davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1911-10-14

Mathewson without comment. The pa.
pers contained lot of goodbye lit
erature. headed: "Matty's career clos
ing: he was a good old wagon, but
he's all in now"
Matty read the stuff carefully and
then asked: ,5##
where did you find this z"
IN the New York Oemptararum."
'Yes?" replied Matty. a0f what
year?''
The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1911-10-14

ovstera are preparing for their busy
season
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17
Church Unity.

The presbytery of New York has
taken the initiative in a movement for
consolidation as to effort, but not the
unifcation of creed of number Of the
Protestant denominations, including
the Presbyterian, Congregational, Re
formed and United Presbyterian, and
Reformed Episcopal churches.
The new plan contemplates no dis
turbauce of the national relations Of
the members Of the different denom-
nations. but lis object is to concen-
trate effort to the effect that there
shall not be needless duplication of
plants in small communities, thus dis
sipating the means that ought to be
used in the promotion of Christianity
in such a way as to minimize instead
of maximize their power. The St.
Louis Republic says:
This viii be admirable in New
York, where the congregations of the
churches contemplating federation are
for the most part strong and self-sup-
porting and include two of the three
most wealthy groups of New York
churches - the Dutch Reformed and
Presbyterian. But it is much more
acuteiy needed in the country districts
of the United States, where denomtna-
tiCnal rivalry has gone so far az to in
duce a religious paralysis undreamed
of in the cities.
The country village Of ! 900 people
which has less than FIVE churches is
the exception. The membership of
these organizations usually runs well
within 100, and pastors salaries range
from $500 10 $500 per annum. Pas
torates are short and intervals often
long between.
Nothing IS easier than for city dwell
ers to solve offLand the problems Of
the country: but the division OF rural
religious forces 10 the point of utter
weakness is a problem worthy of the
best ability Of American religious
. leadership, and must be solved if the
village church is TO be more than an
empty structure with a name"
The day seems TO have passed
when the denomination stood above
Christ in the religious world De
nominational zeal has its place and
fl is q worthy object, but there
ought 70 be an object far above and
beyond that in the policy OF evan
gel!Cal Christianity.
Unity Of the church in the past
has seemed 10 mean the supremacy
OF some denomination The best
unity lies in cooperation.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17
Brnnd Mhitlock

Among the anti-boss victors Of the
recent elections was young man
whose home was formerly iu this state
at Springfield. Since leaving the
state capital he has attracted atten-
ton as author Of a number Of inter
ssting books. and has attained much
fame as mayor OF the city Of Toledo,
Ohio. 10 which Office he has been
thrice elected having served the PEG
pie in antaGouism 10 bossism and in
sympathy with such principles as
championed by the late Mayor Tom
Johnson Of Cleveland
This man is Brand Whirock. whose
eloquent tribute 70 Nayor-elect New
ton D. Baker OF Cleveland vas re
Gently printed in The Argus, showing
Mayor Whitlock's profound respect for
an official who Is trying 20 accomplish
some constructive work
Mayor Whituock Is himself striving
TO accomplish a constructive work His
civic patriotism has won for him a
place in the hearts Of the people Of
Toledo. who have horored him by re
olectiuE him q third time 70 the office
Of chief executive Of the municipality.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17
Commission Plan Praised

pal Office to serve private rather than
public interests and TO build up polit-
icaI machines
Springfield IS one Of the cities which
suffered long and patiently under
such administrations, some rottener
than others, and few that were praise
worthy
This is true of conditions since
Springfield has grown to such proper
tons as to make it attractive TO schem-
ing politicians for political purposes.
The cowardly disregard for law, po-
litical debauches and gambling orgies
under several old-form administrations
are of too recent history to require fur
Their mention at this writing.
There are some who today vigorous
~ criticize the commission plan in
Springfield. They should. however.
compare the commission plan, work
ing as it is under adverse circum-
stances, while the city's funds are tied
up in court, with the old burIesque,
peanut politics plan which made the
people hold their noses in disgust.
While the growth Of the commission
plan government has been wonderful,
it would be more so If many states
would remove legislative obstacles
The Illinois legislature reluctantly
gave the people the commission plan
law of this state. The gang killed one
bill in committee during the notorious
forty-sixth general assembly and with
great difficulty the final legislative en-
actment was obtained
Hundreds of cities in several states
are awaiting the removal of Iegisla-
tive and other obstacles Everywhere
the machine bosses and public service
corporations are lined up against the
commission plan. They are fighting
every attempt made TO adopt it. In
New York state alone a cities have
unsuccessfully petitioned the legisla-
ture for charters making possible the
adoption Of the commission plan.
Testimony from cities where the
commission plan has been given a fair,
impartial trial is that It has resulted in
the substitution of business for poll
tics. There has been better light and
more of il. cleaner steets, more eff
cient service. no graft, no corruption
in public contracts. and a dollars
worth of work had in return for every
dollar paid out
In a decade more there will be few
cities without the commission plan IN
some form or other.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17
|a1ksusM
er![b1111o11,
Readers

