davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
EVERYBODY COL

Ignorance of the law excuses no man." Employers and employees alike are interested in the Workmen's Com- pensation Act, which goes into effect January l. It behooves them to get wise to the provisions of that act Com missioner F, M. Williams, of the Com pensation Board, will be present at the smoker and annual meeting of the Oa- naan Business. Mems Association, in Odd Fellows Hall. thls evening, and ex- plain the law. This will be an oppor- runity to get posted and acquire an adequate understanding of the enact ment, of which all should avail them. selves, and every man in town IS invited TO be present. There will be cigars and refreshments-anda all free.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
The Lost Art Of Spelling.

An editorial paragraph challenges the little "red schoolhouse." In one of them not quite a century ago the sysUe m of marking consisted of notches cut i1 the beams of the upholstered ceiling. The descendants of one of the pupils oI that time point with pride to her record of 50 uotches cut in the beam on 60 sue cessive days for standing at the head of the class in spelling.
 Nearly 60 years ago in the red school . house, successor of the first one, when the best two scholars were chosen to take sides, and the ranks had thinned until only the leaders remained the contest became an exciting one, and the teachers task a laborious one, as page after page of old Webster was exhausted. While the list of words given in the aforesaid paragraph many be more practical in this utilitarian age. 1t does not compare with Webster's blue GOV. cred spelling book as a test of mental superiority neither is a written test where there is sc much opportunity for dishonesty in copying the work of others to be compared with the impromptu oral of the periods mentioned above.
 As the teachers in the elementary grades have not time enough to teach the essentials, being burdened with go much irrelevant matter. it would seem that the practice of spelling twice a week in the higher grades might we'll be supplemented by a few moments twice a day without previous preparation, as was the practice in the earlier days. when there were not so many complaints of the poor spelling of college and high school graduates.
 It is at least refreshing that educators begin to realize the importance of good spelling. for it has become one of the lost "Tts. FI-.A @ .-lt.r to the Editor in the Springfield Republican.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
FOR LOCAL PRIZES.

School Superintendent Vogel makes the very sensible suggestion that prize, or series of prizes, not necessarily large, be offered, by the townspeople, to the school children gathering the largest numbers of tent caterpillar "egg masses" " The state offers certain prizes for the largest numbers collected In the state, out this can have no very great attrac- tiveness for the pupils in the towns where the conditions are less favorable for gathering the masses than in other towns. A series of prizes, from $1 to $5, .rffered as an incentive to the pupils in the schools of North Canaan would greatly stimulate the children and render much more effective the good xork, the benefits of which will be grati- <yingly apparent next season, in the diminished number of destructive tent caterpillars. MT. Vogel would welcome ny suggestion from interested citizens, along that line.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
Jabs of the JabberWock.

MT. Editor; Encouraged by former success, I again offer you few Re marks. Don't "for the affection of Michael" " reveal my identity. I have nc desire to leave town by the Fence Rail route," besides I am not prepared to exchange the sidewalks of Canaan for the " Golden streets of Paradise"
 When woman soils her hands with political pitch the keystone in the "arch of home" is in great danger of falling.
 There are home makers and home breakers;" the gulf between is wide.
 When the women obtain the coveted "vote ". the male candidate" will do we'll to trim his whiskers and get plug hat.
 Laws are enacted concerning few in significant fishes, and we'll paid guar dians are employed to watch over them and see that they are permitted to enjoy their legal rights.
 That "emissary of death," the over speeded automobile, gathers it's victims unchecked by legislation. T.W.X.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
Good Citizenship.

