davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
LAUNCH MUDHEN'
Goes TO BOTTOM
Sinking Occurs Within Three
Minutes After Launching
of Craft.
OWNERS WADE TO SHORE
Rules of the Sea Strictly Adhered to
Although There We're No
Women to Save,

Floating majestically out upon the
tranquil bosom of the Father of Wa
tiers, the good ship Mud Hen, which
was launched with great eciat Satur-
day morning, ceased to float after a
three-minute stay in the water, and
divesting itself of its majestic mein.
followed the example of the Inflated
Titanic and sank ANONYMOUSLY to
the bottom of the river in four feet of
moisture. The officers, who were on
board, managed to reach the shore
without the aid of life preservers or
liteboats and today the Hen is roost-
ing sorrowfully on the mud bank at
the foot of Nineteenth street.
SOME NOTABLEs.
The sun shone bright and clear on
the morning of the launching and at
Z o'clock, the following dignitaries
assembled at the foot of Seventeenth
street to participate in the ceremon-
ial: Harry Cozad, quartermaster; DR..
Victor Bergland, custodian of the
caDteen; Arthur Hoag, boatswain
and Harry Larkin, crew.
SOME CEREMONY.
After considerable granting the
crew announced that he was not
equal to the task of showing the
blooming scow into the water unaid-
ed, and as the officers refused to shed
amy of their dignity, they sent out
for an additional man. Just before
the sturdy craft was sent down the
runway, the custodian of the can
teen gracefully shattered a bottle of
orange cider over the prov of the
vessel, whereupon the crew and his
helper showed the Hen into the water.
SPRINGS LEAK.
The officers were standing upon
the bridge with folded arms, on the
lookout for stray icebergs, when
they suddenly awoke to the fact that
their craft was slowly but surely
sinking. ''Shiver my barnacles If
the old gal amt sinking" yelled the
quartermaster hoarsely. Men. to
the lifeboats, but remember, the wo-
men and children first" But crew
Larkin had carelessly omitted to in
stall lifeboat equipment, so rolling
up their trousers the officers waded
to shore while the assembled crowd
snickered audibly.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
C0AXING THE MULES.
Methods of Stage Drivers In the Noun.
tains of Mexico

tainS OF Mexico.
The drivers who pilot the stagecoach,
es through the mountains in Mexico
have way of their own Of coaxing
their mules along the rough roads.
The method is described by Wallace
Fitzpatrick in his book, THE Man Who
Likes Mexico"
eff you have never ridden on a Mex
lean coach you have stin a new SEN
sation in store. The Chapala coach
has a cushion on top, and n you are
fortunate in sharing this seat you may
ride muy gusto, seeing the country
and the manner Of manipulating an
eight mule team at the same time
There are two about the size of rab-
bits in the lead. string of four in the
middle and two larger ones on the
wheel. The driver has a whip with a
lash long enough to reach the leaders.
His assistant has another shorter one,
but his chief persuaders are rocks.
THE assistant earns so cents a day
and free insurance against dyspepsia.
He alights at the foot Of every hill and
fills his sombrero with rocks on the
way up. He then SHES several bowl
ders big enough to dislocate a hip at
the leaders. and when the whole team
is in gallop he swings himself on to
the box in some miraculous way. |
think he stands on the hub. He could
never do 1t If be wore shoes"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
WORK OF EARTHWORMS.
These Humble Borrowers Are Great
Aids to tho Farmer.

These Humble Borrowers Are Great
Aids to tho Farmer.
! The humble earthworm is one of
mans best friends. The farmer and
the gardener could not spare him. DIR.
~. Newton Friend tells about him in
Science Progress. From DR.. Friends
observations it appears that worms
aerate the soil in variety of ways.
In burrowing through the soil the
worms render it more porous and per
meable to gases, not merely by virtue
or the air spaces formed. but by rea-
son Of the fact that the soil is thus
continually kept in gentle motion
Again, the soil passing through the
bodies OF worms is excreted in a finer
condition. being ground by attrition
through the intestines. Darwin esti-
mated that no fewer than fifteen tons
of soil annually pass through the bod
les Of worms for every acre.
Further, worms breathe in oxygen
and exhale carbon dioxide, and the lat
ter gas, as is well known. readily dis
solves in water. forming an acid solu-
ton which will render alkaline earths
and metallic oxides-iron-.soluble
Worms materially aid in producing
soluble salts of iron in the soil when
other agencies-e. e., dilute mineral
acids-fail. The iron is eventually Civ
en- back to the soil in a more soluble
condition and presumably in one which
can be directly absorbed by plant
roots.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
4 ORDINANCES TO
Be CONSIDERED
Municipal Commission to Pass
Upon Appropriation Budget
and City Market.
TWO IMPROVEMENT PLANS
One for Bluff Section Waterman and
Other for Paving of Tenth
Avenue.

