davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
The Maine coffer-Dam Plan.

wreck shows that under the soft mud layer of blue clay was found at a depth of 63 feet, that this extended to a depth of 75 feet, where it grew a little harder and that at a depth of S5 feet it 'stiffened.' That official re- port of the borings is enough in itself to show that there is no stability what ever to the bottom down to the depth of S5 feet. It further goes to show that only the frictional resistance of the sides of the wreck prevents it from sinking deeper. and that as soon as the mud surrounding it is removed, a removal contemplated by the plans, the wreck must inevitably settle fully 20 or 30 feet more. There is also the imminent probability that it will set tie stern or bow first, and that this misdirected effort at raising it will leave it standing on one end.
 With this knowledge of the insta- bility of the bottom it seems incred- ible that the coffer-dam method should have been resorted to. The theory of the resistance of dams and retain ing walls is so elementary that every student of engineering must acquire it the first year of his course. And it would seem that the most elemental knowledge of this theory should have prevented the government from com hitting itself to the construction of cnffer-dam where it is known that the bottom is unstable to so great a depth"
 In the report published in the technical journal which details the plans, it is said that relative ob- servations on the various parts of the Maine made today and ten years ago. show that after it's first settlement in the mud in the bottom of the harbor, no further settlement took place." Those who contend that the bed of the Maine and the sur rounding bottom is soft. point to pho tographs taken recently and directly after the disaster This taken recent ly show that the wreck is now sub- merged much deeper than when she first went down.
 The plan devised by the board of army officers contemplates a coffer- dam built around the wreck. This coffer-dam is to consist of a series of cylinders 50 feet in diameter on the sides of the wreck, and 40 feet in di- ameter at the bow and stern. These cylinders" the report says, "are to be driven to a depth of 70 feet, which will take them well into the blue clay at the bottom. When the rotterdam
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
Tribute to Painters skIII.

One of the still life paintings by Jan van Huysen in the museum at The Hague was recently injured. but it is believed that the perpetrator was neither vandal nor thief
 The picture represents a basket of fruit on which a number of insects have gathered On pale yellow ap- pie, which is the centerpiece in the cluster of fruit, Is large fly, painted so true to nature, so say the officials of the gallery, that the canvas was injured by some one who endeavored to "shoo" it and brought his cane or hand too close to the canvas. "A tribute to the painters genius" says the letter recording the fact. flor which the work had to suffer"
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
TALE OF REIGN OF TERROR
Overcame and Nearly Killed Spectator of Iron Nerve.

M. Lenotre's book on the exper1. ences of the Gascon royalist, the Barrn de Batz-an English version of which has just appeared-was first published in Paris some years ago, and 1t is surprising that it was not translated before 1910. De Batz was one of the strangest figures of the French revolution. He is said to have used his enormous wealth in bringing about distrust among the revolution. ary leaders and in crippling finance, and thus had much to do with the end of the butche7y. There was one ter ribIe incident of the executions pre- ceding the fall of Robespierre thus narrated by M Lenotre in this vol ume:
 "A certain man of great strength and hardness-one of those athletic people who are all muscle and have no nerves-wagered that he would watch the execution at close quarters without finching. Whether he stood with the executioner or not I do not know. For long time he bore it un moved; but when little Nicole came upon the scaffoid, and arranged her. self upon the plank, and said gently to the executioner: Monsieur, shall l be all right like that?' his head swan and his sight failed him, his immense strength gave way, and he fell to the ground. For a moment he was thought to be dead and was carried home"
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
Happy at 1os.

William Head. who yesterday cele bYated at Windsor Workhouse his hundred and third birthday, when asked if he would like to go for his usual walk into the village of Old Windsor replied: No, thank you As this is my birthday l prefer to spend it at home" He looks upon the workhouse as his home, and spent a happy day there. He rose at o'clock and had his usual pipe before break fast. Then the master brought him two presents of tobacco which had ar rived for him. For dinner the old man had boiled beef, vegetables and bread. He spent the afternoon with his friends at the workhouse. and having had a good tea, went to bed at 2 S'cIock.-London Daily Mail.
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
ORIGIN OF "YANKEE DOODLE
Tune Is Believed to Have PertaIned to Country Dance in Ger
 man Province.

