davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
The Argus Daily Short Story
Practical Playwright-By F. Townsend Smith.
Copyrighted 1911. by Associated Literary

ers young woman about i've years
my junior am thirty-five-and prin'
cipaI of a children's school. The fe.
male villain of play Is called the
heavy woman" and this person, who
was to make all the trouble in my
play, was until Miss WitherS arrived
a blank in my brain. Therefore ]
hailed her coming with joy. She did
not need to be bad What / wished to
copy was a real person. 1t was as easy
for me to make a bad person on the
stage out OF good one. or vice versa.
as for an artist to convert a smile into
a sour expression by turning the cor
ners Of the mouth down instead Of up.
had one advantage with Miss
Withers that was denied me with the
two lovers. I could be with her occa-
sionally, while 1 must needs study the
others from a distance. I really knew
very little of Emily Powell till Miss
withers told me that she was a very
bright girl. She also said that Mr..
Bradshaw was an instructor in a
neighboring university. This forced
me to introduce a more artificial col
oring into my play than I had in
tended.
had not been at work long before
I resolved to take Miss Withers into
my confidence with regard to my play
and my models-that is. excepting her
self. By this l not only got the benefit
of suggestions from her. but was en-
abled. if wished. to go cut to where
the lovers were strolllng or sitting.
could do so in company with another,
thus the better concealing the fact
that was watching them. While they
were sitting on a rustic seat on a
hillside Miss Withers and I would be
perched on the crest looking down
upon them Alone could not long
have maintained such a position: with
a companion it was perfectly natural
that I should do so ad infinitum.
In one respect / was badly handi-
capped in nay work. wanted Miss
Withers for my heavy woman, but
was prevented from working her into
the play because dare not let her
know she was TO be my model for
such a part. All i could do was to
note such of her idiosyncrasies and
her sayings as would give her proto-
type In the play the realism desired
that / might have them at hand when
I should be obliged to use them. She
would often ask me 10 explain to her
such parts as were left unfinished. but
could not satisfy her except by CON
Tossing that they pertained to her.
This dared not do.
As the summer wore on made ex-
cellent Roadway in my work and con-
graduated myself that when staged
the realism there was in it would
make it a great success. Whenever /
notified Miss Withers that the lovers
had gone forth on a stroll she would
leave whatever she might be doing to
accompany me. We would shadow
them. keeping out of sight 50 far as
possible, yet where we could observe
them. One thing 1 confess with some
shame. 1t was absolutely necessary
to my purpose Lat should catch bits
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
MEMPHIS OFFERS A
MILLION TO BRYAN
Tennessee City Believes It Worth
That Much Money to Have
Him Locate There.

Washington, D. c., April 4.-Mem-
phis, Tenn. is willing to put up mil
lion dollars to induce William Jen-
nings Bryan to take up his abode and
publish the Commoner there. A year
ago a movement for a greater Mem
phis was started and today a delega-
ton of leading citizens came to Wash
ington to extend an invitation to the
thrice defeated democratic candidate
for president to move to their city
and make 1t his future home. Bryan
declared that he had no intention of
leaving Lincoln, Neb., except for his
farm in Texas, but the Tennesseeans
insist that they are going to get him
and on Thursday will entertain him at
a luncheon and offer their formal
invitation.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

lam a writer Of plays. Now. If there
is one rule for every department of
what the French call the beaux arts
there is no collective name for them
I'm English--it is "use models" 1t is
as essential in fiction as it is in paint
ing and sculpture. resolved in enter
ing upon a liter~ry career that as the
bee extracts honey from the flower
so would ! extract human nature from
actual persons. There is another kind
OF model that is needed by the story
or play writer-local.ty.
One spring l determined to go for
my models to the country. wished,
first, to locate my play where 7 could
give it a pastoral flavor and, secondly.
to depict the better grade Of country
people. Among the hills of Vermont
/ found a family named Powell, edu
Gated and otherwise respectable. but
poor enough to take me in as boarder.
/ soon made a discovery, one that
pleased me very much. / had struck
an incipient courtship between youns
man, Thomas Bradshaw, and Emily
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

