davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

two parties-the mother.' whd considers
herself aggrieved by the detection of her
offsprdng-the other and larger faction
leagued against sister and her works
Usually, out OF love for the mother, the
sedition is inward and partially cloaked
for the sake Of conventional decency COM
bined with flial piety- 1t is there all
the samel A sullen fire that is never
quenched. It is a marvel that the mother.
whose injudicious infatuation for her darl-
ina has wrought the evil never blames
herself for the wreck.
One of the best and most devoted mothers
I ever saw went down to her grave la
menting that Julia's brothers and sisters
never understood the dear girl" To heal
the smart caused in the tender heart OF
" sister" the mother redoubled her demon
strations Of fondness. Julia. who in her
parents estimation had never been guilty
of Intentional wrongdoing and whose mo-
tives were absolutely pure, was swathed In
tenderness that augmented the actual ais
like felt by the defrauded majority OF the
brood.
II they were not pauperized that she might
be made rich in all that makes home life
worth living, they believed that they wsre.
To this day. when mother and idolizsd
daughter have slept in the tomb for a
score OF years, the survivors are chary Of
illusions to their early life. Each has
hidden memories Of childish suffering ard
youthful conflicts with the usurper that
lie too deep for words.
-
Sisters" Character Wdrped.
Secondhand scarcely less unfortunate In
the long run-is the mischief wrought in
the character OF the petted sister"
Brought up with an exaggerated sense OF
her own Importance in the family and
world, instead of wholesome II bitter dis
illusion, disappointment and chagrin are
her inevitable portion when she passes be-
yond the charmed circle formed by the
fairy wand OF maternal devotion. Outsid-
ers will not accept her at her own valua-
ton. She IS called exacting. Ill tempered,
and overbearing. Unless the groundwork
of her character be singularly fine and
strong. she comes to merit the reputation.
As rule. the spelling Of the child is a
job that lasts for lifetime,
What can I do?" means our well mean
ing mother, borne down into the dust OF
humiliation by blended devotion for - Mar
garet" whose only drawback even now in
the parents eyes is her persistence" II.
by some odd twist of circumstance " sis
ter" is not quite right in the present case.
how am to go to work to oppose herr
One could laugh IL the query did not incline
one to cry instead. AS well hope to dam a
millrace in a freshet with a foot ruler as
think to undo the work of twenty years in
an hour or in twelve months.
Nevertheless, so intelligent and well
meaning a woman should make a desperate
effort to hMsd fast to the right in the mat
ter of the children's vacation. Or so Think
pass the vexed question over into the
strong, deft hands of correspondents. Let
us hear from " capable mothers and
clear eyed fathers.
What shall be done with sister"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

why do my loaves crack upor. the top
or at the side when bake them?
I have quite a fine reputation for that
kind of bread in my neighborhood, and,
strange to say, cannot make any other!
I do not put either salt or sugar in the
yeast-sponge make overnight-just boil
ing milk and meal If kept warm this is
as light as a puff by morning. I think
this sponge is what makes the bread
rise. MRS. W. r. L."
The secret of cooking custards is to set
the dish in hot water and the outer and
inner vessels in a good oven. Put an
inverted plate over the dish containing the
custard, and leave 1t there for fifteen
minutes. Remove then, and brown deli
cately. AS soon as the custard is fairly
set in the middle, and knife-blade thrust
into 1t perpendicularly comes out clean, IT
is done. If left longer in the oven it will
" break" separating into curds and whey,
or, as you say. becoming watery.'
We sometimes say that we steam pud--
dings or bread or dumplings when we put
them into mold with tightly fitting top,
and cook them in boiling water. This is
really boiling them. Any mold with a
closely fitting top will do. One with
funnel in the middle is perhaps safer as
the heat Is diffused more evenly through
the mass than If there be no such tube.
In a regular " steamer" the water does
not reach the pudding or other substance
to be cooked. The steamer is set over
a vessed of hard boiling water. into the
mouth CT which it fits closely. All the
rising steam is driven through tiny holes
in the bottom of the upper vessel and
cooks the contents.
You may improvise a steamer by setting
the mold containing the raw materials
in a colander and fitting this into the
top of the pot of hot water Cover the
colander with plate or the top of large
saucepan, and this with thick cloth.
The mold should also be fitted with a
Top. A pudding may, be cooked in a
figured bag laid in the colander, If you
have no mold.
Salt-rising bread is considered whole
some when properly made.
The cause of the cracking OF your loaves
probably is too rapid or uneven baking.
The pans should be turned in the oven
when they are half done. Do this quickly,
shaking the pans as little as possible, and
closing the door again Immediately, lest
the air may cause the bread to fall
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08
Name for Petty Turant.

