davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1913-10-22
The Autumn Fires.

The Autumn Fires.
A thin blue streak of pungent acrid
smoke
Is herald of the autumn fires,
Fed with dead leaves, in sudden
fitful glare,
The passing summers funeral
pyres.
The dripping trees hold fast the
sodden stems
rain
And bend and break ere they will
loose their hold,
Till stripped they stand Eor dare
complain.
Upon the ground the summers
lies,
For so the leaf and tree must
part,
With pang as keen, no doubt, as
mortal feels,
Who viewed his dead with break
ing heart.
And over all the earth the purple
And mingled odors tell today
Of death, but winds from out the
south are due
That soon will blow them all away.
Sad autumn fires that of the sum-
mer's death
And parting of the ways doth tell,
Glad autumn fires that purify and
give
Null inn hnt vxyfth I'D IS
well. Prank Fair.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1913-10-22
THINGS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW.
A Few Salient Points Regarding
the New School Laws.

CCAOOl uiiISIOlo, SIhCol pdlIOilS
and teachers should familiarize
themselves with the new school laws
enacted by the last general assem-
bly, These changes have been pub
lished of course in practically every
newspaper in the state, but it is evil
dent that they have not received
the attention they deserve and
which all interested in the schools
should give to new enactments. AS
regards the right of the county SUI
perintendent to appoint a deputy
and the power of the school board
to fix the deputy's salary central
Iowa is pretty well informed, but
there are several provisions in the
new law that should receive atten-
ton.
Rural teachers and school boards
should know, if they are not alrea-
dy so informed that the schools
must be adjourned not less than
two days in the school year to per-
NIT the teachers attending the
teachers Institutes and without
loss or salary to the teacher. The
county superintendent shall issue
a certificate of attendance on the
institute and teachers failing to at
tend shall forfeit their two days
salary unless excused by the county
superintendent for physical disabil-
ity. That is worth knowing.
The school district without a high
school course must pay not more
than $3.50 monthly tuition for stu
dents residing therein who, having
attained specified proficiency,
shall apply for admission to any
high school. 1t is also provided
that high schools where free text
books are furnished may make a
charge for the use of these books
by students thus admitted. This is
also worth knowing
1t is also worth knowing that the
teaching of elementary agriculture,
domestic science and manual train
ing shall be compulsory in the pub
lie schools of the state after July 1,
1915.
1t is worth knowing that fine of
not less than SO or more than $40
for each offense" is provided for
neglect to send children between Z
and 16 years of age to school for at
least twenty-four weeks in each
school year and that only those liv-
ing more than two miles from
school are excused from the penal
ties. 1t is also worth knowing that
this school, whether public, private
or parochial, must teach the com
mon school branches of reading,
writing, spelling, arithmetic, gram
mar, physiology and United States
history in order to come within
the provisions of the law and relieve
parents and guardians of the penal
ties for noncompliance.
1t is also of value to know that
the school principals and the school
boards shall forbid the use of to-
bacco in any form by any student of
the school under their charge and
that those who do not conform to
the rules may be suspended or ex-
PEELED. This is worth knowing and
the action of school boards will be
watched with interest in this re-
gard. 1t is a rule that should be put
in force and rigidly maintained. No
youth yet in high school can use to-
bacco except to his own detriment
and that Of the schools. Marshall
town T.-R.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1913-10-22
Underwear.

We have just received SO dozer
mems extra quality wool fieeced un
derwear, which we are retailing a
soc. We guarantee this carmen
to be better than can be purchased
in the country. These
goods are guaranteed and If the!
are not perfectly satisfactory can
be returned and money refunded.
BEN BEAR.
Notice.
There will be meeting Of the stock
holders of the Citizen Savings Banl
at its offices in DEBORAH, Ia, or
Oct. 80, 1913 at a. m.
for the purpose of amending ant
the articles of incorpora
ton of said bank.
B. j. MCKAY,
Cashier.
40-4w
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1913-10-22

Mandy-"What fob 20 been goin'
to de post office so reg liar? Are 20
correspondent wifi some other fe-
male? Rastus-'Nope, but since All
bin a-readin in de papers bout desc
conscience funds" ali kind of thot
ah might possibly git lettah from
dat ministah what married us.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1913-10-22
"Fine Feathers" a Pleasing Drama