The bill to increase the salary of
members of the legislature from $4,000
to $1,000 for their term of two years is
. good or a bad one, according to the
point Of view. There may be men who
are worth that much money for the
time, and maybe much more, and there
are others who are not worth it
The theory Of this government is not
that mes should be paid On the basis
OF the worth Of their time, but that
men should make a sacrifice of their
time and money for the public good
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
April 4 in American
History

1776-Washington's army left Cam
bridge. Mass, to march to the de-
Tense of New York.
1892 - Thaddeus Stevens. statesman.
born; died 1863.
1s4l-William Henry Harrison. ninth
president of the United States.
died: born 1878.
Is65-President Lincoln entered Rich
mond: sequence of the fall Of Pc
tersburg and the evacuation OF
their capital by the Confederates-
1879 - Mime. Patterson Bonaparte. at
one time wife of Jerome. Napole-
on's youngest brother. died; born
1856.
1888 - Peter Cooper. philanthropist
founder Of Cooper institute. in
New York. died: born 1901.
1906-General Blanco. last captain gen
eral Of Cuba, died; born 1892.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
Facts for Hitchcock.

Editor Wilmer Atkinson Of the
Philadelphia Farm Journal is produc.
ing facts and figures for the consider
alton OF Postmaster General Hitchcock
that show conclusively there is some
thing decidedly out of line in the pos
tai figures and estimates.
Against the Hitchcock estimate that
it costs the government 2-3 cents a
pound TO handle second-class matter,
which pays the department but 1 cent
pound, Mr.. Atkinson sets the report
Of the Observation-Disclosures Postal com.
mission, which after long and costly
inquiry reached this conclusion:
That radius exists within which
this kind OF mail matter, when con-
signed in medium-sized packages to
one address, can be transported at a
profit for 1 cent a pound. He also sets
against it's unreliabality former official
estimates of the department itself,
which seemingly never have been the
same in any two years, varying from
2 TO cents a pound prior to the Hitch
cock regime.
But whatever the figures that accu-
rately represent the cost, Mr.. Atkin-
son argues that second-class matter
originates so much business for the
department in other lines that its cost
should be considered no more than
the merchant considers the amount of
certain specific items of expenditure
that uniformly bring him large reve-
nue.. He recalls the significant in
envelopes and postal cards, at rate
out of all proportion to increase in
population, which began in 1885, the
year the rate on second-class matter
was reduced to 1 cent a pound.
The matter on which publishers an
nually pay $S,174,281 in postage origi-
mates, in Mr.. Atkinson's judgment,
more than half of all the postal reve-
nue.. He declares it a "veritable soft
snap for the government, the goose
that lays the postal golden egg"
The postmaster general is still after
an increase in postage on second-class
matter, however At the last session
Of congress he failed to get his pet
plan for increasing the rate of maya
zine advertising pages adopted and it
is limited will try at the next session
to boost rates on all second-class mat
ter
The postal department should recon
Gle discrepancies in its estimates
first.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
The Tariff ON Canadian Lumber.

According 10 a writer in the Review
OF Reviews the proposed legislation
pursuant to the reciprocity agreement
with Canada puts rough lumber on
the free list The present law taxes
1t SIPS q thousand feet; the Dingley
law taxed It So. On planed lumber,
however. the proposed law retains
charges ranging from so cents a thous-
and for lumber planed on one side to
$3.50 for lumber planned and finished
on four sides. An these rates. except
possibly the so cents for lumber planed
on one side. exceed the whole cost Of
planning. For lumber planed on four
sides. the duty may be two or three
times the whole cost of planning.
Shingles were taxed 80 cents a
thousand by the Dingley act. and were
raised TO so cents by the present law
The proposed law would reduce them
10 80 cents, the Dingley rate. Lath
paid % cents a thousand under the
Dingley act; they pay 20 cents a.
present: the proposed law puts them
at 10 cents.
Telegraph poles, piekets. and
slaves pay 10 per cent. at present. The
proposed law puts them on the free
list.
While the present law reduced the
Dingley rates on sawed lumber, the
change in the quantity imported was
not great. Imports of sawed lumber
were 1.00s.9eS 900 feet in 1906. &c.
$4,000 in 1908, and 950,269, 900 in 1910
The latter quantity is about 2 per
cent of the quantity sawed In the
United States"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

