davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14
Poor Boys and Millions

ing for himself that enabled him to
shift about kings and ancient dynas-
ties as If they had become pawns in
a game of his own contriving. But
the chances for boys are not in the
old world what they are in the new.
If the accretion of millions cannot
be limited by income and inheritance
taxes. or other legal enactments, it
may be necessary to put the poor Of
fice boys Under bond not to grow up
with the country too everlastingly fast
and far. Yet what they accomplish
does not come without a long and try
ing appror siceship of some kind. Ed.
son had been struggling a good many
years when he had the almost stun
ming experience of receiving and cash
ing his first $4,000 check. The wiz
ard of many inventions now a part of
everyday life is not one of the sort
OF multimillioniares held to be danger
GUS to the march of mankind.
But the gifted American boy can
be considered apart from the subject
of millions, and there is no better
time to go into this branch than
this, just after Lincoln's anniversary
Abraham Lincoln had no passion for
wealth. He would rather discuss a
question of human rights and the
duty OF free people than any phase
OF the markets or speculation. He
lived in a state of rare primitive rich
ness, but never could get interested in
making a personal fortune. Why, as
he viewed wealth and display, should
the spirit Of mortal be proud? AS a
man OF homespun he was not only of
incalculable service TO his country
but to the world that is moving more
and more toward the principles OF
human liberty that Lincoln believed
In, worked for, and will always shin
ingly illustrate in the pages of his
tory. He had more scanty advantages
than any Of the poor boys VINO leave
monumental millions as their mark
a questioned one, on the sands oil
time"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

The st. Louis Globe-Democrat notes
that ain the biographical notices of
Edwin Hawley, the railway manager,
appears the statement that he began
in business as an errand boy and that
he departed this life at the age of 62,
leaving an estate of $30,000,000 An
nouncements of this kind are so fire.
quent that in tracing the genesis OF
an American multimillionaire it is
quite tn order to look up the origin.
al ONCE boy who started at a few dol
lars a week. II the multimillionaire is
an undesirable the place to get rid
Of the germs is among the poor boys
whom circumstances compel to go to
work early and hustle with the first
Job that presents itself. Among scores
Of others Mr.. Carnegie was thus init
ated, and got along so fast, when once
fairly IN the current, that he had to
devote his later years to the science
Of giving away millions instead Of the
art Of piling Ossa on Pelion in finance.
Mr.. Hawley in boyhood happened to
6Cl a PidSc III a dN OLuCS, anu Uy
the time he reached middle age he
was shaping railway systems and COM
binations that aimed to be continental
in crossing the country in various d.
rections. He put his life and best
qualities into the work, The $50, 00O,-
600 represented little personal to him
except the power to lay out and carry
forward bigger projects and greater
labors.
ut is the poor American boy who
demands the attention IL the multi
millionaires are to be kept within the
bounds Of popular prescription. The
United States is such a land of op-
portunity as well as expansive forces
that no present line can be drawn
against the perceptive genius and
energy of youth. Europe is less a
field for the bright boys who cannot
be kept down by low birth and iron
fortune" but even there 9 sallow lit.
tie Corsican cadet once made an open
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14
GAI,RS zxM
Our
O4GDa9klE.
8EA1BlRRS

