davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
President Taft's First Message.

President Taft's inaugural address,
his first message to the people of the
United States, has the ring of the
presidents of the past. In this it IS
in pleasing contrast with the made
while-you-wait documents, which his
immediate predecessor has been
springing upon the public at alto
gether too frequent intervals. The ad-
dress of the new executive reads as
If it had been given thought. There
is something in it besides self con-
sideration. There is observation-disclosures
in theory as to the welfare of the re-
public and of due reverence for the
dietf. His message has a beginning
and an ending 1t does not start in
the middle and break Off in the middle
as has been too often the case with
the strenuous one who has Just made
his exit
The people in times past have been
accustomed to hearing something of
wisdom, something of eloquence,
something of choice diction from the
lips of their chief executive. Taft is
taking them back to the good old Gus
toms that were first interrupted when
Mckinley fell
And all the people are gratified that
once again regardless of differences,
political or otherwise, they have a
president whom they may look up to-
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
The New President.

1t is doubtful if in all the country's
history a new president has been in
Quoted into Office SO favored at the
outSet with unmeaSured confidence on
the part of the people as is found to
exist in an unmistakable degree today
all over the land on the occasion of
President Taft's Inauguration. This is
said without regard to politics, but in
actual statement of fact Whether or
not the public estimate so shown is
properly based, it remains for Presi-
dent Taft alone 10 demonstrate. In
word, it is up TO him to make good
Few men in the country are better
equipped with experience and training
and it is believed ability, to assume
the duties of the greatest office, or.
as the outgoing chief executive has
termed it, the hardest job in all the
world to fill"
No man. therefore, has before enter
ed the White house under such pro-
pitious auspices. No man could ask
or expect better chance to succeed.
Democrats, who pitted against him d
man equally as well fitted for the try
ing responsibilities statesman of ex-
perience, constant student of ma
tional and international conditions, and
a man of superior power and genius
are not sulking because their candi-
date failed of election. While not
admitting that the better man won,
they are nevertheless entering into
the patriotic spirit of the day, and
joining in extending their best wishes
to the new chief.
This is inauguration day. presi-
dent, not Of the republican party, but
,of the whole people, has taken a
solemn oath, which, as President Lin
coin SO beautifully said, is registered
in heaven. The man who has taken
upon himself the obligation. not to
rule, but to serve, is entitled to fair
start and the well wishes of his coun-
trymen.
1t is for him alone to prove whether
his administration shall be success
or a disappointment.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
Another world-End Prediction.

Professor Perciyal of Boston, whose
astronomical researches have often
brought his name before the public,
has stated his views as to the manner
in which this old earth of ours will
come TO an end. There are many
dark stars, invisible to the human eye,
flying around in interplanetary space,
the professor is quoted as asserting.
Sooner or later, one of these rushing
bodies is bound to get near enough TO
be perceptible through the light re-
Elected upon it by other plants. Then,
after period of about 80 years, dur
ing which the inhabitants of the globe
will presumably have ample chance 10
put their affairs in order, it will col
Tide with the sun-and the intense
heat thus generated will destroy life
on our own particular sphere SO
quickly that nobody will know what
hit them.
This theory is perhaps as good as
any other. 1t seems. at any rate. to
be more merciful than the one which
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
COSTLY GIFT FOR UNCLE SAM.
Gem Studded Rug, Worth $4,000, Pre-
scented to the White House,

What is said to be one of the most
costly gifts to the nation by an indi-
vidual was recently accepted by Presi-
dent Roosevelt at the White House.
Fl. IT. Tcpahyan, a wealthy Armenian
conroisseur and personal friend of
the president. presented an imperial
silk jeweled Persian rug, said to be the
finest in texture and weave in the
world
The rug, which is valued at $4,000.
contains twenty-fCur square feet of
unblerished Persian silk. 1t is stud
ded with atrings of sapphires. rubies,
emeralds and turquoises, surrounded
by ropes of pearls, causing the color
design. which is mcdelcd after the in
terrier of q Turkish mosque. to run into
delicate shades of rose, green and no.
rizon blue. The whole effect istone of
irdescribable softness and richness.
The rug, which Is hand woven. rep
rcscnts the labor of an entire Persian
family for five years. 1t was originally
intended for use as wall tapestry in
the palace of the shah Of Persia, but 1t
struck Mr.. Topakyan's fancy on one Of
his trims TO the orient. and after a
great deal of trouble he succeeded in
purchasing it and bringing it to Amer
lea. A framework of mahogany has
been built arouud the rug. and it may
be used as n hanging tapestry in the
White House reception room.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

Another advance in the cost of liv-
ing, which has already reached the
highest figure in the history of the
country, will be decreed shortly by
western merchants as the result of
action taken at a secret meeting in
Chicago at which retailers of all the
leading commodities were represented.
Tea and coffee, sugar, household fur
nitrre and certain lines of dry goods
will be the first staple to feel the al.
vance Other increases are scheduled
to take place later, when the success
of the first advance has been assured.
The only ray of encouragement to the
consumer was the announcement that
the price of eggs may at least be cut
in number of states, following re-
Moved activity on the part of the
American hen
The conference at which the raise
In prices was agreed upon was the
first of series of meetings, it is, I'M
derstood, at which such matters will
be considered. but so great was the
atmosphere of mystery maintained by
those who attended that no definite
facts could be ascertained regarding
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
A Queer Trunk Problem.

