davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
The Argus Daily Short Story
SEEING BENTLEY OFF--BY ETHEL SEVERE
Copyrighted Iiterary Press

Europe b. the first steamer. and he
won't bother us in the least
because shan't give him 4 chance"
explained Amy promptly. Il am going
down TO the stateroom to have the
steward take our steamer trunks back
TO the dock. 1t is lucky that we ar
ranged to have our other baggage fol-
low
"But what will people say?" de,
handed Aunt Molly as she rose and
prepared to follow her energetic niece.
1t was plainly 20 be seen that the trip
was off. or ut least postponed. and Aunt
Molly knew the signs we'll enough to
resli:e when resistance was useless.
Amy. by dint of liberal tipping. man
aged to collect her things en- the dock
just as the final warning sounded. Fer
the moment it was useless to try to
leave the dock
The port captain stood beside the re-
naming gangway ready to superin-
tend The lowering of the last connec
ticn between ship and shore. and a
line was stretched to keep back those
Ni-O lisit llOl Sblit W ttit tllh VI tbt
pier to wave a last farewell.
The sides of the ship were lined wi;k
eager faces. some smiling. some be-
dewed with tears Aunt Nelly stood
guard over their belongings and looked
Histfylly At the fortunate ones on the
decks.
Just as the signal was given to
l., t. OF t,a
head of the gangplank and dashed
down, his feet not touching the dock
before the upper end Of the plank was
hoisted clear of the ships side.
He sprang lightly aside to escape the
swaying edge OF the chute and in do
ing so almost bumped into Aunt Mol
| ly, who Was making brave endeavor
not to look disappointed.
The black bulk moved slowly pas!
| the open section Of the shed, but Aunt
| Nelly did rot see it now. She was
busy watching Amy and Dick.
Nesbit. after Il single glance at the
1 frowning girl, devoted his ccnversa
ton to Aunt Molly, with whom he was
favorit3.
| did you get afraid of seasickness
| at the last mo.nent:" he demanded
gayly. 81 didn't even know that yor
were thinking of going abroad or
Should have sent some flowers"
Aunt Molly glanced triumphantly a
| Amy, but that crimson checked young
woman gave no sign that she hat
| heard the disclaimer.
Il came precious close to taking thu
trip myself" continued Dick. .'Yol
know what pest Fred Bentley al
ways is when, there is wedding. HI
always wants to decorate the trunl
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
Farmers and Bugs.

During the year just passed the in.
sects of the country cost the farmers
more money that the nation expended
on its army and navy, in paying all
the claims on its mountainous pension
roll, and in all expenditures on the
Panama canal. c. l.. Bartlett. assist
ant entomologist in charge of expert
mental field work has worked out the
above statement; and as the value of
the crop of the past season approx
mated eight billion dollars, he esti-
mates ravages of the myriad insects at
about eight hundred million dollars.
That sum does not include the loss TO
cereals and forage crops in storage,
nor to natural forests and forest pro-
ducts; the losses from those two sour
ces, at $100,000,0OO each. bringing the
annual rural insect tax to an even bill
lion dollars.
In his statement Mr.. Marriott says
This estimate is based on the farm
price of the crop actually harvested
and does not take into account the
possible reduction value which would
follow the marketing of the larger
crop. Prices of products must, there
fore, be considered when estimating
the losses by insects"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
In The Field of Literature