I should be more hopeful of helping or
comforting you IL did not know already
so many dozens of households in which
sisters rule is absolute.
Sister, is the generic name for the
petty tyrant. In some families the word is
abhorred by reason of associations with the
system which e1evates the first born dauEh-
ter to the rank, not of princess royal but of
sovereign.
When would illustrate the theme by
scenes from real life they crowd upon
memory so fast and insistently that I am
bewildered. With painfully few excep-
lions the mother lays the corner stone of
the hated dynasty. Her girl is by glad
anticipation one who is to help her bear
the cares and share the responsibilities of
domestic life Her boy may become her
lover and her pride. Her daughter is bone
of her bone and heart of her heart. The
subtle sympathy of sex is intensified by
personal vanity in the reproduction of her
self. She feels that every throb of the
girls heart is at one with her own longing.
joy. and grief.
the year old led the 3 year old brother
to her mother and told how she had picked
him out of the mud. washed his face and
hands, and scolded him into quietude when
he screamed and kicked.
And just see where he bit me. mammal"
was the conclusion of the report. 81 really
think he ought to be whippedr'
The mother set the offender down hard
upon a chair while she kissed the i'm
prints of the tiny teeth upon the fat arm.
$50 do I, my angel! Run out into the
yard and bring me a nice big willow
SWITCH"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

reads that she is afraid OF the creature she
has made. I the words advisedly.
Made " her as surely as 81 the Franken-
stein :" of Mrs. Shelley's wonderful story
created the monster that became his tyrant.
Margaret % did not gain her eminence
at a bound. but by graded steps up which
she was guided by the mothers hand. In
this free republic we claim to have abol-
ished the law of primogeniture. Sister -
gives the lie direct to the assumption. but
the law pertains to the female line.
i -
Brother Not Cipen Superiority.
The older brother has no superiority to
his successors of the same sex. On the
contrary, he not infrequently bears the bur-
den and the heat of the earlier days OF COM
parative poverty and struggles upward. He
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08
Domestic Science Questions.

: "I dearly love to talk Domestic Sci
ence' So will you please answer a few
questions for me?
"Tel me the secret of having good
custards (baked). just the plain kind, made
with milk and eggs. I find it hard to get
them just right. Why win they sometimes
turn watery?
How is one to steam custards, pud-
dings, etc? Do you set them down in
the water, or over It? Do you put a top
upon the pudding and also upon the
steamers? What kind OF mold is best?
Now. just a word about salt-raising
IAreadg Do you think it unwholesome? And
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08
MARION HARLANDS HELPING HAND

AM happy to present to our members
the rest of the homely household hints
contributed by Mrs. G. w. NJ" some
4 OF which we had last week
Try straining starch through a fine
colander. It will be lumpless and save
washing when you come to the starched
clothes.
ITO PREVENT HARDWOOD FLOORS
FROM SCRATCHING.-Cut round pieces
from any old rubber articles making sure
that they are all of the same size, and
fasten upon the chair legs where they
touch the floor. Use small and fiat head
ed tin tack in doing this. Then trim
around the edges evenly, that the rubber
may not project beyond the wood.
Get marble dust from a stonecutter's
shop and use in place of securing dust
in cleaning metal vessels, steel knives,
etc. The effect will be good and the process
is inexpensive. If you cannot get the
marble dust there are always marble chips
lying around the shop. When pounded
fine they should be sifted through cheese
cloth, and are excellent as a substitute
for securing powders. I have used this
for years, and never buy securing powder
of any patented kind.
ITO REMOVE INK FROM A CARPET.
Cover the spot with salt as soon as the
ink is spilled and let the liquid soak up all
it Will. Leave the salt on for day; brush
or and renew if necessary. A big handful
OF salt is not too much.
Ito PATCH OVERALLS.-Try stitch
ing the patch firmly on with the sewing
machine. This is easily done if the patch
be first basted in place. 1t will last longer
and take less time and labor than when
stitched by hand.
Turn your cotton mattresses over at
least three times a week. They will last
longer and be softer for the change.
MRS. G. w. M"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

