davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
Horses in the United states.

The Year Book OF the department
of agriculture for 1908 places the mum
Der Of horses in the United States at
23,64S.532 and the number Of mules
at 4,240,399, giving as q total for the
equine population OF the country 81
SSS,931. These figures probably fall
short of the actual number Of horses
in the United States as no enumera-
ton of those in cities and towns has
been made in 10 years. Probably 3d.
C'39,G00 would be a lair estimate
Horses are valued at s107S4
each, according TO the New
Year Book. These prices are the
highest on record, and they indi-
cate total of about $4,000, 000, 600 rs
the value of the cOuntry's horse stock.
The price OF horses has Increased
more than 100 per cent in the last 10
years, and each succeeding year has
seen not only higher prices but
greater number OF horses in the coun-
try. Farm horses alone have Increased
in numbers from 100000 to 20,
CG0,0C0 since the year 1900, and in
value from S44.61 each TO $95.G4 each.
The 10, 600 farm horses of New York
state are valued at $4,000, 600, an av-
eTage of about S114 each. Illinois has
more farm horses than any other state
in the union. with total Of 1923, 900,
valued at $1G9 each.
Only four other states have more
than l 100000 horses on farms. These
are Iowa, with 1,419,0CO; Texas, with
1872, 600: Kansas, with 10000, and
Nebraska with 1895 goo. Counting
horses in cities, how ever, New York's
equine population would doubtless ex-
coed 100000. New Mexico has the
poorest and Rhode Island the best
horses in the country, according to the
government statistics. The average
value in New Mexico is s41 and IN
Rhode Island S126
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
Change Urged in Washington.

Once more the plan to adopt a con-
stitutional amendment that will trans
fer the date of presidential Inaugural
tions from early March to late April
is trotted to the front Purveyors of
entertainment in Washington would
like to see the change made. There
is no proof that the country at large
has any vital interest in the question
which seems to be a very good reason
why matters should remain as rney
are.
Meanwhile, a Wisconsin representa-
tive urges that hereafter the sessions
Of congress shall begin on the second
Monday of November instead of the
first Monday in December. Something
might be said for this because il is
we'll known that under the present
rules little actual work in legislation
is done until after the holiday recess.
Tomorrow. for exampleS>+he house and
senate will adjourn until Jan. t. to an
able the lawmakers TO go home and
consume turkey on Christmas day
with their families A fortnights re-
cess is rather a liberal allowance for
that purpose; but many of the mem
bers have a long distance to travel in
reaching their domiciles, and congress
can usually be trusted to look out for
its own comfort and convenience.
OF much more Importance than
either of the proposed innovations
would be a method by which a house
Of representatives which is elected in
the autumn of one year should not
normally be compelled to wait for t3
months before it enters upon its du-
ties. When a special session is called,
as one was last March. which Mr.. Taft
promptly convened the legislators %
frame a new tariff, this prolonged de-
lay does not occur. Such sessions are
not very frequent, however. The
house is supposed TO represent the peo-
pie directly and Immediately. 1t
should be able to perform this func-
ton more effectively if it regularly
met. organized and began its work
within a few weeks after it was chosen
at the polls.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
500 Reward, 500.

The readers of this paper will be
pleased to learn that there is at least
one dreaded disease that science has
been able to cure in all its stages, and
that is catarrh. Halls Catarrh Cure is
the only positive cure now known to
the medical fraternity. Catarrh being
a constitutional disease, requires a
constitutional treatment. Halls Ca
tarrh Cure is taken internally. acting
directly upon the blood and mucous
surfaces of the system. thereby de-
stroying the foundation of the disease,
and giving the patient strength by
building up the constitution and assist
ing nature in doing its work. The pro-
prietors have so much faith in its cur
alive powers that they offer one hun
bred dollars for any case that it fails
to cure. Send for list of testimonials.
Address F. J. CHENEY & CO. Toledo,
Ohio.
Sold by all druggists, IS cents.
Take Halls Family Pills for consti-
patton.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

