davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20
ECZEMA DIsFlGURED BABY 8 {.

"Our little boy Gilbert was troubled
with eczema when but few weeks
old. His little face was covered with
sores even to back of his ears. The
poor little fellow suffered very much
The sores began az pimples, his little
face, was disfigured very much. We
hardly knew what he looked like. The
face looked like raw meat. We tied
little bags of cloth over his hands to
prevent him from scratching. He was
very restless at night. his little face.
itched.
1--WE consulted two doctors, 1T Chi
cago, where we resided at that time.
After trying all the medicine Of the.
two doctors without any result, we
read Of the Cuticura Remedies, and
at once bought Cuticura Soap and
I Ointment. Following the directions
carefully and promptly we saw the
result, and after four weeks, the dear
child's face was as fine and clean as
any little baby's face. Every one who
saw Gilbert after using the Cuticura
Remedies was surprised. He has q
head Of hair which is pride for any
boy of his age. three years. We can
only recommend the Cuticura Rene
dies to everybody" (Signed) Mrs. III.
Albrecht, Box 1888. West Point, Neb..
Oct. rs, 1910. Although Cuticura. Soap
and Ointment are sold by. druggists
and dealers everywhere, sample Of
each, with 32-page book, will be mailed
free on application to "Cuticura,s
Dept. IA L, Boston.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20
COSTS LESS THAN S.
CENTS USHEL TO
RAISE WHEAT IN
CANADA.
FREQUENT QUESTION AN.
SWERED. s.5

Western Canada probably suffered
less from weather conditions during
the year Of 1911 than did almost any
other portion OF the country. Seeding
was most successful and the growing
conditions up to July were never bet
ter. Crops of all kinds showed Won
derful growth at that time and were
universally good, but there was not
the usually excellent ripening weather
in August and the effects Of this were
felt. Many fields. that late in July
promised 40 and SO bushels yield Of
wheat were reduced to Is and 80 bush-
els, while some of course gave the
full expectancy and others somewhat
less. The quality was also lowered
In face Of these conditions, 1t is found
that during the months Of September
and October, the total amount OF COM
tract wheat marketed and inspected
was about 20 million bushels, which
realized total of 1874 million dollars.
the average price for this wheat be-
ing OK cents; that below contract
for the two months was q little over
Is million bushels. which at an aver
age price of s91a cents per bushel
realized little over eleven million
dollars, or . grand total for all wheat
OF 35 million bushels. which realized
q total OF little over thirty-one mill
lion dollars. :3F
On the first of November. there
was in the nands of the farmers Of
Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta
for sale and seed about 100 million
bushels Of wheat. from which fact
some idea may be had Of the value
OF the wheat crop of 1911. 4 XII 4.
A careful canvass made by the VIM
nipeg Free Press made Of number
OF men farming In large way indi-
Gates that even with the extreme ex.
spense OF harvesting the crop. which
has been caused by the bad weather
and difficulty in threshing, wheat has
been produced and put on the market
for less than So cts. bushel, The
average freight rate Is not over 14
cts. per bushel. This would make the
cost of production and freight 68 cts
and would leave the farmer: an actual
margin on his low-grade wheat Of
171a cts. and for his high.grade wheat
Of 1919 cts; and though this is not
as large a profit as the farmer has
every right to expect. 1t is a profit
not to be despised. and which should
leave "a very fair amount OF money to-
his credit when all the expenses Of
the year have been paid, unless the
value Of low-grade wheat sinks very
much below its present level.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20

