davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24
The TELEPHONE Merger.

If the maximum rate clause the
Central Union Telephone company
proposes to insert in it's new ordi-
nance is, as it is alleged, in every
way specific and SO safeguarded that
1t will hold technically, it would
seem TO offer a way of solving the
entire telephone problem in Rock Is
land. AS has been said repeatedly,
the people of the city have not found
a dual telephone system conducive
to satisfactory results. And, how
ever just and righteous is the popH-
lar sentiment against mergers where
they seek to control public utilities,
the telephone is essentially a monOp-
oily. Where such monopoly affords
good service, with the maintenance
of modern equipment and is at the
same time under proper control,
1t is not an evil, for it Is more ecopom-
zeal to the public than two or more
systems could possibly be.
In Rock Island, where the Bell
company for years extorted from the
people and gave them very unsat-
isfactory service, the independent
system, built TO relieve the people
of the burden of oppression, has
proven a farce and a failure. 1t
has now reached a point where the
service it renders is of no value to
the public. The people would not
sustain il. The Bell. with all its
iniquities and shortcomings, and in
difference, was found more satisfac-
tory in the long run than the indie
pendent company.
The situation that presents itself
now is:
The new company, driven to the
ton of the city TO sell to the Bell.
II is willing to give the city 5000
for that privilege.
The Central Union has waived the
long established rule and is willing
to insert a rate clause in its fran
chise, which, it is claimed, will safe
guard the city for all time.
The Central Union, otherwise the
Bell, promises to build new head
quarters and install modern improve
ments in addition to those that II
has made during the last year. The
Bell company has, under its recently
granted franchise, made notable
changes in its service. and declares
that, if il gets the field to itself
again, it viii make the plant q model
one in every repsect.
Since the only objection raised to
The merger has been the rate clause,
which, indeed. was the only ground
for contention during the recent long
drawn out controversy, and the Cen
trail Union has now offered to yield,
[ would seem that the matter is in
shape TO be adjusted on the most sat
sfactory basis possible.
If the people can get good service
with single system and ar rates
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

The sale of the Panama canal bonds
developed one fact that is worth con
sideration and that is that the crad:t
Of the government of the Unite
States il above par throughout the
world The issue CT bonds was over
subscribed more than three times
The bids ranged from $102.25 to mere
than s103 and this in comparison With
the sales of bonds of England, France
and Germany below par shows how
the world regards the financial stand
ing and the financial honor OF our
country. This in spite of the fact
that the bonds of the Panama canal
are not available as basis for cir
culation and are not attractive to
bankers That they should bring a
premium under the circumstances is
the greatest compliment that could 0a
paid to the government of the United
States.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24
Socially Successful but Not Polit-
icaIly.

Socially Successful but Not Polit-
icaily.
The presidents wedding anniversary
celebration at the White house was a
great success, that IS. socially.
Politically, it was not the success it
might have been. The social side Of
the affair has been described fully In
the press dispatches. The political
side has been largely ignored.
Those who were in charge of the po-
Iitical side Of the celebration hoped
the republican progressives would all
be there so the publicity agents of the
administration might send forth stories
setting out the wonderful growth of
sentiment in favor of President Taft's
denomination and reelection
But the progressives stayed away!
From the political standpoint the
absence of Theodore Roosevelt was a
wet blanket on the whole affair. 1t is
not believed here that Roosevelt re-
manned away because of any personal
feeling against the president, but the
remarkable method adopted by the
White house organization of seeking
to make political capital out of any
manifestation of sentiment, short of
open hostility, from every man who
greets the chief executive, made it alb
solutely impossible that Roosevelt
should attend.
The absence of progressives, how
ever, did not entirely destroy the po-
litical feature, for the politicians were
there in force from every state. There
were state chairmen, postmasters, and
United States marshals and hundreds
of other who believe they control the
republican organization in many
states. The list Of invitations, if not
made I'D by Postmaster General Hitch
cock. certainly was made up with ref
erence TO the Hitchcock organization
of federal Office holders.
Many of those present are discharg-
ed political leaders. members Of gang
organizations in states which went
democratic last year, and every one
came to Washington with assurances
that if the administration will not cont
NIT it's political fortunes to them, they
will regain control in states and dis
tricts which repudiated them.
The whole affair is regarded by
many as having been arranged and
carried through solely in the hope that
it would revive interest in Mr.. Taft's
candidacy for denomination. There
fore it has left bad impression. 1t is
recalled that President Hayes tried
something of the same sort, and Hayes
bad no support in the convention.
Following the most glazing attempt
at public deception-Theodore Roose-
velt's endorsement of Mr.. Taft, alleg-
ed to have been given at Baltimore
the publicity bureau, organized by the
secretary of the president, has increas
ed rather than diminished its efforts.
Stories of dissension among the pro
gressives emanated from this source.
The entire statement that various pro-
gressives had declared for Mr.. Taft
has been denied since by the progress
sives themselves.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24
Depew's Mistaken Notion.
Ths Hen. ehsuaeeE .teDsw. han