with it drove out long ago. 1t refuses
to treat with its employees as members
of trade union. 1t insists upon treat
ing with them individually because it
can the easier break their backs of re-
Sistance
The trust accomplished control Of
its own business by driving out the
unions. Now it works it's men seven
days a week and an average of u
hours a day, and pays them miserablv
for the work performed 1t builds
homes and maintains stores where its
worHingmen trade and it takes back
from them about all it paws them.
Steel trust quarters are on a par with
the tenements of the east side in New
York as breeders of vice and crime.
the conditions being unspeakabIy bad,
The steel workers have nothing to
lose in a fight against the trust. The
JOBS they have they were better with
out under the terms and conditions of
their employment, whereas if they win
they viii have a chance under better
and fairer conditions. 1t is to be
hoped that, failing to secure redress
of their just grievances that they shall
conduct the strike without violence
and without destruction of property,
in a manner that viii enlist the SYM
pathy of all fair-minded people in their
behalf
Organized labor has been guilty Of
some crimes in the past, and misguided
members of unions have been guilty
of wanton acts of cruelty. but them
crimes are not comparable for ferocity
with the crimes of the steel trust.
That combination of organized greed
seeks to subordinate the man to the
dollar, In such a conflict, with the
issues well-defined and clear. there can
be but one hope, and that for the sue
cess of organized labor.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
POET WATSON IS IN CUBA
CabIegram From Wife in Havana De-
nounces Insanity Story.

New York, Dec. 25.-The follow
ing message by cable from Mrs. Will
liam Watson is the first reply to the
statement of the poets brother that
the poet is insane. and it solves the
mystery of the disappearance of the
British poet from the Hotel Astor
10 days ago:
Havana, Dec. 22.-Robinson Wat
sons message to the World is
wicked attempt to ruin my husband.
William WatsOn's reputation in
America. 1t accords well with his
conduct for years past.
"MAUREEN WATSON,
Hotel Trocha."
Robinson Watscn's statement was
that the poet, William Watson, be-
came insane in 1892, after he had
written his "Lachrymae Musarum"
on the death of Lord Tennyson, his
mind being upset by his good for
tune in receiving a pension of 200
pounds from the government. me
brother Of the poet gave out the
statement in an apology for the
poets attack on the Asquiths.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

Labor's War With the Steel Trust.
The United States Steel corporation
Is the greatest industrial trust in the
world. It's ownership of coke and iron
deposits renders it independent Of
others in securing raw materials. 1t
dominates the selling market of the
world and if 1t were disposed it could
crush all competitors at home, and in
long continued warfare destroy COM
petitors abroad.
The trust has experienced no diff
Guilty in debating tariff schedules to
it's liking With Roosevelt in the
White house it had no trouble in Sc
curing a suspension of federal law in
dts favor Coveting the Tennessee
Coal & Iron company, the forces which
control the steel trust in 1907 caused
the afiliated banks of New York TO
withdraw credit from the men who
controlled the Tennessee Coal & Iron,
and to call their loans. Thus Unsup-
ported, the holders of Tennessee Coal
e. Iron stock were forced to transfer
control OF it to the steel trust at
fraction of its estimated value of
$500, 0oO. 00O.
When one trust is so powerful as TO
force a group of men having $780,
o0O,O0O property to walk the plank,
what chance have the employees of the
steel trust who collectively probably
do not control 5000 to win in a
struggle against the trust?
A very slim chance perhaps. But
chance nevertheless, fighting
nh Anna ~, xyhiob t5,o r1pio,, rvorLarc
eiaeS 20 stake o their S.Iet iobs l tbeir own
and their families comfort. Whatever
union men there are in the shops IF
the steel trust are there because the
trust would not do as well without
Them. Those whom it could dispense
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
The Absent One

l am sending you, my darling, ~
A simple Christmas token
But the wishes that go with it
Are blessings all for you.
When you read your mothers letter,
1t will tell the sweet old story,
That we love you, darling.
Just the same as long ago.
would that I might send you
A "Fairie Ship" all laden
With gold and silver treasures,
And diamonds from Peru;
But instead I send you, darling,
A golden ship of fancies-
With Christmas wishes laden
And love that's warm and true.
Your vacant chair Is guarded
With evergreen and holly,
And about your darling picture
There hangs the mistletOe;
But we miss your welcome footstep,
And your sweet familiar presence !;
OH we wish that you were with us
Just the same as long. ago.
Mrs. Albert c. Cramer, 934 Twenty
second street, Rock Island
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