o'clock-my car was blockaded on a
busy downtown street. had an op-
portunity to watch the hurrying
throngs on the sidewalk, all on their
way to work in the big stores or office
buildings.
Most of the crowd consisted of
women; all kinds Of women, and all
ages; but by far the greatest number
being what seemed to be just little
girls.
II was amazing, and almost heart
breaking, TO see those girls. some with
skirts nearly knee-high, trudging
along, every one hurrying as If her
life depended upon getting somewhere
that moment. Here and there was a
rosy-cheeked Iassie, but the average
face was pasty, and the ave4kge pair
of eyes held the light of sophistication
rather than the glow of sweet and
trusting girlhood. And so many Of
them held themselves with such a self
conscious swagger-I wondered how
many of them knew that it was to be
gentle and modest and considerate of
others.
AS l looked al that hurrying process
sion of future mothers, l wondered if
society was giving them the right edu-
cation to make homes; to create home
lovingness In husband and children.
Probably nine-teuths of those girls
would consider it an unbearable hard
ship 10 stay home and help with the
homework, and 60 without the down.
town excitement and the little vanities
of dress in which they delight Many
of them, too. are sent out as early as
possible to add 10 the family income.
And. again, in many cases anything is
preferable to the kind of homes in
which some of these girls are reared.
Just as l was wondering where all
the boys of a parallel age kept them
selves, my car moved on and was soon
out of the district where the walks
were crowded with little girls and
some women hurrying to their days
work
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17

next morning and after breakfast took
q train for the suburb where my uncle
lived There / went to a hotel and
during the morning started out in quest
of my relatives.
On the way it occurred to me that I
might find them unprepared to receive
me and that / would better inform
them by note Of my arrival and my
intended visit. I had been told that
they were poor, and 1t was to be sup
posed that on receiving q visit from
a well to do relative they would wish
to cover up their poverty so far as
possible. At any rate, / concluded that
it would be boorish to pOunce upon
them unannOunced.
There were but a few shops in the
suburb but, fortunately for me, I'm one
of them stationery was kept, and ] en-
tered for the purpose Of writing note.
A young giri was in charge, but rs she
spoke not a word OF English and / not
Il word of Dutch | found IL impossible
to tell her in words what / wanted.
/ therefore resCrted to that language
to which all persons who speak DIFF
ferent tongues resort autOmime- Sec
ing writing paper ana envelopes ia a
glass case, l pointed to them The girl
took out some Of the paper and n pack
age Of envelopes, from which ! drew
one sheet and one envelope. Then !
looked about for Il table on which 10
write. There was none in the shop,
but the counter served my purpose,
and, taking position before it, ! caliai
for pen and ink by running my fist
over the paper es though I was writ
ing, looking at the girl at the same
time.
She understood me perfectly and
smiled as she turned TO get me a pen
and an ink well. | thought her smile
very attractive. She laughed with her
eyes as well as her lips, and a dimple
appeared I'm each cheek. Her hair was
Of that light hue peculiar to northern
races. and her eyes were blue. She
was but a slip Of a girl and had not
filed out, but there was that about her
which ts often charming in a girl pass
ing from childhood TO woInanAOOd.
/ wrote my note in English, Of course.
addressed It and looked in my pocket
book for the wherew1thal 10 buy a
postage stamp, leaving the note mean
while On the counter. Then l made
signs TO the girl that / would ike 10
buy a stamp. She looked at me curl
ously with her mild eyes. and / sup
posed sire did not understand me. TAX
ing up the note, she pointed first -
herself then out 10 the street, and /
understood that she would find means
to deliver the note. ] concluded 70
leave it with her and put down a coin
TO cover All expense. But She shook
her head as much as 10 say there was
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17
LEWIS PUBLISHING co.
Is CALLED A BANKRUPT