Theories concerning the origin of the air of Yankee Doodle" have been almost as numerous as those touching the birthplace of Homer.
 One of the most interesting and, 1t Is thought, the latest speculation in this regard comes from Germany. It is contended that the tune originally pertained to a country dance of the district of the former province of Kur- Hesse, that it was called the 'Schwalm," and that the afr was also. played as a military march by bands of Hessian troops during the war of the Revolution. In studying the dances of the "Schwalm,' the German authority was struck by their similar ity in form and rhythm to Yankee Doodle" 1t is assumed that, as many of the Hessians who served in Ameri- ca were recruited in this district, they carried Yankee Doodle" with them.
 Yet, while this theory may be car rect as to the melody, it does not con vincingly explain it's introduction into America; for the air was played here long before the Hessian troops came Mention of it appears in a newspaper bearing date of September, 176S, and it is traditionally supposed to have been brought to the attention of the colonial army in 1755, when Dr. Schuckburgh, a surgeon in the regular British army. recommended it to the colonials as "one of the most celebrat-. ed. airs of martial music. ."-The Sun day Magazine.
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06

this connection engineers have had their attention called to a law which seems to have a direct bearing on this subject, and which, in view of the fact that only $300,000 has been appropriated. seems to forefend any possibility of the early raising of the wreck
 Section 3679 of the Revised Stat utes reads: No department of the government shall expend in any one fiscal year any sum in excess of ap- populations made by congress for that fiscal year, or involve the gov ernment in any contract or obligation for the future payment of money in excess of such appropriation, unless such contract or obligation is author ized by law. Any person violating any provision of this section shall be sum marily removed from office and may also be punished by fine not less than $100, or by imprisonment for not less than one month"
 Army Got Work by Error.
 There is an interesting bit of un- written history which reveals how 1t came about that the work of raising the Maine was delegated to the war department, instead of to the navy. When 1t was seen that the pending bill was sure to be passed by con gross the navy department began to lay plans for executing the work.
 Then the chairman of the commit tee which had the matter in hand ad- dressed an inquiry to Secretary Meyer of the navy department, making for mai request for information as to whether the work of raising the yes sci came within the province of the navy department or the war depart ment. The communication said that the bill, as drawn, contemplated that the work be done by the navy, but that there had been some discussion of the matter and that an official opin- ion was desired.
 The letter was turned over to the solicitor of the navy department, a new man who had just taken office. He found law which placed upou the army the task of removing obstruc- tion from rivers and harbors and con strued this as being an answer to the inquiry. Secretary Meyer signed and
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
FARE AT HARVARD IN 1850
Breakfast at Daybreak and Boiled Dinner Two Days in the
 Week.

The students lodged in the dormi- tories and ate at the commons. The food then partaken of with thankful prison fare. At breakfast, which was served at sunrise in summer and at daybreak in winter, there were doled out to each student a small can of un- settled coffee, a size of biscuit, and size of butter, weighing generally about an ounce. Dinner was the sta ple meal, and at this each student was regaled with a pound of meat. Two days in the week, Monday and Thursday, the meat was boiled. and. in college language, these were known as boiling days. On the remaining days the meat was roasted. and to them the nickname of roasting days was fastened. With the flesh went al ways two potatoes. When boiling days came round, pudding and cab bage, wild peas and dandelions were added
 The only delicacy to which no stint was applied was the cider, beverage then. fast supplanting the small beer of the colonial days This was brought to the mess in pewter cans which were passed from mouth to mouth. and. when emptied, were again replenished. For supper there was bowl of milk and size of bread. The hungry Oliver who wished for more was forced to order, or, as the phrase went. seize it," from the htchen.-McMaster's History of the People of the United States.
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
THE MAINE
Engineers Engaged in Bitter War
 Over Methods.
Publication of Plans Like Firebrand In Housing Fight Between Army and NaVy-May Equal "Sea-LeVeI
 Lock Canal" Discussion.

