davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The San Francisco call., 1909-02-12
Good Work on Canal

Il am here on my way from great
constructive work. he said; 'the great
est entered in by any nation during the
present two centuries. and 1 am glad
to say to you that the work is going
on as you would have it go on. That on
the first of January. 1915, at least. if
not beforehand 1 am very much inter-
ested in having it within the next four
years-that canal will be completed.
And when that time comes you will see
floating down this river your great
commerce bound through those straits
to the west coast of America, to the
west coast of South America, to the
orient and to Australia.
The board of engineers have ex-
amined the whole work, and they say
it is good; that it shall go on as it
has gone on; that the organization of
the isthmus. the American push and
the good feeling that exists, commend
themselves to them as men who under
took great works of that class and
convinced them that the canal is now
10 70
Evening star., 1909-06-26

MaOge had SUCH q WOnOer1ui place ~
play-the entire big. back yard to their
house, Cora and Bulger living in a board
fng-house at the corner of the block in
which Teddy and Madge lived. had only
little corner of the front yard in which
to play. and. even there they were not
safe from interruption. There. was old
Miss Smoker. a very prim. silent. maiden
lady, who always read or mapped in the
afternoon. and IL Cora and Bulger hap
pened to be playing in their corner
which was almost directly under the old
ladys windows-she would put out her
head and cry down to them: BE quiet,
there, you awful youngsters! Don't you
know that there are other people In the
world besides yourselves? II you can't
be quiet In the yard go down the street
where your terrible noise won't disturb
the people who want to read and sleep.
Gracious! what are kids fit for, anyway
she would add, speaking to herself ''Only
made to give people worry and bother.
And folks that have such burdens should
not board. but should get a place in the
country five miles from anywhere. and
there turn the youngsters loose. like so
many noisy animals"
X
And it was just such complaints as
Cora and Bulger to get acquainted with
Teddy and Madge. for when scolded and
driven from the corner in the yard the
little ones would run down the street to
play, and SO met Teddy. and Madge one
day and accepted an invitation from
them to Come play with US on our
mOuntain-top." And from that day lne
four little ones become the best of
nlo inc Ia, = t1A III
where no one came to drive them away
The mother OF Teddy and Madge never
cared how much noise the little ones
made, and often came to join In some of
their games. Also. the mother of Cora
and Bulger came occasionally to the
home Of Teddy and Madge, to see that
her little ones were not In the way, nor
staying too long, thus wearing out their
welcome" as Cora whispered to Madge
on one such occasion. But when the
mother Of Teddy and Madge assured the
mother of Cora and Bulger that the dear
little. ones were never In tne way, and
that she was so glad to have them come
to play every day with her own children,
and many. many times arranged little
picnic excursions to the park for their
brides" as they called the four chill
dren. And the mother of Cora and Bull
move from the boarding house into their
own home-which was then being built
and that then Teddy and Madge should
return the many, many visits of Cora
and Bulger.
But OF all the places in the world that
the children loved, 1t was their noun
tain top And this mountain top was
in the rear Of the big play yard. close to
the horses stable: 1t was huge hay
stack, and 1t had been unloaded there
by some men who were to return in a
few days and store 1T away in the stable
loft. But during its stay in the yard the
four children had the greatest sport climb
ing over 1t.
isn't our mountain top lovelyr' cried
Evening star., 1909-06-26

ment paid her by her teacher. II shall
do my best-for your sake and for mani
mas, more than for my own. If-if--
But Pearl said more, thinking how
utterly impossible it would be for her to
carry off the prize over SO many others.
for the, professor had arranged long
program. and several who were to partici-
sionals," even though they were of the
junior class.
Pearls mind for the following week
was entirely on her music. The profess
sor had encouraged her to play two quite
difYicult compositions, and she worked
like a trojan. as her mother declared.
And Mrs. Pratt was obliged to consent
to Pearls practicing two hours day.
then three hours day during the last
three days of grace before the evening
of the recital.
On the day of the great event. as all
those taking part in the recital called
1t. Pearl was quietly nervous. Il feel
capable Of playing better than | had
hoped to do" she confessed to her
mother. as she was dressing for the
evening II am ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
not in my fingers. They feel SO strong,
and am sure Of Them.
Mrs. Pratt kissed her daughter, stood
her off to look at her. and pronounced
her beautiful" Mr.. Pratt, proud of his
talented little girl had given her lovely
new white French embroidered lawn
frock for the occasion. and a garniture
of soft white blossoms about her dainty
shoulders. and cluster Of the same in
her brown hair. gave just the artistic
Mother is proud Of her PEARL Mrs.
Pratt whispered, tears Of affection and
pride in her eyes.
When the Pratt family entered the re-
Evening star., 1909-06-26

