davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05
THE SLANG OF DEAF MUTES

| From the New York Sun.
! Five packed ears comprising a train or
the Bath Beach line of the Brooklyn
Rapid Transit were going toward Coney
/ Island a few days ago, and in every one
/ OF the cars there was a futter OF the
hands Of youngsters. boys and girls. that
suggested n0cks OF doves arising In
| flight. Passengers accustomed 10 travel
on that line thought nothing of II at first
| for the population along most OF the way
/ below Thirty-ninth street IS made ur
/ largely of people who employ gesticula-
ton as an aid TO speech or speech as an
aid to gesticulation.
It did not take long for the accustomed
| traveller 10 note that not a word was
] heard from the hundreds or animated
youngsters whose hands and fingers were
never at rest. A group Of boys riding on
one Of the car platforms seemed to be
having the time of their lives. when a
! man stamped heavily on the platform.
The boys looked around and saw a flash
OF one OF his hands.
A passenger who by that time was
aware that the train was carrying an ez-
cursion Of young deaf mutes asked the
man what he said TO them.
Il said Cut it out, >" replied the man.
'Cut out what?" he was asked
"Their slang and bad language" said
the man. who was evidently one OF those
IN charge Of the excursion.
Then in reply 10 further questions this
man, who is an instructor in large insti-
tuition for deaf mutes IN Westchester
County said:
Yes, these boys keep us guessing with
their slang and bad expressions that we
do not wish them to use. II is not the
slang Of those who can speak. It IS never
spelled out.
There are five hundred boys and girls
on this train, and If you knew the deaf
mute alphabet you would see very few
words spelled by the hand. That is too
slow for them. With their signs. how
ever. they can converse faster than you
and are speaking
But how about the slang?" asked the
interested passenger
Part of IT," said the instructor. 'Ts
common TO most deaf mutes who are
somewhat in touch with the speaking
world, assthese boys are. You know how
slang word or expression appears, has
its run and disappears.
mot long after 1t has taken Its place
in speech the deaf mutes have their sign
for it. and II is more quickly said by
sign than IN words For example, I told
the boys to cut it out for when I see
them using slang find It more effective
10 reprove them in slang. II reminds
them that the instructors understand all
that they say.
Eyes. as I said. they keep us guessing
Sometimes a group of boys in CONVERSE
ton will throw In here and there "a sign
that Is a puzzle TO Us. We must find out
what II means, While they are using In
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05

could breathe the pure, healthy. helpful
air Of optimism,
ABIGAIL THOMPSON ROWE.
What has optimism done for me? First
Il has helped me to take larger view OF
things instead OF a limited. one-sided
view. It has made me want to reach out
and help others and TO see that in so
doing we lose nothing ourselves. A good
illustration OF this was given by one of
our missionaries during the Sunday
school convention IN our city. He took
two candles from his pocket. lighted one,
and then lighted the second one from
that. Now" said he, II have not in
lighting the second candle taken any
thing from the first one" Optimism
helps one to see the good in everybody.
It makes no distinction between high
and low, rich and poor but has room for
all. That we are brothers working to-
gether with God, who is the father OF US
all. Mrs F L BARRrNGFR
Optimism has done a great deal for me
1t has placed a bright light within my
soul: It has helped me to be kind 10 all
whom I may come into contact with.
With its assistance have cheerfully
done many little deeds and spoken many
dark side of life; with II We constantly
live In happiness and always stay In the
sunshine Of life. HARRY ". BRBiER.
Ever since my mother passed through
the gates of immortality. into the realms
OF light and joy, I have carried respon-
sibility beyond my years. Born under
the sign OF the Zodiac called Gemlni. I
possessed the dual nature. Joyous and
serious, CAV and sad, material and sDiri-
tual. II has been my difficult task 10
train out and down the worldly self. and
lift up and intensity the spiritual self.
All those born under this sign can SYM
pathIze with me, knowing the versatility
OF the Gemini people, and their too great
intensity. To make the highest spiritual
Ideal practical and apply Il In daily life
has been my ideal One must Of neces-
sity be an Optimist to do this Only
iove-love toward all-gives one what
Solomon so beautifully called sAe under
standing heart" Only by possessing this
can we learn patience. and deal justly
and charitably with all To be able 10
see why people do thus or so-thls Is
10 have the gift OF insight-and so charity
Is born.
Forget not that Duty
is q friend trle and tired.
Though the world prove thee falss
And thy sorTow de1ide.
Charity. sweet charity.
Thine exc alone can find
In eartb's most evil mind
grain Of pIrest sold.
These lines my own dear mother wrote,
and these have ever been nv guide.
May they help others as they have ever
sustained me
ELIZABETH CROWELL DUNLOP.
1910 Meridian street
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05
A FIGHT WITH BRIGANDS.
How n Brave Roumanian Woman
Saved Her Husbands Life.