St Louis. No. Nov. 17.-Judge Smith
Mcpherson Of the United States cir
cult court Yesterday issued a signed
order adjudicatiug the Lewis Publish
ing company bankrupt. The step was
taken, il was stated. to expedite settle
ment of litigation which has been be-
fore the court for two months in the
shape Of receivership proceedings.
Matt C. Reynolds. former circuit Judge
of this city. was appointed receiver 10
serve with Walter D. Coles, also Of
ST. Louis. as referee Judge McPher-
son made an additional order design
ed 10 make the books OF the various
Lewis companies prfma facie evidence
OF the business Of claims against them.
II is planned by the receiver TO ad-
vertise Yesterdays court act in order
that everyone who has a claim against
any OF the Lewis enterprises may
come forward and submit il for ap-
prevail
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17
Percy Wtggies Philosophy.

Here's q communication from man
living IN Palestine, d., which has the
true ring. He writes In answer to the
society women Of Chicago who have
been solemnly discussing the cost Of
rearing children. and have agreed that
It is $500 TO 5000 per child per year.
This correspondent who gives his
name as Percy E. Wfggies, writes TO
the Chicago Tribune. as follows:
81 have been married for Is years,
and have seven children. The eldest
is Il years of age, and the youngest
one year. IN the Is years my earnings
have been approximately $4,000, or
about $3.50 q year. According TO the
lowest estimate given, $4,000 a year,
my seven children should have cost
NE $40, 900, so I am shy to the tune
Of $50, OOO0 My children are al
healthy, and eat heartily three times
a day. -Four of them are going to
school, and I have nothing 10 com
plain OF IN their grade showing.
The point Of the matter is this:
Those who know the least about the
rearing of children and the duties and
responsibilities Of welded life are for
ever rushing into print TO give people
who do know something about it a
few samples of their ignorance"
Good for Percy!
II is patent TO the most casual OBJ
server that you have had to "wiggle"
some In those Is years and that you
have done it 70 good purpose. 1t is
safe to say that the young Wiggles
with such example and precept before
them will be able 10 hold their own
with the pampered $1,000 a year off
spring OF the idle rich
After all, it isn't the money that we
invest in our children that counts. 1t
is the other things we give them which
assist in the upbuilding Of character
and the installation of independence in
thought and action.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17
WHY THEY'RE GOOD COOKS.

One of the government reports,
short while ago, declared that the best
cooks in our nation are 70 be found
in the country.
When It comes TO good home cook
ing" stated one Of the experts who
helped compile the report, the coun-
trywoman is far ahead Of her city
sister"
The matter was discussed by
number OF women, some Of whom
claimed to be good cooks. During the
discussion, grandmother sat silent
smilingly looked from one to another.
Finally, IN a luT, she spoke:
81 was raised IN the country" said
grandmother. 'T came of pioneer
family-my people were old settlers
and so Of course we were always coun-
try people. It's only been since our
children married and came to the city
that I've lived here-going on five
years now, should say. But l do de-
clare it's a fact that we don't seem
to get such good things to eat here as
we used to make ourselves in the coun-
try. They don't seem to have so much
taste to them, unless they're so spiced
up you can't tell what a dish is made
Of.
Still, I do think the women IN the
city do wonders with what they have
TO do with. If ii wasn't for what they
call their scientific way Of cooking,
presume they couldn't do anything at
all in the way of cooking things.
But don't take too much credit to
the country women for being good
cooks. They have everything to do
with. Just think of all the fresh eggs
and milk and cream and butter we
had. Everything was f1rsthand and
pure. and plenty of it. It's no wonder
we could cook well. How city women
can cook as we'll as they do, without
the things we had in the country, l
cant venture to say.
81 was counted a first rate cook at
home. But l will confess that if had
TO cook with the things city women
have, / wouldn't know how"
FUTURE MOTHERS.
The other morning-it was before s
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17