To the Editor of The News:
 It appears to me that Canaan is at a standstlll. By reading about your town meetings and learning the way your citizens express themselves about school buildings, road matters, taxes and other affairs. I don't think the editors often- repeateI request to Canaanltes to get together and pull together for the best interest and progress of your town, is much needed and from what I learn am inclined to think Canaan is not as progressive as it was when lived there There was something doing in those days and I think many of the New England towns are in the same state of don't care, if I can get along ; bringing in new industries won't benefit me-" It is bad citizenship, and it will surely put a town on the bum. And just painting your house once in a while, sticking mp your sidewalks. riding about in an auto and investing your money in them in- stead of business enterprises. will never advance the growth or the prosperity of any town. see Tn one of your editorials that some of your residents think 1t is no good to bring in new industries as it is liable to draw a class of undesirables to work them. This is poor citizenship. and poor way to work for your home town. Minnesota is one of the greatest and most progressive states in the Union. and 1 must inform you that if it was not for her foreign emigrants and labor CTS it would not amount to a row of pins. The New England people remind me of snails, for they draw back into their shells aud care for nothing but their own comfort and pleasure.
 What would this country ever have amounted to if the early settlers had only worked for their own special pleas ure and gain witIOut looking head for the welfare of their children in the years to come and the betterment of the world in general?
 Get out of your shells, Canaan lag gards and has, beens don't be drones then there will be some hopes that you will not be scratched off the map en- tirely. You New Englanders are blest with beautiful land to live in, but the Creator intended that you should do something for the growth and improve ment of your country, and remember He helps those that try to help them selves and humanity in general. Wake up; get together pull together, and then you will see your town grow and prosper. It is my opinion that the West is far ahead in progress. get there and business enterprise. Chas. A. Harris.
 Two Harbors. Minn.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
What the Other Fellows Say,

The hold of the Money Trust on the commerce and life ofth nation is so in- tricate, so tenacious and complete, that it seems an almost impossible task to dislodge it. But as the study of this power continues, it becomes more and more evident that until credit is dispersed from the grip of few men of Wall Street, and until capital is again allowed to compete with itself, there can be no permanent solution of the trust problem. Bridgeport Farmer.
 Speaking of diplomacy, did you ever see smoother article in that line than the President handed out to the suf- agists?-Hartford Courant.
 Senator Harry Lane. of Oregon, is en- tirely at home in the senate, although he has been a member but a comparatively short time. When asked how he liked the work he said, "Bovs. I feel perfectly at home here. used to be superintend- ent of the Oregon insane asylum before was elected senator" Of course no reflection was intended on the august body of winch he was a member but he was recalling certain days spent in wait ing for the currency bill to hatch.- Ansonia Sentinel.
 By mixing three liquids at retail cost of So cents a gallon, John B. Desrochers, of Providence, claims that he can run an automobile Boo miles. What will Mir. Rockefeller do then poor thing?-Pitts- field Eagle.
 A Berlin chicken theft was in the superior court few days ago and receiv- ed sentence ot from one to four years in State prison. He got off easily at that.-Bristol Press.
 Santa Claus carries a heavy freight nowadays in his reindeer-pulled convey ance, it being estimated that the gifts of toys to the children of the country a year cost at least S2o,ooo. 900, mostly given Dec. 25.-New Haven Union.
 We trust the conservative have noted that in the recent New York subway smash the steel construction of the cars prevented loss of life and serious injury. On the whole, the season seems to have passed for contending that steel cars are no safer than those of wood. -Hartford Times.
 Faithful dog, left on Bristol depot plat form by its master, is rewarded by his return after waiting patiently four days and nights, according to a scribe, who conceals the name of the inhumane master for reasons best known to him. self.-Waterbury Republican.
 In spite of the high prices being paid for all kinds of agricultural produce, there are still millions of young men willing to work for g. day, provided they can wear white cuffs and a boiled hirt.-Hartford Post.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
Manton Waste.