just one sensation after another,
should stop a bit to think about the
end of the woman who, as Mrs. Suy-
dam. and wife Of millionaire, eloped
with young workingman and finally
induced him to commit suicide with
her.
Divorced by her wealthy husband,
she married her lover as a tribute to
responsibility. But, when the excite
ment was all over, she could not bear
the humdrum existence to which she
was doomed, as she expressed it, and
so took the towards path to finish
misspent life. Unfortunately, she took
the infatuated lover with her.
All her life this woman had had her
way. She had been petted and spoiled
She was tired of things as they were
So she selected an afinity-a victim,
in this case-gloried in more sensa-
tons, told the reporters that she had
right to live her own life, that at
| last she had found her true love, that
she didn't see why the public couldn't
leave them alone in their bliss, ct
cetera, ad nauseum. Then, when, she
discovered that she no longer loved
the affinity - life became an un-
bearable bore. So she planned the f1n-
al sensation.
Usually the woman is most to be
| n IN inc oR III
this time on must pity the man, who
was assuredly the victim of woman
who simply wanted excitement and
didn't care what suffering she created
for others. He might have become q
useful member of society without her
or even with her, if she had really
loved him.
Even a "humdrum' life can be made
beautiful with love. There must be
more or less of the humdrum in every
married life, and those who have MOI
the force of character to make the best
Of it, had better put aside all thought
of marriage. The woman who keeps
busy is not apt to complain that life
is humdrum, even if it is. She hasn'
time to think about il. She doesn'
NOPE and she doesn't want divorce
because romance is dead" and sh'
doesn't despise her husband as com
monplace because he isn't continual.
in lovers ecstacy.
am always sorry for people whit
,, have no work to do, who think the.
are incapable of work or who conside
themselves too good to work. Sucl
!. people become abnormal, selfish, snot
| bish, moodish, uncomfortable to hav
about. They must be continually en-
tertained. They depend entirely upol
others for everything that makes lif
worth while to themselves.
1t was a pity that Mrs Suydam
> Noble didn't do her own housewor
and had no opportunity to common
on the cost of living with the butcher
boy, or gossip f1eeting bit across tn
: hall with her neighbor If she'd eve
been able to put little work and low
into pressing young Mobiles trouser.
she would have found life a trifle NOR
e interesting.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14
The Argus Daily Story
The Song in the Spinet-By Agnes @. Brogan
Copyrighted. 1911. by Associated Literary

When Miss Phyllis was left alone
in the old house which had been her
home since infancy she felt very
much like a bewildered little child
who discovers suddenly that it is lost,
knowing not which way to turn. In
fact. her whole life had been devoted
in giving SO much thought to others
that Miss Phyllis own affairs had been
sadly neglected. she sighed wearily
as she rose to greet her sister-in-law.
$50 the furniture is TO be auctioned
OF tomorrow Teddy's wife asked.
Phyllis nodded dumbly.
Clarissa, for that was her name.
looked around with supercilious
smile. Nothing here Of much ac-
count" she said. you've let things
go to pieces shockingly. Phyllis. But
I intend to help you out. 1 shall buy
that antique spinet, which 1 have al
ways wanted for my music room"
Phyllis caught her breath sharply.
"why, could not part with the
spinet," she said. SIT has been hand
ed down in our family for ages"
phyllis Wentworth" her slster-in-
law interrupted sternly. edo you or do
you not intend to pay your just debts
That spinet is the only article Of real
value in the house. In fact, it is no
longer your property, but goes with
the estate"
Miss Phyllis crossed the room slow
" and stood looking down upon the
polished case, passing her fingers ca,
ressingly over the yellowed keys.
"You are right, Clarissa," she said
at length, and her face was very
white; ''the spinet will be sold.
| have no further claim to t."
But when she was alone at twilight
Phyllis seated herself before the lit
tie instrument, and, presently there
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14
Railroad Competition.

Saturday Evening Post; The Rail
Way Age calculates that the railroads
spend $3.50. 900 q year to maintain their
city ticket ofices in Kansas City, ST.
Louis and Chicago. and that by main
tanning one Joint ticket office In each
OF those cities. they could save half Of
that sum-which would pay the inter-
est on some Ss.00O.00O in railroad
bonds Much the same condition is
found In nearly all OF our larger cities.
There are anywhere from half a dozen
20 a score OF separate ticket Offices
that might be combined into one Joint
ONCE at a large saving in rent and
clerk hire. That the one joint ONCE
would be far more convenient for tray.
elers is self evident More costly,
probably, than the ticket offices are
the separate staffs Of freight solicitors.
II the roads were permitted to pool.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