in any direction without breaking, ana go
make a durable folded edge. ]. g. @.
bright idea that should save the edges
of tempers and avoid a deal of perplexity
and modification. Our mothers had every
raw edge of their Chinese and India mat
ting bound with stout tapes or galloon OF .
contrasting color. The scarlet and blue
borders about doors and hearths were not
unsightly while they held their color.
When faded they were an eyesore. And
the work Of binding the stiff mattings was
arduous. The simple expedient here ad-
vised is a welcome short cut to 3 desirable
end.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08
Reducing Cost of Living.

Our semi-vegetarian writes from Iowa.
From Missouri we have story that varies
materially in some respects from hers, yet
It is worth reading and commands careful
consideration.
ct set a good table for five persons Cthree
of them children) for $3S. 80 month. may
not practice the small economies adj
vised by some, but am saving in every
way. think it is doing pretty well to feed
each OF my quintet for $1.92 per week.
We run through the whole gamut of vege-
tables-green and dried. We have good
cuts Of meat, of which we eat sparingly,
and vary these with chicken and fish, Our
breakfasts are extremely simple our
luncheons nourishing, and our dinners
good. Eggs have fallen from 40 to 20 cents
the present price. We use quantities of
fruits. fresh and dried. and canned milk
Milk is 30 cents for eight pints. We have,
in fact, every good thing the market af-
fords. MRS. E. K
A schedule OF prices that makes the
hearts of some of US burn with desire, If not
with envy. With eggs at 30 cents a dozen,
the frugal housewife can get no cheaper
substitute for meat than an omelette or
other variation upon plain boiled eggs. A
Spanish omelette, made Of six eggs with
filling Of q tomato, a green pepper, and
seasoning Of celery salt, butter, and a
dash of sugar to temper the tomato acfd, Is
n good dinner for our Missouri matrons
quintet. When eggs fall to 20 cents per
dozen It is as a bargain loving woman said
of silk when it was down." cheaper to
buy than to leave them"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

- s Is my wont when can SO manage II,
~ I draw the lesson of the day from
~ correspondents letter. The subject
of which the epistle treats has been
much in my mind of late. and was
fastened there by sermon to which I
listened last Sunday from an eminent
metropolitan clergyman, upon Martha,
the Elder Sister of the Gospels" The
picture Of the strenuous Householder
distracted - THUS the original runsl about
many things, and demanding sharply why
the Master did not send Mary to help her
instead OF encouraging her to sit still and
hearken to his teachings, was not pleasing.
IT was 50 consistent with what the typical
elder daughter Of the modern household
would do that I could not cavil at the
character study.
On Monday morning found in my mail
the communication which is the motif"
OF our weekly practical talk.
ct am a. widow and have three children-
a girl OF 20, another of 8, and a boy Ii
years OF age. These two last came to me to-
day in tears, sobbing out their grievance.
Sister had Just told them that she
means to have them study with her during
their vacation They are to recite to her
during their vacation. They are to recite
to her every day the lessons assigned by
ner.
~ laughed. You must be mistaken
said. She was only teasing you
@ Indeed, no, mammal they insisted.
She meant it, She said that ten weeks IS
too long a time for US to go without les
sons
Never mind replied. soothingly. I
will speak to her about it,
81.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08
Plan All Laid Out.