The February AtIantic.-In the At
lantic Monthly for. February the first
installment of the Diary of Gideon
Welles, Lincolns secretary of the navy,
gives the reader a striking picture OF
the presidents serenity amidst the
constant chickering's of his cabinet and
tells the facts of the cabinet intrigue
headed by Chase and Stanton for the
ousting of Mcclellan from the COM
mand of the army of the Potomac A
paper by J. o. Pagan, the railroad sig
mailman whose Confessions" have CIV
en- the public a real knowledge of rail
road problems, deals with the neces-
sity of educating the labor unions in
the knowledge of their employers bus
mess. w. Cameron Forbes, vice gov
Iernor of the Philippines, reviews a
decade of American rule in the islands,
giving facts and figures for the consid-
Grafton of anti-imperialists. "An Elk.
pertinent in Population" by Walter
Weyl, shows the French argument for
investing in bonds rather than in ba-
bies, while the subject of education
never neglected by the Atlantic, is
represented by an article on the i'm.
practically of "a practical education
by Dean Birge of the University of
Wisconsin, and by delightful memories
of Agassiz's teaching by the late Pro
lessor Shaler. Redfern Mason con.
tributes an article on Musical Sugges
ton" which will delight all those mu
sically inclined, while for those who
love literature Mrs. Mynell's paper on
the country of Edmund Spenser, and
William CARROT Browns 1.-THE Beaten
Track" will prove among the most al
Turing articles this month. Rollir
Lyme Hartt's Dime Museum may
arouse some comment among old-time
, readers of the Atlantic, but there will
be few who will not laugh over it
"The Food of the City Worker" by
4 Hollis Godfrey, discusses a question
now uppermost in mems minds. Three
I stories give lightness to the number
Fanny Kemble Johnsons pretty Eve,
and Her Happiness. "The Company O
the Marjolaine," by John Buchan, an,
8 'The Guitar Maker by e. H. Thomu
! son. An exceptionally full Contribu
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
The Surprisers Surprised.

1t was quite an informal little even
ing gatherinS-AIr. and Mrs. CandOr,
hosts, and Mr.. and Mrs. Funniman.
guests. The program consisted of a
little chat, a little supper and a little
whist, of which the little ehat-Mr.
Candor not yet back from the Office
has just begun. F
.Therev' exclaimed delightful Mr..
Funniman. IF that's not Candor's
step in the passage I'm not Funniman!
Let's play a trick on him. My wife
and / will hide behind the curtains
here, ard you must tell him that your
expected guests have not arrived.
Then Wen step out and surprise him.
Ha, hai'
No sooner said than done. The skit-
fish pair dived behind the curtains
just as old Candor entered the room.
Where are the Funnimans" he ex-
claimed
I'm afraid, John, they have disap-
pointed u.s. pretended Mrs. Candor.
Il had a wire not half an hour ago"
"Right-ho.' chimed Mr.. Candor.
And jolly glad 1 am about it.
never did like 'em. Let's have some
dinner!"-London Scraps.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

ard do al those things that acgravate
the bridal pair.
when it came to getting married
himself he was scared stiff. for he
knew CT q dozen chaps who had it in
fer him. re married Belle very quiet
~ last night ard came aboard this
Imorning before daylight. Some re-
porter asked Ben Houghton about 1t,
and we found that Fred was locked IN
his stateroom.
''Trimmins, the purser on this ship,
is jolly sort of chap. I've crossed
with him three times. and know him
very Will The i;c--- got ne to hustle
down here with q IT &C ii-:,ll in a suit
case. / gave Trimmins some money TO
tip Fred's cabin ana saloon stewards,
and Fred's going to get a daily hint
from his victims. was so busy eX-
planning that Trimmins had fairly te
fire me down the gangplank."
"And you were not sailing yourself?"
asked Aunt Molly.
81 only wish that 1 could-to see the
fun" declared Dick, with twinkling
eyes. eff 1t hadn't been that caught
a big case last night 1 think I should
have dore so. l bet Fred's sorry by
| this time tomorrow that he ever heard
of white ribbons and old shoes as deco
rations for trunks and hacks"
| Amy was watching the steamer
| swinging into midstream with the aid
| Of two bustlirg little tugs, but from
the corner of her eye Aunt Molly saw
| that the girl heard.
"Aad, speaking of hacks" ran on
Dick. 'shall ! get you one?"
Without waiting for an answer he
tore off up the dock to retain one Of
| the few waiting hacks, then hurried
back to escort Aunt Molly and the
| trunks.
1t was not until he had helped Aunt
Molly into the cab and had turned to
show Il similar courtesy to Amy that
she spoke.
| 81 thought that Mrs. Brooke told You
we were leaving on this steamer and
| that you Were following me-" she said
| hurriedly. Il am sorry that / was SO
| silly, and yet l am glad, because l
know now that it was just because
was tired ard silly that broke the en-
gagement. Will you come over tonight.
| Dick-and bring back the ring|'
J. ''Will II" he echoed jubilantly. 81
should say that l would. And. do you
know, am almost sorry that 1 put up
that job on Fred
! Don't be afraid" treasured Amy
smilingly- That case will pc over and
Wen be on our own honeymoon before
he gets back to play tricks on us. II
you had not played the trick l should
have sailed, and YOU
Would not be the happiest man in
town. completed Dick. Il guess Fred
was of some use, after ALL"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
Not a Political Issue.

