davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1909-04-28
Spoils and the Merit System.

The proposition Of the census confer
ence bill is to make more rigid, offensive
and injurious the spoils provision Of the
apportionment of Offices law. In theory
the spoils or patronage system has
been displaced by the merit system
through the enactment of the civil serv-
ice law. designed to make Office holding
dependent not upon party service, but
upon merit and good behavior" The
advantages Of reasonably stable pub
lie service, appointments to which in all
but the highest positions are secured
through merit shown in competitive ex-
aminations and are retained by efficiency
and good behavior, over the shifting, un-
certain and unreliable service secured
under a spoils system. by which the Of
fees are distributed as plunder to poll
ticians, are denied by very few persons
at the capital But the civil service
law departs in some particulars from
the wise theory on which 1t is founded.
Office holding is not made dependent
simply upon merit.
Under the absurd apportionment law,
which keeps alive the bad principle of the
patronage system by distributing the Of
fees, like spoils. among the states and
territories according to the population.
residence in certain localities is now a
more essential condition to appointment
than merit. Under the legalized "divvy''
of public trusts the District of Columbia.
for instance, is entitled according to the
report, to one out Of every two or three
hundred appointments. Many citizens Of
the various states who have from time to
time secured government employment at
Uo irO or hovn YrndorSfo n6inp tho
effect Of their action. incautiously permit
ted themselves to be assigned to the Dis
trict, and to lose their citizenship else
where. The result is that the District
quota is full and overfiowing. the gov
ernment cannot avail itself of the home
expert-labor market and cross-examines
applicants for Office to be sure that no
wretched resident of the District. or of
any other division whose quota is full Sc
cures a position, under false pretenses.
The special injury is. of course. to the
government, which in theory seeks the
best material available. but in fact may
be limited to a selection from the Office
seekers Of q remote section of the country.
If in truth the clerkships were no
longer viewed as spoils for division. to
be quarreled over by politicians or
states, the government workshops would
be conducted on the same principles
which govern other great factories. The
absurdity Of advertising competitive
examination to secure expert workmen,
from which the men of zones own and
neighboring states are shut out, and only
candidates from remote states examined.
would not then be committed. The youth
of the city in which the great work
shops are situated would not be ex-
cluded from the principal occupations of
their fathers. and be driven from home
to earn living in other callings, or to
remove the taint Of residence at the
capital and to gain that Nevadan or
Oregonian citizenship which may enable
them to return and secure government
employment.
Evening star., 1909-04-28
The Prohibition Wave.
Says the San Francisco Argonaut:


THE result Of last weeks elections the
country over indicates that the prohibition
wave which rose so high about year ago
has spent its force. In Missouri. I'LL
nois, Indiana. and in California, local elec-
tions have resulted in a series Of set
backs-nothing general or signal, to be
sure. but enough to make it plain that the
country is falling back upon the rule Of
sober second thought. This Is not a new
experience. In relation to liquor and a
dozen other things. including religion. 1t
has been duplicated time and time again
In this country. SentimeEtalism and hip
hip-hurrah are in their way potent forces:
but their way Is a temporary one-they
are quickly followed by normal and con-
sidered judgments"
1t is too early to make a positive pre-.
diction about this matter. Prohibition
may not go as far as its friends have hoped
but 1t undoubtedly has gone much far
ther than its enemies expected. There
have been some surprising successes. and
then again some surprising reverses. The
Evening star., 1909-04-28
A Heroine.

"Oh, Hen. Thou art a wondrous blre
On duty still intent.
From thee no protest e'er is heard,
Nor useless argument;
Thou goest on thy simple way
Unmoved by pride or greed.
Content your Offering to lay
Before the public need.
There is no tariff to apply
To thy especial use;
And yet nobody can deny
The goods thou dost produce.
When looking for an honored name
To be pronounced by men
With admiration and acclaim,
1t should be thine, oh, Hen!
Evening star., 1909-04-28
Bailey.

Mr.. Bailey has submitted his argument
in favor OF an income tax and pro-
nouncing for its constitutionality. and the
Senate-particularly the lawyers Of the
body-gave him fiattering attention. Now
IL David B. Hill were there to reply! Pre-
sumably the New Yorker still holds to
the views on that subject he held fifteen
years ago. But the absence OF Mr.. Hill.
should not leave Mr.. Bailey unanswered.
There are some able lawyers on the
Evening star., 1909-04-28
A Quiet Adjustment.
From the New York Tribune.