spokesman of tue jury of judges made 4
little speech to her. saving something
about Dr. Blair's prize being awarded to
her for the most finished rendition Of
was said at that supreme moment Pearl
never could remember. But she took the
little box handed to her, small silver
affair, and opened 1t slowly. Her fellow
classmates gathered around. anxious to
see the prize, the prize each had done
his or her best to win. but which all
heartily agreed was rightly awarded to
their dear friend and comrade, Pearl.
Slowly Pearl opened the box, glanced
inside 1t, and then turned cleaning eyes
on the good old doctor. who had just
stepped upon the stage in response to the
call for him. There I'm the silver box
was lovely gold bejeweled medal, with
place for Pearls name to be engraved.
Half an hour later Pearl, with her ears
ringing with the words of congratula-
tion and praise, walked honieward with
her proud parents.
Il owe it all to you, mamma" she
said, tenderly. Hadn't you urged me to
take up my music In earnest during the
vacation. ] would not have touched the
piano i owe this night of glory to YOU
dear. And l am fully repaid for my part
of the work. ! hope you are repaid for
yours. mamma
"A thousandfold. dearie," said her
mother. putting her arm around her
Pearl, who had that night carried off tho
honors of the Junior class" in Profess
sor Mailly's School Of Music.
Evening star., 1909-06-26

cital hall they found the crowd assem-
bled and the professor frisking about ex-
citedly. Pearl went at once into the
dressing room. and greeted the others OF
ness had worn off to some extent. and
when she was told that she was to be
announced for the next number on the
program she got her roll of music and
went bravely out to the stage. While the
attendant placed her music on the piano
rack Pearl bowed low in response to the
applause from the audience. In giancing
over the faces before her she beheld her
but bit anxious. Il must. l must. for
their dear sakes.'' Pearl whispered to
herself, as she took her seat at the piano.
At first her fingers glided gently over the
keys, then of sudden strange power
seemed to possess her. and her fingers
became strong, powerful. following the
notes like lightning, executing perfectly.
splendidIy. Pearl forgot the people lis
tening to her-forgot the place. the ooca-
sion. Only the piano before her. the
music her eyes read no faster than her
hands executed, did she have in mind.
And then came the grand finale. Then,
trembling from head to foot. Pearl rose
amid a burst Of wild applause. The
room swan before her. but she retained
presence of mind enough to bow and
find her way OFF the stage back to the
dressing room. There CONGRATULATIONS
didly-grandly." whispered the old pro-
fessor, running into the dressing room
for just moment
Then the last number on the program
was rendered, and the Judges chosen by
Dr. Joseph Blair retired to an anteroom
to arrive at their decision. And when
few moments later these same Judges"
stepped upon the stage, where in the
meantime the Junior class" had been
marshaled into place. and the spokesman
stepped forward, bowling to Pearl, her
confusion became great. First she blush
ed rosy red, then turned fily pale. The
Evening star., 1909-06-26

III do as you say. but / shall be MAX
ing a sacrifice. l can assure you of that.
IN begin my lessons tomorrow. My prac-
tice shall begin today
And I'll call you when your hour is
up," promised Mrs. Pratt.
And SO the first week of Pearls vaca-
ton work began and passed, and at the
beginning of the second week she did
or to put in the hours practice. She be-
came so deeply engrossed in her music
that she would often insist on practicing
half an hour longer than was her Gus
tom. but to this her mother would not
agree. NO" Mrs. Pratt would say, you
must not occupy too much Of your vaca
ton time in study. One hour each day
is quite sufficient And she would force
Pearl away from the piano and send her
out on the lawn with book or to a
Thus the month Of July and three weeks
of August passed away, Pearl making the
most pronounced progress in her music.
See. my dear young lady, l have put
you on the program to play two solos at
my recital, which is to be given the last
of August" So said Prof. Mally to Pearl
one morning after her piano lesson was
over. "And I wish to tell you some
thing-a secret known only to my pupils
and myself-that our old patron of the
fine arts, DR.. Joseph Blair. is offering
prize to the pupil Of mine under fifteen
who acquits herself or himself most
creditably at the recital next week. Now.
as / have Just learned this bit of good
news, make haste to acquaint my pupils
of it, and allow them all the chance to
try for the prize. You are fine little
pianist, for one under fifteen, and I shall
expect great things of you
"Oh. thank you, professor said Pearl,
her face pink from the splendid compl
Evening star., 1909-06-26