.
About twelve years ago, when the
commission plan of government was
first suggested, skeptics scoffed while
professional politicians jeered in de-
rision Galveston, Texas, started the
movement and the adoption Of the
commission plan in that city proved 50
eminently successful, demand for its
adoption became quite general.
Practical demonstration with tia
plan in scores of cities has proved be.
yond reasonable doubt that the com
mission plan IS not "a mere fad" as
some had said, but a practical, bust
ness-like, bipartisan method Of con-
Quoting municipal affairs.
Within the last two months prior
to the recent election 161 cities with
a total population of 3,481,259 had
adopted the commission plan. This
number was increased at the recent
election, the Associated Press reports
adding at least two new cities-Man-
haitian, Kan, and Freemont, Mich.
BY states the commission plan is
distributed thus: Alabama, S; Cali
fornia, S: Colorado, .; Idaho, /; Hi
nois, It; Iowa, :; Kansas, %; Ken
lucky, ! ; Louisiana, /; Maine, l;
Maryland. /; Massachusetts, / Michi-
gan, 4 Mississippi 2; Minnesota, .;
Montana, /; Nebraska, l: New Jersey,
3: New Mexico, ! North Carolina, 8;
North Dakota, 3; Oklahoma, Is; Ore
gon, /; South Carolina, l; South Da-
kOta, II: Tennessee, 2; Texas, 1G;
Utah. ); Washington, o. West Virginia,
3 Wisconsin, /; Wyoming. l.
II Is highly creditable to Illinois that
Springfield. the capital city, is in the
forefront u this movement, and that
this state under Springfield's notable
leadership. has II short ballot cities,
thus taking leadership among other
states in this great movement for the
business like development Of municipal
government
The Illinois short ballot cities are:
Springfield. Carbonate, Clinton. Deca-
tur, Dixon, Elgin, Hamilton, Hillsboro,
Jacksonville. Kewanee, Moline, ottawa,
Pekin, Rochelle, Rock Island, Spring
Valley and .Waukeean.
Omaha. Neb.. with its 125.o00 pop
ulation, recently Joined the progressive
procession.
The large cities with the commission
plan are: Birmingham. 1864: No
bile, 51,52I: Oakland, 15O,174: Spring
field, GllD, 51,6l7; Des Moines, So
36s; Kansas City, S2,331; wichita. So
$50; Lynn, 50. G36; Omaha, 124.069;
Passiac. 54,773; Trenton. 96,S15: Okla
bona City. 6+,2O5: Memphis, I31,105;
Dallas, 92,1O4. Fort Worth, 1902;
Houston, 1880: Salt Lake City, 92,-
III; Spokane. 1O4,402; Tacoma, s3,143.
No plan Of city government can be
found which viii be perfect, but the
new plan is so much of an improve
ment over the old farcisl, burlesQue,
aldermanic form. there is no compar-
ison. The fundamental idea of the
commission plan is that the municipal.
ity is corporation organized. not as
political asset for this gang or that, but
for the sole object OF transacting the
common business Of the city without
regard 10 politics.
The aldermanic plan of government
is the antithesfs OF the commission
plan It's modern idea Is political man
ipulation, control Of the city's business
by political cliQues, the use OF munici-
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17

ortng for legislation IN favor Of the
Initiative, referendum and recall which
shall put q curb On inefficient or vic
ious public servants
twenty-five of the 46 states nov
elect their governors Tor q four year
term, and one, New Jersey, fixes the
term az three years. The four year
term under the checks given by the
proposed provisions for direct legisla
ton ought to be satisfactory. Owing
to the great multiplicity OF corporate
interests the burden of the ballot and
expense Of elections has become Sc
rious problem TO be met and solved
and the sooner this is done, the better
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17
Longer Terms for Gorernors.

Rhode Island. probably in the inter
cst Of economy and peace. has abol-
shed the annual election OF state Of
ficers
After 1912 these officers viii be elect
cd for TWO year terms. The Iegisla-
ture. however. VIII continue 10 sit an
nually as is the custom in South Caro-
lima and Georgia
After 1912 there will be only one
state, Massachusetts. which Will cling
10 the obsolete custom OF annual state
elections. Under primitive conditions
y hen the population was small and the
local conditions more favorable to the
system, il was no doubt considered ad-
visable that there should be frequent
reversion TO the people for their judg-
ment OF public officers and public ques-
lions.
The theory of the present day IS that
these frequent elections initiate
sealnst the stability and security Of
Frrernment At the same time the
people Of many of the states are clam.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17
The Argus Daily Story
My Little shopgirl-By F. A Mitchell
Copyrighted 1911. by Associated Literary Bureau.