Tue Haa. 0hsunceE Ilepew. hap
piiy and for life q private citizeH, is
greatly delighted because Judge
Gary. chairman OF the steel trust
board, got the bulge" on the con
gTessionaI committee investigating
that atrocious conspiracy. Just as
he was sailing on his annual trip to
Europe, the other day. Mr.. Depew
took the country into his confidence.
Speaking on the subject he said:
They started in with the idea that
they, the democrats, were going to
get after the 5tesi corporation and
have plenty OF campaign material to
use next year. Instead Gary has
gene further than they dared to go"
Unquestionably that is true. He has
perjured himself like a pirate.
OF course Mr.. Depew could see
nothing further in the steel trust in
vestigation than campaign material.
To the echo OF the jokes and gibes
OF other clowns, his feeble mind is
limited in it's range The law for
bidding restraint of trade and the
regulation of prices has been and is
being violated every day by that con-
literally abrogated In order that il
might obtain a monopoly of the ore
supply of the country and stifie com
petition in all branches of steel man
ufacture. The investigation is for
the purpose OF correcting these dan
gereus abuses, but Mr. Depey
couldn't see that. AS it required
mental vision what would he see
with?
AS a matter of fact, however,
Judge Gary didn't get the bulge
on the congressional compittee. He
made all sorts of hypocritical pre-
lenses of virtue in the conduct of
the conspiracy be directs but fooled
nobody except such imbeciies as De-
pew. II he means what lie says he
is a socialist and If he doesn't mean
it he is a fraud. In either event he
is unworthy of either confidence or
respect and the fraudulent absorb
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24
The Argus Daily Short. Story
My Invisible Chent-By r. Forsythe Emery.
by Literary Press

am an attorney. One summer
evening" was twenty-seYep years old
at the time-while it was still dayHghc
1 was sauntering on a thoroughfare
lined with dwellings. Passing under a
window situated but a few feet above
nounce my name in a tone almost in
audible. / stopped and looked up.
From between the stats came the
words:
II want a lawyer"
All being dark within, could see
nothing.
How do you know that am law
yerf" asked. How can serve your
There was no reply. l listened, but
could hear nothing more. There was
but one Interpretation. Some one must
have entered the room whose presence
put an end to the conversation. l
waited a few moments; then, thinking
that my lurking there under the win
dow might compromise my invisible
client, 1 walked on.
The next evening and the next for
several days stroiled by the house at
the same hour and even loitered few
moments under the window, but not a
whisper came from behind the blinds.
1 formed many theories as to what
had occurred. 1t was evident that
some ene-the voice seemed to belong
to a young woman-Was detained I'M
willingly. But why? To this there
were many possible answers. There
was one that caused me to doubt the
expedieney of pursuing the matter any
further. The persea might be feeble
minded-perhaps insane. IL this were
true 1 would make mistake, doing
great injury to my client as well as
myself. by an interference.
am a methodical man and determin-
ed to begin methedleally at the be-
ginning. L must learn from the out
side who occupied the house, then
something about the occupants i
hired a boy to watch the premises at
that hour IN the morning when trades
men deliver provisions, note the names
on the wagons calling and make list
of them. In this way j easily secured
several firm names, one of a grocer OF
whom l bought my OWL supplies, and
he gave me the name of the person to
whom he sent goods at the premises
In question. 1t was Miss Elizabeth
Markley. q rich lady about fifty years
old.
Ny next move was to obtain permits
sion of the grocer to go on his wagon
and deliver goods myself Putting on
old clothes. / did so. took basket of
provisions into the kitchen and by
chatting with the cook learned that
the occupants were Miss Msrkiey and
her niece. Miss Irene Relham, q girl
between seventeen and eighteen. This
was all the information I could secure,
but it was enough for beginning. If
Miss Markley was rich might be able
70 ind something through records OF
her propsFty-that Is, If ii were real
estate. / went TO the Offices of the
receiver of taxes, but the name Eliz-
abeth Aarkley was not on bis list. 1t
To me to look for the name
Of Benham, and I found the estate
Of Adopiram Benham, deceased" Here
was q pointer. II Irene Benham was
heir to this property il was possible
that her aunt was holding her a pris-
oper while she was attempting TO get
her estate into her own hands At the
court OF ehaneery l was shown the
viii OF AdsRiEam BeHham. and the
ease was plain Irene BeRham vas
hsir 10 property worth about half q
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