The information has come to The
Argus from more than one source of
an attempt to commit the democratic
party in the coming municipal cam
paign to an anti-thousand-dolla license
move 1t ought not to be necessary to
say that any line of policy that per-
tains TO the proper regulation of the Ii
quor traffic in Rock Island cannot be sue
cessfully made strictly partisan issue.
In local elections there are questions par
amount to political welfare or to parti-
san alignment. That of public morals
is one of them, and that of civic pride
is another The raising of the saloon
license from $500 to $1,000 ought not
to be-and cannot be successfully
construed as partisan measure, and
the party that undertakes to make it
so would be confessing a weakness
that would spell it's doom.
The Argus position on the thousand
dollar license proposition has been so
often stated-and is so well defined that
ii cannot be misunderstood, nor will it
under any circumstances be altered.
The Argus has declared in favor of
the 81 900 license for the best interests
of the city, and there it stands. AL
ways content to sustain, to the best
that it possesses, democratic measures
and candidates, and seeking at no
time to dictate TO it's party, it would,
nevertheless, regret to see it's party
lead where it could not consistently
follow on a moral issue.
No party can afford to permit inter-
ests of purely selfish nature to pre-
pare its principles, and any party that
would consent to the control of such
influences would invite rebuke at the
hands of the people.
Keep the saloon question and the
liquor interests out of partisan politics.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
tors Club gives extra good measure o
lightness and humor to the issue.
PERSONAL POINTS.

Charles McHugh is in Kansas City,
Mo.
Abe Rosenfield of Chicago is visiting
in the city.
E. Phillipson of Dowagiac. Mich, is
visiting his niece. Mrs. Sol Levi.
Sidney Loeb of Chicago arrived in
the city yesterday for a short visit.
Mr.. and Mrs. d. e. Diltz left this
morning for Hot Springs, Ark, I'd
spend the remainder of the winter
Postmaster W. F. Eastman of Mo
line, who has been i'll for some time,
was removed to the hospital today.
His condition is regarded as critical.
George H. Dufield left today 70,
Chicago, where he will take up work for
the National Electrical Contractors
association. His work will take him
all over the state.
o. L. Bruner went to Taylor Ridge
on the early train this morning He
is a charter member of the. Taylor
Ridge Ground Hog society, which hell!
forth at that place today.
Mrs. |. Huber and Miss Lily Huber
her daughter, who were severely burn
ed in the automobile accident Sunday
evening, are reported today as doing
as well as could be expected under the
circumstances and recovering nicely.
Ben Gest and Albert Todd, students
of the University of Illinois, are home
for few days. The examinations fol
the close of the first half of the year
are now in progress and it was theil
good fortune to have theirs all come
in the first two days. giving them the
rest of the week at home.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
The Jumping Off Place.

Consumption had me in its grasp;
and l had almost reached the jumping
off place when | was advised to try
DR.. Kings New Discovery; and want
to say right now, it saved my life.
Improvement began with the first bot
tie, and after taking one dozen bottles
was a well and happy man again, ;
says George Moore of Grimesland. n.
c. AS a remedy for coughs and colds
and healer of weak. sore lungs and for
preventing pneumonia New Discovery
is supreme. so cents and 81 at all
druggists. Trial bottle free.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
The Recall.