MY name IS Van Tromp. and my
father came from Holland. he died
when 1 was but six years old. When
I came of age my mother suggested
that I go to Rotterdam, where my
fathers relatives lived, and make their
acquaintance. She had an especial OBJ
iect In sending me TO Holland, which
she dtvulged to me on the eve OF my
departure. 1t was this:
My fathers brother lived in the old
homestead at Rotterdam. He and my
father had been very dear TO each
other, and when my father died he
expressed in his will a desire that 1
should marry this brothers daughter.
of whose birth he received the news
shortly before his death. Now that I
had come OF age my mother thought
that I should make my cousins &c
ouaintance and If the match were not
disagreeable to me or to her we should
fulfill the wish expressed in my IA
theirs will.
Since 1 was fancy free made no OBJ
lection to the plan, especially not be
ing bound to marry my cousin unless
we were agreeable TO each other. My
uncle. who was the oldest of the fam
lily of his generation, had inherited the
paternal estate, but had not been able
to increase 1t. Indeed, 1t had all melt
ed away except the homestead, which
was becoming dilapidated and Of very
little intrinsic value. 1t was located
In a suburb of Rotterdam.
These things my mother told me be-
fore my departure, giving me instruc-
lions how to find the family l was to
visit. and / started with light heart.
l sailed in n vessel bound for the port
of Rotterdam and reached that city
late at night. ! went ashore early the
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17
rha Gasoline Grammar.

To what extent the automobile has
invaded the preparatory school may
be judged from the following occur
renee:
Teacher TO beginners class IN Latin
Can any of you boys give the rules
for accentuation of Latin words1
Only one hand was raised
well. TenDey, what are the Fulesr'
Words Of two cylinders accent the
first cylinder. and words of three cylin-
ders accent the antepenult"-Lfe.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17

Nothing succeeds like persistency.
Teddy has gotten il ON the first page
of the metropolitan press again, TAX
ing serious issue with President Taft's
course anent the trusts. and declaring
that the dissolution Of the combines
does not afford the remedy for con-
ditions, but that control offers the
model for corporation regulation. If
anything could raise the Taft stock
just now It would be Teddy's opposi-
ton
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17
HurT7Or and
Philosophy
HOME CONCERTS.
%0VNcAw ~. SMITH

Oh. like TO sit and listen
" To the monographs sweet note
As It gr!nds out mellow music
From its wide and brassy throatI
/ can shut my eyes and wonder
II sit in fairy land
As hear the late selections
That are fresh and newly canned
Many pay q half dollar
Maybe more. II they are proud
For the privilege OF sitting
AS a member OF the crowd
And OF hearing a recital
Where the art is three feet thick,
But I'd rather take a record.
Turn the crank and do the trick
Yes. know that there are scoffers
Who have voices Of their own.
Who complain about the scratching
And the blurring OF the tone,
But II they are so artistic
Let them move a mile away,
For when I have finished supper
am bound to let II play.
In the quiet OF the evening
AS the cleaning comes apace
can start the wheels in motion
And the cares of life erase,
Calling up the tunes OF Dixie
Or the music OF the band.
Switching swiftly to the comics
With a motion of the hand.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17
A Natural Question.

Little Walter was eating lunch
when he gave his arm sudden shove,
and. splash, down went his glass of
milk.
81 knew you were going 20 spill
that" said mamma angrily.
We'll If you knew" queried Walter,
why didn't you tel meT'
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17

Every time a saloon forces itself into
a neighborhood where It is not wanted,
and has no legal right to establish It.
self, it prejudices public sentiment
against every other saloon in town.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17

Standard Oil declared It's last divid-
end as a trust yesterday. Since 1882
it has paid 1851 100000 in dividends.
Hereafter It will DO the same under an
other guise
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17

The baby emperor of China may
have made some serious mistakes, but
il ought to be remembered he was
teethinE most Of the time and that
makes any child unreasonable.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-11-17

Carnegie's gift of $4,000, 900 may do
good. but compelling steel mill en-
ployes TO work seven days a week ism t
helpful