davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18
Caught in the Act.
A.. F. B.

The Saltwater Gazette, that fine
paper that stands for the good of it's
home city, and which never fails to
boost any worthy project, in late
issue stated that, Hope is what
cheers us on, otherwise, this would
be an undesirable place to hang
around in" This strikes keynote
among the inmates here, we have
never read the Gazette when we
have not found some good thoughts
and words to cheer us on. Surely it
has cheered u.s., and many a cheer
less day has been made bright for
us by the reading of its pages. Keep
up the good work, memories linger
long. May success crown your
every effort, and may your paper
find entrance into every home, is
our New Years wish for you.
Bro. Webb. on discussing the
cold spell, stated that the jack rab-
bets down in Kansas, are so hungry
dat dey just chase de white folks
right out oh de- house.
Friend +. never fails to hold his
audience; as writer and scholar,
stands second to none.
Everything is running fine around
here, excepting the mule press mp
in The Mirror Office. A small motor
installed at once would remedy this
trouble. Here's an opportunity for
some one.
If we were able to crowd all our
bad thoughts out through our cell
door, many of US would be awfully
lonesome.
The ice packing has been finished
Guard Happen surely over-done the
thing this year. just took about three
days to do the job.
Friend c., the Wardens' runner,
| it is claimed, is the best man who
ever held down the job.
Burglars, it is claimed, tied up a
young woman pianist in Chicago
lately. Some folks though believe
it might have been neighbors and
most likely it was.
I-Caruso, our talented little barbe
is expected to again join the orches-
ira. Come on in the waters fine,
Caruso.
Uncle John says it has been SO
cold that the water froze our top OF
the radiator, over in his domicile.
Pm bet the fellow who was will
ing to give his blanket away just to
keep the windows open SO as he
could get some fresh air, would put
up some fight if he found one piss
ing during the cold spell.
Herr Limberger again favored
the inmates. Sunday, with a song,
having as assistants. Percy, the
whistler and one of Ye- Editors
trained Black Birds.
Johnny is not only pearl diver
but some dauber, it was lucky fol
j friend p. that it is not the 18th day
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18

The Christmas number Of t b e
Star of Hope was gem and is well
worth perusal. Enclosed in the copy
sent The Mirror was a dandy calen-
dar for 1912. The same now adorns
the sanctum office.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18

numbered only seven or eight. as Al
that time q dance might have been
the proper thing, but not when the
total had increased to over seven
hundred as at present J =
With the exception of the dance,
the rule adopted by Warden Proc
tor fifty years ago is still in effect.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18

The Special War Dispatch which
appeared in last weeks issue was
the product of the versatile pen of
Beau Esprita. In the rush to get
the paper to press. however, the
proof reader failed TO notice that the
writer's sign manual was missing,
for which act of criminal careless
ness, he, (the proof reader) has been
canned"
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18

The backbone of the long cold
snap was broken recently when
the wind shifted to the south and
started in to blow Jack Frost and
his cohorts back to the north pole at
a sixty mile clip. Some one must
have threatened to fan the weather
mans bean with pick handle.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18

DIR. B. j. Merrill of this city has
been reappointed member of the
state board of health by Gov. Eber-
hart. one of the best selections the
Governor could have made. Still
water Gazette.
1t will be remembered that DIR.
Merrill was for many years the head
physician at the prison.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18

A quartette of inmates was or
ganized by the local Instructor
of Music last week aad brought to
fair state of efficiency. The new
quartette made their first appear
ance at chapel services, Sunday, and
did some very good singing.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18
Population.

Total number of inmates. -. 1856
Working at New Prison $50. 81
Received during week. s.
Discharged during week. .....is &
Number in First Grade. ..... 601
Number in Second Grade.... III
Number in Third Grade. y
Last serial number. $500. 36O8
Cell changes: 292 to G. c., 479
to 292; 88 to 479; 455 to 642; 1O5 to
455; 10 to cot I; 545 to 348; >647 to
3rd; 633 to n. r.; 1926 to N. p; 243
to N. p; 108 to N. p; 1870 10S; As
to 10; 348 to 545; 368 to az; 352 to
1858; 5O6 to N. P; 900 TOT 4. p; lO8
to N. P; SIG to N. p; 262 Hosp,
61O to 426; 1913 to 3rd; 1O6 to 81;
$50 to 262; 554 to Hosp.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18

Some hog said House Steward
Westlund, describing big porker
that had been brought from the New
Prison where it was raised. The
big fellow weighed 525 pounds,
dressed.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18
Poem That Won
Pardon for Convict.