princess. She had the air Of prin-
cess. too, as she swept through the
wide corridor OF the hotel, following
Mrs. Phelps.
Her pleasure was ended, however.
when she met the other guests and
sat down at the big round table.
There was confusing display of
knives and forks and spoons. but her
native wit prevented any awkward
ness.
It was the men on each side OF her,
however, who alarmed her. Molly
had never been at loss fol a word or
a gay retort until now. But the people
around her liveo in world Of their
own. They talked Of operas. Of sports,
of places Of which Molly knew moth.
ing. She didn't know that her pretty.
;blushing shyness charmed the multi
millionaire at her left and piqued the
curiosity Of the ambassador on her
right. She was uncomfortable and
self-conscious as she tried to fit her
stammering little phrases to this new
environment.
Gradually, as she gained poise. she
confessed to herself that she was hav-
Ing very stupid time. 1t wasn't a
bit like Christmas: although the color
scheme OF the table was green and
red. there was no holly, no mistletoe,
Just gorgeous American beauties and
wide satin ribbons. She had vision
Of the table set in the shabby dining
room at home. In the center would
be great bunch of holly, and above
It would hang little wax angel. At
one end she saw her father. his knife
cutting through the cracking brown
Of the turkeys breast. The delicate
fare OF the hotel paled in comparison
to her mothers cooking. At home
there would be large helpings Of
mashed potatoes and turnips and
gravy. The cranberry sauce would be
served in big dishes.
AS they drove home together, Mrs.
Phelps said: you were success, my
dear. If you will let me, I'll bring you
out. Perhaps you will make grand
marriage 1t would be great thing
for girl like you"
Molly's response was not enthusiast
tic. She did not like to appear un-
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20

49,
ways prided themselves on their hos
pitality, but of late years
"Leighton!' interrupted Loring,
placing his basket on the floor and
opening his overcoat. Are you Miss
Anne Leighton?"
Miss Anne's round eyes opened wide.
"Yes-why do you ask?"
Loring took a letter case from an
inner pocket and searched carefully
in its depths. "You are a cousin to
Mr.. Josiah Leighton. of Boston? Yes?
Very well, my search is ended then.
/ am Mr.. Leighton's private secretary,
Robert Loring. and he sent me to seek
you out and present this letter. be-
lieve it contains Christmas gift as
well as an offer to make your future
home with him. BY love. but it's the
merest chance that led me here. l
reached the station all right and hired
a man to drive me to your place. He
lost his way and we travelled half a
day; then he managed to upset me
into a snow bank and he made OF.
leaving me to find my way back to
civilization as best could. You see
fate led me here" He was looking at
Grace's downcast face rather than at
Miss Anne's excitedly bobbing figure.
Grace Leighton-here we were
watching for the expressman. thinking
Cousin Josiah was going to send his
usual presents of silk waists-and
here is his letter and check for $50.
You wished US a Joyful Christmas. Mr..
Loring; guess it's going to be one!"
Il have feeling" said Loring. de-
liberately, that it is the beginning Of
many happy Christmases for me-"
He was still thoughtfully regarding
the sweet profile Of the young girl
bending over her bright silks.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20
\ atest In Can Openers.

The man who invented tin cans
made it necessary for somebody to in
went an opener. This was done and
the money corralled. "A can opener is
not very laborious thing in the using.
but the public is always ready to pay
for things that are made easier. So.
Just recently, an inventive genius made
can with seam Just below the top.
and when the owner wants it open he
has but to strike it blow where the
seam breaks and the top Is on. A
single Chicago packer ordered 10000
900 OF these cans as an experiment,
and others followed suit. The invent
or has fortune.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20
The First Christmas Tree

ing every branch, and hung with tho
hundred costly knicknacks the store
keepers invent year by year ito make
trade" until the tree itself disappears
entirely under its burden, have .
feeling that fraud has been prac-
ticed on the kindly spirit of Yule.
Wax candles are the only real thing
for Christmas tree. candles Of wax
that mingle their perfume with that
Of the burning flr. not the by-product
OF some coal-oil or other abomination.
What If the boushs do catch fire?
They can be watched. and too many
candles are tawdry, anyhow. Also, red
apples. oranges and old-fashioned cor
nucopias made of colored paper. and
made at home. look hundred times
better and filter in the green; and SO
do drums and toy trumpets and valid.
horns and rockinghorse refined up in
front that need not have cost $40, or
anything like it.-Century Magazine.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20