Washington.-Public of the de- army engineers for the work of rais- ing the wreck of the battleship Maine seems likely to precipitate as great a discussion as was brought about by the war over the relative merits of the sea-level versus the lock-type of canal for the Panama isthmus.
 It was made known some time ago that the old, slow and expensive meth cd of coffer-dam was to be employed by the army people, and while con siderable criticism of the plan was made at the time, the engineers as rule initiated Sigsbee in ''reserving judgment" until the plan, with all of its details, was at hand.
 When these have been made known it is probable that the crux of the contention will center about the char acter of the bottom where the Maine lies embedded. In the firmness or softness of that bed seems to lie the essence of the entire situation.
 Scoff at the Dam.
 For if it Is soft, and if the softness extends to any considerable depth, there will be engineers to say that the coffer-dam idea is impracticable for the reason that the dam would have to be sunk too deep for its sides to resist the lateral pressure, and, moreover, that it would be inn possible to keep it free of water by. reason of the great pressure under and around the base.
 When asked his opinion of the cof- fer-dam plan of raising the wreck of the battleship Maine, an engineer of national reputation said that he had made a close examination of the plans as outlined and that his. experience had shown him that the plan adopted by the army engineers for raising the wreck is utterly fmpracticable. He make the remarkable statement that the plan, if persisted in, will not only fail to raise the wreck, but in all like lihood will engulf it deeper.
 T have just finished an examination of the plans" this engineer continued. 'The official report of the army engi- neers whoSdid the boring around the
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06

sent the letter and when it came out that the bill had been passed and that the army was to do the work, the sec retary had the civil engineers of the navy and the construction corps about his ears.
 Then he was shown that his solici- tor had made grave mistake, that the law which had been quoted ap- piled only to rivers and harbors with in the United States, and that the work was wholly and unquestionably within the province of the navy. MT. Meyer very frankly and very sincerely said that he deeply regretted the mis- take. but in very manly way as- sumed full responsibility for it.
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
After Thinking It Over.

Well" said the general manager. T thought you were going to quit un. less we granted you a. 20 per cent in- crease in your salary?"
 "Yes, I did think of doing so, but I've decided to arbitrate with you"
 "Oh, On what basis ?"
 "I thought I'd offer to stay if you would agree to furnish the ink need tor my fountain pen"
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
Tale of a Bird.

A little four-year-old boy living in a country town disturbed and took some eggs from under sitting hen belonging to a neighbor The neigh bor complained to the boys mother, who later called her boy to her and began to reprove him, when he broke in with the question: "Who told you ?"
 The mother said: "A little bird told me Now, tell me, how many eggs did you take?'
 The little boy, stammering. said: 'Well! Well, Why didn't the bird tell you the whole of ft?''
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
One Thino Certain.

The tourist from Chicago usually makes herself seen and heard One lady of such tendencies announced to surprised audience in a London boarding house that her husband had written to say that he was going to buy an automobile. T don't know whether he'll go in for a towering-car or g running-around." said the volubIe lady. "But one thing is certain. we'll have our own garbage"
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
Same Sort of Lanuuane

'1'm afraid we'll have to cut that mans acquaintance" said the woman of strictly correct ideas.
 Yes" replied Miss Cayenne He uses the same sort of language that we pay two or three dollars a seat to hear at a theatre"
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
Scored Heavily.

The Burglar-How much is five rolls of movin' picture films, snare drum an cornet worth you, Snooks?
 The Fence-Where did you lift that stuff, Bill?
 The Burglar (smilingly)-I broke into vaudyville last nighti
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
The Only Role for Him.