yes" said the amateur detective
talking breathlessly TO the chief OF POI
lice, II heard them talking over the
transom. The most cold blooded cou-
pie 1 ever listened TO. 1t is a tragedy
/ have uncovered. The man said be
had killed seven, and the woman, as
though gloating over him, Dragged
that she had killed thirteen"
'Humph!' said the chief of police.
"Shall we surround the house and
arrest them?'
mot just yet"
"Why notT'
E They were probably swattIng flies"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24
Its Point Of View.

Looks out a baby on the world,
So very new aud strange.
A jumbled mass before in whirled
OF motion and Of change.
And as its thoughts begin 10 fit
As shapes IL learns 20 rec
Quite early must occur 90 II
what fools these mortals be.
Before IL can in language strong
A word OF protest speak
A lot OF women come along
And pinch IL on the cheek.
They say IL IS a Iittle dear.
4 pretty boy OF miss,
And then they want 70 bite It's ear
Or scare IL with q kiss.
Its doting father takes Il hence
When on MS evening walk.
And az a person lacking sense
lie gables foolish talk
He asks IL questions az be goes
Keeps up Senseless quiz.
And meanwhile what Do you suppose
II thinks he thinks il is2
And silly people make a fuss
About its ears and toes.
They wouldn't treat grown MAJ thu
or he would punch their nose.
Before its brain begins 20 kink
And objects rightly place
What must 2 little baby think
About the human racer
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24
Huraor and
: Philosophy
PERT PARAGRAPHS.
~ DUNCAN ~. SasITn


SOMETIMES you have TO choose be
tween immoiating yourself and be,
ing offensive TO somebody else.
You don't hnd much self reliance
without a pretty good foundation o.
self conceit.
Being punctual is the way you econ
omize time for other people.
If you are good to others long enough
you will sorely need some one to be
good to you -,
When you drop a suggestion yot
must be careful that it doesn't explode \
something.
Kind words are pleasant things, but
they won't do the work OF beefsteakH
The most eftcacious way OF gettins
out of tight place is to fight.
4 sunny present doesn't disproVe
dark past nor guarantee a bright fu'
ture.
Today seems to fade rapidly away,
But did you ever notice that tomorrow
is always on tap?
A good disposition wants 20 quit the
Job when a Crouch comes on.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

The royal family of Braganza has
just been officially 'banished from
Portugal. II former King Manuel
left anything that he cared for it is
too late now for him to go back
and get f.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

Whether the blowing up of the
Maine was in the active or the pas
sive voice doesn't seem to appear
from the investigation. No matter
about the conjugation, the result was
the same in either Instance
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

It is charged that famous Chi
cago alienist was insane for several
years before his death and did a lu-
crative practice notwithstanding. The
crazier he was the more profound
expert witness he appeared to be.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

The aurora borealis is illuming the
political horizon again. One Albert
]. Hopkins, erstwhfle United States
senator from Illinois, says he scented
the corrupt practice trail in Illinois
republican politics as far back as
1909.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24
Tss Many Numbers.