Jake Mckinney was given life
sentence at Arson Texas. on the
charge of murder. While in, the
pen at Rusk he began the publiea-
ton of little paper, The Alcalde
Chronicle" which attracted atten-
ton throughout the country, because
of its literary merit.
|, The following poetical plea for
pardon was written by it's editor
and forwarded to Gov. Colquett,
which moved the big hearted gov
ernor to issue it's editor full and
unconditional pardon on Thanks
giving eve."
Hon. o. 3. Colquett,
Austin, Taxas.
Dear Governor:
Another chance tits all ask,
In freedoms sun again to bask;
To hear the voice of love at home,
And amid familiar scenes to roam.
What saith the Scripture? Is it wise
To gain world and lose the Prize
of future joys of Him above,
Who came to save because of love.
For sinful man imprisoned here
In sins corrupted atmosphere?
Another change to know the life
Beyond the cruel prison strife.
Where Beauty. Truth and Culture reign.
And pleasure comes 1abor's gain:
To see the golden sun at dawn
Spring forth to light the rural lawn
Wet with the kiss of midnight dew,
And Frightened to a gorgeous hue;
To please the eye of all mankind,
A gift of God to man so blind
Another chance to show the world
That darkness hid my flag unfurled.
That flame of ingenuity
Burns brightest where the darkest be.
As all is not some would tell
A soul defled and booked for hell"
Another chance crave of thee,
oh. Governor. but feel and set me freel
Make the conditions what you may.
will live up to them every day;
have no friends to intercede for me.
Dear Governor, can't you set me free?
Most Sincerely,
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18

Some wag among our recent visit
ors has registered as Hlnkey Dink,
Bunker HILL"
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18

Mr.. James Mullen and wife of
Mankato. Mimi, visited The Mirror
office last Monday in company with
Capt. Wheian. Mr.. Mullen was
formerly a guard at this institution.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18

The occupant of cell 164, will be
pleased to receive the Cosmopolitan
magazine on exchange.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18

Representatives L. G. Spooner of
Morris, Mimi, and Andrew Ander-
son of Saltwater, were escorted
through the prison by Warden
Wolfer, last Saturday.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18
Most Sincerely,
JAKE MCKINNEY.

The above came to our hands
through the courtesy of Capt" Tom
Alexander, who now resides at West,
Tex, and Supt. Williams.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18
M|RRORETTES

Chief O'Connor, of st. Paul, was
a business visitor here last week.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-01-18
RESIDENT OFFICIALS.

il. 3ARNCARD.
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11
CHAPTER XII.
Iron Nerve.

iron Nerve.
Just stood in the doorway, staring.
Couldn't say word, my throat was
that paralyzed. First time, you know,
I'd ever seen real burglar or jolly
hold-up man, and he looked SO difYer-
ent from what l had expected.
But | knew now, of course, that the
policeman was right and that the re-
spectable-looking old gentleman was
no other than the desperate criminal
described as Foxy Grandpa" But
for the Intervention OF outside assist
ance doubtless Billings and might
have had our throats cut by the con-
scienceless old geezer.
He was SO absorbed that he did not
see me. nor the two helmets piking
above my shoulder.
up to his old tricks" O'keefe
whispered. We've got him in the
act. Tim!"
Great" breathed Tim. What
won't the captain say!"
O'Keefe's breath tickled my ear
again and swept my nose. I've never
seen beer or sauerkraut since but
what think of It!
Got your stick ready?" he was say
ing. Best not take any chances; (;
Braxton's a quick shooter. they say.
When we jump him, better give him
the club right on
Tim whispered an impatient demur.
That's all right; but I'm for coaxing
him out here first. / don't want to
tap him on the gentleman's rugs; II
l do, can tell you, it'll ruin 'em,
that's all"
He swept his hand across his
tongue and gripped his stick tighter.
Jenkins, at one side, bobbed his
head up and down and smiled his ad-
miration OF this sentiment. He leaned
nearer to me.
Just beckon him out, Sir" his whis.
per advised. Just tell him you want
to show him something in the hall
cat. or anything will do. Just SO you
get him past the furniture and rugs.
SIR"
| advanced step into the room.
expected the old knave to be bit
dashed, don't you know. Not he; It
never disquieted him a bit. Just gave
me careless leer and went back ia
the ruby. Somehow | began to feel
riled. I'm not often taken that way,
but this old scamp's persistent au-
dacity and impudence went beyond
anything had ever heard OF.
What in thunder's the matter with
you. SOM" he murmured, squirting
1eously at the Jewel. You prowl
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11
Springs In Their Brains.