a WOhD GRANTED BIS
REQUEST.
f1oated out upon the summer air a
melody-a wordless song of haunting
sweetness such as a master might
have played In days gone by. A man
who assembled the porch steps at this
moment waited, listening, entranced,
to the harplike notes, and when Miss
Phyllis opened the door in response
to his summons he stood silent, as
though still under the spell of her mu-
sic.
Phyllis smiled encouragingly, Won
dering the while what errand could
have brought this distinguished ap-
pearing stranger to her door.
81 beg your pardon" he explained.
81 have learned that you are offering
a spinet for sale tomorrow and would
like to examine 1t with a view to pur-
chasing"
He followed her graceful figure adj
miringly as Phyllis led the way into
the parlor. Then for an instant his
hand rested almost reverently upon
the painted Cupids which adorned the
quaint cover.
"Ahr' he exclaimed, and the one
word expressed full appreciation. AS
Miss Phyllis leaned forward expect
antly the mans eyes sought hers.
"Will you kindly tell me the name of
the selection you were playing a short
time ago." he asked.
at has no name" Phyllis answered
/ nj -
my own fancies. I call it song with
out words"
May be permitted, then, to hear
the song again" The stranger spoke
with an abrupt eagerness, and Phyllis,
without a word, granted his request
As she played on and on, her listener
! forgotten, the moon, looking through
| the window. shone full upon her ups
turned face, her eyes were dark with
memories and tears wet her cheeks
| Then. as the last note died away, she
turned. half startled. to find the mans
earnest gaze bent upon her.
II am musician" he said. his voice
trembling with emotion. "but never i1
my life have ! heard such harmony
such beauty. And you say this mar
vicious song is one Of your own compO
sitionT'
Miss Phyllis laughed softly. 'Ttt
composition seemed to happen through
no effort of mine," she replied. -
think the melody had been locked II
the spinet and made its escape wher
my fingers touched the keys"
That night to her was one Of sorrow
She sat long before an open window
gently smoothing the petals of ros
which she herself had trained to clam
Der up the wall: then. when all was 81
lent. she made her way tearfuliy int
the garden, walking among the flower
and bidding them a mute goodby. !
the house remained tenantless unit
fall she promised herself the Jprfvileg
of running over often to tend and car
Tor this beloved garden Then Mis-
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14
Causes Of the Divorce Evil.


w. W. Wright, who holds the office
OF divorce proctor at Kansas City, has
decided that poverty is the chief cause
of the divorce evil. THE fact that the
average workingman is seldom free
from debt causes more marital I'M
happiness than any other influence"
Mr.. Wright said in a recent speech,
The peace and quiet necessary to the
home disappear with the homes finan-
cial security. There are comparative
ly few divorces among the rich in this
section" Probably, the New Bedford
(Mass.) Standard remarks, there are
comparatively few rich when measured
by the number OF the poor, so that a
conclusion drawn from mere unrelated
figures is not altogether to be depend
ed upon. Statistics must needs be han
died with care II the deductions from
them are to have any value.
We doubt IL an statistics Of the di-
vorce practice can give an adequate
basis of judgment Marital unhappi-
ness is altogether too much the prod
uct of states of mind and heart to be
reduced to figures. Mr.. Wright finds
the cause for most of this marital I'M
/ happiness in the fact-he says il is q
fact-that the average workingman is
seldom free from debt. At the best,
the explanation does no more than TO
throw the problem back another notch.
Besides, there are average working
mems homes which are as free from
marital unhappiness as any homes are:
and there are homes where no finan-
cial riddles need solving in which hap
( piness never stops to pay a call There
must be another explanation than that
given by Mr.. Wright, seeing that his
fails to fit in so many cases.
/ To our mind, the explanation which
is at the basis Of nearly all the matri-
monial troubles, and which varies only
on the outside in accordance with
superficial conditions, is that in nearly
every one of these cases marriage is
entered into without really serious re-
Election and with very little apprecia-
ton Of the obligations which are in.
volved. Few young men and women,
comparatively, stop to consider that a
price must be paid for a happy home,
and that that price usually includes
giving up something. In very many in
stances Of the sort cited by Mr. Wright
husband or wife, or both, are unwill-
ing to sacrifice desire or a whim
and they run into debt to the damage
of home that they might have saved
had they been willing to forego a pass
ing pleasure. They may lay their mar
ital difficulties, which appear to be
caused by the pressure of debt, TO their
financial misfortunes; but what they
should see is that the responsibility Of
marriage and of maintaining a home
demanded a payment which they were
unwilling to make. OF course this ex
PLANTATION in its detail does not apply
to all cases, as for example those OF
infelicity where no question OF strait
ened financial resources exists. Ever
In these, however, the Fundamental
trouble is apt to be the same, In that
one or both Of the parties is unwillins
to pay the price the responsibility ex
acts. Ordinarily. the root OF the diff
hculty is mental or moral, or a com
binstion Of the two.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14
.EnIAK-MboLEX