But and here she became grave and
deliberate, I am going to make them
study from until IL IN the forenoon-from
until in the afternoon. 1 have thought
1t all out and know this will be wise
thing for them. I shall give them review
lessons in the morning and advance les
sons in the afternoon. You must see what
a. good thing 1t will be for the little tikes,'
she repeated as I tried to demonstrate.
Surely, mother Margaret never calls
me that except when she is determined
IL I am willing to devote so much of my
valuable time to them, they ought not to
complain. I never did anything more dis
interested in all my life.
as We will have the lessons in the dining
room. 1t is nice and cool there, you know.
OF course I shall not expect them to help in
the homework, although they might be of
use to me in that
You see, she dusts the parlors and looks
after other light tasks. such as changing
the water in the flower vases, etc. felt
my courage ooZing out of my finger ends,
but I recollected the sorrowful little faces
I had left downstairs.
80, Margaret! said, 1t is too bad
it seems cruel to take their playtime from
them! I told them that couldn't believe
you meant it I said you were only teasing
them, and that would speak to you about
it.
"a frown came over the pretty face
Odargaret is the prettiest and smartest
girl know. am sorry-very sorry you
told them that, mother! 1 was not teasing
or fooling with them Here she spoke
deliberately again. Those children have
got to study Just as told themi The sooner
they make up their minds to submit to
the plan the better for all concerned
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08
Enjoyable Scene for Sister.

Sister I" scampered off gleefully to obey
the behest. and, doubt not, stood by a 8
gleefully as it was used upon the bowling
baby she had dragged to the judgment seat
I did not stay to see sentence executed.
Ten years later I was a trif1e shocked,
but not surprised. to hear the father-a
mild hammered man in general-remark
to a FESTIVE girl of 6 who did not hear, or II
hearing, did not heed his admonition to stop
jumping up and down from a chair to the
porch floor:
Very well, Missy! Sister will be home
pretty soon and then you'll catch jolly
whipping"
Sister " was byA then the competent
manager of the house and those that dwelt
therein. She was at fashionable school
and the mother was not woman of
society" whatever might be her ambitions.
Sister - would take the stand her fathers
wealth and her own accomplishments justi-
fed her in gaining
She changed the church relations of the
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

the second help of meat every boy thinks
he must have, no matter how liberal the
first may have been. I know the growing
boy is said to be hollow down to his
heels" 1t is written nowhere by nature
or by Providence that the hollow should
be stuffed with meat alone, or principally
with this. Fill him up with good home
made bread, vegetables, and milk with
simple sweet, all of which may be more
easily and quickly assimilated and con-
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

1.-THE principal meal of the day should
include meat. If the others consist OF
homemade bread, bevera ge-milg, tea, or
coffee-butter and fruit, you will find the
cost of living reduced from 10 to 30 per
cent. And the normal healthy appetite will
find it delicious and satisfactory.
when bakers bread is substituted for
homemade there is an unsatisfied sensa-
ton and a craving for more elaborate
meal.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

The average cost of each of my meals Is
but a fraction over 10 cents.
MRS. H. o. b.
The exigencies OF the times If nothing
else are forcing sensible economists to
reduce the quantity of meat consumed in
their homes. We should be healthier and
richer at the end of the year were our
meat bills cut down to one-half their pres
ent size. I wrote an appeal to housemoth-
ers a year or so ago, to deny their children
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

through, and must confess. conscientious.
If it is my duty to oppose her in the pres
ent instance how should 1 go to work to do
it? Suppose she will not listen to my plead
ing and arguments. and insists upon carry
ing out her plant?
81 am at my wits end. Can you advise
me? PERPLExED MOTHER"
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08
To Solpe Meat Problem.

note repeated references in The Help
ing Hand to the necessity of economy in
the preparation of meals and in the pur-
chase OF materials.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

SUNDAY.
BREAKFAST.
Berries.
Cereal and Cream
Bacon and BroiIed Tomatoes.
Rice Mullins. Toast.
Coffee and Tea.
LUNCHEON.
Noodle IVAN Mead (see recipe in Helping Hand)
Whole Wheat Bread.
Egg Salad Upon Lettuce with Mayonnaise
Waters. Cream Cheese.
Baked Custard.
DINNER
Glasgow Broth.
Pot Roast OF Veal la Jardinere with vegetables
cut into cubes laid about 1t when served).
Squash.
Green Corn Pudding.
Berry Shortcake.
Black Coffee.
:: =
MONDAY.
BREAKFAST
Oranges.
Cereal and Cream.
Roe Herring.
Corn Bread. Toast.
Coffee and Tea.
LUNCHEON.
Spanish Omelette.
Baked Potatoes.
Toasted Corn Bread from Breakfast
Bread and Butter cut thin
Stewed Rhubarb and Ginger Snaps.
Tea.
DINNER.
Yesterdays Soup.
Scaliops of Veal in Shells "a left over).
Stewed Celery.
Stuffed Tomatoes.
Coffee and Tea Blanc Mango
Cake.
Black Coffee.
\: y
TUESDAY.
BREAKFAST.
Berries
Cereal and Cream.
Bacon Boiled Eggs.
French Rolls Toast.
Tea and Coffee
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08
Ironing Board Help.