There Is no legitimate retail bust.
ness SO dull, SO devoid OF public in
terest, but that some readable in.
formation about It can be com.
mnnicated every day TO the con
sumers whose needs 1t exists to
supply. Putting such Information
before newspaper readers regularly
soon teaches them to look for It
When they begin to scan the news
paper columns as a matter OF habit
TO SEQ what is going on In any par
ticulAr store, that store is thNe
quarters of the way toward d IN
bering them among its permanent
customers
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
EDUCATOR DISAPPEARS
Principal of Canton High School
Last Seen on Steamer.

Canton. ILL.,, April Principal
A. Hamilton of the Mccall school
has been missing since March 26,
when he is reported to have boarded
the Illinois river steamer, Bald
Eagle at Liverpool, ostensibIy for
Pekin. after spending a few days
hunting Last week was spring va
cation in the schools and Mrs. Ham
lton. thinking hunting was good,
was not worried when her husband
failed to return on Tuesday as he
had promised The clerk of the
Bald Eagle was unable to find Ham
ilton's name In his passenger list.
The police of Peoria, Havana and
St Louis have been notified.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
Aares With the Crowd.

Conform or they will rend you
You may say. not for you
That you will live your life alone,
As you elect TO do.
There's where you are mistaken
And have another guess.
The average nonconformer
Is not huge success.
In food and drink and clothing
Let fashion be your guide.
Say IL your skirts or trousers
Shall narrow be or wide.
Your comfort don't consider.
For IL you do I fear
The boys your steps will follow
And in derision Jeer.
Believe the politicians.
Doubt not their word II true.
Take everything as gospel
They pass around to you.
Let doctors and professors
Your wISe opinion form,
And to their sage decisions
Conform, conform. conform.
This plan viii bring you comfort
And peace of mind and cieer.
No one will nudge his neigbbor
And say that you are queer.
And every ancient fogy
Your praises wide Will sing.
But as for making progress.
We'll. that's another thing.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
CAMALEJAS NAMES
HIS NEW CABINET
Given Free Rein by Alfonso, Span
ish Premier Withdraws Res
ignation.

Madrid, April 4.-The Canalejas
ministry, as reorganized, was gazetted
today. The changes were indicated
by the premier, who was given free
rein by King Alfonso as a condition
upon which he withdrew his resigna-
ton of Saturday. The ministers an
nounced are:
Premier-Jose Canalejas Mendes
Minister OF foreign affairs-Garcia
Prieto.
Minister OF the interior-Ruiz vaIar-
inc.
Minister Of war-General de LuQue.
Minister OF marine-Senor Pidal.
Minister OF justice-Senor Barroso
Minister Of public works-Senor
Gasset.
Minister of public instructions
Senior Gimeno
Minister OF fnance-Senor Rodrt-
guez.
Rodriguez succeeds Senior Cobian,
who is said not TO have been wholly
in sympathy with the religious re-
form program of the premier.
Prieto and Gasset retain their port
folios. Valarino, who was minister of
justice. becomes minister of the inter
ior and is succeeded in his former
post BY Senior Barrosa. Who was at
the head Of the ministry OF public in
struction in the Moret cabinet, but is
new IN the Canalejas ministry, as the
others are. General de Luque held the
portfolio of war in the Morer cabinet
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

Powell With this / had all the ele-
ments for my play. don't mean that
had a motif or a plot. but scenery
and characters, together with the most
important feature In every play, which
we playwrights call the heart inter
est"
OF course I must not let the lovers
know / was sketching them. That
would spoil them at once for models
and excite their luminosity against me
as well. I had plenty Of time and re-
solved not to hurry. For the first week
j occupied myself in laying down a
scenario or skeleton for my play and
In making excursions roundabout for
attractive sDets In which to locate the
principal scenes proposed to have
the scene painter use them.
A model for a character came 70 me
in the person Of Miss Euphemia With
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
LINCOLN LETTER
SAVES EMPL0YE
MacVeagh Honors a Missive
Which Got nhnoisan Posi-
ton AZ Years Ago.
ILL WOMAN ON PAY ROLL
Name Ordered Not Stricken From
Lists on Reading Note Vel.
low From Age.