grateful, but she had had most I'M
in strange land. NJ U
When she had changed her dress
Mrs. Phelps sent her home in her car.
Terry met her at the door. Back
Of him was the red light Of the din
ing-roop lamp. Babe and Billy fell on
her neck and welcomed her, and IA
ther and mother smiled in the. back
ground. ts.
Molly had gifts for all Of them. The
lilies went on the center OF the table,
and she had tied up candies and al
monds in the corner of her handker-
chief. Il had an awful time hiding
Them" she confessed. but l knew
how you'd like Them
She had red rose for, Terry.
1.-THE multi-millionaire gave 1t to
me-" she said Mrs. Phelps wants
me to marry him"
Terry looked at her with his heart
in his eyes, but he didn't say a word.
Was Molly going to be swallowed up
in that strange world. where men had
millions and didn't have to work?
But Molly was demanding some Of
her mothers turkey.
Il hardly ate thing at dinner. she
said. ut was awful sitting up there
and having people stare at me-"
They brought 1t to her with delight.
and she had to taste little bit of ev.
erything and praise it.
When 1t was time for Terry to go
she went with him to the front door,
and they stood for a moment under
the stars.
.Will you be going back to them r
Terry asked, jealousy.
''Why should I?'' Molly asked. You
couldn't go with me. could you.
Terry?"
The next morning, when Molly went
back to her sewing, Mrs. Phelps said.
1.-THE multi-millionaire wants to meet
you again. When shall we plan for it,
Molly?"
Never" said Molly calmly. II am
going to marry Terry. and then l
won't have any time for multi.million-
aires, will I?''
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20

the place." said Miss Anne bluntly. II
may as we'll say, sir. that it was the
last OF my flock; that's why 1t is dis
appointment to me-"
Loring arose from his chair and
reached for his overcoat. Then it's
my place to scour the countryside
for one to take its place." he said
firmly. Please don't tell me not to-
It's Christmas eve, you know. and
there 1snt,a soul that expects me to
do anything and I'd like to feel was
of some use at such time. won't
return without a bird Of some sort II
l have to rob roost myself"
Without waiting to hear their pro-
tests, Loring let himself out into the
star-lit night and plunged into the
crisp snow.
Two hours afterward when he re-
turned heavily laden, the windows OF
the farmhouse glowed pleasantly and
seemed to offer welcome. AS he
stamped the snow from his feet at the
side door he heard Miss Anne's voice
raised in warm approval.
"Well, now. Grace, believe the poor
fellow will be tickled to death to get
that pin book; he said the didn't have
any folks-he seems honest enough"
Loring stumbled into the warm
room and let his packages down on to
the round table. He held his cold fin
gers to the heat. 81 didn't find the
white rooster, but i did corral the
plumpest little white goose you ever
saw; it's such long time since I've
prepared for Christmas that once
started couldn't stop. so went
on through the village and bought all
the rest Of the flxings-I hope you
won't object-oh, we'll. Miss Anne-1
shall just take my packages and have
Christmas by myself in the woods"
Miss Anne's sensitive pride had
prompted her to wave aside the
proffered edibles. but as Loring re-
placed the packages in the basket she
watched him all unconscious Of the
fact that her eyes were wistful. First
went the plump goose and following
it were turnips and potatoes. cranber-
ries and onions and celery; bag Of
white grapes; another OF nuts and .
large and tempting box of candy.
With his basket on his arm. Loring
turned to the door. II must thank you
for your Kindness" he said tgravely:
you have taken me in and permitted
me to rest when was cold and tired;
and you have offered me the sweetest
hospitality. wish you and Miss
Grace the most joyful Christmas you
have ever known.
His hand was on the knob when
Miss Anne stopped him. II don't like
to have you go like that sir. You are
welcome to remain until you can re-
sumo your journey and to our fare
plain as 1t is-the Leightons have al
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20