How n Brave Roumanian Woman
Saved Her Husbands Life.
Braila Correspondents Of the London Chroni-aa.
Two nights ago a band of brigands at
tackled the railway station Of Rosetti on
this line. Choosing the hour OF midnight,
they approached the station, which is
! desolately situated. and commenced their
attack on the dwelling Of the telegraph
clerk. which stands some 200 yards from
the station itself.
This official possesses a savage watch
dog, but the brigands silenced IL by
throwing to II dead fowls stolen from the
adjacent shed. Then they proceeded to
force an entrance by a back window,
thinking they had an easy task, the only
inhabitants being the clerk and his wife.
They reckoned, however, without their
host, for hardly had they begun TO force
the window when a door was thrown
open and a shot from q Martini rife
stretched one bandit dead This threw
the others into disorder.
They rushed from the yard, the clerk
Following, but seeing he did not fire again
(haying recklessly advanced without load
ing), they turned on him with the knives
and axes with which they were armed,
and for moment his death seemed GER
tain, when his courageous young wife ran
forward and fired with a shotgun with
which she had armed herself. and another
brigand fell wounded. Picking up their
companion. they, fairly cowed, now took
TO their heels. The clerk and his wife,
loading, followed them, but unfortunately
both fen IN the dark. the band making
their escape.
The gendarnerie have already arrested
some members of the band, known crimi-
mails, lately come into the district. They
have confessed their completely, and say
that being burdened with the wounded
man and afraid If they left him OF his
denouncing them, they threw him. still
living, into a deep well, where his body
has been since discovered.
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05

Principally, optimism has corrected my
mental perspective: IA has aided me 10
escape from the confines OF narrow
thinking, and TO view life in a broader
aspect II has taught me that to assist
in The work OF spreading the doctrine of
cheer, and the creed of helpfuIness,
eclipses all selfish ends. The pleasure Of
optimistic writing has had its serious
and humorous side. On the one hand.
the required moments OF sober thought
while on the other hand, there are those
interested friends OF mine who have
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05
CHRIST, THE oPTTMIsT.

