davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

jobs Then he turned his attention to a
gentleman who was standing by the coun-
ter looking over some valentines. Have
you selected what you want yet, sir: he
asked.
Mug-a-tug was about to leave the shop
when the gentleman who had been ad-
dressed by the salesman turned 10 him,
placing. d restraining hand on his Shout
der
Say. little fellow. who do You want
this valentine for-your best girl, Ell?
And he laughed merrily into Mug-a-tus 5
face.
No. sir. l want ii for my mother" de-
clared Mug-a-tug But | can't pay that
much money. Fact is. | can't pay any
money this week. for I've laid off from
work for whole week on account of a
bad throat. So, l reckon, since the gen.
tlemah here won't let me do any jobs for
him as pay. I'll have to let Valentines
day go by without giving my mother a
remembrance.
Look here. little chap said the gem
tleman. Il like a boy who thinks that
way about his mother. And Eve got a
job for you, If YOU want it. Can you
come to my office every evening after
school for one hour?"
'Oh. yes. sir. you bet | cam. exclaimed
Mug-a-tug. What do YOU want me To do.
sir?'
II want YOU to come and chat with
me-" said the man. Il had little son
once-he was about your size when he
was taken away from me and / have
been looking for some one to take his
place You seem to be the boy. Anyway.
We'll soon find out if you are, and then
we'll arrange about your job with me
The gentleman's voice trembled slightly
as he spoke. And now you shall begin
drawing your wages. I'll just buy this
valentine for you and you may present
it to your mother tomorrow morning. And
tomorrow evening you come to this adj
dress And the gentleman took from
his pocket card on which were printed
his name and address
The next morning Mug -a-tug presented
his mother with the handsome valentine,
and happier little boy than he could not
have been found in all the big city where
he lived. And 10 say that the dear moth
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

first to reply to the wicked. ongtonsued
valentine. And 1 feel ashamed of the
rude remark 1 made in reply to that val
entine over there. and am sorry for hav-
ing so far forgotten my good manners.
But, like my stout friend. 1 stand ready
to apologize and be friendly to all In
this case.
"And I heartily agree to all that my
friends have said in the name of peace,
said the elegant valentine who was re-
splendent in satin and ribbon bows. Let
us forget any unpleasantness and be
friendly
All" sneered the long-tongued valen-
tine, tossing up her ugly head. You are
all afraid to do anything except to bow
down before me, now that / have so
bold and powerful a champion. But
we're not to be turned from avenginS an
insult. so make yourselves ready for the
fray" And the wicked long-tongued snaky-
eyed valentine boldly thrust herself in
to the midst Of the calm, well-mannered
valentines. throwing out her huge fists
and kicking with her great feet. striking
here and there. knocking over the pretty
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13
The Battle Among the Valentines

valentines and making sad havoc among
them all. Come on she cried TO the
valentine with horns on his head. Come
on. and let us show these stupids what
wicked valentine struck the pretty little
valentine. hurting her sorely Then.
striking right and left. she waded through
the case, making most OF the valentines
scramble to get out OF her way. But the
funny fat valentine would not bulge. and
stood his ground. waiting for her. When
she reached him she thrust out her
tongue at him. and her companion. the
black browed, horned fellow, came to her
aid. crying out to the fat valent.ne to
stand aside or lose his head. Strike if
YOU dare!' said the jolly fat valentine.
standing boldly before the black browed
fellow. Hereupon the blackbrowed valen-
tine raised his sword and struck at the
head of the jolly fat valentine: but the
latter was too quick for him and lodged
behind the protecting long tongue of the
wicked. snaky-eyed valentine. and the
sword caught her tongue, cutting it off
rent the air as the enraged tongueess one
turned on her former champion, striking
with both fists in his face.
In vain did the horned valentine try 10
explain to the tonguelesS one that the
sword-cut had been an accident. that she
had received the blow meant for another.
Raging and in agony, the snaky-eyed
valentine fought like a tigress. pulling
the black proved ones head.
And then the battle became fierce Only
these two engaged in 1.-THE horness one
and the tongueleSS one-and when. half
an hour later both fell lifelesS and torn
to shredS to the floor of the showcase,
the other valentines gathered round to
look or what was left of the wicked
CombatantS.
I'm glad they finished each other" de-
clared the funny fat valentine for they
were both too wicked TO live. and only
caused mischief in the case. Why do the
manufacturers make such wicked valen-
tines. anyway Isn't it as easy to make
lovely oneS-or comical ones, like my
self"
Those wicked valentines are made to
cater to the tastes of the wicked people.
explained the elegant valentine. smooth-
ing out her mussed satin and ribbon bows,
for she had suffered from contact with
the snaky-eyed one during her onslaught.
We'll it's a pity the wicked people
can't be got rid of in the same way that
those wicked valentines have been dis
posed Of said the pretty little valentine,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