"You have forgotten your Manner
said the kind policeman.
Yes" said the victim OF aphasia.
You see, | overtaxed ny memory try
ing to remember my name and my
house number and my telephone num-
her and my automobile number and
the number OF my dogs license all at
once. "-Washington Star.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

On his arrival in Spain Diaz Pre-
dicted that disorder would reign IN
Mexico under Madero. Still, he is
hardly to be blamed for feeling a hit
pessimistic
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

ton Of the Tennessee Coal and Iron
company ought to and likely will be
declared invalid. Judge Gary would
like TO make the government a part
ner in this crime against the people,
but he Will not be able to accom-
pDsh 1t.
The congressional committee is
wise to him
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

Speaker Adkins may have succeed
ed in throttling the waterway bill
by gaVel rule, but he is not in the
gubernatorial chair yet by a long
way
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24
Why II Fitted.

''Why do YOU call him his honorT"
"WelI, you know he has been In
congress-"
Yes, and | know he is an old graft.
err"
Perhaps we call him that on the
principle that there is honor among
thieves"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24
Foregone Conclusion

'Do you think women will boss the
state of the futureT'
They Will If we let them"
but shall we let themT
How are we going TO help ltY'
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

Andrew Carnegie says he knows
aothing OF any steel trust. He should
consult some book of reference in one
of his many libraries.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24
Not Cashable.

~ hear he f. very intellectual"
"Yes: he is an advanced thinker
"What would the bank advance on
his thoughtsY"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

Woman says it's humiliating to
have to ask a husband for money.
True. Then think how he feels when
compelled to admit he hasn't any.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

Still someone might say some
thing to former Senator Albert j..
Hopkins about casting the first
stone
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

Lame shoulder is almost invariably
caused by rheumatism OF the muscles
and yields quickly to the free appli.
cation Of Chamberisin's Eminent.
This Eminent is not only prompt and
sffectusl, but in no way disagreeable TO
use. Sold by all druggists
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

London chiropodists will doubtless
DE able to do a profitable business
;or week or two.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24
Crocodilo Tnara.

We grieVe over time that is wasted
And fearful emotions display.
Although we are wasting the present
In truly a scandalous way.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24
Silent.

There is one thing about Brown"
'What is that?"
You can't shut him up
no? .Why. l never noticed that he
talks at all"
HE doesn't"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

SOMETIMES you have to choose be
tween immolating yourself and be.
ing offensive to somebody else.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

When you drop a suggestion yoI
must be careful that it doesn't explode
something.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

Kind words are pleasant things, but
they won't do the work OF beefsteak'
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

You don't and much self reliance
without pretty good foundation o.
self conceit.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

The most ehicacious way OF gettins
out of tight place is to fight.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

Being punctual is the way you econ
omize time for other people.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

If you are good to others long enough
you will sorely need some oneNt to be
good to you. -
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-06-24

4 sunny present doesn't disprove q
dark past nor guarantee a bright flu
ture.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1911-07-01
al3l3n
ORDER or MARCH
For the Parade ou July 18th.

The order OF march as agreed up
on by Col r.. d. Cole. chief mar
shal. and Capt NJ. B. Rowe. as
sistant marshal. for the parade on
July 4th In connection with the cor
nerstone laying at Normal School
grounds is as follows.
Form in front OF courthouse at 2
p m.
Brass Band
Washington Guards. Co. l..
Junior Order United American Me
chanics
Patriotic Order Sons OF America.
Gov. Mann and staff.
The speakers.
Board OF Trustees.
Invited guests.
City Council
City School Board.
Grand Lodge OF Masons
Other Masonic Lodges.
The route will be up Princess
Anne street TO Commerce. out Com
merce TO Guest street, out Guest
street 10 Cornell street, up Cornell
street to Normal School ground.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1911-07-01
A BOATING PARTY

A delightful boating trip was CIV
en- Wednesday evening by MIR. and
Mrs. w. ID. Carter and family to
their guests, Miss Grace Vest, OF
Richmond and Miss Della Wright, OF
Tappahannock. and Elmer-Bleight
wedding party. The yacht That's left
the wharf at p. m, making a run
down the Rappahannock, return
ing about IL p. IN.
Those went on the trip besides
above mentioned were Miss Mary
Patterson Jones, OF Washington; Mrs
r. S. Knox, Mrs. C. r. Howard,
Misses Ellen Wallace. Mary Custis
and Edmo Lee. Beryl Barber, Vir-
ginia Ficklin, Margaret Taylor, Grace
Percy, Lucy Knox, Nellie McBryde.
Messrs Harry Lee. G. r. Howard
Paul Karsten, Jr, NJ. G. Willis, Jr.,
+. l.. w. Green, Bankhead Lee, DR..
c. Mason Smith, FOust Halsey, Cald-
well McBryde. DR.. c. w. Sale. Rob
in Robb, Mayo Smith, T. S. Shep-
herd and s. S. Bradford. Jr.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1911-07-01
STAFFORD NOTES FROM MOUNT