CHRIST, THE OPTTMIsT.
Optimism appeals TO the man with a
clear brain because any one embracing 1t
needs only 90 live IN an atmosphere OF
hope. rather than dream away his eX-
istence in dim despair.
Man never is. but always to be best
This is the fire with which God makes the
test;
He who sees only good in -Life's reverses
small,
Enjoys heaven here on earth-is hap
piest Of all.
Optimism is a creed In itself-so simple,
so broad, that the exercise of ones will
power Is all-sufficient for happy frame
OF mind. Don't frown on faneied hard
luck" any longer; get away from the
idea that the world is against you. Man
makes his way; ambition leads. merton
follows Optimism. I'm it's true sense. is
a supreme factor for the uplift OF all
peoples. Christ was the greatest opu-
! mist that ever lived praying in Geth-
semane he spoke these words, Abba.
| Father ali things are possible unto thee.
take away this cup from me; nevertheless
| not what I Will but what thou wilt"
Job was patient In the extreme; then why
should We not in our day and generation
prove worthy?
What is creed? What boots your choice?
Death holds q shrOud for each;
What matters II the road we take
If We the goal but reach?
God sacrificed his only Son
That all mankind should live
Eternity beyond the grave.
II We our hearts but give.
On. you. who are so orthodox,
And pirate of creed, I say,
Come join the ordinary throng;
Let US in common pray.
Optimism does and will work wonders
in bringing all members of the club. pres
ent and prospective, together on common
ground With the motto Let's help
leading US on. let us blaze the way TO
glory and universal optimism.
CHARLES ALBERT BREWTON.
Happy the man-of mortals happiest he
Whose quiet mind from vain desire is
Whom neither hopes deceive nor fears
torment,
But who lives at peace. within himself
content.-Lord Lunsdowne.
Mrs. N. A. McGRATH-
In the days gone by worry vas my De-
setting sin-useless worry, foolish worry,
gloomy worry, hopeless worry. Optimism
has taught me 10 look at life through
common-sense glasses, 10 remember that
all things will work together for my good
and TO spend the time I was wont 10
spend IN worrying In trying to help others
to become optimists- GRATEFUL"
Optimism has made me a happy. con-
tented, useful Christian. and l recon-
mend or prescribe 10 every respondent or
pessimistic persons large doses three
times daily. LAURA V. ALLEN.
Though recent has been my acauaInt-
ance with optimism. I am delighted 10
say its influence has greatly inspired me
10 look beyond the gloom for the sunny
side. The thoughts CLEANED from the
many writer's are like the beautiful peb-
bles found along the brink OF clear and
running stream. Slrs II. ALICE BUTLER.
! rather think I was born an optlmist.
for was only : little girl when found
cut the way 10 be happy was to try to
make others happy. and now I am past
three score. I still keep trying. and oh
so many times ] have been told. "Oh.
am so glad met you. for you have made
me feel so much better" Don't YOU think
such words as these bring a blessing with
them? And don't you think It is always
worth while TO try 10 please? Some
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05

What optimism has done for me.

What optimism has done for me.
My experience has been most satisfying
It has opened up new ideals Of life TO me-
steadied my purpose and self reliance
prevented encouragement and petty an
noyances and given me better grasp on
the real meaning of life. Besides the
weekly expression OF opinions furnishes
q delightful mental stimulus to which ]
look forward eagerly each Sunday
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05

readily Wnere services OF love may De
rendered. making my hands and feet
swift TO perform errands Of mercy and
good will, with the earnest purpose of
helping TO tighten some burdened heart.
The state OF self-abnegation has not
yet been reached. but It is the high stand
ard 1 have in view which / hope to at
tain some fair day.
Ms. CLARA F. WILLIAMS.
lOl Sixth street northeast
Optimism is from within outward, and
association with the Optimist Club
teaches that this spirit may be cultivated
by any one, even the professional pes
simist. Try it! Z. FAULKNER.
Office Of Auditor. Post-oflce Department.
Optimism is no poetic fancy. but an eff
fectual truth. I do believe it's power can
diminish the necessity for asylums. 1.-THE
evil one is never sure OF his victim till
the victim despairs." / was nearing that
stage. A SORROW so dark hung over me /
could turn no silver lining. Fortunately
there was not time for continual, destroy
ing brooding. I had TO work. One day
my baby boy looked VI into my face and
said, Don't look that way; smile" I
did. and went out IN the sunshine. II
seemed a 'sullenness against nature" to
repne when the world was so beautiful.
counted up on the bright side. At
length my prayer was answered oh, the
Joy Of it-life was sweet
Mrs. VI. LAUGHLIN
$40 street northwest.
What Optimism has done for me:
An optimist by heritage, precept. and
tenet, having always before me the gold
en- rule of optimism. Whatever is. is
best" l have, by its influence climbed
the hill of success. passed over the preci-
plces Of trouble, with few heartaches.
and no regrets. The glare of the world.
its cares and vicissitudes, have fallen
upon me. bat their force has been broken
by the shield OF optimism. and the full
weight of misfortune averted. ! have
found This world is not so bad a world
as some would Ike TO make IL. but
whether good or whether bad. depends on
on how we take it, T de S SMITH
Optimism has taught me that must
seek for happiness in heaven-appointed
ways, in sturdy, everyday tasks. in ex-
allied pleasures, with constant effort to
find it, That l must seek II in domestic
and business life, in the relations I hold
10 my fellow-men, and In the daily OBJ
pOTtunities afforded me for discipline and
self-sacrifce. and that II would be
happy, possessing at least that measure
of happiness which is vouchsafed TO
mortals, must intelligently seek happi-
ness, not by way OF impulse, not seeking
selfshly my own good. but with a for
getfulness of self. doing all the good l
can, and with thorough concentration
OF soul 70 the good OF what I seek.
Mrs. l. Il. CHAMBERLAIN
What Optimism has done for me-
Ny pilgrim way through life thus far
Has not been streWed with flowers:
And neither has the thorny hedge
Obstructed all my powers
From that old pine-log cabin home,
Down to the present day,
Ny constant aim has higher been
Success has been my pay.
Let time and tide glide on in space,
And events come and go;
But I shall always keep within
The optimistic glow
VICTOR p. HAMMER.
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05
FRESH AIR FUND. /"