BULGER'S FALL OVER A '*PRECIPICE''
< F xrrrTrrF rwrTrTTr rrEFFrsT rTTFTF

with them. but on reaching a safe place
in which to sit down a bit to rest Cora,
ever thoughtful OF her.brother turned to
look for him. Where is bruver?' she
cried, not seeing Bulger with the group.
''oh. where is bruver7 Did he fall down
the mountain
"wait, I'll find him." said the guide.
and Teddy crept cautiously to the side OF
the Great Precipice and peeped over.
There. lying on his back on some loose
hay. which had slipped to the ground with
him. was little funny. fat Bulger. smiling
and happy. He was watching a great
butterfly circling about. and did not seem
to mind having gone to the bottom Of the
Alps SO unceremoniously and unexpect-
edly.
What did you 90 down for, Bulger?'
asked Teddy. peeping down on him.
II fell ober da mountain" explained
Bulgey. But II didn't hurt me any. Il
was fun
''Oh. he fell over the Great Precipice,"
exclaimed Teddy. We must all 60 down
and see II he is hurt"
Yes. it's a long fall" said Cora. But
Bulger is so brave that he don't mind
Evening star., 1909-06-26

Madge to Cora. the first day of their ac-
quaintance. It's the Alps. mamma says.
She has told us of the Alps-mountains in
in" But Madge couldn't remember
where, so Teddy came TO her assistance
and supplied the name of the country.
CTeddy's memory was most remarkable,
and he never forgot anything told TO
him) I'm Switzerland he helped out
Madge You see. it isn't sure enough
mount ain in Switzerland. but mamma
says we can play it is. And playing IT IS
the Alps is just as nice as II 1t really
We're sure enough So; 90. s -
echoed funny. fat little Bulger. Then
they all decided to play at climbing the
Alps and got little sticks to use as Al
pine stocks. Teddy's and Madge's man.
ma had explained how difficult 1t was
strong sticks called Alpine stocks were
used by the climbers.
ri go up first said Teddy. playing
he was the leader or guide. After I've
the others Of you to climb to the top"
1t took some time for Teddy to reach
the Great Precipice. which was the be-
ginning Of the gentle rounding slope TO
the top Of the haystack. Up to that place
the sides Of the stack were pretty steep
and Teddy found his Alpine stock of no
use, and was obliged to throw it away
and climb by the aid OF hands ana feet.
or fingers and toes. rather; for he had
to plunge his hands into the hay and
catch hold. using his feet pretty much the
same way. But Terry was tireless noun
tain climber, and after much hard work
and risk of falling he reached the top
of the Great Precipice. Now, ladies and
gentlemen he called down. pretending
he was a long distance away, III help
you to climb to the top"
Cora went first. assisted by Teddy $
outstretched hands from above and
Madge's boosting from below. Soon
she was at the top Of the precipice: Then
followed Bulger, he being too small to be
left at the bottom of the mountain alone.
When he was pulled and pushed into a
seat almost at the top Of the mountain
Evening star., 1909-06-26