Mount. Va, June 81.
There will be all-day services al
Embrey Chapel. near Belfair Mills
Sunday. July 2. DR. A. ]. Cum
mings will preach the dedicatory ser
mon in the afternoon.
We are glad to learn that Mr..
Fred Baker. who broke his leg a
Few weeks ago Is improving.
Miss Ruth Cato has returned
home after a pleasant visit to rela-
tives In Fredericksburg.
Mrs. Oscar Seng is anticipating a
visit to New York, where she will
Join her husband, who has returned
from Cuba.
Miss Gertrude Cato spent Thurs
day with relatives in Quantico.
Mr.. w. C. Atchlson spent a few
days in Washington last week.
Mr.. Ralph Arlington was a visitor
here Sunday
Mr.. Charles Guy and Miss Lucy
Roles were married in Washington
June IA.
Mr.. Leary Cato is spending q
weeks vacation with his parents
here.
The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1911-07-01
CAROLINE
Notes and Personals from Bowling
Green.
Bowling Green, Va. June 2S.

Bowling Green, Va. June %.
The Sewing Club met Tuesday
from 3 to II am. with Miss Helen
Broaddus at her home.
Master William Boyd has return
ed to his home in Richmond, after
spending a Week with his grand
parents. Mr.. and Mrs. T. ID. Coghill.
Mr.. Harold Wright, of Richmond
was guest at the Howard-Wright
wedding here Wednesday
Little Miss Dorothy Cave is spend
Ing some time with her grand
mother In Louisa county.
Mrs. r. A. Coghill has returned
from a visit to the family of Mr. c.
b. Newbill IN Essex
Miss w. Emma Lear. of Bedford
CITY, is a guest OF Mrs. h. A. Cog
hill on Milford street
Miss Annie Parish spent the week
with friends at Glen Allen.
Mrs. Harry Hickman and three
children. of Baltimore. are guests OF
her mother, Mrs White.
Miss Annie w. Broaddus has re-
turned from Wayerly, where she
spent several weeks with her sister,
Mrs. G. +. Burt.
Mrs f.. G. Smoot and children
have returned from a visit to her
father. Capt. ID. NJ. Nelson, at Ur-
banna.
Miss Blanche Coghill left Wednes-
day for Richmond to be with her
sister. Mrs. W. c. Boyd. who has
been very sick
Mrs. d. w Scott and children
have returned TO Fredericksburg, af-
ter visit to her parents. Mr. and
Mrs r. b. Collins
Mr.. Page Sutton. who has been
spending the last year in Tennes-
see. arrived here on Tuesday. and
Is receiving warm welcome from
his many friends
Mr. and Mrs. G.. l.. Reed were
guests at the Lawn last week.
Mrs Vellines left Friday for Penn
sylvania. where she will spend some
time with her parents at her old
home there.
Miss Margaret Smoot left today
Tor Norfolk. where she will visit
her schoolmatc. Miss Gladys Up
shaw.
Mrs. w. w. Green is spending this
week in Louisa with Mr.. Green, who
is there on business
The union prayer meeting was
held last Wednesday night in the
Christian church.
There was a meeting OF the town
board Tuesday night to consider
the plan OF lighting the town with
electricity
Mrs r. T. Glassell and children
will leave Sunday for Iryington,
where they will spend the month of
July.
Miss Susie Butler has gone to
Fredericksburg to attend the Sum-
mer Institute.
Mr.. A. J. Garrett, the popular and
efficient clerk, who has been for
the past nine years with Boyd and
COghill. now X. A. Coghlll. will 60
into business for himself
Mr.. b. G. Blythe, who was oper-
ated on some weeks ago at johnson
Willis Hospital. Richmond, has re-
turned to his home here and is
getting along nicely.
Mrs. c. S. Webb and three chill
dren left Friday for her old home
In Orange. where they will spend
several weeks Y. Y. T.