuratluua from my kidneys
Nere too ileqWnt W aeslnn and | her
eame very nervous. ilnally pro-
a.fea Doane kidlhg Ills at ]. N.NYal'
iaoe's drug store and Raa aalonished
Vi their prompt wntk They we're
ihn only remedy that ever took any
eheet on nf trouble and ! continued
pslns them until cured ! recommend
them wl;h tie utmost confidence u
their curative powers
Fof salc s aI| dealers Pflee 50
cents Foster Al|lhafn Co. nnHalo.
New 1ngS shlo aEfnfs Eof NE United
States
fsA.4.s,at,.s 4hA 8zzAA. fina i, ,sAs.A Z