Zine Feathers Pleasing Drama.
Eugene Walters popular drama
Fine Feathers" as presented at
the Grand last Thursday night was
much enjoyed by the audience,
which was not IS large as it would
have been had the weather been
pleasant. The play is a stirring
story of real life with an appeal to
the finer instincts, and the various
roles were carried by capable ar
lists. 1t was given charming
setting, and to those who love the
drama afforded a pleasing contrast
to the plays so often seen nova
days. 1t was a splendid produc-
tion and gave good satisfaction.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1913-10-22

The Winneshiek County Norwe-
gian Sangerforbund will give con-
cert at Ossian next Wednesday eve
ming, Oct 10Th. There will be for
ty voices in the chorus, and they
will be assisted by the Luther Col
lege orchestra, both being under the
direction of Prof. Carlo A. Sperati.
This organization always gives a
splendid program, and lney ought
to be heard by large audience.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1913-10-22
Rumnlage Sale.

The ladies of the Episcopal
church will hold a rummage sale in
the Portman building on Winneba-
go St., beginning Saturday. Nov.
1st. 43-2w.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1913-10-22

We have the largest and best
looking assortment of winter caps
and are selling these at our usual
low prices, starting at soc and up
wards. When you want cap,
come to Bears and get it.
BEN BEAR.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1913-10-22
TO OUR READERS.

We want you to know
that we appreciate II when
you bring a job of printing
TO the Public Opinion office,
We are exceptionally we'll
equipped in new and up-to-
date type faces, the best
quality of papers Of all
kinds, and the presses up
on which to print 1t. A large
force of competent and
obliging printers is always
at your service.
Quality and price right.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1913-10-22

Try Our Want Column.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-01-12
THE VISITING NURSE.

You and can remember in the old
dayD when society was less complf
Gated than it is now, that the good
housewife who lived near by, came
over and helped care for the baby OF
the mother or whoever was Ill until
the patient was we'll again. The I'm,
selfish spirit which prompted the
neighborly help in sickness was very
beautiful. 1t is exactly the same spirit
OF wishing to help neighbor which
has prompted some OF the women OF
Keokuk to bring to this city q visiting
nurse. They viii bring trained
nurse who will not only be able to
minister in sickness but who has had
settlement training and who can
teach the people to live in such way
as to prevent illness in so far as pos
sible. That the churches almost with
out exception are uniting in this work,
whether they be Jew or Gentle. Rom
an Catholic, or Protestant shows that
the spirit of neighhorly helpfuiness
appeals to US all. IT is a practical way
of following the steps of Him who
went about doing good.
The Gate City wishes for the movee-
ment the greatest measure OF success.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-01-12
REGRETFuL RESERVATIONS.

A few weeks ago Frank IteBron.
one OF the aggressive young business
men of the city and member OF the
directory of the Keokuk Industrial As
ISOLATION. presented his resignation 20
that body. More recently John Nagel.
one OF the best known citizens and
business men. followed Mr. LeBron's
action and filed his resignation with
the officers OF the Industrial Associa-
ton. I. is reported that other resig-
nations viii follow.
What's the matter?
Both of the above named gentle.
men are known to have large de-
maads upon their time from their
own business affairs and they are
called upon to take an active part in
the public life of the city and those
are the reasons assigned for tender
ing their designations to the Indus
trial Association as directors. That
such reasons are legitimate and
truthful there is no doubt. The COM
munity know full well that both of
of their time and influence 20 the fur
therance of all propogandas looking
toward the development of the city
and their withdrawal from the organ
fzation is a real loss. Men of their
ability and public spiritedness are
needed just now in Keokuk activities.
The Gate City accepts their rea-
sons as valid ones, but should other
designations follow, as is rumored. it
makes us think:
Are the reasons assigned ALL OF
the reasons?
If the stockholders of the Keokuk
Industrial Association do not care TO
lose the efficiency and services Of
Messrs. LeBron and Nagel they win
have an opportunity to so express
themselves at the coming election for
directors and at that election it Is
hoped THAI full and free expression
be given In electing Industrial Off
cials.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-01-12
WON