One of the minor problems that pre-
sent themselves to managers of homes
for elderly persons is the accumulation
of trunks. Each new arrival brings
one or more trunks, often several, and
it is not expected that these ever will
be taken away, as the inmates are to
remain permanently. 1t is not, how
ever, considered safe to sell the trunks
or give them away, as they are the
private properly of the inmates, and
there is a possibility that the trunks
may be needed again through some
change in affairs or fortunes. The
trunks therefore pile up until they
become the despair Of managers, and
it is a relief when some of the older
or least substantial boxes break apart
from mere decrepitude and can con-
scientiously be consigned to the scrap
heap.-New York Press.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

''Dicky Anes. You're the most pro-
voking"-
But best brother that ever lived.
concluded Richard Ames. Loo. here,
Maude; III give UP my intention Of
taking Miss Hempsted out driving and
devote the time instead to the noble
cause of rumnsage. but only with the
understanding that ii | give up the So
ciety of the beautiful Miss Hcmpsted
for sweet charity l am to pick my own
company.
THE way you fired me at Nelia
Brewster's head the night CT the
church sociable was nothing shcrt OF
indecent. If she doesn't want to speak
to me again, why should you deprive
her of that satisfaction?
TITS not satisfaction" insisted
Dicks sister. ''Nella is as utterly mis-
erabie as you. and you know it,
"She didn't look that way this after
noon when ! passed her skating with
Ben Parkinson" commented Dick.
"She's game. She would smile IL
she had the toothache and happened 20
see you coming" persisted Maude.
She wouldn't let you see that she was
hurt by the way you have acted, but
well, any woman can see that she is
dreadfully hurt
$50 much hurt that she could not
answer a letter Of abject apology i
sent her," suggested Dick
did you really send it?" demanded
Maude curiously. ''She says she rever
got it and that you didn't even answer
hers
Because there was none to an.
swer." retorted Dick. Come on. now
Let us get down to the church and to
that charity which is its own reward
Maude paused uncertainty 1t was
the first time that Dick had spoken
freely about his quarrel with Nella
Brewster. and she wanted to sound
the trouble to its greatest depths. But
here was Dick drawing off just as she
had seemed about to reach the bottom
That the trouble had been trivial al
the start she knew, and with two per
sons like her brother and Nella 1t was
hard to tell where the trouble might
end, but the chances were that they
would drift farther and farther apart
Meekly she slipped into her wrap:
and prepared for the walk to tht
church, where a rummage sale for the
poor was being prepared.
Old clothes were pouring in to bt
| sold to the needy for whatever theil
slender purses could afford. Wher
Maude led Dick into the Sunday
school room he whistled in surprise a
the stacks of clothing.
'They are stopping all the time Il
talk about styles" explained Cheevers
''The moment they get a dress that Il
out of the ordinary they all stop to Sc,
how it's made"
/ II heard Oracle Chester say that a
last she could be certain that Mrs
Pomeroy's dress wasn't silk lined" an
swered Dick. with chuckle.
"By the way went on Cheevers
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
The Argus Daily Short Story
CHARITY'S REWARD by MURIEL HAYNES
= 81 Copyrighted 1908. by Associated Literar Press

n-Ie., something l found in the over
coat Of that little darby that the
Erewsters brought up from the south
with them last winter. Looks as
though Alexander had been holding
out some letters on you"
He passed over thin package Of
letters, and Dick gasped. The envel-
opes were grimy and worn, but he
could see that they were some letters
from himself that never had been de-
liyered and others from Nella that had
shared the same fate.
He recognized even the letter in
which he had sought to win her for
Siveness for all lie had said during
their last quarrel-a quarrel which had
started over some of her letters which
he now held in his hand for the first
time.
There was bulky one from Nella
that he opened first, and his heart
glowed as he realized that without
waiting for him to speak Nella had
written her own letter of forgiveness.
Il didn't know that there were so
clared wonderingly, and one of the
workers directed him briskly toward
one of the piles.
This is only the first lot" she said.
These are the mems and boys clothes.
Will you help get those Strengthened
out: We want them sorted roughly by
Sizes se
Dick followed the example of the
other men in the room and slipped off
his coat before he attacked the pile of
garments.
Here were clothes of all sizes and
weights, and as he picked up the first
garment one of the men on the other
side called to him:
Better go through all the pockets
first. l found dollar bill in vest
awhile ago, and Cheevers did better
than that. He found two"
I'VE should leave them in the cloth
ing suggested Dick. Perhaps the
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
Prof. II. A. Howell of Havana, Cuba,
Recommends Chamberiain's
Cnunh RemedY