Two Frenchmen, in visiting an art
gallery. stopped to admire a painting
by an American. The artist happened
to be in the gallery and In broken
English one OF the Frenchmen asked:
How did monsieur ever catch such
wonderful picture?"
90" replied the artist. with far
away look. that painting was an on
spring of my BRAIN
The other Frenchman was greatly
Interested and asked his friend what
that American had said.
Il can hardly explain" whispered
the first Frenchman excitedly; he
said ze picture was one spring on
of his brain. Ees eet any wonder Eat
re Americans act queerly when they
have springs on their brains?"
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11
WILLING TU SHARE PENNIES
Generous Act Of Street Wait That
Gained Him a Friend In Great
Novelist.

Charles Dickens, the creator OF
many delightful child characters,
earned a million dollars during his
lifetime with his pen. but often walk
ed the streets of London in search OF
material for his books without pen
ny in his pocket.
One evening while doing this he
was accosted by small boy who
asked him for penny. Dickens
searched his pockets, but they were
empty. and so he told the boy, who
was shivering in the cold.
Poor mani" exclaimed the little
fellow, well go hunks together!"
Dickens stood back in the shadow
OF the street to see what the outcome
would be. The lad continued to beg,
and finally gained two pennies. He
came dancing to Dickens with a Jolly
ring in his voice.
Now" he said. well have two hot
buns apiece"
Such a generous spirit under such
trying circumstances struck Dickens
so forcibly that he took the lad homo
with him, and there he was fed and
clothed, and started on the road to a
better life.
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11

He grinned significantly and glanced
at his night stick
by Jove!" l calculated, looking at
Jenkins. by Jove, you know!"
Jenkins coughed. Just say you
want to speak to him a minute, sir"
he said. They'll do the rest-h'm!"
They all followed me into the hall,
and l stepped to the doorway. And
then l almost pitched forward, was
SO devilish startled
For, as a crowning example OF his
daring and reckless conduct, the hoary
old reprobate was emerging from Bill
ings' room, his fingers overhauling the
contents Of my friends wallet, even
as he waddled along. and so absorbed
that he never even saw me.
'Ah!" he breathed in a heavy sigh
Of satisfaction; and out came his fin.
gers, and in them, poised aloft, he
held the ruby l had given to Billings
His bleary eyes gloated at it.
"Mine!" he whispered. Mine now
to keep forever!"
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11
Where He Drew tho Line.

An English earl, lately deceased,
who had no family. was notorious
for his hatred of children, and on one
occasion he engaged as lodge keeper
an army pensioner named McMicken.
Some few months later McMicken's
wife presented him with son and
heir. On learning Of the occurrence
his lordship rode down to the lodge
In a terrible rage.
II hear" said he to Mr.. McMicken,
that your wife has son."
Yes, my lord" said the man proud
ly.
We'll. now. look here, McMicken;
when / put you here. it was to open
and shut a gate. but, by the Lord
Harry. not to propagate"
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11

Richard Lightnut an American with an
anected English accent, receives u pres
ent from friend in China. The present
proves to be pair of pajamas A letter
nints OF surprise to the wearer. Lghtnut
dons the pajamas and late at night gets
up for a smoke. His servant, Jenkins,
comes in and. failing to recognize Light
nut, attempts to put him out. Thinking
the servant crazy, Lightnut changes his
clothes intending to summon help. When
ne reappears Jenkins falls on his neck
with joy. confirming Lightnut's belief
that he is crazy. Jenkins tells Lightnut OF
the encounter he had with a hideous
Chinaman dressed In pajamas. In n
message from his friend. Jack Billings,
Lightnut is asked to put up the kid
sor the night on his way home from col
lege Later Lightnut finds a beautiful
girl In black pajamas in his room. Light
nut Is shocked by the girls drinking.
smoking and slangy talk. She tells him
her name Is Francis and puzzles him
with story of her love for her sisters
room mate, named Frances. Next morn
Ing the girl is missing and Lightnut hur-
ries to the boat to see her off. He is ac-
costed by a husky college boy, who calls
him "Dicky." but he does not see the
girl. Jack Billings calls to spend the
night with Lightnut. They discover
priceless rubies hidden in the buttons OF
the pa1amas: Billings dons the pajamas
and retires.
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11
CTo BE coNTINUED)
Il Grows NIeotineIess Tobacco.