It is announced that the anthracite op-
orators have reached an agreement with
the miners. and that a new three-years'
contract will be signed before the end of
the week. Little has been heard about
the negotiations this year, the contrast
in that respect with the open clashes and
great publicity attending recent contro-
versies being most marked. Times have
changed. apparently. and the spirit of
many former controversialists has changed
with them.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

DIn order to avoid delays on account
Of personal absence letters to THE
STAR should not be addressed to any
individual conn scted with the ONCE, but
simply to THE STAR, or to the Editorial
or Business Department, according to
tenor or purpose.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

republican side of the chamber who differ
with Mr.. Bailey, and one or more of
them should improve the opportunity.
No subject for the moment is more In
tresting and few as much so.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

Mark Twain Is accused of trying to re-
vive the Shakespeare-Bacon controversy.
Possibly he is right in assuming that the
best way to dispose OF the matter Is to
regard 1t as joke.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

10 paragrapher with any respect for
the traditions of his trade will give the
slightest heed to Hetty Green's hints
abc-t the beauty of attending to ones
own affairs.
Evening star., 1909-04-28
The Courageous Character.

The Courageous Character.
$50 Bliggins has written a historical
novel?"
"Yes," answered Miss Cayenne.
"Who is the hero of the book?"
"The man who has undertaken to
publish 1t"
Evening star., 1909-04-28

Abdul Hamid has so often been content
with empty signs of authority that he
might be satisfied If the Young Turks
would send along a furniture wagon and
deliver the throne at his address.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

Admiral Ijichi will, no doubt. feel justi-
fed in assuring his government that the
yellow peril in this country is merely a
local issue.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

Every now and then Alexandria takes
occasion to remind the public that 1t
knows how to enjoy itself In spite of the
fact that it is one Of the oldest and most
dignified cities on the map.
Evening star., 1909-04-28
The Quest.

While you are seeking daffodils
And violets so blue,
Remember, in this month OF chills
The germs are seeking you.
Evening star., 1909-04-28
He's a Washington Rooter.


Even with the President looking on. the
Washington base ball nine was unable to
defeat the Boston nine, but as he is as
much the President of Boston as of
Washington he probably felt no depres-
sion over the result.
Evening star., 1909-04-28
The Real Issue.

From the Louisville Evening Post.
The hackers of the resolution introduced
in the Illinois legislature to limit the size
Of womens hats might do a great service
if they would find way to limit the size
Of bills for the fair sex headgear.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

Among Mr.. Roosevelts' most fmpor-
tant discoveries in Africa may be mem
toned a number of hospitable planta-
tions equipped with all the modern COM
forts.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

These republican attentions to the solid
south may arouse Mr.. Bryan to renewed
energies in his permanent task of re-
organizing the democratic party.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

Prof. Pickering will undertake to send
message to Mars, but offers no guar
antee as to bringing receipt from the
parties addressed.
Evening star., 1909-04-28
An Inference.

"This earth is growing better every
day." said the optimist.
Don't bother me-" answered MT.
Sirius Barker. Il am figuring on buying
some real estate"
Then you don't agree with me?'
Il don't know. It ought to be grow
ing better. 1t is certainly growing
more expensive"
Evening star., 1909-04-28

Circumstances may shape themselves In
such a manner as to bring forth some
thing quite unusual in the, form OF a
popular demand for more presidential
messages.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

Carrie Nation Is going to have a farm
in Arkansas. No breweries or distilleries
need seek to make contracts for her
crops.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

AS usual, the weather man and the
hero of the first straw hat have no re-
spect for each other.
Evening star., 1909-04-28
SHOOTING STARS.
BY PHILANDER JOHNSON.

The Old Story of Economy.
$50 you think Congress ought to
economize?"
Il do" answered the statesman. Il
don't see how we are going to afford
the expenditures / favor unless the
other people draw the line more close
ly."
Evening star., 1909-04-28

Uncle Joe Cannon Is another reminder
Of the fact that nobody ever annihilated
statesman by hurting the epithet "czar."
Evening star., 1909-04-28
Hartman and Rest,

From the Hartford Times.
e. III. Hartman Is planning to go to
Europe for rest. He gets most of the
things he goes after, but rest is the ex-
ception which proves the rule.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

1t would be interesting to know what
Castro has done with the arms and am
munition he ordered while in Europe.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

Even London purists will admit that
base ball English is not so remarkable as
English base ball.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

"some men," said Uncle Eben, never
make de most of an opportunity unless
it's an opportunity to vase time
Evening star., 1909-04-28
Heart Pains