Two days ago a woman Ga years
old was killed by a train, while pick
ing Goals along the railroad tracks.
Other people have been killed In like
manner. Some have been women. But
the particular point in this case was
that this woman was the mother OF Fl
children. Ten Of them are living. The
youngest is a son 20 years Of age.
And yet the mother was picking
Goals along the railroad tracks.
If anybody wants handy argument
in a conversation with one of these
rabid anti-race-suicidists, here's one
ready made.
A woman whose time is occupied in
bringing Fl children into the world
hasn't much opportunity to inculcate
kindly sentiments, filial feelings, gen.
crosby or tenderness or a high moral
ity, in her offspring. She just bears
the children-that's all. And II they
leave her to pick Goals by the rail-
road tracks in her old age-well, what
else could be expected?
PA WAS "soRE.,
Paterfamilias was sore" He said
so.
Besides, you could see it in his eye
as he came up the basement stairs
a fine coat of ashes on his person, his
hands begrimed and a smudge on his
nose where he had rubbed it after the
coal dust had made him sneeze. He
had Just succeeded in coaxing the fur
mace fire to resume operations, though
upon arising on that cold and biz
zardy morning the family had discov
cred the fires determination to go out
"If ever get money enough" snort
ed Paterfamilias, I'm going to build {
steam-heating plant. Then I'm goini
to fill a long felt want by supplying
steam heat, just like gas, to thu
heighborhood. / don't see why som,
enterprising firm doesn't do it anyhow
I'm sick of playing stoker to an orner!
coal furnace, and l know lot of othe
men in the same fix.
1--WE talk of being civilized. Bah
No man is civilized when he has to ge
his hair gritty shoveling ashes, and d
the work of a coal-heaver keeping
furnaces NAV filed up all winter.
"A few steam-heating plants aroun
in the residence districts would max
everybody comfortable. I'd sign up t
patronize one in a minute. I know @
some dinky towns out west that SUI
ply heat and light like that, but thi
towns so blame old-fashioned
couldn't think of such a thing! VIII!
there's fellow know that's'just bac
from Alaska and he tells me all tn
homes are heated with one plar
in the town where he lived there.
makes me ashamed to think have t
live in such an unprogressive city a
this one"
Here Paterfamilias was urged to s
down to breakfast. and in the exec
: lence of the pancakes he forgot hi
grievance.
PITY THE MAN THIS TINE.
, Those women who expect life to b
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14
Russian Tenor Quits Opera.

New York, Feb. 14.-Dmitri Smir-
non, Russian tenor, sailed for home
yesterday after breaking his S1,2O0-a-
performance contract with the Metro
poiitan opera company. He said pet
ty prosecutions by the Italian ele-
ment In the management had caused
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

there could be q large saving here,
with no harm or Inconvenience to the
public. The roads spend good deal
Of money to maintain a shell Of COM
petition after the meat has been ex-
tracted-for they all charge the same
rates and give about the same service.
Whatever this cost may be, travellers
and shippers, OF course, foot the bill.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

Mrs. Upton Sinclair and Poet
Kemp have discovered that they
we're mistaken when they decided
that they were afflnities. The prin-
cipal trouble with Affinity hill
seems to be that there is nothing to
sS9ing TO when the people who are
trying to climb II begin to feel that
they are sliding back.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

II the United States senate permits
Isaac Stephenson of Wisconsin to re-
tain his seat, there is no reason in the
world why 1t should disturb Billy Lor-
inner OF Illinois.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

With Palm Beach weather. the Key
West road, the Everglades row. and
the Taft-Roosevelt mixup for delegates.
Florida is spreading all over the map
in these days.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

Rare Old Uncle.
Some faith have we in Uncle Sam.
We feel quite free to state
That he would send a telegram
For half the present rate.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