chile but de mo- he try 70 to mollify dat
out his cheeks an shake his head An
den, chill rem. a strange thing happen
right den an. dere. Fo'. as dat chile
keep on a-puffin' out his cheeks an a
dinly gin to grow bigger an bigger an
his head grow littler an hitler.
''At first. de little boys pa didn't seem
TO to see zactly what's goin' on. Course.
on. but he Ies got dere an watch an
watch de chile. But, soon as de little
boys pa do see what's goin on, an see
his little boys cheeks a-puffin out big
ger and bigger an his head gittin' lit
tier an littler. he git powerful skeered
thin fo' to stop all dat. But Mr.. Wiz
ze Wuzzle he say: I is sorry to say,
sab, dat de doin' time is done gone by,
sab, an dat dere amt nuthin' tall to be
did now, sab, but jes watch an wait,
sah.'
"An'," chilren,'' said the old woman,
as the little ones looked inquiringly at
her. "sure nuff dere warn't nuthin' tall
to do den but jes what Mr.. Wizzle Wuz-
zle say: Watch an wait. An while dey
sot dere a-watchin' an a attn, dat little
boys cheeks pun an puf out bigger den
befo'. an his head git lttler an littler.
An yit it all done happen almos' befo
dat chile's pa rally know what is nap.
penin', and almos befo' | kin say it. dat
chile's cheeks done puffed ont 50 dat fust
yo' couldn't see his head. an den yo.
couldn't see his arms, an den yo
couldn't see his hans an den yo
couldn't zee his feet. An den. chifren,
std Of dere bein' a little boy in dat
room, dere warn't nuthin' tall but big
bulloon whar dat chile was
"a bolloon, Aunt Matilda?" chorused
the little ones In wonder.
Oats purcisely what done said,
chilren." calmly replied the old woman.
'Nuthin tall less an ruthin' tall mo-
den buloon. An den dat bulloon. dat
was de little boy, riz up to de top of
roun'. An den Mr.. Wizzle Wuzzles $
winder bein' wide open. dat bulloon. dat
was de little boy, flew out dat winder
an went a-sailin' over de f1eT, cross de
river an into de woods way of yonder."
And did they never see the balloon or
the little boy any more, Aunt Matilda" ?"
asked the children as the old woman
started for the kitchen.
'Ef dey did. chil'ren." she answered.
"Mr. Wizzle Wuzzle never said nuthin'
tall to me bout it,
Don't you think. Aunt Matilda, the
children next inquired running after her.
that Mr. Wizzle Wuzzle really turned
that poor little boy into that balloon
and sent 1t flying off?'
Now, as to dat. .chtren." said the old
woman. Il is unable to say. l kin only
tell yo' what done happen. But as to
wedder Mr.. Wizzle Wuzzle rally did turn
dat chile into dat bulloon an SEN it
nyin' off. or wedder it was de chile's
own actin SO dat did 1t all. is sayin'
nuthin' tall. leavin' dat TO- yo' all
chilren TO to say"
"Yit," added the old woman, II say
dis: Ef l was a cert'in little boy dat 1
knows an dat yo' all chiPren knows, I'd
be mighty keerful arfter dis, I tell yo.
bout a-gitting mad. an a-puffin' out my
what / say, chil'ren."
Evening star., 1909-06-26
MIR.WlzzZL[EWWZ ZlLE $
[BED-f>lMl[E TALE s
TOLD By AUNT MATILDA

yo' done possessed. l declar to goodness,
chile. ef yo' don't git out dat habit de
fust yo' know. honey, sumthin terribul
gwine happen to yo'.
Course chirren.' said the old woman,
as the little ones paused In their play and
gathered about her. ''yo' thinks dere's no
sech thing liabul, but dats purcisely
what de chile Mr.. WiZZle WuzZie was a
tellin' me bout thought. An dat chile.
what was little boy, was a mighty nice
chile. 'cept when he git mad bout sum-
thin nuther. an den he puff an puff an
puff out his cheeks til yo can't hardly
see his eyes. an his head shake frum
side to side til yo mos spect it to fly
off. An what make matters wuss. it
don't matter tall whar he was nur whar
he wasn't. TO he pun an puff out his
cheeks an shake his head jes de same.
An, chil'ren,' said the old woman.
after pause, ''he git at las so possessed
wild de habit dat one day his pa sot
right off TO to see Mr.. Wizzle Wuzze
bout IL. Mr.. Wizzle WuzZle he lssen an
lissen to what de little boys pa say
and den Mr.. Wizzle Wuzzle say: L
Evening star., 1909-06-26

disappointment to think that you were not
In trim to play. and declared that at his
next recital your name must be on the
program. Now. the professor intends CIV
ing recital this summer, so as to give
opportunity to those younger pupils
Of his who are too much occupied with
school during the fall to take part on
day about your playing for the recital,
and said he would arrange to give you
three lessons week during the vacation.
That will put you In practice once more,
and you'll play in manner to make us
all proud OF you. am sure"
But, mamma protested Pearl. "a
girl who has been in school for nine
solid months wants recreation from study
during the summer. and II take three
an awful face at the terrible idea of
studying during the summer.
"WelI. dear child. you know that want
YOU to have rest, recreation. pleasure and
all that explained Mrs. Pratt. But
three lessons a week and an hours prac-
tice each morning will leave you plenty
of time for those other occupations you
want and deserve. Now, we might arrange
il this way; lessons on Monday. We'd
nesday. Saturday. Each lesson lasts but
three-quarters of an hour. That would
give you practically all the day, for your
ing. say at o'clock. Then, an hour in
practice each day-say in the early morn
ing. before breakfast. Don't you see how
much you might accomplish, and still
have almost the entire time to yourself?"
Pearl sighed. but said: well, mamma.
Evening star., 1909-06-26
THE SUNDAY STARS
Historical Cut-0ut Contest.
Five $I.oo Prizes Each Week.