sought 10 be critics or my articles, ana
who always forced an argument in de-
Tense OF my expressed ideas These spir-
tied conversations in the cause of opti-
mlsm have had their Iaugh-inspiring
moments. and they have, in that way,
accomplished a worthy purpose for 9TH
w " LOUIS vARNUM woULFE
What Optlmist is to me:
1t keeps and helps me cheerful be,
And battle in sunny lake.
It cheers me on life's rolling tide,
And happy others make
Because Optimism shows a star,
To me in sorrows night.
1t cheers my spirit and thus far,
lis 10 me a delight.
II helps me love my Saviour more,
Who mas done so much for me
Who cheerfully my sorrows bore
That mine might lighter be.
II. ". SMITH, D. D.
Optimism has not only frightened my
own life. but has enabled me to influence
several OF my friends who were also Of
a pessimist nature TO join the club and
who are now weekly writer's and greatly
benefited by It's results.
Miss RosALIE B. McGRATH.
What Optimism has done for me-
In order for me to tell what optimism
has done for me, / must first explain how
came TO be an avowed Optimist. Nearly
twenty-one months ago l ost my only
daughter, a sweet, lovely girl OF fifteen
years of age. She was the idol OF ny
heart and my constant companion. After
her death I was plunged into the very
depths OF the blackness OF despair, 1
could not see one ray OF light anywhere
my heart was broken and l wanted TO
die. I had a husband. son. and mother
TO 1--we for, but I never gave them a
thought. II was my darling little girl that
longed for. I was ever looking for
something that would give me comfort,
and hope, and I read everything I could
find pertaining TO Heaven and the life
beyond one day I CHANGED TO pick up
the Sunday Herald Il say CHANGED. but
l know that IL was Gods hand directing
me- and l turned TO the optimist page.
I became interested IN the editorial
column first then l read some OF the
essays and they were so full Of hope and
so uplifting that they too interested me
and helped to get my mind into a differ
ent channel of thought, until I found my
self waiting anxiously for the next paper
to come. and finally made up my mind
to join the club. which I did, and have
never regretted it for moment. II has
been the greatest blessing TO me and
really believe II saved me from losing
my mind. I feel now that ! must do all
I can to help others and especially those
whose hearts are bowed down with sor-
row like mine 7 say n them took IN the
sun is still shining. there is a bright
side to life and there is work for you
to 10 Lets help" to brighten some sad
life and God will surely reward US. God
bless the optimists. every one, for they
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05

Optimism has done great things for me.
wherein I am glad. 1t has brought con-
tentment out OF discomfort. hope out OF
despair, sunlight from behind dark clouds,
faith has increased, patience become
more endurable. Ut has made me more
charitable in my actions and dealings to-
ward my fellow-man. oh. that every one
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05

Optimism has done so much for me
that language is wholly inadequate to
express IT; but it has made me fully real
lie that our lives are given us 70 help all
lives: that we find our happiness in liv-
ing for others. helping them over the
hard places and -'on and on" II has
fused our hearts in Christian love and
work; II has made Us brotherhood and
caused US 10 feel that
"A thousand million lives are his
Who holds the world in his sympathies. 4"
s. Z. ADKINS.
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05

Optimism has made me realize more
than ever that 7 am only one, but I am
one. I cannot do everything, but I can
do something What ! can do I ought 10
do. and what I ought TO do by the grace
Of God I will do. MERCY ADKINS.
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05
THIS WEEKS PRIZE WINNERS.