For 1909 our imports from South
American countries will reach total
of $500, 100000 Our exports to South
America will be over $4,000. 900 This
is one-sided trading, but that is not
the fault of the Latin Americans. It
is our policy to make dear the wares
they wish to buy of us. The indis-
pensable commodities we buy of them
are mainly those we cannot procure
elsewhere. As a result we pay for our
purchases with two dollars in gold for
every dollar paid in barter.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

waiting for me III the end!' The glrIs
face was very white. Forgive me-
said the man huskily-''forgive me IL
you can. | have been quite carried
away" There was a long silence be
: fore the girl spoke.
You have also heard my name" she
said. Il am Antoinette Drew, the
promised wife OF the governor"
Your cried the man incredulously
as he looked at the girlish face in its
frame of curling hair.
He was my fathers friend" she ex-
planned, land held me upon his knee
as a child. 1t was mother. | think.
who made him realize that he wanted
me for his wife. We have been taught.
my sisters and |. that TO achieve prom
inence and wealth leaves nothing TO
be desired. end we have done credit TO
our teaching. Out here in the great
white world / have been thinking
things over. wondering it | dare be
true. |. too. have a battle before me.
and | am going to play the game fair
| am going back TO brave my fathers
anger and my mothers displeasure-to
tell the governor all and ask pardon
for the great wrong done him. I am
glad" she added softly. that my de-
cision had been made before | knocked
at your door. else | might question my
own motive today"
The man leaned forward. IF he
holds you to your promise" he asked
tensely. what them
The girl sighed. II shall at least
have been honest"
And If he releases you?"
With a rush and a slide a great
weight of snow came laundering down
from the roof. John Ryder" cried
the girl unsteadily, ''our furlough Is
over. Get out your shovel and set me
free"
For days he haunted the little post
office. His last memory Of her had
been as she stood upon the platform
of the train that was carrying her
away. Just as the car turned the
curve she drew herself erect and made
stif little military salute. There
had been a smile upon her lips and
tears in her eyes. The picture came
back to him this morning as the post
master handed out a businesslike look
ing envelope and then a small square
one He hurried out into the spar
king world to be alone.
1T has come, Laddie." he said to the
dog; ut has come at last" For a mo-
ment he feared to break the seal, then
stood still as the full significance Of
her message came to him. THE gov
ernor has granted our pardon" he
read.
The man went running up the shin
ing roadway. the great dog leaping
and barking joyously at his side.
When they had gone some distance
be remembered the other envelope and
tore 1t open. It was an offer Of a
position of great trust and was signed
by the governor.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
Hurmor and
Philosophy
A POSER.
8y DVWcAN n! .Sr1ITH

now to capture pleasure
IL That's the problem pressing
Notice how IL keeps you
Every minute guessing,
Leads deceptive chasing
To an end uncertain.
Showing only ashes
AS you draw the curtain.
Things that strike your fancy
In the hazy distance
Seem to nod and beckon
Quite beyond resistance.
But on close inspection
With an eye discerning
They are very seldom
That for which you're yearninG.
In the fitful fever
OF the wild pursuing
OF the ignis fatuus
There is nothing doing.
When you catch the baubio
Fairly in your clutches.
Hardly on the edges
You Will find II touches.
Turn 20 home and Preside.
To the manners simple.
There. mayhap. you'll ind ~
In a baby's dimple.
Nothing in the chasing
Or the frenzied wooing.
All there is of pleasure
Comes without pursuing.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
Lifting the Limit.

Lifting the Limit.
"John, don't you think 1 ought 20
have a new hatY
Certainly"
"How expensive hat shall getT"
"Get something nice while you are
getting it. Nothing is too good for
you, darling. Here is $3.50. Go and
blow yourself"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
Stockholders MEETING.