Ing him the freedom OF the big library.
the happy fellow perched himself on the
top Of a picture and began TO sing.
At first the song consisted of but
few faint trembling notes, but once hay
ing found his voice old Pee-wee kept on
irving to coax it forward. and pretty soon
he warbled forth a song that delighted
Freddie immensely. Running to his moth
er.s ROOM lie cried: Come. mamma,
quickly and her old Pee-wee singing. He
has grown young again.
THAT comes from happy surroundings.
a loving hand to care for him and a
Youthful companion who infuses new lie
into his little being" explained Freddie
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13
I'm fat and very happy:
I'm happy and I'm fat:
All day | laugh and giggle,
SrI 49,, ,,n't hnof

Yes. you're fat, and that's all that can
be said of you. you stupid"' exclaimed the
ugly. Iong-tongued valentine. turning her
eyes on the jolly, fat valentine. IF You
had any mettle you'd show some fight and
make things lively in this case. But YOU.
like all the other stupid things here. are a
coward. Bah. Were l man I'd show
you what a good strong fist could do in
a crowd of stupids like this.'
And why should people desire to fight
inquired a very elegant valentine, one
clothed in silk and ribbon bows and hay
ing attached to herself a beautiful and
soulful verse. II think ii displays bad
breeding. to say nothing more, for one al
ways to he quarrelng.
well if | look like certain valentine
that I have had thrust upon me I'd not
speak of fighting with good. strong
fist" declared a jocose old chap in sol
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

clerks had opened them, displaying some
in the windows others in cases and others
over the counter. There were pretty val
entiues sfmpering valentines. elegant val
entiues and ridiculous valentines. Among
those one might call ridiculous were funny
ones and ugly ones and wicked ones
In a great glass case had been paced
a couple of dozen valentines, assorted
There were the love valentines. contain
ing heart deep verses, such as youths OF
twenty send to their dear little sweet
hearts There were elegant valentines.
ribbon adorned and gilt-edged. such as
Young gentlemen of means send TO young
ladies of their acquaintance. There were
a few of the very ugly valentines such as
boys and girls send To each o'hef io' 'le
fun of doing so. And there were the
wicked valentines such as are sent oS Ell
yious women to their rivals.
And so they congregated in the great
showcase all sorts and conditions OF val
entines. And it being SATURDAY night
after the shop was closed lor the uaH
they began to feel lonely. At last one
wicked valentine-a long-tonSued orc
woman with snaky eyes-roused herSei
from her corner and cried out Win d
shrill voice:
''What a stupid lot YOU all arc, TO he
sure. Can't any of you do anything but
sit about like bumps on logs?
At this unjust remark pretty niue val
entine nearly all heart and mowers rose
and said i'm timid voice: I'VE are al 40
ing ou- part i'm the world. madam. Your
mart is 10 look ugly and you are perform
ing your duty" Then the pretty miss sat
down, ana blushed at her own boldness
Good. good good cried several pretty
valentines and several humorous tdien
tines in a voice "A very appropriate re-
PLY to that ugly-tempered wicked valen-
line She started the ball rolling and IL
nothing but human nature to roll PACK al
her" So spoke a great Eat 1e!lo" ifoiii
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

might not put some seed and water i'll the
cage and not oblige the poor little sufferer
to wait until Jane should return.
''Oh, but that would put you to so much
bother said Mrs. Jones, tying Irvine
about the parcel of books and magazines
IL couldn't think of having you do It.
Besides. Jane should have reminder that
she neglected to attend to Pee-wee yes
terday. 1t is her work, and she must do
it.
Il am not thinking of Jane said
Freddie. his face flushed with indignation
at the old lady's heartless manner toward
the poor old pet in his prison. Il am
only thinking of your bird. Mrs. Jones
You say he is old and has lost his voice
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13
Learn Something About Birds.