Among matters for consideration by
the municipal commission this after
noon were the city market ordinance
offered by Commissioner Archie Hart
the appropriation ordinance offered bv
Commissioner NJ. T. Rudgren, an ordi-
nance for the laying Of watermains
from Thirtieth to Thirty-fifth streets
and Fourteenth to Eighteenth avenues
an ordinance for the paving of Tenth
avenue from Nineteenth to Twenty
first streets, by Mayor H. NJ. Schriyer
and The receiving of monthly reports
from the various departments.
The bluff district Waterman i'm.
provement ordinance is submitted
through the board of local improve
ments. The estimated cost of the i'm
provement is S9,05S. The estimated
cost of the paving of Tenth avenue
with asphalt is S4,471.25.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
PANIC FOLLOWS
FIRE ON A TRAIN

One of the vestibule curtains on a
Chicago-Rock Island Rock Island
road train was set afire last evening
as the train pulled out of Joliet
bound for this city, causing a de-
lay of 10 minutes while the crew of
the train fought the flames and kept
them from spreading over the train.
As is often the case, the curtains be-
tween the diner and Pullman were
set afire by engine sparks. 1t is said
that light panic was caused among
the passengers when the fire was re-
ported though that, like the fire,
vas quelled before any harm had re-
suited. The train, due in Rock Is
land at 1O:07, arrived on time.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
Almost q Miracle.

One of the most startling changes
ever seen in any man, according to W.
B. Holsclaw. Clarendon, Texas, was
effected years ago in his brother. He
had such dreadful cough" he writes,
that all our family thought he was
going into consumption, but he began
to use Dr. Kings New Discovery, and
was completely cured by ten bottles.
Now he is sound and we'll and weighs
2lS pounds. For many years our fam
lily has used this wonderful remedy
for Coughs and Colds with excellent
results" It's quick, safe, reliable and
guaranteed. Price so cents and S1.00.
Trial bottle free at all druggists.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
MAY TERM GRAND
JURY IN SESSION

The May term of the circuit court
convened this afternoon with Judge F.
ID. Ramsay of Morrison on the bencn.
The first work TO be taken up was the
swearing in and instructing of the
grand jury. John A Goodmanson of
Moline was named foreman. The in
structions were general and it is be-
lleved that the work of the jury will
not be unusually heavy because of the
work done by the special grand jury
which probed the riot incidents.
The bonds of Harry NJ. McCaskrin,
Edward H. Gardner and p. II. Wells
We're renewed in court today, the same
Dondsmen remaining as surety for
each.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
RESIGNS OFFICE
HELD MANY YEARS
R. G. Pearce, Custodian of
Rock Island Postofice
Since 1898, Relieved.
STILL CUSTOMS SURVEYOR
Postmaster II. A. j. Mcdonald Nam
ed SuccessOr-Change Effective
Immediately.

Postmaster II. A. ]. Mcdonald has
received notification from the acting
secretary Of the treasury, James L.
Wilmuth, Washington, D. c., of his
appointment as custodian Of the Rock
Island postoflce, succeeding DR.. P. G.
Pearce, who presented his resignation
to the department April %. Captain
Mcdonald assumes his new RESPONSE
biliues at once, and all files and rec
crds will be turned over to him forth
with.
LONG IN SERVICE.
DR.. Pearce was appointed 10 the Gus
todianship under the Mckinley admin
istration, Feb l. 1898, the appointment
coming 10 him simultaneously with
that of surveyor Of customs, in which
ofiice DR.. Pearce continues, DR.. Pearce
has fulfilled the duties Of custodian in
an able manner during his Is years Of
service, but felt that at his age the in
creased demands which would be upon
him attendant 10 the removal from the
old Dostofiice to the new building
would prove too great a strain upon
him. and consequently he asked to be
relieved.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
JOY RIDERS HAVE
BATTLE WITH MUD
Eight Des Moines Men Make
Trip to Rock Island in Auto
After Fierce Struggle.
CAR SINKS IN OVER WHEELS
Are Is Hours ON the ROad-Four
Horses EXtricate Machine at
One Place.