Here is starting statement made by Howard Elliott, chief executive of the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad, in 8 cerent speech before the New Haven Chamber of Commerce Every ten years there is enough land Tn Connecticut going back to the wild condition. to support, if properly farrued, a city the size of New Haven, Hartford or Bridgeport.
 "Every five years there is enough land in Connecticut going back to sup port city like Waterbury, New Britain. New London, Norwich and Danbury.
 Since 1850 enough land in Con- necJicut has gone beck to the uncultivated condition to support. if properly cultivated. the present. popula. ton of the state.
 "There is sufficient land now under tillage in Connechcut to feed three times its present. population, if it were properly cultivated.
 All of the farm land in Connecticut properly cultivated would support population of 5000. .00O people. In view of these facts, is there anything SO im- porraut to Connecticut manufacturers as the condition of its agricultural lands Certainly to one connected with trans portation this is most important.
 Here, then, is Conuecticut's big opportunity-to open up ways and discover means whereby the unoultivat- ed land may be made to carry its share of the burden of feeding the population and that now under tillage made to increase it's production.
 The wanton waste of land in Con- necticut IS what strikes the westerner most forcibly upon his first visit to the state and the longer he stays in it the more mystified he becomes at the Apa- thetic attitude of the people to the neglect of what should be one of tle states greatest sources of revenue. When the manufacturing interests and the agricultural interests of the state travel htnd in hand prosperity is established on a permanent and lasting basis. One branch of industry is not neglected to forward another. but both advance together and an equilibrium is established that is a guarantee of con. tinued prosperity.
 Connecticut suffers from an actual famine of farm produce. Every city in the state needs more home grown pro- duce. How to get it is the big problem, but it wouldn't be problem if the manufacturers and the agriculturalists could be aroused to a real opportunity or if men could be diverte to the farms instead of being crowded into the in- dustrial centers.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
THETRUTH AsoUTIT.

The estee med Hartford Courand has 8 little fun with the Springfield Repub lican, which recently printed a letter written In 1S44, containing reference to shake heads" The Courant ridi- cules the Republicans ignorance con- cerning 'shake-heads." Says the Courant "A 'shake-head' is typog- raphical error. That's all. In old days rails were nailed down and often one end would become loosened, and, as 8 train approached.wouldri rise and unkind- ly come right into moving car. If 1t happened to come up through seat whereon a passenger was located. 1t went through the passenger. too. It as it rose like the head of an angry snake Our information bureau IS open twenty four hours days seven days ln each week. Call again no charge"
 It may seem too bad to upset such self-satisfied complacency, but plainly historical accuracy demands the truth. For the information of the supercilious pedant of the Courant's Information bureau we make bold to assure him that the snake head iron was not rail. !" There were no rails in the days of the snake-head. There were short lengths of half-inch strap-iron, nailed to wood en beams that took the place of the present rails. That's all. The esteemed Courant's information bureau editor Is further assured that The News's de- partment of historical accuracy is open and at his service every weekday. excepting holidays.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
The Wurra Wurra Club

Everybody was present at the meet ing with the exception of a number of absentees who arrived early to avoid the holiday rush. The meeting was called to order promptly on time by the presi- dent, Mir. Leo Werner, who was unavoid- able absent, so Will A. Wright took his place. The fat member was requested to sing the Opening Ode, but got up and said he "wasn't no Openin' Odor," and told the president to give the job to Slats Lathrop, who needed the practice for the forthcoming minstrel show of the firemen. States took the cue and sang the Ode to the tune of "Johnny Get Your Gun, Get Your Gun, Get Your Gun-Gun." None of the things that were thrown at him struck him, luckily, and he lodged out of the door unscathed. The minutes of the previous meeting were read in the bass clef by Seneca Strong, who had just came in from a social dance, and was in fine voice. The meeting was then de- clared open for the despatch of any re- spectable business.
 Chairman Vogel, of the committee on Santa Claus, reported that the Christmas tree arrangements were progressing satisfactorily, so far as the committee on plan and scoop was concerned, and the exercises were sure to be not only inter esting but instructive. The program would include, among other attractive specialties:
 DecIamation by Ed. Warner, "Wood- man, Spare that Christmas Tree"
 Quartet "You Never Miss the Water till the Pipes Freeze Up," H. II. Scutt.
 Talk to the Men, "The fun of Editing a Newspaper for Fun," Rev. E. C. Gil lette.
 Talk to the Men, "The Wear and Tear of Editing Newspaper for Fun" Rev. L. E. Travis.
 Distribution of popcorn balls, A. H. Herriman.
 Distribution of sasf rilly, l.. C. Rhoades
 Dialogue, allow the Concrete Cross walks were Built Without the Sound of a Monkey.Wrench," J. C. Roraback and E. l.. Roberts.
 Climbing the Christmas tree and dis tributing the presents, H. B. Ives.
 The report was accepted and ordered placed on file.
 The fat member got up and said he was sorry Rob Peirce wasn't present, as he would like to hear a report of the delegation that attended the dinner given by Mir. and Mrs. Stoeckle to the officers of the Choral Union and guests, at Del monico's, last week. He said he "under- stood tn guests ct so long they couldn't make no speeches, an would like t know if there was any truth in tn story that some on lem didn't eat nothin' fir two days b'fore tn banket, so's they could git away with everything, that come along, on tn bill O fare" No. body present was able to give the desired information, and as there was no further business the meeting adjourned.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
THEY COM E SLOW.