AS long ago as | can remember my
mother was a faithful user and friend
of Chamberlain Cough Remedy, but
never in my life have | realized lis
true value until now" writes Profess
sor H. A. Howell of Howells American
school. Havana, Cuba. Con the night
of Feb. 5 our baby was taken sick
with very severe cold: the next day
was worse and the following night his
condition was desperate. He could
not lie down and it was necessary 20
have him in the arms every moment.
Even then his breathing was difficult.
/ did not think he would live until
morning. At last | thought of my
mothers remedy, Chamberlain's Cough
Remedy, which we gave. and it af-
forded prompt relief. and now three
days later, he has fully recovered.
Under the circumstances ! would not
hesitate moment i'm saying that
Chamberlain Cough Remedy and that
only, saved the life of our dear little
boy" For sale by all druggists.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04


is Aberdeen
the romantic Scotch estate Isht youngest
in 1857 right welcome this hoptable home
Highlands the
there little 1sh learned politics at when she should still have believed
When who ridden
the country lost his and unkn9ngy the Monbank
Gordon Sir Dud good old Parliamentary friend Earl of
The
young people led to their marriage in 1877
of Veroy of Ireland 1t delicate difficult position with pitfalls
the the
brodey the Irish
to admission to official functions the Castle.
on
club a
her with her three children remaining her loving
Copyright vwmCM
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
Sad Pleasure.

The Joy there is in sorrow,
The pleasure linked with pain,
The fun that comes in shedding tear
To match a summer rain
Appeals perhaps to poets
And persons of that sort
And makes them downright happy,
According to report.
1t must be rare enjoyment
To have a. broken heart
IT'S pleasure somewhat milder
To feel a bunion smart.
But for time exquisite
OF that especial brand
It's best to lose your fortune
And next day mash your hand.
For who could be light hearted
Or feel his life complete
II he had wads of money
And lived on Easy street?
To contemplate q prospect
With not a thing to do
But sit and tear off coupons
Would make the brayest blue.
The beauty of amusement
OF this sad. soulful brand
Is that the means TO make IT
Are always at your hand,
And as the tears are falling
You jump into the brine
And say to those unhappy:
Come In. The waters fine"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
The EX-President.

For the first time since the death of
Grover Cleveland June "a last, the
United States has a living ex-presi-
dent. Mr.. Roosevelt, comparatively
young in years and man of great
physical vigor, may reasonably be ex-
pected to upset the popular notion,
which has considerable basis in fact,
that the presidents of the nation are
not apt to long survive their retire
ment from Office.
Mr.. Cleveland lived IL years after
his retirement. This record was ex-
ceeded by only 10 presidents. and four
of these lived to a great age John
Adams survived his retirement a quar-
ter of a century, and his son, John
Quincy. outlived his retirement nearly
20 years. Tyler also survived 90 years
after leaving office. Thomas jefferson
lived II years after his retirement, and
James Madison 10 years. Martin Van
Buren, lived q years after quitting the
White house, the same number of
years that Willard Fillmore survived.
James Monroe lived six years after his
retirement, Andrew Jackson eight
Years, Franklin Pierce IL years, James
Buchanan seven years, Andrew John
son six years, Ulysses S. Grant eight
years, Rutherford B. Hayes IL years,
and Benjamin Harrison eight years.
William Henry Harrison, Zachary
Taylor, Abraham Lincoln, James A.
Garfield and William Mckinley died
in office. Washington survived his re-
| tirement less than three years. Polk
! died only few months after retiring
from office, and there is every reason
to suppose that had Arthur compassed
his ambition of an election to the pres.
idency in 1884, he would have died ear.
| ly in his term, for he outlived his re-
! tirement less than two years.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
NapoIeon's Bible.

the Bible which Napoleon used during
his compulsory sojourn in the Isle of
Elba. 1t is copy of cheap popular
edition, illustrated with rough wood
cuts, with the initial N. and the inn
perial crown stamped upon its back.
A number of texts are underlined. and
the inference is that the exiled EN-.
peror searched the Scriptures for pas
sages appropriate to his misfortune
and his hopes. 81 will sraite the shep-
herd, and the sheep shall be scattered"
is perhaps the most significant of them.
The Bible was discovered in the sane
tuary of the Madonna del Monte, in
Elba.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
THEs0UIET LIFE.