he lost his parents for 50 many years !
His Joy was too much. too good. to
last. II lss 4.
II have never seen her" he said al
last; never since the day she prom
Used to be my wife and then as quick
ly refused to marry me-.
my poor boy, do you remember
Steve Briggs ?-the one that wore the
fine clothes? He had much to do with
stella's refusal to keep her promise.
"She never told me just what he
said, but 1t was enough to make her
throw you over. You would never
come back and she was too proud to
write"
Where is Stella now. mother!'
asked the man.
"She lives in the old place by the
creek. Charlie, you remember it
with all the apple trees behind tho
house?"
Well did the man remember the
orchard where he had spent the au-
tumn evening with his sweetheart.
That evening found Stearns walk
ing toward the creek. wonder how
the old place looks" he thought.
There was the old-fashioned house,
the porch with the long steps. Every
thing was as II the old days were still
there.
"A figure moved about in the parlor.
He knew well where the parlor was.
He heard the organ. It. was stella's
fayorite air. He paused and his eyes
filled with tears as he heard that
voice again.
Slowly he ascended the steps and
pulled the bell The playing stopped
and he heard footsteps. The door
opened and the light Of the hall
streamed upon his face.
It was evident that the woman fall,
ed to recognize him. for she looked
askance as he spoke. III
as this Stella Harrington? ?" he be
gan, but the sound Of his voice made
her start.
Charles Stearns, have you come
back?" she gasped. and followed him
into the room. N s
$50, Stella. you are keeping house
alone now! You-you have not chang
ed very much. either" he said earn
estiy.
He saw that her once golden tresses
were streaked with gray, yet much OF
the youthful beauty remained and he
found his heart quickening as he
gazed at the woman.
"And you are the great banker they
would have us believe-little Charlie
Stearns, who used to be my tease al
school 2"
Neither had touched on the subject
which seemed to be In the minds OF
both. At last the man could remain
silent no longer.
Stella, my mother has just told me
why you changed your mind SO many
years ago. Why did you not tell me
then?"'s he asked.
Because was too proud. When ]
found that he had lied, it was too late.
You had left home and no one knew
where. I thought II you had really
cared you would have come back.
said Stella. 5
"And I have come back, my girl.
Just what brought me here this Christ
mas / cannot realize, but know am
glad to be back"
t"And your parents-how happy they
must be to have you with them again. i
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20
TOO Literal.

ut certainly is dirty, mean
shame!" cried the young woman who
had thought that life was going to b
one grand. sweet song.
my darling girl, !" cooed her moth
er, hopefully, what Is the mat
teri" ~
whats the matter? Everything!
Before 1 married Edgar ] made him
promise to spend every evening at
home with me-"
''Yes, my child. And he is already
false to his vows, and
mot a bit. He sticks to them too
literally. He says he's sorry, but he
can't even take me to the theater with
out breaking his word!'
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20

the first tree. Seeking one that
should be high as hope. wide as love
and that bore the sign of the cross on
every bough. they chose the balsan
ar, which best Of all the trees in the
forest met the requirements. Perhaps
that is a good reason why there clings
about the Christmas tree in my old
home that which has preserved it
from being swept along In the flood
of senseless luxury that has swamped
so many things in our money-mad
day. At least so it was then. Every
time see tree studded with electric
lights, garlands Of tinsel gold festoon-
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20
Christmas In Peru

the accompaniment of guitars and cas-
tanets. The Indian women. their long,
black hair sweeping in masses almost
to their feet. wave wands as all circle
around with graceful flowing motion
to soft music played on lutte and harp.
Ice stalls are scattered over the square,
where the merrymakers can indulge in
what they consider a luxury, for Christ.
mas comes in midsummer In Peru.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20

The Plaza Mayor, or principal park,
is the center of the celebration. In the
middle is magnificent fountain deco
rated with lions and angels. surmount-
ed by a statue of Fame. Here hundreds
of jets of water leap up in the air. fill
ing the atmosphere with freshness.
Bands of negroes dressed in flowing
robes, some masked, sing weird chants
ard dance with wild, fantastic steps to
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20

she said. NOW, they can enjoy Christ.
mas in the old way-just you three
together"
Stella, you are all alone. Won't you
come to our house for dinner to-mor-
row? Let us celebrate in modern
way. and it will make the old folks SO
happy"
only the old folks" she began.
but the big man silenced her as he
grasped her hands and said:
Stella, ask. you what you refused
me so many years ago. Will you be
my wife? You are alone in the world
and want you" .
Charles, it is not out Of pity you
ask me this?" she questioned.
mo, dear girl, 1t is because my
heart has been hungry for something
all these years, and did not realize
until now that 1t was you needed"
It was indeed q modern Christmas
celebration at the old home. The par
ents turned away as they saw the
younger pair under the mistletoe SO
aptly hung by the thoughtful mother.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20

In the manger at Bethlehem was
Graded the hope Of the world. That
is why Christmas is the universal fes-
tival. That is why the world re-
joices. But the manger must be in
terpreted largely. In the babe is the
promise of the man and the Savior.
It is not the birth alone that makes
the gospel; it is also the life, the pas
sion, the death. the resurrection, the
ascension. Christmas carries all this
In its happy content. There is tho
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20
Why We Rejoice

Good Shepherd who gave His life for
the sheep, who leadeth His flock to
green pastures and beside still waters
and whose honor and good name are
pledged to His leading us in ways of
righteousness and paths Of peace. and
there is the promise of Jesus that He
will be with us "all the days" even
unto the end Of the world. It is be-
cause of these aspects of the Christ
life and because Of these assurances
that the world rejoices and will re-
joice.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20
Literal Confession.