The annual meeting of the stock
holders of the Rock Island National
bank of Rock Island will be held at
their banking house on Tuesday. Janu-
airy II, 1910, at $3.50 o'clock p. m, for
the election of directors and the trans
action of such other business as may
properly come before them.
H E. CASTEEL,
President
H. B. SUMMON.
Cashier
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
The Victim.

young wilkins is a failure, hears !
YES" e.
TOO bad. isn't itT
"Why, what else could you expectT
Explain"
''He was brought up by a doting
mother; consequently he was brought
down by the first expert con man that
went after him"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

The Kansas baby crop numbers p
OG0 less than last year but as Kansas
generally has a bumper corn crop. Il
can't expect to lead in every house
hold necessity.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

In the great battle in Nicaragua
one and one-half men were killed and
three and three-quarters wounded
The entire army of 23S men fought
braveIy.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
Hiaher Degree.

"You know that Mr.. Brownr
yes"
"He is positively piggish."
"Why, he isn't, eitherv'
Like to know what you would cEG
him them
''Hoggish."
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

A policeman ran man in because
the latter called him a "bonehead. :"
II ball players had police power the
jatls would be full Of offenders.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
Not to His Taste.

"He is the concentrated milk OF hu-
man kindness"
Maybe he Is, but
"Burwhat?'
81 don't like the brand"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
Why He Objected,

"You are a long time curing me, doc
tor
We'll. you were a long time getting
sick, weren't you?"
Eyes. but fl was more fun and didn't
cost so much"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
Often.

1.-TWO heads are better than one. you
know"
"It sometimes depends upon what
one"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
Too Damp.

The gulf stream runs its placid way.
A pleasant river. I've been told.
But do not SIT upon its banks
or you might catch your death OF cold.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

According to the readers of the Sue
cess Magazine the success of the Taft
administration is mot proven"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

You have just one week to plan how
you will start the new year.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

CONTINUED from rage One-)
one is denying the Loeb interviews.
And no one is going to deny them.
And Mr.. Loeb, Jr., is just loved 10
death by the standpat republican lead
ers, oh, yes ne is-NOT.
ct expect to see Massachusetts go
democratic In the congressional cleo
lions next fall" said Ray Stannard
Baker, Of the American magazine,
while in Washington the other day.
81 have just spent six weeks in the
New England states. and the antag-
onisn in that section aga INST Aldrich
and Cannon Is something amazing.
look to see the next house democratic
by a liberal margin. When the New
England states are hostile to the re-
publican party, look out for democratic
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
Quite True.

''What is a cynicY'
"a cynic?"
Eyes"
''He is a fellow whose selection of
unpalatable truths for general circula-
ton doesn't suit the popular taste"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
landslides in the west and middle

landslides in the west and middle
west
Don't be angry if a stranger calls
at your home and asks if you love your
wife. He's only the census man.
About $4,000 of them will be out on
the job before long. The collecting of
Information about the private affairs
of people who don't want to talk is
just a part of their duties. To make
good they must be cross between a
newspaper reporter and a book agent.
Lost. strayed or stolen, from the
standpat corral-James R Garfield, ex-
secretary of the interior, believed to be
wandering on insurgent territory; can
not be located definitely. however.
q
Senator Robert NJ. La Toilette of
Wisconsin, one of the "revolutionists"
of the senate, went to the White house
to see Taft about some Wisconsin mat
ters
Tell the senator to come back early
next week" was the greeting from the
presidential Office.
Tell the president" replied La Fol
lette. that when he wants me he can
send for me"
Later-Senator Dolliver of Iowa, an
other 'revolutionist," is reported TO
have had the same experience.
Jimmy Garfield. anti-Ballingerist,
says someone has been fooling him.
He had it all planned out to be a stand
patter, because some folks told him
he could have the Ohio governorship
nomination if he would only sit steady
in the boat Now he discovers the
villains had their fingers crossed all
the time. He feels so insurged that
he is contemplating going on the war
path. =
Consular reports are to the effect
that Japan intends to abandon the pol
icy of substituting its merchant ma
rine. because it finds it not only IN
profitable. but disastrous.
Representative Augustus P. Gardner,
of Massachusetts, who, during the at
tack on the house rules last spring
made a noise like a regular insurgent,
has thrown up the sponge and gone
back to the reactiOnary camp.
.
"The proposed investigation of the
BaIlinger-Pinchot controversy" said
member of congress. expressing the
view of many, lis of secondary impor-
lance to who does the investigating"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