The citizens of Los Angeles, Cal.
have started a movement for an elec-
ton to recall the mayor of that city.
In California they have a law for the
government of cities which gives the
voters right to recall an official who
has failed to discharge his duties or
is guilty of any malfeasance in Office.
A law providing for the recall of
an unfaithful official is a good one and
should be incorporated in the proposed
optional commission government bill
to be introduced in the Illinois legis-
lature. Like the initiative and refer
endum, which should also be incor-
porated in the bill, it is "a good thing
to have in the house." even if it should
never be used. An official who knows
he can be recalled will be more apt
ito attend to his knitting" than if he
has a term that cannot be disturbed
until it's time expires.
All the newspapers in cities agitat-
ing the question of the commission
plan of municipal government, favor
the Des Moines plan, which embodies
in it the recall, and the initiative and
referendum. Among other journals,
the Lincoln Courier is earnestly in
favor of the commission plan, with its
Des Moines attachments. 1t says:
THE commission plan of govern
ment snch as is enforced in Des
Moines, Iowa, puts the control of the
cities in the hands of the best ele-
ment and from the information which
we have received it has given salts
faction to the people,
S. j. Dillon, one of the authors OF
the Des Moines system for the govern
ment of cities in explaining some OF
the. salient features of the law and its
successful operation in the city of Des
Moines, says:
I'VE believe that it is the ideal form
of government because people have il
in their power to exercise, if they
wish, all the duties carried on by your
administrations 1t affords them the
opportunity of directing. their own af
fairs and at the same time 1t places
the whole power and control Of mum
cipal officers in their hands. Every
ordinance may be submitted to them
They may initiate any ordinance and
may recall any official. These provis
ions make the law the most democrat
ic form of government, and when VIZ
criticise the apathy which usually ex
lists on the part of our citizenship,
think 1t Is only fair to say that tina
apathy exists because people hav,
never before had these rights, hav,
never been able to exercise any RICH
in their. city government. The genera
sentiment in Des Moines today is tina
We have a better government, and
know there is a public interest arouse
out there such as has never befor
existed"
Under the Des Moines system a
unfit commissioner placed at the hea
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

of any one of the departments can be
recalled. That places the remedy for
slack or unfaithful administration in
the hands of the people. When we
elect an alderman in Rock Island he
is independent of the citizens and for
two years can do as he pleases and
laugh at those who complain. The
mayor is also Independent of the peo-
pie, and there is no help for it if he
abuses his power
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
Humor ana Philosophy
By DUNCAN N. SMITH
HIS LESSON.

Mr.. F. Augustus Dubbe
Sentured i'll d women's club
One fine winter day.;
Started out to blandly tell
How the ladies might excel
II they would for just a spell
Do all things his way.
Underneath Ills manly vest
Swelled large, protruding chest,
And he felt the glow
OF the pride that to a man
Comes the moment that he can
Outline for the ones a plan
Who are down below.
But. alas, and pity sake,
Pride tumble has to take.
Dignity gets stung.
When the ladies started In
Showing where his talk was thin,
Then his head began to spin,
Rooted was his tongue.
Showed him that mere man was not
Such a proposition hot
And that women were
On to him and all his tricks,
Larger than a ton of bricks;
That he was a child of six
Or good sized blur.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
Suffering and Dollars Saved.

e. S. Lopez of Marilla, N. Y, says:
Il am carpenter and have had many
severe cuts healer by Bucklen's Ar
MICA Salve. 1t has saved me suffering
and dollars. 1t is by far the best heal
ing salve l have ever found Heals
burns. sores. ulcers, fever sores,
eczema and piles. 25 cents at all
druggists.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
The Man with panorun i,

Can now be cured. He should buy a
bottle of Zemo today. Zemo destroys
the germ that causes the disease. Its
use stops itching instantly, prevents
falling hair and leaves the scalp in a
clean healthy condition. For sale at
Harper House pharmacy.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

Illinois is getting ready to build a
link in the lakes-to-gulf deep channel.
Uncle Sam, the sovereign authority
over the rivers, should made due ae-
acknowledgements of what Chicago and
Illinois have done in great enterprise,
says the st. Louis Globe
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

What fine-haired distinction does 4
member of the legislature make be-
tween being bribed by promise of of
flee, or accepting cash considera-
ton? Where is the difference?
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

In New York "Salome" is barred on
the Bowery at so cents head. but
doomed at the Manhattan opera house
at S. per capita. Such is the way. of
the world.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

Now it is said by eminent scientific
authority that we shall soon see Mars
and know all about it. Ye gods of
Wari
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

This legislature would perform
great service if it will elect a United
States senator to whom Illinois could
point with pride.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