Are relieved, and palpitation, fut-
tering and irregular pulse over
come by using DR.. Miles Heart
Cure. 1t makes the heart nerves
and muscles strong, SO the heart
is able to do its work easily. This
relieves the strain which causes
the distress. Sold by all druggists.
"Dr. Miles Heart Cure cured me when several
doctors failed Ny case was bad. I had diff
nculty in getting my breath. my heart beat so
fast at times that thought 1t impossible to live
without relief; the pain was very severe in my
left side. and my nerves were all unstrung. am
sure would not have been cured IL l had not
taken the Heart Cure
MRS. MARY C. HAHLER.
Sullivan, Mo.
II nrst bottle fails to benefit money back.
Miles Medical Co., Elkhart, Ind.
Evening star., 1909-04-28
MAY MOVING
Purify Your Premises. Disinfecti0n
Most Important.

Disnfect as we'll as clean the house or apart
ment you move into. The former occupants may
have left the germs Of some disease. Purify
every suspicious spot with Platt's Chlorides 1t
instantly destroys foul odors and disease e-breed-
ing matter. When diluted with ten parts Of
water for household use. 1t costs less than
cents a quart. Sold everywhere In quart bottles.
Prepared only by Henry B. Plat.
A booklet with valuable sanitary informa tion
be mailed free on writing to II Ciin Street. New
York.
Evening star., 1909-04-28

TXE STAR has . regular and psEma-
nent Family Circulation much more
than the combined circulation OF the
other Washington dailtes. A. News
and Advertising Medium 1t has no
competitor.
The Somerset reporter., 1909-04-08
Odd Fellows at Madison.

Friday evening was gala night for
Oddfellowship in this section of the
State, the occasion being joint dis
trict meeting of districts number %
and %. Special trains were run over
the line of the Somerset railroad and
about $50 visitors were present from
Bingham, Scion, North Arson, Show
hogan and Norridgewock. After a
short business session the work OF
the first degree according to the new
ritual was exemplified on two candi-
dates by a team from Indian Spring
Lodge, No. 115 of Madison in very
creditable manner. Next came short
speeches by A. q. Dinsmore, noble
grand of Mt. Moxie Lodge of Bing-
ham; George Patten, past grand Of
Scion lodge; Rev. 7. B. HIATT, vice
grand of Table Rock lodge of North
Arson; A. B. Lamb, N. g.. OF Cara
bassett lodge of Skowhegan; R. A
Whitney, N. g., of Quinnebassett
lodge of Norridgewock; District
Deputy Grand Master, L. K. Folsom
Past Grand Representatives Willis A.
Bailey and c. o. Small; and Mr.. VIM
Nesbit of Skowhegan. Representa-
tives from nineteen different lodges
in Massachusetts,, California, Connect
lieut. and Maine were present. Supper
was served in the banquet hall by
Sterling Rebekah lodge.
The Skowhegan Odd Fellows, to the
number of so, went and returned by
special car over the line of the Somer
set Traction Company.
The Somerset reporter., 1909-04-08
Il ORIDA Man WANTED
TO KNOW THE TRUTH
Put Cooper's Claim to a Test and Proved
It's Genuineness.

would end my misery in the grave.
"Severai months ago | read about
the Cooper remedies and was so i'm
pressed that l went to my druggist
and bought bottle of the New Dis
covery medicine. | Immediately not
iced a beneficial effect, and contin-
ued the treatment. 1t thoroughly
cleansed my bowels, made my stom-
ach feel easier, and | began to get
some strength.
"In a little while l developed a
splendid appetite, and found that |
could eat anything cared for with
out suffering any i'll effects after
ward-my digestion was perfect. My
sleep became sound, restful and re
freshing. AS gained in strength ]
began to work again, and l found |
could do considerable without becom-
ing exhausted.
"In two months time | was we'll
man. | can do as hard work as ever,
and have virtually taken new lease
of life. l make this statement in
grateful appreciation of the benefits
| have derived from the Cooper medi-
cine, for honestly believe l owe my
life to It's marvellous curative pro-
perties."
Cooper's New Discovery is sold by
all druggists everywhere. A sapnn''
bottle sent free upon re.
dressing The Coz
pany, Da'i
The Somerset reporter., 1909-04-08
Keith's Boston Theatre.