The birds of different countries and
chimes make most interesting study and
the more We learn of our little feathered
kinsfolk of the air the more will we love
them and hold their life and liberty dear
To destroy the life of bird for the pur-
pose of mere killing-to display ones
marksma nship-is simply murder, and
nothing more, even though the victim be
a bird. Life is given to all creatures of
the air, the waters and the land by our
Creator. and not one should be held light
~ Therefore. when children kill birds
for the mere sake of killing they are COM
hitting very grievous sin. And to cap
ture and cage them Is even more wicked,
for bird In a cage Is the same as a child
in d prison. removed from all that il holds
dear in life. Every boy and girl who
reads this should try to imagine himself
and herself kidnapped by some great
monster. with whom he and she had no
connection whatever, and carried away
from home and friends and locked In
great iron cage. just large enough to adj
NIT Of the prisoner having a few feet in
which TO jump about and get exercise, 10
depend on forgetful monsters for food and
water. to have his or her prison hung in
cold or hot places, TO be neglected and
starved, and again oyerfcd When ttey
have fancied themselves in this unhappy
captivity the boy and girl will have some
sort of idea OF the unhappy lot of An i'm
prlSOned bird.
Now. the world had birds to fly and to
sing before man was created Birds are
a much part OF the beautiful earth as
are the flowers and trees. There are so
many kinds of birds that 10 just read over
the names Of d few Of the varieties Will
rouse any boys and girls interest and
they will at once desire to learn some
thing about each of these varieties, and OF
others that will come under their notice
when the subject has been taken up The
tropical countries are richer in variety
than are the northern countries. And
the birds are larger and more beautifully
feathered in the tropics. Many OF them
have most curious habits, and form
never-ending source of enjoyment TO read
and study about
A list of the names of different FAM
lilies of birds, so to speak, is given here
birds that are most interesting to know
about. They are the nightingale, the robin
the song thrush, the OWL the nuthatch.
the skylark. the maspie, the trogon, the
racket-tailed motmot. the hoopoe. the bee
eater, the hornbill many varieties, the
laughing jackass kingfisher. the cuckoo.
the mountain parrot, the cockatoo. the
the nightjars. the humminSbird, the pei-
can, the cormorant, the frigatebird. the
gannet. the screamer, the pochard the
Skeldrake. the Secretarybird, the yuture.
the kite, the osprey and the eagle.
The above list includes birds of AL
countries. and it will be a pleasure for
the young reader to sort them. arranging
them in their climatic order. Then study
them sinsly. thus becoming intimate with
our feathered kin all over the world.
MARY GRAHAM
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13
Little Pee-Wee: The Story Of a Bird

for themselves. But with pet birds and
animals it is different. They never did
anything for any person, you know. They
are cared for from their infancy to their
old age, and are mere pets-nothnS
more"
But your poor old Pee-wee used to
sing for you when he had voice." pro-
tested Freddie. And that was why you
kept him. | call that doing something for
others, Mrs. Jones. But see how tired and
thirsty he is. l must give him some
water"
eff he were of any account I'd give him
TO YOU" said the old lady. sitting down
YEARLY But he would only be bother
to you and would afford You no pleasure"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

and can sing no more If we are to tire
of poor creatures as soon as they become
old and useless the world will be crue!
place to live in Old people should not be
neglected and treated heartlessly just be
cause they can no longer work and are or
no use to the world. Wouldn't that be
worse than savasery. Mrs. Jones?'
Freddes voice vibrated with excitement
as he talked, and his innocent thrust at
the old lady was understood by her, for
her own Wrinkied cheek colored bit and
she showed confusion. 'Oh,of course"
she stammered. I'VE must always look
out for the aged They cannot look out
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

Mrs. Jones good morning and begging
her to call upon him whenever she needed
some one to perform her errands for her,
he ran away, happy in the ownership of
the old bird.
And old Pce-wee soon found that he had
fallen into other and better ha4lS He
was fed regularly, given fresh fruit and
water every few hours during the day;
his cage was kept in a comfortable place
by Il big window. through which he could
look into a leafess but pleasant park.
The old birdie was neglected no more,
but loved and made much Of, and began
TO hop about his cage with new spirit.
And one day, while Freddie was allow
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13
Dear Baby Nan.