Commenting on the ambitious of Great Harrington E new chamber of commerce "a new postoffice, building, more state roads, and new industries-the Pittsfield Eagle says, edltorially:
 "In the matter of new industries 1t will be found that getting an industry worth while isn't 8 simple matter. 1n- dustries that want financial assistance are usually to be avoided unless strong men of proved business capacity are back of them, and desirable industries do not often move en bloc. In our estimation small concern that could promise growth would be the safest venture for Great Burlington. But the town should not forget it's summer or tourists busi- ness, not only ill the town proper but in the country towns surrounding it. Va cationists bring real and quick money into the communities where they go and while their season is not long their bene- fits are quite lasting"
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
A CANAAN POEM.

Chairman Vogel, of the O. B. M. A. banquet committee, makes the timely auggestion that an original poem, dedi- ,ated to fair Canaan and describing fair Janaan's virtues, attractions and ad- vantages should be written, set to music md sung at the forthcoming banquet. The suggestion is good. We have poets rere, and musicians, and all unimpeach- able brand of patriotism and public spirit. Furthermore, fair Canaan has 10 lack of virtues, attractions and ad- yantages that would make fitting theme for the song-writer. And who nall say that fame and worldwide recognition do not await the poetic genius who will produce such @ song as MT. Vogel has in mind, the first rendi- rion of which would be given to the
 world through the hundred and more
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
Hoods of the Colleges

''If you have taken a degree in di vinity at Oxford, you are entitled to wear red bood.''
 The speaker was Ethelbert Reed the Duluth psychologists. He continu. ed:
 Wearing a red hood myself, I take a natural interest in hood stories There Is one about a man who complained to his bishop that So-and So, though not of Oxford. was wearing a master s hood.
 "And I call it, bishop sad the complainant bitterly, wearing lie on his back
 "Oh, don't use so strong a word a S that said the bishop. Just call it a false hood"
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18

Says the Pittsfield Eagle: The Literary Digest ranks Walter Prichard Eaton s book, "The Boy Scouts of the Dismal Swamp" as one of the 40 best books for boys that have been published the past season. While acknowledging the merit of the book, the critic expresses the wish oft entertained by others, that MT. Eaton might write 8 straight out novel for boys-without feeling the necessity of promoting any given propaganda. But he is interested in boy welfare work that his enthusiasm for it is pretty apt to crop out in whatever he writes-and the reader wins in entertainment.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
Notwith standing.

John Allen of Pennington, Me, was noted for his ready wit and cut ting sarcasm. One day while walking down the street he slipped on some ice and fell. The Methodist minister of the town happened to be near and helped the old man to his feet with the remark Sinners stand on slippery ground, don't they, John2"
 Yes" retorted MT. Allen. "but 1 dou't see how they do it."- Harper's Magazine.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
NORTH CANAAN HAS

A population Jf 2171, (census of 191O.) Two railroaus.
 National and Savings Banks. Trolley railroad extending through the Berkshires to Pitts1eld and beyond. Up-to-date High School and first-class school system.
 Five churches.
 First-class hotel. Fire department. including chemical en- zine.
 Ten miles of State Roads. Electric light and power plant, Complete Sewer System. Never-failing water supply and the best water in the state. Wide-awake Business Mems Association. Extensive lime and iron industries. Fraternal and benefit societies. Brass band.
 Up-to-date department stores. Pure air and wholesome climate.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18