Torpid Thomas-What do you t'ink. old pal? A swell guy approached me yesterday an wanted me ter act in movin' picture play.
 Languid Lawrence -Sufferin' hobos, An why didn't yer, yer idiot?
 Torpid Thomas-There wuzn't no sittin' part in the drama he wuz per ducin'
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
Cold storaae Variety.

Restaurant Patron-Why, these eggs aren't cooked at all,
 Waiter-Fll swear they were in the water three minutes,
 Restaurant Patron-Perhaps- it takes that long to thaw them out, daAsn't it2
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
Acme of cautiousness.

Seymour-"Young Ticer looks like cautious man.
 Ashley-He is cautious; he's so eau tious that he wouldn't ask the prettiest girl in all the world to let him see her home unless he had learned how far away she lived
The Holbrook news., 1911-01-06
A Close Observer.

"Have you ever seen mermaid?'
 .No; but I've seen professional div jpG girls whose skin was rather scaly.s
Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1911-06-15
Direct Election OF Senator'S.

When the direct election of senators
was defeated in the Senate Of the
Congress which ended last March
Senator Borah Of Idaho said:
"Whilc would like much 10 have
had four more votes | am gratifled
with the result. When it is demon
strated that the Senate stands within
four Of two-thirds majority for the
resolution, it is certain the real fight
is over"
The final vote of Ga to "a by which
the Senate yesterday voted for the
direct election of its members fulfilled
Senator Borah's prophecy. The
progressive victory of last fall accom-
plishCd the result. Some senators
who voted against the resolution at
the last proceeding session had been
defeated by the action OF the people
at the November polls. And other
opposing senator's, whose seats had
not been in contest at the late cleo
ton, nevertheless bowed to the UNI
mistakable demands of the people.
Because the Bristow amendment
(Which puts the senatorial elections
under federal instead of state super
yision) was adopted Ivy the Senate
the resolution will have to go,back
to the House of Representatives Tor
further consideration. But as the
principal of direct senatorial election
has won by considerably more than
the requisite two-thirds majority "a
both houses Of Congress there is hard
~ a doubt that the two chambers will
get together for the final passage OF
the amendment.
1t is a slow process the people OF
the republic have for influencing their
senator's. But when the people arc
persistent they can get the S'ni OF
government that they want.-kansas
Cit Star.
Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1911-06-15
Morgan County Rural Com
mcnccMcnt,

The Morgan County Rural Com
mcNCcmcnt was held in the Krauss
Opera House Friday night, lunc Sth.
and the program Garfield out, except
lhat Prof. Evrard failed to appear.
and his place was ably. filed by Prof.
J. a. livcsy. The house was full,
the music good, and all present were
glad to be there. The following
graduates were presented with diplo-
mas, with appropriate remarks, by
Prof. ]. a. L~ivcsay:
District No. Maud Hull.
District No. : Icda Decker. Raw
Kanenbly, Edgar Carpenter, Floren-
lena Sicgel.
District No. 7 Roy Dinwiddie
lanes Carver, James Stephens.
list. ~, Elsie Moon.
Dist. II, Iettic B%runkhorst.
Dist. 20, Annie Siegel, Lco,a Igo
Goldy Richardson.
DiSl. -, Sallic Drake.
Dist, as. Bessie Sparks.
Dist. go, Ada. Sanford.
Dist. 81, George Wicken, Dor;
Wickcn.
Dist aS, Nice Ilinkcn. Bessi,
Gchrs.
Dist. 81, laley BAH
Dist. "a, Norman Tolbot,.
Dist. 50, Edyth Driver.
Dist. 81, Anna Jones, Stella Jones
Dist, ~, Florence Campbell, HurI
~Crutchfcld, Mable. ,Roberts, WoreA1
KiAwell, Edna Crutchfeid-
Dist a., Gavean Adcqck, Orlcn
Dotv.
Dist. as, Mollie Campbell.
} Dist. Al, Hannah Elliott.
=. Dist. so, Beliord %Spurlock, Edit
Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1911-06-15
John e. Curry Dead.