Quincy Herald: George Prince had
better watch well his fences in this
district. Something has been out root
ing around them and some say the en-
closure IL no longer hog tight.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

It's not the swarm Of republican can
didates which Governor Deneen needs
10 fear. The man who is after him in
earnest Ia the fellow who will be nom
mated by the democrats.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

The turkey trot has been tried in
England, and the London Times has
dealt It heavy blow. II doesn't call it
indecent, but ugly.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

his action. One thing. the manage
ment had refused to produce Boris
Godonoff" the Russian opera in which
he attained fame.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

II must be great to be so modest that
you can compare yourself with Abra
ham Lincoln.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14
THE ARGUS.

Published Daily and weekly at 1874
Second avenue Rock Island. Ill ZEN.
tered st the postomce as second-olass
matter.I
Press.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14
Simple In Comparison.

Twill the Chinese be able to run a
republic?"
II should think So"
But what experience have they
had?"
"Is it any harder to run a republic
than q laundry
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14
Evidence TO the Contrary.

Evidence to the Contrary.
"Why is it that men don't have any
respect for the judgment Of their
wives?"
"How can they|
what do you mean by thatT"
Don't their wives have faith in
themT'
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14
Wednesday. February "A, 1912.

It's an ominous sign when a young
lady buys a valentine in leap year.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

Her Requirements.
Gall that l ask is love-"
REALLY, Jack|
Eyes, my love. Isn't that enough for
your
Eyes, dear, if it is properly financed"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14
Feb. IL in American
History

Winfield Scott Hancock, noted
soldier, born; died Feb. 8. 1855.
1S59-Oregon admitted to the Union.
1S91--General William Tecumseh Sher-
man died: born 1924.
1S94-Mrs. Myra Bradwell, first wo-
man lawyer in Illinois, died; born
1881
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

Mr.. Bryan is clearing $500 an acre
from his cabbage crop in Texas. That
pays better than the presidency.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

Newark, Del.-Between 50 and go
students at Delaware college, COM
prising the bulk of the membership
in the senior AID junior classes. struck
Tuesday i'll protest against the policy
Of Professor Thomas L Sturgis.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

Tokio-The house of representatives
passed the budget without amend
ment
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

A Dark Plot.
81 don't see why you encourage that
Jones kid to SNOWFALL in front Of your
house."
''If you were a Sherlock Holmes you
would"
81 thought you didn't like the Jones
family"
81 don't"
"Then why so much trouble to anuss
the youngster? You may have some
broken window glass"
"Oh, no, shan't, but my landlord
probably will, and then can have the
fun Of seeing Jones fight it out with
him"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

Found IL Out.
81 have no use for sentiment. It
never made a man a dollar"
But, man, the world is run by senti-
ment."
my world isn't"
you talk like one who has been
through breach of promise suit"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

An attack of the grip is often fol-
lowed by a persistent cough, which
to many proves a great annoyance.
Chamberlain's Cough Remedy has
been extensively used and with good
success for the relief and cure OF
this cough. Many cases have been
cured after all other remedies had
failed. Sold by all druggists.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14
PERT PARAGRAPHS.

When a woman is compelled to wear
glasses she likes TO think they make
her appear intellectual.
Faint heart never learned to run a
motorcar.
Some people have so much faith in
their own ability that 1t never occurs
to them to put IL to test.
Because a man cannot correctly ap-
praise a compliment don't make the
mistake Of thinking he will fall for a
gold brick.
Self reliance is a good thing to have
around the house. but a rich father-in-
law is of more weight at the bank.
We all admire the man who strives
to do good, even though we may de-
cline to be the victim.
No man Is really Independent, though
occasionally one makes a large sized
bluff at 1t.
While the philosopher and the scien-
list quarrel as TO whether happiness is
q state Of mind or Of stomach, the rest
of us go on eating fried sausages and
reading the sporting page in the same
old way.
Even the most spiritually minded
Ike three square meals a day.
One person can't do everything, but
some men forget this when they are
hiring clerk at $40 per.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

Some people have so much faith In
their own ability that it never occurs
to them to put It to test.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-14

When a woman is compelled to wear
glasses she likes TO think they make
her appear intellectual.