This is season of big things at
Keith's Theatre, both in the way of
exceptionally strong vaudeville acts
and the number of legitimate actors
and actresses who are appearing in
sketches. Some of them have se-
cured the very best writer's in the en-
tire world for their vaudeville efforts.
Perhaps the most notable example of
this is William H. Thompson, the
veteran actor who comes to Keith's
next week with sketch written for
him by Sir Conant Doyle, the author
of "Sherlock Holmes" This sketch
is called "Waterloo" and In it Mr..
Thompson has made one of the
greatest successes of his long career.
1t will be seen in Boston for the first
time.
The Somerset reporter., 1909-04-08
A BRIDE SPRAINS
HER ANKLE

While changing from one train to
another few days ago bride
wrenehed her ankle very badly. She
WAS afraid she would be lame for
some time for the ankle panied her
and was swelling rapidly. One of her
fellow passengers brought her a bot
tie of Soau's Liniment. The Lini-
ment stopped the pain at once and
took down the swelling and next day
her ankle was almost as strong as
ever.
Mr.. l.. Roland Bishop of Scranton,
Pa, says con the 18th of this pres
ent month, as was leaving the build
ing at noon for lunch, | slipped and
fell, spraining my wrist. | returned
i'll the afternoon, and at four O'Clock
| could not hold pencil in my hand.
/ returned home at Ave O'Clock and
purchased a bottle of Sloan's lini
ment and used it five or six times be-
fore l went to bed, and the next day
/ was able to to work and use my hand
as usual. | thought sure l would be
laid up, and as we were busy was very
much worried. ] cheerfully recon-
mend Sloan's Liniment to all persons
who may injure themselves in any
way"
The Somerset reporter., 1909-04-08

The theory of L. T. Cooper that
most of the Ills of mankind emanate
trom the stomach, and that 1t is only
neeessary to restore that organ to
normal condition in order to enjoy
nood health, is rapidly being accepted
Is correct by people i'll all parts of
tbe country. His further claim that
his New Discovery medicine will eff
feet this change quickly and perman-
entity is supported by vast army of
followers.
One of those to put the Cooper
tbeory and medicine to a test is +. w.
Ross. living at 205 Irvine street, Or
Isndo, Fla, and an hoHored resident
n that community. Mr.. Ross has
made a statement for publication
yith reference to the result of his
sYperiment, in which he says:
dFor the past ten years | have been
unable to do any work. and on
numerous occasions when l tried to
cork, | became ill from exhaustion.
had little or no appetite, and the
ANAL amount of food did eat dis
tressed me. My digestion was bad,
nv bowels in a miserable condition
Twas nervous, weak, tired and worn
mt all the time. l could not sleep
veil. and would arise in the morning
iaelinp all worn out. l tried numer-
Gus RENE dies, but instead of getting
better, l continued to decline, and
felt that it would not be long until
The Somerset reporter., 1909-04-08
The Latest Hen Stories.

C. F. Longfellow, who lives In the
Malbons Mills section of Skowhegan,
reports an egg story that should be
of general interest. Mr.. Longfellow
says he fears no one will believe the
tale but that he knows it il true and
is willing to make oath to its entire
accuracy. 1t seems he has flock of
IL hens and that he takes all the care
of them, feeding them aud gathering
the eggs with his own hands. On the
21st. day of March these y hens laid
Ii eggs. Again, on the LIST. day of
April, the same hens produced II
eggs and one of them was double
yolked.
The "egg day" hen has been the
constant ambition of scientific poul-
try breeders, an ambition, however.
never as yet realized. 1t seems Mr..
Longfellow has a dozen biddies that
have hit the mark with one thrown in
for good measure. 1t is not probable
that they will keep up to even one
egg day on the average, but they
must certainly be or very promo
strain and the incident is one of the
pointers that show the hen to be
steadily improving under scientific
breeding methods.
Wilmont B. Whittier has further
report on his flock of grade Buff
Wyandottes, ten in number. In the
months of January, February and
March, these hens produced about 56
and one half dozen eggs which
yielded in the market $17.36. While
not in the poultry line, it may also be
mentioned that Mr.. Whittier has a
grade Hampshire lamb, % days old,
that weighs 80 pounds. This thrifty
youngster is still gaining at the rate
of three fourths of pound day.
The Somerset reporter., 1909-04-08
Protection for the User

Commencing April l every article
of food that is adulterated in any way
must be labeled when sold. Under
the pure food law all package goods
have been SO labeled for some time.
This means that If couple of pounds
of compound lard are put up in a
package by retail dealer he must
label the package as compound be-
fore it leaves his store. If vinegar is
not pure, the receptacle in which 1t
is sold must be SO labeled and so with
molasses or anything else. Bakeries
that use any compound in their cook
ing or extracts thai are adulterated
in any way must label the goods. If
you go to baker and buy dozen
doughnuts that were fried in a com
pound lard he must state the fact in
some way on the bag in which he
gives them to you. Ii he uses pie
filling that is not absolutely pure, this
must be stated on the plate or pack
age somewhere. In short, the idea is
that retail packages put up in stores
must be marked in the same way as
the packages coming from a whole
sale house and sold to the consumer
without being broken.
The Somerset reporter., 1909-04-08
Do this with your children.