After an 1S-hour battle against mud
and bad roads. eight Des Moines men
who started from that city in a Pack
ard automobile at o'clock yesterday
morning, bowled into Rock Island at 2
o'clock this morning, weary and be-
draggled. Their machine was plaster
ed with mud from radiator to tail
lights, and its occupants were in much
the same condition. The tourists were
L. W. Goldsberry, f. G. LAUREL, Lewis
Michaelson, Louis Hart, Fred Murray,
Ed Haskamp, s. J. Chopper, and E. v.
COPYRIGHT
STUCK IN MUD.
The party started out for a Joy ride.
but after they had been on the road
a few hours they arrived at the conclu-
sion that the only joy to be secured
would be at the finish of the journey.
They struck mud when a few miles
out OF Des Moines, and were marooned
twice before they put the chains on
the tires.
A few miles this side of Washington.
Iowa, the machine sank in the mud
clear above the wheels. Four horses
were brought into play, and after a
struggle of over a half hour, the Jour
ney was continued.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
Police News

for chasing women and children off
The sidewalks in the downtown districts
detective Herman Sehnert arrested
John Kelly Saturday, and this morn
ing Kelly went TO the county Jail TO
serve a sentence of 40 days imposed
on charge Of disorderly conduct.
Nellie Welsh, negress, swore out a
complaint against another negress.
May Brown, on charge of disorderly
conduct, and this morning the Brown
black woman was fined SO and costs
Tor dlsorderly conduct. II was the dec
laration of the Welsh woman that the
defendant tried to fight with her.
Fred Voss and George Coorousb
were each fined 50 and costs this morn
Ing on charges OF drunkenness. They
We're arrested Saturday night by on
GERS Furlong and Gabel. The men
were striving TO see whether or not
a two-foot strip OF sidewalk would
AFFORD a soft bed for them. When ac-
costed by the officers, one was snooz-
ing on top of the other.
Ellen Terrell, begress, who was re-
leased from bondage a short Is days
ago, was hailed before Magistrate c. ].
smith this morning, and after a brief
investigation into the suspicious cir
cumstances which brought about her
arrest, was released one night last
week, II Is alleged. a white man W.
robbed while in a room with the wo-
man He reported TO the police that
81 had been stolen from him by the
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
CLAIMS ASSAULT
WAS UNPROvOKED
John McGinty Sustains Wound
Three Inches Deep in His
Neck.
JOHN GARDELAS is HELD
Charged With Assault With Intent to
DO Great Bodily Injury-Bond
Fixed at $500.

John Gardelas was bound over tothe
grand jury under $500 tonds by Magis-
trate c. J. Smith this morning, the
charge against him being assault with
intent to do great bodily injury. John
McGinty, with three-inch deep wound
in his neck to show for an assault,
filed the complaint against Gardelas
Yesterday morning shortly after II
o'clock, McGinty was walking west on
Fifth avenue, and when he reached
Twenty-fifth street, an alien who was
running in the opposite direction,
struck him and then followed his first
blow with a jab from a knife. Nc
Ginty fell to the ground and a by
stander John Beck, picked him up
after he saw the assailant run away.
McGinty went to the police station,
and Officer Herkert, after seeing that
the wound was properly dressed, went
to the scene of the battle. Through
a conversation with Beck, he learned
the identity of the wielder of the wea-
pom.
DENIES GUILT.
With Officer Mccarthy, he entered
the home Of Gardelas, and after a
search, found Gardelas in bed, despite
affirmations from fellow roomers that
he was not there. Beck identified Gar
delas as the assailant of McGinty. Gar
delas denies guilt of the assault. Nc
Ginty knows Of no provocation for the
affair.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
Simmons Case Continued.

The case against Edward Simmons
who is held under $500 bonds in the
court OF Justice c. J. Schroeder on
a complaint charging larceny. has been
continued from today till Wednesday
afternoon at 2 o'clock. Simmons was
arrested on complaint of a negro. W.
h. Carlos, who alleges that he pawn
ed suit OF clothes in the store and
that when he returned for the suit
IL was gone.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06