A sprained ankle will usually disa,
BILE the injured person for three or
four weeks. This is due to lack Of
proper treatment. When Chamberlain's
Liniment Is applied a cure may be yef-
fected IN three or four days. This hni-
ment is one Of the best and most re-
markable preparations in use. Sold by
all druggists.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

Keep out of trouble then II you
can't stand up to It,"
"But that causes me a lot OF trouble
too"
What doesY slmr
excepting out of It," 3
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

Here's hoping it is a Merry Christ
mas to you.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

Light conversation, in spite Of it,
name. frequently needs a great deal OF
Illuminating and being freed from oh.
securing things.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

When a young man grows suddenly
active in business there is pretty sure
to be a girl at the bottom OF II.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
Piles Cured in 6 to "a Days.

Piles Cured in to Il Days.
Pazo Ointment is guaranteed to
cure any case of itching, blind bleed
ing or protruding piles in to IA
DAYS, or money refunded. so cents.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
PERT PARAGRAPHS.

The man who systematically looks
out for himself frequently gets in Cd
somebody else's territory.
Stern necessity doesn't stand on cere-
mony, wait on etiquette or go on In
vitation.
Our sins somehow have a fashion OF
finding us out when we have been in
discreet and are all in.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
A level headed

A level headed
woman has no
need to ask II her
hat Is on straight.
IL Is generally
an old hen that
lays a plot and
matches out a
broodpf mischief
The worst about
showing people
how 10 do things
Is that they are
sure TO remember
it TO our confu-
sion afterward.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

Some Of the moderns seem to stand
for a new reading OF the old proverh
and to hold that virtue is its own
punishment.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

Consular reports are to the effect
that Japan intends to abandon the pol
icy of subsidizing its merchant ma
Tine. because it finds it not only I'M
profitable. but disastrous.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
SOME OF THE LATEST
POLITICAL GOSSIP FROM
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL

Continued from Page one.)
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25
THE ARGUS.

BY THE j. w. POTTER co.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

The proposed investigation of the
BaIlinger-Pinchot controversy" said a
member of congress, expressing the
view of many, lis of secondary impor-
lance to who does the investigating"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

Representative Augustus P. Gardner
of Massachusetts, who, during the at
tack on the house rules last spring
made a noise like a regular insurgent
has thrown up the sponge and gone
back to the reactionary camp.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

H. B. SUMMON.
Cashier.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

Later-Senator Dolliver of Iowa, an
other ''revolutionist," is reported to
have had the same experience.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-25

Lost. strayed or stolen, from the
standpat corral-James R Garfield, ex-
secretary Of the interior, believed to be
wandering on insurgent territory; can
not be located definitely, however.
The Washington times., 1909-12-01
o. gf HS5H SICKNESS

one reason so many people take cold
during the winter months, according to
a well-known authority. Is the hot. dry
atmosphere indoors, due to imperfect
heating. II we were as careful TO keep
the air in our rooms moist as we are
to keep them warm, there would be
less occasion for cough medicine than
is now the case.
OF all the sO-called minor ills OF the
body, there is none the neglect Of which
IS so liable TO result seriously as the
common cold" The cough initiates
the mucous membrane of the throat,
lungs and bronchial organs. leaving
them sore and inviting attack from the
countless germs Of dread tuberculosis
which infect the air we breathe
A simple, inexpensive cough medicine
can be made by mixing two ounces of
Glycerine, a half-OunCe Of Virgin Oil OF
Pine compound pure. and eight ounces
or pure whisky. Shake wen, and take
a teaspoonful every four hours. 1t will
break UP a cold quickly and cure any
cough that is durable. This formula is.
frequently prescribed and is highly rec
commended by the Leach Chemical Co.
of Cincinnati, who prepare the genuine
Virgin OIL OF Pine compound pure for
dispensing through druggists.