Turn to the Comic Section
of THE SUNDAY STAR
tomorrow and find "Ameri-
cas- History in Cut-Outs" on
the last page. Cut out and
paste the cut-out according to
the diagram in the lower
right hand corner. Then
write a 3oo-word composition
on the subject of the cut
out-"Cabot Discovers the
American Continent" Mail
your composition and the
finished cut-out to The Sun
day Editor of. The Evening
Star. They must reach him
by noon Wednesday to be
eligible for one of the five
prizes of $1.oo each which
will be awarded weekly for
the best five compositions
and neatest cut-outs. Then
next Saturday turn to the
Children's Page and see if
your composition is awarded
one of the prizes.
Remember the conditions
you must be under six
teen years of age and you
must submit both compost
ton and cut-out by Wednes-
day noon.
Watch for this opportu-
nifty tomorrow in the Comic
Section of
rllr ollRlnAN erAn
Evening star., 1909-06-26
By Gertrude Vrooman, Age IL
Years, 1851 Hamlin St., South
Brookland, d. c.

A BOUT the year 1882 a great discoverer was
y born In Genoa. Italy. His parents we're
very poor. and his father sheared sheep for
q living The child was named Christopher.
Christopher was fond OF navigation as 1t was
known in those davs. and in his scant moments
OF leisure he would run down to the wharf and
listen to the stories related by the seamen
In his childhood he had heard Of men making
attempts to discover a navigable passage to the
Indies. but they had failed. He cherished the
idea that perhaps some day he might ind that
which others had sought in vain.
When be became a man he laid his ong-cher-
fshed wish before the Italian court and made
public his views. After great deal Of dis
cussion they pronounced the idea foolish. Dis
appointed, but by no means discouraged. he took
II to the English court. but he was turned down
there. Nearly losing all hope. be laid IL before
Ferdinand and Isabella of spain. There the
plan accepted, end Columbus was ntted out
with three sailing vessels, the Santa Maria. the
Pinta and the Nina
On Friday, August 3. 14e2. Columbus left
Palos. Spain. sailing west. After bad voyage
land was sighted on the morning Of Friday Oc-
tober 12 1892 Columbus and some OF his crew
landed on an island which he named San Sal
vador taking possession Of 1t for Spain.
Columbus made four trips to the New World.
He died 10 prison at Palos. Spain.
His dreams had come true although he did not
discover the passage to the Indies. but HE un-
Evening star., 1909-06-26
BY Myrtelle M. Gordon, Age IL
Years, The Stanhope, N. ]. Ave.

and ii st. NV.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS discovered Amer
- lea in the year of 1892. He FIRST sought
aid for his intended voyage from his native city,
Genoa, then Of Portugal, and dnally Of Spain.
He met with nothing but disappointment. He
was regarded as foolish schemer, and the boys
In the streets openly Knocked him as q lunatic
At last Columbus, sick at heart, set out to
leave the country, when he was recalled. He
had few friends who believed with him.
Through their influence and the generous
couragement OF Queen Isabella he obtained the
assistance required.
When all was ready he and his men went to
enterprise. The next day. Friday. August 8.
1892 he sailed from Palos, Spain, with one hun
dred and twenty men.
The 7th of October event occurred which
induced them to change their course They had
been sailing due west when a flock of land
birds was seen dying southwest Alonzo Pinson,
the captain Of one OF the vessels, urged Coium-
bus follow the birds. He refused. but at
length yielded to entreaty and followed the
winged guides.
Five days later, Friday, October IL. about
O'Clock in the morning the cry of Land! Land!'
was heard. 1t proved to be q small island of
the Bahamas which the natives called Guiana
hani.
Columbus, clad in complete armor. landed with
his men. Kneeling. they kissed the ground,
and with tears gave thanks to God for having
crowned their voyage with success Then. with
solemn ceremonies, the admiral planted the
name-colored banner Of Spain and took pos
To the island he gave the name OF San Sal
vador Holy Redeemer, and called the natives
Indians. as he believed the island which he
land was q part of the Indies.
Evening star., 1909-06-26

he was advised by his sister and the
guide to sit very quiet and mot to stir. as
the hay might slide down with him." So,
while MadRe was making the danger
Gus ascent the little Bulger sat very quiet.
holding his breath as well as holding
tightly to two handfuls OF hay.
Then, pretty soon. all four children were
on top the haystack. and the guide
proposed that they explore the very top
of the mountain, after which they would
descend from the other side. All agreed
that this was a good plan. and Madge
and Cora managed to get to the top OF the
mountain, as they played it
was-with Teddy leading. All supposed
that Bulger was close behind, climbing
Evening star., 1909-06-26

unlike some other
little boys, was in
the habit. when he
became angry ol
displeased. of puff
ing out his cheeks
and shaking his
head In a most
violent way. He
was doing 80 when
Aunt Matilda. In
paSSing by, noticed