"John, did you post that letter ]
gave you this morning?"
Yes. dear" said John without look
ing up from his paper.
well, what is your answerP'
"Wh-what?'
WHAT is your answer? That letter
was directed to you"
"Wh-what do you say? Directed TO
me? l didn't notice it"
And as John in amaZement took II
out of his pocket to verify his wife's
assertion he saw that he had been
caught again. II was not addressed to
him.-Buffalo Express.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
FURNITURE is ORDERED
FOR NEW POSTOFFICE

postmaster H. A. J. Mcdonald an
ncunced today that the furniture for
the new Rock Island postoffice has
been ordered, negotiations having
been completed during his visit at
Washington, d. c., last week. The
aggregate cost has not been made
public. The new furniture is to be
golden oak to harmonic with the
tnishings of the new Building. First
shipments will begin TO arrive in
about two months.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
CITY PRISONERS
TO DO ROAD WORK

Within another week city prisoners
VINO are unable to secure their re-
lease from custody through the pay
ment OF fine, will be placed at work
in the operation of a stone crusher
which is TO grind out material for the
macadamizing OF the Ninth street
road from the paving at Eighteenth
avenue to the bridges between Sears
and Milan. The prisoners will be fed
at the police station in the morning
and evening and will carry full" din
ner pals for their midday repast.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
River Riplets

A confectionery stand is being in.
stalled on the upper deck of the ferry
Davenport today, so that in the future
the hungry and thirsty ones NAV SO.
cure refreshment Candy, ice cream
and soft drinks will be dispensed.
The Morning Star arrived at the To-
cal port at S:55 this morning from
the keokuk dam. About $50 excursion
lists made the trip.
The u. S. Mac tied up on the Iowa
side Yesterday, returning to the gov
eminent harbor at Silver Lake this
morning. Capt. O. Spisby took advan-
tage of the lull in activities to visit at
his home in LeClaire.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY.
lt Was Highly Prizsd as a Wonderful
Money Saver.

IL Was Highly Prizsd as a Wonderful
Money Saver.
When Miss Ann Pickett dropped In
on her neighbor, Mrs. Spicer, and
found her moping over the fragments
Of gilt vase Miss Ann sympathized
generously. 1T must have been rath.
'er costly vase" she said, looking ad-
lmiringly at the pieces.
No, It only cost six bits" Mrs. Spi.
Ger acknowledged. "'Tain't that ]
feel so bad about"
Maybe It was gift that you priced
because Of associations"
Mrs. Spicer shook her head "Jim
and / bought 1t over In Tompkinsville
long time ago. 1 priced it because
1t was such a saving to the family.
The first year we had 1t 1 kept it on
the front shelf for a general ornament
Then when Jim's birthday came and J
hadn't anything else handy to give l
gave him the vase for his own. Next
Christmas. instead of paying out good
money to buy something new. he gave
1t back to me for Christmas present.
Then 1 gave 1t to Jim junior on his
birthday, and he gave 1t to Sue Belle
on hers.
THE next spring all the kir,folks got
up a birthday party for old Aunt Sal
lie Spicer, and we took her the vase
After she'd KEEP it a good bit she gave
it to Jim's sister Jane for a weddin
present, and afterward Jane gave 1t
to me and Jim when we had our china
weddin'. was countin' on givin' 1t
to Jim again on his next birthday. and
now here 1t is smashed to flinders.
81 tell you, Miss Ann, it most makes
me cry to think of losing such a useful
family article-so near Jim's birthday
too"-Youth's Companion.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
Visit Filter Plant

Drs. F. A. Smith and E. L. Kerns
OF the Modern Woodmen OF America
society visited the Rock Island reser-
voir-tiltration plant yesterday after
noon and after their inspection OF
the plant, pronounced 1t as one of
the best they have ever seen. They
complimented L. !. Birdsall, super
intendent OF filtration, for the work
which he has accomplished and is do
ing through the care of the city wa
ter supply.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
RIVER GUIDE LIGHTS
ORDERED INTO USE

Under orders from Major Charles
Keller, in charge of the river from
ST. Paul TO st. Louis, the guide lights
between this City and the northern
terminal OF navigation will be lighted
tonight for the first time this year.
Original plans were TO start the river
lights May ~, but the present condi-
ton Of the river and the fact that
steamers of considerable size are al
ready making the trip north, warrant
the putting out OF the lights at this
comparatively early date.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
Auto Catches Fire

While out riding in an electric coupe
on Rock Island arsenal yesterday
morning, r.. H. Baker of Moline not
iced smoke coming from his machine.
An investigation showed that fire was
blazing under the rear axle and in try
ing to extinguish the blaze, Mr.. Baker
was severely burned. The coupe was
badly damaged. Mr.. Baker is at loss
to explain the origin of the fire.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
Obituary
LILLIAN SIMMONS.