He had displeased his chums In .
small Vermont college. and his punish
ment consisted in being "ducked" in
the fountain. The usual inquisition be
fore the faculty found all the sus-
poets present. With sufficiently dig
nified frown the president turned to
the boy who was supposed to be the
ringleader. and asked:
What part did you have In this
prank"
And the dignity Of the meeting de.
parted without ceremony when the
boy smiled and answered:
"a leg, ir."-Woman's Home Com
panion
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20
Yuletide In Australia.

In striking contrast to our own is
the Christmas Day kept by our kins-
folk in Australasia. No snow or blaz-
ing log: no holly or mistletoe; only q
bright sky. green trees, parched grass,
and a blazing sun. Christmas is SO
inseparably associated by US with a
cosy seat in front of roaring fire
that we can hardly realize eating our
Christmas dinner on a veranda be-
meath u brilliantly blue sky, with ev-
cry Towering plant in full bloom. But,
down yonder." picnics and garden par.
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20
The Good Old saint.

Santa Claus still lives and rides in
his reindeer sleigh Whether there be
snow, sleet or sunshine, the old saint
comes over the housetops and down
your fireplace and mine.
II there are children. so much the
more welcome he. Let him in, just 80
long as he's willing to make his year,
ly visit, and don't treat him like an
intruder, nor yet as myth.
Were you ever child? What II he
had vanished away when you were .
little lad?
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20
chrlstma. In Scandinavia.

In Norway and Sweden as in many
other countries. Christmas is really .
season" for weeks of thought and
preparation. and work precede the
actual festivities. The fathers are
busy laying in fish and game, and
what will seem strange to US. is the
custom of killing sheep and max
ing it into sausage. This sausage is
the Norwegian's substitute for our
delicious Christmas turkey. While
the fathers and sons are out hunting
the mothers and big sisters are busy
Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1911-12-20
IS NEW ENGLAND DEcADENT7
1t Has Changed Greatly and Large
Families No Longer Ars In
Fashion.

The old familiar question OF tho
decadence of New England Il up for
discussion again
What people really mean, Of course.
by New England's "decadence 10
that New England has greatly chang
+ ed In the past generation. And
changed it has. There are probably
few OF our grandmothers now alive
who never rode on a railroad train,
( although many nice elderly ladies'
could be found In the rural districts a.
late as 1880 who had never enjoyed
the thrilling experience. We remem-
Z Der one who refused to risk her life
in that fashion not 80 very long ago.
Bless her! she was Of the good old
New; England stock whose passing 10
now 30 much deplored She lived IS
Il years and never travelled 80 miles
away from the place whore she was
4 born. New England has certainly
changed now that her type is no
more. .5s 3S
But It ID upon the gradual disap-
pearance Of the old Yankee families
that some OF the critics OF New Eng
land place the chief stress. Grand
/. mother had ten children. Her sons
and daughters when married averaged
4 four or I'VE children. Her grandsons
and granddaughters averaged two.
Her greatgrandchildren promise to
have none. There Is something in this
gentle accusation, but 1t simply means
that New England Is changing rather
than declining. Maly Of the sons and
daughters Of New England two gen
erations ago went to the western will
lderness and developed it into the
mighty group OF commonwealth that
We see on the map today. The others
v who stayed at home left the old hill
side farms for the growing New Eng.
4 land towns and cities. whore large
families were not % needed as in the
rural homes OF their ancestors. The
town dwellers became rich in trads
and manufacturing and there was al.
ready q never-failing stream Of for
eign Immigrants to do the crude and
heavy work OF industrial development.
Consequently the economic demand
for large native families fell OF and
Yankee wives became better moth
Sers by not being worked overtime
Springfield Republican.