The cordial : endorsement of The News's suggestion of a municipal Christmas tree" on the Town Hall Green, by HI. B." ill another column, should attract further attention to the subject. It is not too late to carry out the idea, with great success. and give delight to many children who are likely to fare poorly at the ordinarily bountiful hand of Santa Claus.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
THURSDAY. DECEMBER IS. 1918

The world would be better and brighter If people were taught the dUty of being happy as we'll as the happiness of doing their duty. To be happy ourselves is most effectual contribution to the happiness of others.--Sir John Lubbock.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
KIND WORDS.
BY EMMA RoDEMEYER WAIT.

AS the thirsty ground in summer
 Eagerly absorbs the rain, Sc are human hearts a'hunger
 For kind words to soothe their pain. There is not kind word spoken
 But it falls on fertile ground; Often when we least suspect it,
 It has made some heart rebound. For o'er all earth's mighty kingdom,
 There are saddened hearts that long For kind words that bring refreshing,
 And restore the once loved song
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18

Canaan Business Mems Association annual meeting and election of officers, in Odd Fellows Hall this evening. Every member should be present. There will be interesting talk, cigars and refresh ments
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
Letters From the People
Suggestion to Boy Scouts.

To the Editor of The News:
 If the following suggestion is new to Canaan will you give it space?
 In this city, where am spending the winter, the Boy Scouts add materially to the1r treasury by delivering Christmas packages for small consideration. It seems an excellent idea was tried last year with great success and will be re- peatel. Canaanite.
 N Y Dec 15
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
AS AN ADVERTISING MEDIUM

The News should appeal with special force to the sagacious business man.
 1t has an extensive circulation in Western Connecticut, and especially throughout Litch- field County and Southern Be-xshire.
 It has a competent staff of wide-awake cor respondents in the various towns to report the local doings each week. and goes into the homes and is perused by the entire families of the thrifty, intelligent reading class of people whom the long-headed advertiser most desires to reach.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18

business gentlemen who will be assem- bled in the Canfield dining room on the night of January 15? Let us hear from the patriotic poets.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
THE NEWS AGENTS

Extra copies of The News sale at the of1ce of publication and at
 Dempsey's Drug Store, Canaan, Post Office. East Canaan.
 D. H. Oakes' Store, Lakeville, Post Office, Falls Village,
 George T. Johnsons Store, Norfolk, Scutt 6 Rood, Ashley Falls. , A. l.. Dickinson. Salisbury.
 J. W. Morgan, Great Harrington, Mass
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
Unsatisfactory Evidence

An Irish witness was being ex. amined as to his knowledge of shoot ing affair. Did you see the shot fired ?" the magistrate asked.
 No, sor only heard 1t"
 "That evidence is not satisfactory, ,' replied the magistrate sternly. "Step down."
 The witness proceeded to leave the box, and directly his back was turned he laughed derisivelY. The magistrate, indignant at this contempt of court, asked how he dared to laugh in She courtroom.
 "DId you see me laugh, your honor ?"
 "No, sir, but heard yon."
 That evidence is not satisfactory. said the witness with a twinkle in his eye. At this everybody langhed except the magistrate. e.-Houston Chron- icle.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18

Get Together. Pull Together. Keep something in the works all the time for the advancement of the community.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
WRITE LETTER ARoUTIT

Communications on subjects of general inter. ast to The News readers are invited. but nc s5tention will be paid to anonymous letters.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18

Subscribers are requested to notify the pub sher promptly of any failure to receive papers regularly, changes of residence etc.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18

"I am not rich like you," said the young man, but am young, sGron g and willing to work. May I speak to your father"
 Why not?" said the heiress. He is constantly hiring young men with jus such qualifications as you enumerate. Louisville Courier Journal.
Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18

Studious observers predict that the time has just arrived when New Haven stock will step off the toboggan and take the elevator.