School children should be fed plenti-
fully and frequently on Quaker Oats.
1t makes the best possible breakfast for
anyone who is to work with either brain
or muscle. It's easy to prove this in
your own family. Increase the daily
consumption of Quaker Oats and you'll
see an almost immediate Improvement in
the health and energy of those who eat
it. The regular size package of Quaker
Oats sells at 10c, the large family pack
r ge size at Csc; the family package with
q piece of china DOC.
Breakfast on Quaker Oats every day.
The Somerset reporter., 1909-04-08

Miss Florence Estes, who before
her departure for the West several
months ago was Il successful school
teacher in PittsGeld, has just gone IN
to a new venture in Montana. Miss
Estes went West to visit her brothers,
Daniel t. and Howard Estes, Jr., VINO
with Arthur White located in Mon
tana / / months ago, where they each
took up a track of government land
of 1G0 acres. Shortly after her ar
rival there, she accepted an offer to
teach school. She resigned the po-
sition recently and purchased tract
of government land containing 16o
acres, which she will cultivate. This
lapd adjoins that owned by her
brothers and Mr.. White, and combined
covers over one square mile. Miss
Estes has made "A deal with her
brothers and Mr.. White whereby she
is to keep house for them and they in
return are to cultivate her land.
During the present season 300 acres
OF land will be seeded into wheat and
flax. Miss Estes is the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Estes of the
Hartland road, Pittsfield.
The Somerset reporter., 1909-04-08
ung on ArDol !

sIng Oh AID0l A@J'
In accordance with the plans of the
recently appointed national Commits
sion on Country life, the school sup
erintendents of the various states are
planning to have meetings on Arbor
Day for the discussion of problems
connected with the rural schools.
Circulars regarding the matter have
recently been issued by Payson
Smith, superintendent of schools for
Maine. He suggests to the rural
teachers that they plan for meetings
to which the parents OF the district
be invited.
Mr.. Smith suggests a list of topics
for discussion and urges that both
parents and teachers cooperate to
make the day as helpful as possible
to the Maine rural schools. The
REPORTER invites teachers who are
planning to hold meetings, as above
suggested, on Arbor Day, to announce
them in through its columns.
The Somerset reporter., 1909-04-08
THE WEARY WAY.
Daily Becoming Less Wearisome
10 Many in Skowhegan.

With a hack that aches all
day.
With r.sr disturbed at night.
Annoying urinary disorders,
It's a weary way, indeed
poau'~ Kidney Pills drive
Wear0Hcse away.
Arc endorsed b> Skowbe.an
citizens.
A. H. Lang, 10 Middle Street,
SkOwhegan, Me. says II had acute
pains in my back accompanied by
disordered condition OF my kidneys.
knowing that serious consequences
might come from neglect of these
warnings and learning about Doan's
Kidney Pills, procured a supply At
SIMPSONS drug store. | was fortu-
nate beyond my expectations in being
quickly and absolutely freed of my
trouble | firmly believe Doan's Kid
ney Pills are the most reliable kidney
remedy known and l hope others
suffering asI did will try them. Since
first using Doan's Kidney Pills, have
occasional attacks of rheumatism,
caused by too much uric poison in
my system, but few doses of this
remedy have always given me relief"
For Sale by all Dealers. Price SO
cents. Foster Milburn Co., Buffalo,
New York, Sole Agents for the
United States.
Remember the name-Doan sand
take no other.
The Somerset reporter., 1909-04-08

1t was a very busy evening and
an exceedingly profitable one. There
seems to be every prospect that
Skowhegan's reorganized and re-
juyinated trade organization will
make itself felt in many ways for the
benefit of the community. The next
session will be on the evening of Fri
day April 10th Any citizen Is well
come to attend. All are urged to
affiliate with the organization but at
the next meeting at least, and very
likely thereafter, the presence of all,
members or otherwise, will be accept
able