Washington, April 4.-Forty-sev-
en- years ago-April I3, 1S64-Ab-
raham Lincoln paused In the cares Of
civil war for one of those kind and
homely acts which have lived after
him. It was to pen a personal let
ter to the postmaster general ask
ing that Official to employ Miss SUI
san Digger. a young belle Of Carlin-
Vile, ILL.,, who was the sole support
of her brother, a union soldier. Grip
pied at Shiloh Miss Digger got
a position and preserved the letter
reIigiously.
LETTER AGAIN PRODUCED.
Secretary MacVeagh, after reading
the same letter yesterday-though
the paper has yellowed with age and
the ink is dim-ordered that Miss
Dugger's name be not dropped from
the treasury's list Of employees,
though she has been Ill more than
a year. When an employe has been
absent without pay that length OF
time it is customary to strike the
name from the rolls.
Senator Cullom brought the let
ter to Secretary MacVeagh. who
promised that Miss Digger may have
her old position If she is ever able
to work again. She is now 20 years
old.
EXPERT IN HER LINE.
Miss Digger was transferred from
the postoff1ce to the treasury soon
after President Lincoln's letter got
her employment and became an ex-
pert in detecting counterfeit money.
She has handled billions of dollars
some good and many bad-during
40 years service for the government.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

The secretary Of the navy announc-
es that congress will be asked to au-
thorize the building of a 30,000-ton
battle ship. Thus another heavy blow
will be struck in the interests of
peace.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

II is said that ! 900 were killed in a
recent engagement in battle in Mex
ico. AS this battle was not fought out
In front of a grand stand and q moving
picture apparatus, some credence may
be given to the report.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

New York carried no insurance on
the state capitol, although the belief
that it was "freproof" reveals a most
amazing and childiike confidence in
the politicians who erected it.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

Ali the Hopi Indians asked of Presi-
Ident Taft was rest and sunshine.
Living in Arizona, the sunshine can
be taken for granted II the govern
ment will do the rest.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

A girl wearing a harem skirt was
nearly mobbed in Salem. Mass. That
is where they hanged and otherwise
cruelty put TO death alleged witches
once, isn't it?
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

President Taft's message to the
special session of congress next week
IS expected to be brief. He now re-
Allies that it is possible to put more
emphasis IN few words than in 49,
600 words
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

Kansas now proudly declares that
It's not the banner state for whisk-
srs; that both Indiana and Missouri
wear more Of 'em and longer.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

Attorney General Wickersham is
said to be making ready for new at
lack on the trusts. He ought to take
an ak this time.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

Under Oblisa-
tions.
ST always have
to laugh at Jones'
jokes"
II didn't know
you ow ed him
that much"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

The merry wives of Goodwin" is
aot bad title
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

The battle is over Now for the
yettogether spirit.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

Spring seems to be member of the
Can't Come Back club.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

Not Cruel to the World.
"I am going to give up the world
"Are you"
Eyes. 1t has treated me cruelty"
''Then you believe in it?'
"In what"
Returning good for evil"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

That's IL.
'What is n grouchY"
"Heally want TO known
''Uh-huh"
"a crouch is a man who isn't fond OF
himself"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
Your tongue is coated.
Your breath ia fouI


Headaches come and go.
These symptoms show that your
stomach is the trouble. To remove
the cause is the first thing and Cham
berlain's Stomach and Liver Tablets
will do that. Easy to take and most
effective. Sold by all druggists.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

Active For a Disabled One.
Love is blind"
do you think SOP
That's what the wise ones say"
"well, he kicks up lot Of ruction
for one on the disabled list"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

heir Desire.
Ibid you say you are going to house
keepingT
Eyes"
"whenr
OF house"
What ia the right kindT'
zone where the agent will guarantee
to have the meals sent in promptly
and satisfact orlly."
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

And now the April showers are IN
Ieason.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
Value.