Worcestershire. England, where
nicotineless tobacco is now grown.
used at one time to supply the genu-
ine article. Both James !. and his
successor issued proclamations pro.
hibiting tobacco growing, but in 1852
1t was grown in many English coun.
ties-notably In Gloucestershire In
the state papers OF that year there is
a report from an officer sent to de.
stroy the tobacco crops around Chel.
tenham. He took a troop Of SO sol.
diers with him. but had to retire for
reinforcements, as he found over zoo
men guarding the fields.
"Ten men," he added. could not in
four days destroy all the tobacco that
10 growing around Cheltenhnm.s
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11

BY Jove, l hardly knew what to do!
was regularly bowled over. don't
you know. was up against crisis
that's what-a crisis.
"Oh, say. you know" l started
with relief at the welcome sight OF
Jenkins, peeking round the door
frame behind my visitors back. His
finger was on his lips and he beck
oned me earnestly.
At the same moment old whiskers
showed his chair up to the table,
switched on the reading-lamp and
reached for a magazine.
I'm on, SIR" whispered jenkins,
as I Joined him and We stepped aside
Hadn't I better ring up the janitor
on my house 'phone?"
by Jove, the very thing" agreed
For he'll know where this chap be-
longs. flyer, tell him, If he gets a
move on. Hurry"
slipped back into the room as
jenkins disappeared. The jolly old
barnacle had discarded his cigarette
and was critically selecting a cigar
from my humidor
Il don't see why the devil you don't
go to bed" he said. fixing himself
comfortably with two chairs and light
ing up.
lin not sleepy" stammered,
perching on the corner Of a chair.
81 believe you're lying" he growled,
scowling at me; but II you're not
sleepy. listen to this joke here-it's
chestnut. but it's Internally good"
never did know what the Joke
was, for I was listening for other
sounds as he read. Suddenly heard
a whistle far down in the street, and
thought 1t was followed by a pat
ter of running feet
Then came the quivering rhythm OF
the elevator rapidly ascending. and
while the anecdote was still being
droned out between chuckles, slipped
out again into the hall and rejoined
Jenkins.
"Janitor says there's no such tenant
in this building as l described" Jen-
kins impaired hurriedly. Might be
guest, of course but he doesn't re-
member ever seeing him. So he whis-
tied for a cop. to be on the safe side,
and caught two. Here they are, sir"
Out from the elevator sprang the
janitor. half-dressed and looking ex.
cited Close on his heels came two
big policemen.
stepped into the outer corridor
and explained the situation. The Of
ficers nodded reassuringly.
"'Nough said" one of them COM
mented. Wen have him out, SIR"
The janitor, who had been cautious.
ly sighting through the door within,
came running out.
He shifted around, while was
looking. and got good look at him."
he said with some excitement. "and |
never saw him before. wouldn't for
get that mug!"
Suppose you take squint at him
yourself, O'Keefe." suggested the tall
er OF the coppers. You've been on
this beat 30 long"
In a minute or two OKeefe came
slipping back hurriedly. He drew his
companion aside.
Tell you what, Tim" heard him
say, do you know. I'm after thinking
II looks like old Braxton, known in
the perfesh as Foxy Grandpa. He's
a swell con man. but has Just finished
stretch at Copper Johns for going
through nat in the Bronx. He's
done murder once"
The other turned to me.
May save muss in your rooms II
you'll Just kinder call him out. SIR"
he suggested. 1T will be simpler"
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11
Her Special ADVANTAGES,

James Fullerton Muirhead in his
book. THE Land of Contrasts" tells
of an American girl who was patroniz.
ingly praised by an Englishman for
the purity of her English and who re.
piled: well. had special advan.
tages, inasmuch as an English mis-
sionary was stationed near our tribe"
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11
Strictly Up 70 Date.

Alice-How oddly some men pro-
pose.
Kate-I sould say SO. A gentle
man asked me last week II felt IA
vorably disposed to a uniHcation OF in.
terests.
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11
Exclamation.