Baby Mans face was sticky
And needed washing once again.
lit must be jelly" said her mot her
''Or honey" said her Uncle Ben.
But the matter Nan soon settled
Beyond The shadow of a doubt;
She said. ITS only sweetness
from the inside ooziuS out"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

couldn't get outside his bars, and must
stay there and suffer-.
After banding the old lady the glass OF
water and opening the kitchen windows
Freddie filled the cage glass with water
and gave the old Pee-wee time to drink
which he did as if half famished-be-
fore starting to his home. Then, bidding
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13
Mug-a-Tu g and His Valentine

salesman's face asked Say. mister. can
| do some errands for you TO pay for this
valentine? I'll do a lot of work for 1t, l
will
The salesman reached out hand and
took the valentine. replacing 1t in the
showcase. Nope, kid he said, shaking
his head i've got all the help l want.
I'm selling valentines for money, not for
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

mire the various valentines thus tempt
ingly displayed. and as often lamented
the fact that he had been kept in the
house for a week by bad throat when
he wanted so much to be out selling
papers, so that he might have enough
profit to buy a valentine for his mother.
Believe I'll just step in and ask the
price of that great big one with a heart
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13
~ STORIES FOR LITTLE AND LITE WOMEN

the elegant one holding only the good
valentines. the wicked ones having been
the destruction of each other. And now
Wen live in peace for awhile. Soon We II
be sold 10 good children and good grown
ups, for only the good buy such w"
are. So only happiness is in store for us
And all the valentines agreed.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

is name was not
Mug-a-tug. 1t was
James A n d r e W
Smith. But his
mother had called
him Mug-a-tug. for
1T seemed to fit
him so well. He
was a dear, chub-
by. freckle-faced
fellow. eight years
years old, and had
the manners Of a
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

IF only they could make away with each
OF her the world would be the better.
They will do so in time" said the jolly
fat valentine. They will war with one
another till at last they will all have been
killed. Then the world will be in the
hands of the good and Just
Just like this showcase is now" smiled
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

X T. ID u | r. GRAY
was one of the best
hearted boys In the
whole world. He
couldn't bear to see
any creature pun
mistreated or
neglected. And he
was always on the
lookout for poor
abused animals,
using his little. but
noble, influence to
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

full OF verses and the blue ribbon bows.
Gee, she's dandy
But the shopkeeper almost took Mus-a-
tugs breath away when, TO the little fei-
lows inquiry. he stated the price of the
valentine that had caught Mus-a-rus' S
eye. Fifty cents, SIR the salesman
said.
Mug-a-tug held the valentine lovingly
in his hands. Then. looking up into the
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13
Displeased Him.

Esrlie-Did yer git any good valentines
de udder day?
Johnny-Naw! Dey wus all desc purity
kind wild red hearts an lace stuff Not
a good ugly one i'm de bunch.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13
RebuS.

Rv taking the initial letter Of a ones llable
word from each Of the following sentences and
writing them together correctly the of
certain Kind OF four footed pet will be spelled:
Aim ri the sun and you'll reach the moon.
ew gems are the pearl.
Art is long nd tedious study.
\ gentle nag II the children's friend.
When given inch do not take q mile.
Sweet is the bread one can earn for himself
Always look well before lcapnc.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

err was happy and pleased would express
1t mildly. kissing her Mug-a-tug, she de-
clared him to be the dearest and most
considerate boy in all the world.
And that evening Mug-a-tug spent an
hour In the handsome Office Of the gentle
man who had told him he had work for
him to do. And the work proved to be all
in 'Mug-a-tug's favor, for Il meant that
he was to be sent to fine school where
he would learn a great deal. and that the
gentleman would pay all the expenses.
And all that Mug-a-tug was to give in re-
turn was his love, for the gentleman had
taken great fancy for the boy whose
first thought was for his own dear
mother.
You see. my boy. YOU are to be my
valentine, and / shall see that you never
regret It, You are to be my adopted son
and 1 your foster father. and the world
Will have much In store for us as We go
along through It together. And your moth
err shall live to see the day when through
Mug-a-tug her life shall be easier and
filled with bliss
And it all came out as the good gentle
man said it would.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