Value.
"Look at him.
though looking customer. isn't he?
Yes; looks like thirty cents
"Yes, but 1 bet he feels like sixty"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
No Drawback.

No Drawback.
"You might like these rooms IL you
don't mind the noise of the elevated
trains"
Noise? Say, have nine children.
mostly boys"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
Cruel.

Cruel.
Ever see anybody work as hard as
he doesT'
"Work? You make me laugh"
"Sure. He works awful hard"
"What atT'
Getting out of work"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
PERT PARAGRAPHS.

A GIRLS idea of a model husband IL
ONE who brings home candy and
flowers every night and reads Tenny.
son aloud after dinner.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

Generally.
Speaking of the innocent by
stander.''
"Yes?"
I'D like to know what he Is innocent
Of"
Brains"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

A widows idea OF a model husband
Is one who keeps her purse well sup
piled and is not too hard on the cook.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
THE ARGUS.

~ TIVE ). w. POTTER CO.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

1t is always q bitter disappointment
to a girl who had been firtin; 70 find
that the man took the affair no more
seriously than she did.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

We don't so much mind people ly-
ing about us when the lies are compli-
mentary.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04
HuT1aor and
Philosophy
~ DvNcAyw ~. .SNS1A

~ DW~C\JN ~. SA1TA
PERT PARAGRAPHS.
A GIRLS idea of a model husband ia
one who brings home candy and
flowers every night and reads Tenny.
son aloud after dinner.
A widows idea OF a model husband
Is one who keeps her purse well sup
piled and is not too hard on the cook
We don't so much mind people ly-
ing about us when the lies are compli-
mentary.
1t is always a bitter disappointment
to a girl who had been flirting; TO find
that the man took the affair no more
seriously than she did.
The seasons change. but somehow
the most OF Us find that we don't get
much change-either in or out OF the
purse.
It can't be said of Lots wife that
she was either fresh or forward.
Some people are so neighborly as
to create considerable diminution in
pantry supplies.
When the cook and the grocer form .
q community OF interest the house
wife is the one who pays the prin-
cipaL
The man who fnds fault seldom is at
a loss to know what do with it
heir Desire.
Ibid you say you are going to house
keepingf'
"Yes"
"soon as we can find the right kind
OF a house"
What Ia the right kindT
zone where the agent will guarantee
to have the meals sent in promptly
and SATISFACTORY
Not Cruel to the World.
81 am going to give up the world
"Are you
Eyes. 1t has treated me cruelty"
'Then you believe in it,"
"In whatT
Returning good for evil"
Under obIisa- 49, RRTW
ct always s,sa,, h.v. NJ -
to laugh at Jones' ~ AM%
jokes" HS@ "
1T didn't know /HfR
you owed him NT$fM
that much"
& {. ! y
Cruel.
Ever see anybody work as hard as
he doesT
Work? You make me laugh"
"Sure. He works awful hard"
what at?'
Getting out of work"
Generally.
Speaking of the innocent by
stander."
"Yes?"
"Td like to know what he is innocent
Of"
Brains"
Active For a Disabled One.
Love is blind
'Do you think SOP
That's what the wise ones say"
"weIl, he kicks up a lot of ruction
for one on the disabled list"
No Drawback.
"You might like these rooms IL you
don't mind the noise of the elevated
trains''
Noise? Say, 1 have nine children.
mostly boys
That's II.
'what is a grouch?"
"Heally want to known
''Uh-huh"
"a crouch is man who isn't fond of
himself"
Value.
"Look at him.
though looking customer. isn't heP
Eyes; looks like thirty cents"
"Yes, but bet he feels like sixty"
Agree With the Crowd.
Conform or they will rend you
You may say not for you
That you will live your life alone,
As you elect TO do.
There's where you are mistaken
And have another guess.
The average nonconformer
Is not huge success.
In food and drink and clothing
Let fashion be your guide.
Say IL your skirts or trousers
Shall narrow be or wide.
Your comfort don't consider
For IL you do fear
The boys your steps will follow
And in derision Jeer.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-04-04

The seasons change. but somehow
the most OF US find that we don't get
much change-either in or out OF the
purse.