Any man has right to run for Of
flee. but good many who run make
poor excuse for so doing.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

1t is charged that the American peo-
pie are wasteful with matches. But
the match trust is not.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
Eats Them Alive,

ais he a vegetarian
! "No: he is Wall street broker"
"What's that got to do with it?"
"His favorite diet is lamb"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

Davenport managed to pull off an.
other murder last night. Davenport Is
really becoming quite Chicagofed.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
Just a Scow,

"Was the rest of the ticket defeated
with you?"
"Yes; we went down together"
"Then you are all in the same boat"
"Yes. and it isn't lifeboat either"
''Still, it may do nicely for Salt river
navigation"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

Now they are trying to get up one
of those ingrowing war .scares out in
Nevada.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

Speaking of names once more, Mr..
Seller has been elected president OF
the Nebraska Bottlers' association.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
PERT PARAGRAPHS.

Being optimistic on good salary
isn't half bad. but when he is up
against it right an optimistic man has
to have the real thing. to keep prac-
ticing optimism.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
A Poser

"Why are we all so selfish?"
Because we can't help ourselves"
mo"
"No?"
mo; because it is when we do help
ourselves that we are accused Of it"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
VAIN.

"You are fond of bright children.
aren't you?"
"Oh, yes: always like my own"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
Too Bad.

There are a lot of things that I
would like to know"
Are there?'
eyes"
"My case is worse than that"
"What is it?'
''There 49, lot of things that do
know that want not to know"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
Cautious.

care you good little boy. my son?'
"Naw."
"Why?"
81 amt aimin' to be no suicide"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

From your own point Of view tn
other fellow hasn't thing to look at.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

If you are shrewd enough to save
mics won't stand much show with you.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

Marrying is often a question Of
money. and, come to think Of 1t, what
isn't?
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

Being able to recognize the psyco-
| logical moment is evidence Of your
genius or else Of your nerve.
Being just little less foolish than
: the majority passes for wisdom In this
gray old world Of ours. 49, ].
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02


There are Q lot
Of people who
have a great hab-
1t Of taking re-
sponsibility and
t b e q cheerfully
shunting it upon
somebody else.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

One reason Why
common sense Is
so seldom met
with is because It
is rather particu-
lar about its COM
pany.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02
Nobody ever got a. good reputation
by taking away somebody else's.

A man who is kept busy preaching
undoubtedly expects to be excused
from practice.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-02

~ ~ y
Esss ~
Satan isn't -""essarily fond of idle
people. His speciality is in getting idle
people busy.
Too Bad.
There are a lot of things that I
would like to know"
"Are thereP
'Yes."
"My case is worse than that"
"What is it,"
. There 49, lot of things that do
know that want not to know"
Just Seow.
"Was the rest of the ticket defeated
with your
"Yes; we went down together"
'Then you are all in the same boat"
"Yes. and it isn't lifeboat either"
"Still, it may do nicely for Salt river
49,
A Poser.
"Why are we all so selfish?"
Because we can't help ourselves"
"No."
"No?"
mo; because it is when we do help
ourselves that we are accused Of it."
Cautious.
"Are you good little boy. my sonT
"Naw."
"Why?"
81 amt aimin' to be no suicide"
Eats Them Alive.
as he a vegetarian"
"No: he is Wall street broker"
"What's that got to do with it,"
"His favorite diet is lamb"
Vain.
"You are fond of bright children.
aren't you?"
"Oh. yes; always like my own"
PERT PARAGRAPHS.
Being optimistic on a good salary
isn't half bad. but when he is up
against it right an optimistic man has
to have the real thing to keep prac.
ticing optimism.
From your own point of view the
other fellow hasn't thing to look at.
If you are shrewd enough to save
mics won't stand much show with you.
Marrying is often a question Of
money, and, come to think Of 1t, what
isn't?
Nobody ever got a good reputation
by taking away somebody else's.
A man who is kept busy preaching
undoubtedly expects to be excused
from practice.
~ rNASN One reason Why
TN,s JoS" common sense Is
so seldom met
!: :; :: :: :: !: =:
a. with is because It
- a is rather. particu-
~ lar about its COM
SM " pany.
nv There are lot
@N Of people who
!" have great hab-
/~ af -