Lillian, daughter of Mr.. and Mrs.
Charles Simmons, died of typhoid fever
at the home in Andalusia Sunday
morning at 2 o'clock. Lillian attained
her Sth birthday April 10 last. The
funeral services will be held at the
Baptist church tomorrow morning at
10 O'Clock, with interment in Andalu-
STA cemetery.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
The siIenesd Pretender.

B,lts-Did you know that the oldest
Of Prices seven daughters had eloped1
Siffert-No. How was the old man at
fected? Bilts-Oh. he took on dread
fully at first, then be found out thsI
every one knew he had bought the
girls railroad ticket-Judge.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
TO FORM A
SEMI-PRO LEAGUE

Harry Kelly, former Islander
third baseman, is talking of the or
ganization of a local independent
team to play in Rock Island Sat
urdays and Sundays with outside
semi-pro baseball teams. He has
several good ball players lined up for
such an organization in this city and
may carry his plan further by or
ganizing an Independent league of
Semi-pTo teams
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
In Cigar Business.

w. f. Medley has embarked in the
cigar business in this city with his
factory at SOS Sixteenth street Some
OF the brands that are worthy Of par
ucular mention which ne Will make
are the Big Chief 1O-cent cigar. the
Little Chief scent cigar and Medleys
Little Havana scent cigar.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
Crane For Steamboat otie.

A stuffed crane, magnificent speci-
men. has been presented to Local
Agent Lester Hastings of the White
Collar line by Frank Grotjen, who shot
the bird 4ast fall while hunting on
Horse island. The specimen will be
placed in the company's offices at the
foot of Nineteenth street.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
To Give Public HEARING,

tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock the
board of local improvements will give
public hearing to the owners OF prop
erty between Thirty-eighth and For
ty-frst street on Eighteenth Avenue,
regarding the improvement of that
stretch of the avenue by the laying of
watermains.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
Personal Points

DR.. G. G. Craig has returned from
Chicago.
Mrs. C. E. Fearsons has gone to
Chicago on a visit.
J. 7. Stafford has returned from
an extended western trip.
Leo Sexton leaves tonight for Fish.
KILL n. Y, where he is employed.
J. X. Brandenburg was home
from Springfield on Sunday sojourn.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
Billy Earle Leaves

Billy" Earle, erstwhiIe famous
baseball arbiter. shook the dust Of
Rock Island of his feet TODAY and
went to Chicago. He expects to
pick up few dollars umpiring ANA
teur and semi-pro games using the
Windy City as his headquarters.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
Friendly Suggestion.

Borem - That fve-year-old boy of
mine gets Off some good things. This
morning at breakfast he said Knox
Gnterruptingp - He should have them
copyrighted. Borem-Why? Knox-To
keep you from reproducing them.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
Notice to MYSTIC Workers.

Card party given by Mystic Workers
No. IS at Maths hall this evening.
May 6. Admission IS cents, including
refreshments.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06

Tony Zurich lodged complaint
against Christ Chorpi this morning in
police court, charging him with lar.
ceny OF a coat. Because there were
no witnesses in court this morning
Chorpi's case was continued till Sat
urday morning and he is in the county
Jail because Of failure to furnish $500
bail.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06
ReouIars' Next Dance Nav q

The Regulars will hold their next
dance at the Watch Tower Inn We'd
nesday evening, May 8.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-05-06

negress. Before she was arrested. na
left the city and refused to further
prosecute the case.
The Keota news., 1912-05-24
COLORADO
SUBSTITUTE Foe eueeeH.

The story from Philadelphia that
man OF that clcy has discovered sub
stitute for rubber which he manufac-
lures from var,ous kinds OF waste WIN
be accepted with a grain OF salt Until
the facts be claims are fully essab~
lishei. IL has long been the dream OF
chemists that a substance which would
take the place OF rubber In many Of
the forms In which IL is used would
ultimately be discovered. bu.. like the
famous passage 10 Cathay in the time
OF Columbus. the resuit has efuded
pursuit. II may be pur down as fact
that some time, somewhere. such
substitute Win be found. says the
Washington Herald Il may no, have
all the qualities Of rubber. which seems
70 have been a special gift OF Provi
dencs TO mankind. OF value irnpos
sfbfe OF replacement or counterfeit
But the uses OF rubber have extended
so enormously, and the supply is SC
limited in tropical countries. that the
mind OF the world has been. as II
were. concentrated upon the prorrosi-
ton OF finding sorne substance which
would, under proper condition. take
its place. Until now no such product
has been found