Died, at the home of his sister
Mrs. Smith, this city, Friday, May
OH, 1911, John Edgar Curry, aged
"a years, / month and 1 day, 0! the
infrmitics of old age.
MIR. Curry was born in Butler coun-
ty, Pa. May S,h, 1927. Married
htaric McNair Dec. 3ist, 1850, who
died March 9th. 1901. he moved TO
IiarriSvllle, Pa, in 1851 and en-
gagged in the mercantile business.
which he followed lor owe fifty years.
He came to Versailles April Bird,
1902, to make his home with his Sis
ter, Mrs. Smith. He united with the
United Presbyterian church in Butler
when a boy Of II. lie held member
ship in the Harmony church of lIar-
riSvillc for forty years. Bro. Curry
was always an active worker in the
church and gave it liberal support.
He was clerk OF his ...ome church Tor
10 years, and also secretary and
treasurer Of the Board of Home Mis-
sions. He united with the Presby-
terrain church of Versailles soon after
coming here, and wa3 elected an
elder, which Office he held until
a few years ago he was compelled
to retire on account Q! bis health.
He leaves two sisters, Mrs. Smith, of
Versailles, Mo-, and Mrs. w. /.
Gold, of Clarksburg. Mo.
Funeral services wclc held at the
Presbyterian church Sunday morning
at lO:0O O'Clock, conducted by his
pastor, Rev. 7. /. Or, after which
his remains were inferred ia the city
cemetery. The bcrcavcd relatives
have the sympathy of many fliends.
Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1911-06-15
Judge J. p. Davsherty Dead.

Died, at his home in Smithton,
Mo-. Saturday, June roth. 1911. after
IN extended illness of several years.
Judge ]. p. Daugherty, aged 90
years. s months and 3 days.
Judge Daugherty was born in
Washington county, Pa. Was mar
ried to Rebecca A. Bel il Ninton
County, Ohio, to which union six
children were born: John Wesley, Of
St. Louis J. w. of Sedalia, Howard
of Versailles, Mrs. VIM. Well of YER
%saillcs: Clarence of Houston, Tex. I:
and Mrs. Blanche Witten Of Versailles.
His first wife died. and lie afterwards
married Mrs. Mary i. smith, and to
them was born a daughter, Miss
Daisy Irene. of Smithton. Mo.
Mi. Daugherty had lived many
years in Morgan County. being one
OF rs most prominent and progressive
citizens. holding the important office
of presiding Judge for two terms.
He moved to his late home at Smith
ton. Mo-. about a year and a halt
ago. He was a member OF the Otter
vile Odd Fellow Lodge. and was
buried under their auspices. He
was a member for many years OF
Stony Point. Presbyterian church,
and services were conducted by his
former pastor. The intermcnt was
in the Ottcrvillc cemetery Monday,
June 18th.
Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1911-06-15
Raise in Salary.

Beginning with July 1T, the Yer
saillcs po%st"tnce, on account of in
creased business, will be raised from
$1,000 30 Sl700 per year, an Increase
OF $l0Q. The p%os.ohcc is a pretty
iair barometer OF business, and while
the increase is not large, ii show,
that the business OF Versailles is stead
lily growing. May it continue to IN
CrcaSc.
Morgan County republican. (Versailles, Mo.) 1906-1914, 1911-06-15
Why Is II?

Why IS il that persons I've could
Use a stronger tesm) generally want
to, and do, spit ON starting either up
OF down a stairway? We have avoid
ed the nasty habit since being up
stars in the Woods Block, nearly five
years, yet the desire is just as strong
as ever. In Judging other, ON thi,
line We go by the condition OF the
different stairways we are compelled
to use. and the evidence is there
averv time. and tobacco users al
most universally. ]. II. II. Baker
say, there IS nothing without a rcas-
on so We put It up to HIM TO give us
the reason tor this, almost universal
habit OF splitting on ~stairwayS.