You ask for contributions OF practical
information from working housekeepers
This may not be thrown away upon some
body who has to do her own laundry work
THE IRONING BOARD.-I have found
new way of padding the ironing board
First. tack an old soft blanket about the
board. Next put a layer of cotton batting,
and over this. sew tightly unbleached mus
lin. Lastly, put on the cover and the work
is done ELLA B."
When was girl used to see the col.
ored laundresses iron our Swiss and India
muslin gowns upon a board covered with
flannel. The process made the dresses soft
and smooth. with "wavy ID" effect. or
" MORE" like that they had when new and
sheer. I fancy that your wadded and
padded board will produce the same to some
extent. Clothes pressed upon It will not
wear out SO soon in the washing as when
ironed upon a hard, unyielding surface.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

the month";, they must get to work OF
course, if you want to beg them off for
Saturday now and then to go upon little
excursion, I will excuse them.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08
Recipe for Boiled Coffee.

AS one who still prefers the good old
boiled coffee to the French drip may
send in my recipe?
CLARIFIED CoFFEE.-Break a fresh
egg into large bowl and beat light Empty
into this pound of freshly roasted whole
bean coffee. Mix until each bean f. thor
oughiy coated with the egg. Spread upon a
large pan and set in the oven to dRy Stir
occasionally to prevent Jumping. and when
all is dry set in the air to cool before put
ting into the canister.
Coffee prepared thus will retain its
aroma and flavor and be thoroughly clarI-
ned. Mrs J. H w"
Another good old fashioned method that
should always hold it's own by virtue of
intrinsic merit Ground glazed cofree Is tane
stronger and more fragrant for the egg
coating. no matter Low II is made. The
beans are Theoretically sealed from the air
until they are ground. therefore lose moth
ing In favor.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

verted into sound flesh, bone. muscle, and
blood, and feed the blood far better than
fibrous and fat meats, even when they are
tender. And this cheap cuts seldom are.
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

whole family; she made for herself (not for
them) foothold in the upper circles of her
world; she engaged servants, bought fur
niture. and regulated the going and COM
ings of mother and younger children. In
time she married meek, good looking fell
low, with long pedigree, and fastened the
yolk upon his neck as surely she had
buckled 1t upon the parents and juniors of
her former family.
To this hour she is Sister," feared by all,
adored by the doting; motherS detested
heartily by the +" in-laws," with whom the
appellation stands for high handed
tyranny that makes womanhood obnoxious.
Temptation Fem Resist.
could multiply the instance by 100 and
not exhaust the " waiting list" Much and
The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-06-08

LUNCHEON
Green Sweet Peppers stuffed with remains OF
Veal and With Rice
Chopped Potatoes from Yesterday.
Baked Toast
-nfckened Milk eaten with Butter and Sugar.
Tea
DINNER.
Tomato Soup.
Stuffed Beefs Heart.
Green Peas. Baked Macaroni.
Raspberry Float.
Sponge Cake.
Coffee.
Il =
WEDNESDAY,
BREAKFAST.
Apple Sauce.
Cereal and Cream.
Broiled Shad Roes-
Graham Biscuits. Toast.
Tea and Coffee.
LUNCHEON.
Cold Beef's Heart.
Breakfast Biscuits.
Msearoni from last night warmed over.
Cress Sandwiches
Crackers and Cheese.
Small Cakes and Jam.
Tea
DINNER.
Yesterdays Soup with last nights Green Peas
added (whole).
Dreaded Mutton Chops
String Beans.
Caulihower.
Canned Peach Pie
Black Coffee.
-
THURSDAY.
BREAKFAST.
Berries.
Cereal and Cream.
Bacon.
Waffies and Honey.
Toast.
Tea and Coffee.
LUNCHEON.
Scrambled Eggs in Bread Cups Grounds Bread
excavated and toasted, buttered. then
dlled with scrambled eggs and
set in for moment.
Salad of String Beans.