Would Teddy, now that the fitful
trials of public life are DER. take unto
himself these familiar lines.
Happy the man, whose wish and care
y few paternal acres bound.
Content to breathe his native air
In his own ground.
Whose herds with milk, whose fields
with bread.
Whose fiocks supply him with attire :;
Whose trees in summer yield him shade
In winter, fire.
Blest. who can uncOncern'dly find
Hours, days. and years, slide soft away
In health OF body, peace of mind,
Quiet by day.
Sound sleep by night: study and ease
Together miX'd; sweet recreation,
And innocence. which most does please
With meditation.
Thus let me live, unseen unknown;
Thus unlamented let me die;
Steal from the world. and not Il stone
Tell where l lie.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
Neglected.

"John Alexander. hear that you are
gambling" said the indignant wife.
trying to bear up under the disgrace
and at the same time show that her
heart was broken
'Only matching pennies" said John
offhandedly.
Yes: you have plenty of time. to
match pennies, but can't find minute
to match that bit of blue silk for your
poor wife-boohoo. boohoo"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

Charges of corruption in the Pana-
ma deal are considered treason and Sc.
dition. Charges of corruption in Mus
kogee town lots are considered an evil
dence of patriotism and high-minded-
ness by the same parties who charge
treason and sedition.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
SETON BEAM FOR ROOSEVELT.
Device Determines Weight and Meas
ursnent OF Animals Accurately

Ernest Thompson Seton of Green
witch, Conn, has presented to Presi-
dent Roosevelt sportsman's weigh
beam fer use en- his South African eX-
petition. 1t is called the Seton beam
and Is the invention of the naturalist.
BY the use Of this beam animals up
to 900 pounds may be weighed TO with
in half an ounce of accuracy. The out
fit itself weighs but one and three
quarter pounds and is on the pure
gravity principle, without spring. 1t
also provides for the measurement Of
the animals.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
Good Liniment.

You will hunt a good while before
you find a preparation that is equal 10
muscular and rheumatic pains, for
the cure of sprains and soreness of
the muscles. 1t is equally valuable
for lame back and all deep seated
muscular pains. % and so. cent sizes
for sale by all druggists.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

If a chimpahzee can draw $500
week in London, England, for eating
his meals and smoking cigarets in
public. what is the use of mere think
ing man trying to elevate the stage.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

You can bet the signal service man
who, no later than last night, promised
ideal weather in Washington today
will be the first to lose his job, all
right, all right
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

After all, says the Keokuk Gate City,
conditions in Pittsburg are not as bad
as they might be- Only SO out of
possible SO of the councilmen there
are accused of graft.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

Never mind, Bill Taft, the promoters
of the first Rock Island exposition
sympathize with you on the weather
proposition.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

1t would be just like Teddy to think
the elements have dashed themselves
into fury. because he is going out of
office.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

Now that a president has been in
augurated, the next important duty
will be election of a mayor of Rock
Island
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

There is Knox head to the cabinet
but does it wear a-Stetson hat?
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

Good times are all right, but some
men have been swamped by high tides
of prosperity.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

Incidentally. do-nothing congress
has likewise gone into the past.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
THE, ARGUS.

Published Daily and Weekly at 1874
second aTsnuA Rock Island, ri. rEn-
ered At the postofice as second-class
matter.1
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

Goodby. Teddy. take care of your
self and have bully good time.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

William Howard Taft is sure enough
the biggest man in the country now.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

The whole Taft family was on deck.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

Being able to adjust oneself to ones
position isn't all; staying adjusted
takes some ability too.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

How do you do, President Taft?
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

The man who has the explaining
habit either feels overburdened with
knowledge or has an uneasy con-
science.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
A Different Rate.

A Different Rate.
'.How did you like the shown
at put me to Sleep"
you ought to see the manager and
get rebate. Your seat cost you $3.50.
and you ought to get good bed fog
So"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
Humor me Philosophy
BY DUNCAN n. SMITH
PERT PARAGRAPHS.

1t sometimea
takes a lot OF
boosting by the
rightpeople to kill
a good measure.
Stealing time
from rest will
sooner or later
put you in the
goal of neuraS-
thenia.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

BY THE J. w. POTTER CO.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

Ornamental things aren't necessarily
useless, but often to that extent they
are not mental.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

No one should be censured for want
ing to get even who is on the uneven
edge of despair.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

Ever notice how scared some people
look when a rumor gets afloat that a
lot Of sinners are going to be exposed2
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

Fireman's Snap.
Where is your sonr'
"In the city,
SCOT good job2"
HYes; nothing to do but go to fires"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04
Tender spot.

He win never recover from that
fake duel"
where was he woundedr'
I'm the egotism.n a,
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

So Surprising.
why don't you behave yourselfr"
what. / behaved"
Yes; you behave"
"It would occasion so much talk"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-03-04

The Aftermath.
After New Years come the bills.
Keeps a fellow hopping
Making payments on the frills
OF the Christmas shopping.