/ member of this club will look at your
oHering in any other than the most CRATE
/ ful spirit. Remember. your contribution
/ Is going 10 send very poor little children
into the country during a few hot sum-
| mer days. You are not asked TO give
money where it is not needed, but simply
J 10 help save the lives of some of God S
/ little ones, who. when they are older and
sturdily fighting LIES battles, may re-
member The Washington Herald Opti-
mist Club and bless each individual MEM
/ Der.
! We are glad to welcome into the club
this week one new member. Mr.. John R.
/ WeatheTs. OF 1911 street northwest and
| hope later 10 hear from him on the week
/ ~ topics. The work of getting new men,
bers ought to progress every day. The
motto for this year is 1.-THE growth Of
optimism" and we have been so busy
/ lately over our special discussions there
has been a decided let-down In the new
members. There are buttons enough for
all, and any of the old members who
have lost or m!slaid theirs may get an
other one on application.
The Golden Rule" and its application
| 10 the doctrine Of optimism Is the subject
selected for next week. In your interest
in the fresh air fund and in sending IN
your contributions to the weekly discus
sions do not forget that am at all times
eager 10 receive suggestions for future
topics for consideration. A good thought
may occur TO YOU that may not reveal
itself to me, and we all want 10 have the
benefit of it. Don't let your good ideas
go 10 waste. Jot them down and your
idea may start the ball rolling for one OF
our best Sunday morning discussions.
The following expressions as 20 What
Optimism Has Done for Me- have been
awarded prizes:
What Optimism Has Done for Ne"
(My personal experience)
Since Joining the ranks Of the optimlsts
must say my experience has been most
gratifying.
II seems TO have enlarged my outlook
on life and 10 have given me a better
grip on myself
Studying optimism and applying its
principles TO the daily affairs of life. has
been to me a liberal education and
mental stimulus. II has been a powerful
factor In self-control, knowledge. and
self-relianee. and In addition has fur
nished me unalloyed pleasure each week.
in preparing something for the optimists
page. ARTuTrR TENox
Lock Box "a
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05

What optimism has done for each and
all OF US must certainly tell in our daily
hie and the observer rather than the IN
dlvidual concerned VIII be the best Judge
or that For my own part I was not
born an optmist. Old Saturn was GER
talnly in the ascendant at my birth and
bequeathed me full measure Of gloom
so I've had TO acquire the habit Of look
ing on the sunny side and it seemed hard.
uphill work at times. but il has been
worth while and although I haven't ar
rived yet, ! feel some day I will be
full pledged optimist for already I have
gained better health, more happiness. and
more cOngenial circle Of friends.
NJ. J. MOOR.
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05

times one hears It said, We'll, I did my
best 70 please, but ] could not" Your
trying surely did good, even If you could
not see the result The seed was sown
and Il viii surely grow. Al times / have
thought perhaps / was too quick TO step
in and do things; but have always been
glad, and never sorry, that / did what /
could. for being an optimism has made
me many lifelong friends:
AGNES f. WILKINSON.
A peSsimist behold,
He sees the frowning cloud that lowers,
But not is fringe of gold;
Blind 10 the silver lining.
We hear his sad repining;
Fen through the suns clear shining
He sees the distant showers.
An optimist. we say.
Finds rainbow tints in any sky.
Let storms beat as they may
What II the dark cloud lowers
He knows the cooling showers
VIII bring the fruit and flowers
In Gods good bye-and-bye.
Life may be gold or gray;
Afiame with light or overcast
May be our pilgrim way.
AS we may choose TO view II.
TroubIe-well. why pursue Il?
A cloud-why not Look through Il?
The storm viii soon Be past.
EDITH Y. BRADT
What optimism Is 20 me: My knowl-
edge OF the best side Of life has been in
creased. and 10 me optimism is a loving
companion that hove 10 ever walk with
me through life. l say 10 optimism, like
Ruth OF old. entreat me not 10 leave thee
or from following after thee. For where
thou goest will go. Your people shall
be my people, thy God my God.
Ms CLARPHENIA SMITH
The Washington herald., 1910-06-05
THE IMPROVING INFLUENCE OF OPTIMISM ON CHARACTER

have been the means of helping one sad
and broken hearted mother to look up
and 10 feel that she had something to
i've Tor. Mrs ". F. HALLECK.