mother. There is nothing like love and
sweet sympathy, my child. to make us
happy and young
And with their arms about each other
mother and son went TO the library
where they saw Pee-wee still perched
on the picture frame. happy in possess
sion of his VOICE once again. Aud there
the happy Freddie remained till Pee-wee
of his own accord flew into his open cage
ready to have drink. bite to eat and
a nap And never was there a more
contented little pet in all the world than
that same Pee-wee, whose new master
had saved him from a miserable and sad
old age and death.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13
Riddle and Answer.

] trcmhle with each breath IF air.
And Yet can heaviest burdens bear;
lis known that | destroyed the world
And all things I'm confusion hurled
Ard vet do preserve all in IT
Through each revolving hour and III mute
Answcr-Water.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

T was a Saturday
evening, and the
valentine shop was
closed till the fol-
lowing NJ o II d a V
IN orn / II & should
come. A great new
stock of valentines
had been received
from the valentine
factory that day by
the shop owner,
and he and his
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13
Letter Enigma.

Nv FIRST is In spend. but not in earn;
My second II in hire. bur not n burn.
My thrd is in willow. but not in tree;
My fourth Is in finger. hut not in knee;
My NTH Is in nail. but not in toe:
My sixth is in ground but not i'll snow:
My whole spells something all girls love to do
When with their lessons they have gotten through
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-13

TOMNIY bought valentine
For his friend, Miss
Nell,
And in verse, 50 very sweet,
1t his love did tell.
The Thibodaux sentinel. (Thibodaux, La.) 1905-1912, 1909-03-20
FLOOD DAMAGE AT MONTGOMERY
Raging River Threatens Disaster and Seou Damage
bam,. People in Lower Part Fee

Montgomery, Aia.-Montgome is
threatened with the greatest flood in
the history Of the city. The Alabama
river is nearing the so foot stage and
the weather bureau predicts IS foot
stage in "a hours. There is danger of
the city being thrown into darkness,
,''2e waters threatening steam plants
II both the electric light companies
and the gas works. Residents of
north Montgomery were warned to
meve4mmediateIy and all day the p6-
lice aided families In getting to plac-
es of safety.
Across the river from Montgomery,
there is a sea of water, extending as
far as the eye can see. Tops of trees
which formerly stood high on the
banks are barely discernible. The
water is over the Louisville and
Nashville tracks at the foot of Com
merce street and the Union railway
station is in danger of being flooded.
So far no fatalities have occurred but
there have been two narrow escapes.
A force of laborers has begun a
barricade against the probability of
the gas plant being crippled as
stage near 60 feet would cut off gas
service and a brick wall is being con-
structcd to keep the waters out. The
greatest alarm is felt here over the
fact that all industries which use
motor power may have to suspend.
This would include the three news
paper plants.
The Thibodaux sentinel. (Thibodaux, La.) 1905-1912, 1909-03-20
BOND ISSUED IS AT HAND.
Money Needed for Purposes of the
Government.


Washington--As reminders of the
terribly expensive administration of
President Roosevelt, the American
people this summer are likely to see
the insuance Of bonds as well as
the collection of war taxes No other
way of getting the Treasury on a
good footing again seems possible.
The Treasury is no better condition
that it was at the time when Presi-
dent Cleveland was obliged to make
a bond issue in order to meet the
current expenses Of the government.
The House Ways and Means Com
mittee- has decided to- add most OF
the war taxes OF 1898 and some new
ones. to the tariff bill, but it seems
doubtful whether the additional reve-
nue. provided will meet the tremend-
Gus needs of the government. 1t is
certain this revenue will not be
available for the Immediate needs of
the Treasury. and that a supply of
money must come from another
source It Is asserted that claims
against the government to the
amount .of $50. .000. 600 have been
accumulated with the past two or.
three months, payment having been
delayed on account of shortage in
cash.