Lottie-How dare you ask Mrs Bul.
lion to a one-course luncheon?
Hattie-She won't know 1t. She's a
Fietcherite. and by the time she has
finished she'll have to move on to
some FIVE o'clock tea.-Harpers Bazaar.
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11

The way some women talk ID
enough to make a bachelor feel bald
headed.
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11

If n woman can find the style Of hat
she wants. she can always adjust her
head 20 fit It.
Gilpin observer., 1912-07-11

The reason girl won't let young
man kiss her is because she wants
him to.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-06-29
NATURE Tells YOU
AZ Many A Snow Hill Reader Knows
Too Well

When the kidneys are sick,
Nature tells you all about it.
The urine is natures index.
lnfrequent or too frequent passage.
Any urinary trouble tells of kidney
ills.
Doan's Kidney Pills are for kidney ills
People in this vicinity testify.
Mrs. N. r. Matthews, Fourth Street,
Pocomoke City, Md, says: my back
is great deal better since began using
Doan's Kidney Pills. ! am not having
those depressing pains across my kid
neys which had bothered me constantly
and seldom have a headache or dizzy
spell. The secretions from my kidneys
have also become normal and cause me
no annoyance. can recommend Deans
Kidney Pills highly to anyone suffering
from kidney complaint.
For sale by all dealers. Price so cents.
Foster Milburn Co.. Buffalo, New York,
sole agents for the United States.
Remember the name Doan and
take no other.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-06-29
ARM0R IN COLONIAL AMERICA
Worn Not infrequentiy In the Early
Days and Was Richly Wrought
and Decorated.

"Armor worn. worn for service, IN
America! don't believe H." This
from distinguished visitor who stood
in front of one of the cases In the
Metropolitan Museum OF Art. why,
my dear fellow. We never had these
medieval people In our country" But
the fact Is, none the less, that we did
wear armor not infrequently In the
early days. and that IN some instances,
at least. the armor was richly wrought
and decorated. says recent Issue Of
the Bulletin Of the Metropolitan Mu.
scum OF Art.
II was. OF course, only In the earliest
Colonial times that armor was worn
regularly. In the Spanish colonies II
was In constant service during the six
teenth and seventeenth centuries. In.
deed. II was due to their complete
panoply that Pizarro and Cortez, with
their handful of adventures, routed
hostile armies. That horse armor was
then used. and largely used. is incon.
trovertible. and the condition OF panic
caused among the Indians by the in.
vulnerableness OF the Spaniard cannot
be given too much weight In the study
OF the conquest. With armored horses
the invaders rode down masses OF ma
tives. and the invention OF the stirrup
of the conquistadores had its grim use
in such a struggle. II was a stirrup
OF great weight with wide fianges at
the sides and base. and the horseman
could swing II fatally as he galloped
through crowded squares. This type
OF stirrup survived In decadent form
until the early nineteenth century; Its
projecting fanges were retained only
as space for decoration, and II is more
than probable that those who later
rode with such stirrup knew little Of
its ancient use.
Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1912-06-29
Companions
in Misery
By Edmund Afoberly
Copyright, 1919, by Associated Literar,
press.)

Copyright 1914 By Associated Literary
The quarrel was short. but decisive.
II don't want you to think me un-
duly captious. Fred; but must say
that you have been exhibiting moro
fondness for Anita Ferguson this eve.
ming than IL becoming In an engaged
man." said Miss Helen Stagg. with as
much calmness as she could muster.
Nonsense. Helen. We've been hav-
ing a little good-natured fun. but neith-
er Of us has for a moment lost sight
OF the fact that she Is engaged to
Harry French and ! am engaged to
you." replied Frederick Drayton.
well. II you haven't lost sight OF
It. you've both managed 10 keep It
pretty well in the background" retort-
ed Miss Stage. "Your good.natured
fun. as you call II. seems to me to be
in very poor taste. and I must insist
that you. for your part. discontinue II"
THAT In unjust. Helen--and. futher-
more. ! don't concede that your posi-
ton as my betrothed carries with 1t
the right TO make such a demand"
"Oh. you DON'T" exclaimed Miss
Stage In angry surprise. 'If that IL
your view. you may enjoy yourself
with Miss Fergusan to your hearts
content. You need not feel hampered
by our engagement: for It has ceased
to exist"
"You mean that. Helen?"
Every word"
A partner claimed Miss Stage for
the next dance. She whirled away on
his arm. and Drayton. somewhat be-
wildered by the suddenness OF II all.
passed slowly out of the door into the
friendly darkness OF the clubhouse
veranda.
As he approached a secluded corner
at the far end. he observed that some
one was already there. In the dark
ness he could see dim. white figure
reclining disconsolately In the depths
OF settee.
"Is that you. Fred?" came from the
settee.
"why. Anita!" he exclaimed. what
are you doing out here alone in the
dark7"
II find the darkness very friendly
Just now"
WHY" he asked, seating himself
by her side
i've Just had a blow" she replied
YEARLY.
as IL something may know"
Eyes: It is simply this: am no
longer the future Mrs. French Harry
and I have broken our engagement
"whew!" calculated Drayton. I'll
seems to be in the air this evening,