Notwithstanding the growing popu-
iarity Of the study of household econ
omics among club women. and their
increasing disposition to undertake
work along lines Of civic improve
menf, the cultural side of club activ-
ity Is by no means neglected by them.
At the shine OF literature, where wo-
men, clubs we're first conceived,
they still continue their devotions.
communing with The great minds OF
all ages, encouraging originality of
thought and expression, and steadily
cultivating the delightful art OF CON
versation. This is as il should be.
From familiarity with the best liter
AZURE comes the inspiration to noble
endeavor. and unless our study leads
to some form of beneficent activity
IT Is useless.
The general federation is fortuna. e
in having as chairman OF its litera-
ture and library extension depart
ment Mrs. Frances Squire Potter. or
Chicago, woman Of broad culture.
who Is also one Of the most gifted
speakers in our country. Mrs. Potter
is truly the embodiment or expres.
sion OF Bosanquet's definition of cul.
ture az "the habit OF g mind instinct
With purpose, cognizant OF a ten
dency and connection In human
achievement, dlligent IN discerning
the great from the trivial"
The president Of the General Fede.
ration of Women's Clubs in her last
message makes strong plea for
greater attention to correctness and
elegance OF speech timely plea
that we should all ponder. In irs,en
ing 10 Frances Squire Potter's per
fectiy modulated voice and her mas
terry use OF our native tongue, one
signs TO reflect how seldom we heal
the language OF Shakespeare and Mil
ton spoken in its purity and with nice
discrimination.
/ Mrs. Potters outlines for the stud,
4 OF English literature from the begin
ming down TO the romantic reviva
/ have been found most helpful to club,
as have her Old Testament literatur,
outlines She lays special emphasis OF
the importance Of familiarity Will
the King James Bible as literar,
production. and her lectures based o,
Bible topics are certainly most inspir
Ing.
I The Importance Of dramatic art 4
increasingly apparent, and also tn
responsibility OF club women a
] rnoulders OF public taste and sent
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-01-12

ment. As Mrs. Pennypacker well
says: We must never forget that in
to our hands are given the ideals OF
the nation and it is the earnest en-
deayor of the general federation wc-
men to live up to their high calling.
Miss Mary Gray Peck Of Chicago. is
chairman of the drama committee,
under the literature department, and
her syllabus of study of the modern
drama is most heupful to the increas-
Ing number of clubs that are special.
izing along this line.
The other committee under the de.
partment OF literature is that of IL
brary extension, the chairman OF
which is Miss E. E. Stearns, of Mad.
Ison, Wisconsin. Believing that !. Is
not the few great libraries. but the
thousand small ones that are most
useful to the people. this committee
is largely devoted to helping in the
establishment Of these small libraries
and also in the multiplication of Ii
brary commissions. Just at present
1t Is assisting Kansas in its enlarge
ment OF the scope OF its travelling IL
brary commission to include an or
ganizer to work among the public Ii
braries of the state. Through one OF
its members, Miss S. S. Page. OF West
Virginia. It will endeayor to aid that
state in securing a library commits
sion and more and better public II
braries. This committee has helped
the state of Arkansas to establish q
library association. and will lend cor
dial aid in promoting the library
movement in any state
The establishment of libraries and
library commissions, the education OF
the people to an appreciation of really
noble dramatic art. and the cnltiva-
ton OF more intimate acquaintance
with the best English literature are
not these ideals worthy OF an organi-
cation composed of one million OF the
most enlightened women of the Uni
ted States?
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-01-12
THAT NEW GARFIELD SCHOOL

The voters OF Keokuk are request
ed to give serious consideration to a
very vital question January 81, when
the matter OF voting bonds to erect a
new Garfield school building will be
presented. There is always more or
less opposition 10 a bond issue but
what progress would a city make I'M
less bond issues were voted2 1t gives
opportunity 10 get money at reason
able interest rates to build a city and
no city ever grew that did not advance
the price o. the voters property. No
city eyer became city that did not
possess modern utilities and the most
cursory investigation OF the school
buildings OF this city will readily con-
vince one that new ones of modern
typs in sanitation and architecture are
q necessity. So when you go to vote
/ on this issue January 81 do not vote
your prejudice or sectional feelings.
Investigate the building that it is in.
tended 70 disnantie II you do not
/ find IT dangerous and obsolete for
school purposes then vote against a
new building. But if your fair and
honest conclusions approve new
building then vote and work for it,
This building is crowded with little
children who would have little chance
OF saving their lives should fire
break out. Fire drills are commend
able and all right in theory and nc
doubt have their benefit during an
actual fire but It is very. very doubtful
il the FIRE drill would prevent a panic
In z school room crowded with little
) children who Eould naturally rush 10
narrow spiral stairway that is bull,
directly over the furnace. The uues
ten Of reuodeIing vas discussed ane
It was gensiblg decided unwise to pu,
new cloth In AZ old garment. One Of
the directors said II vas criminal tc
: maintain the present building TO,
: school purposes and he gaid he Kelley
I 60 MS conscience by insisting Tor
new building and would vote and Tor.
Tor 1t and he felt that an .avestsgat.o,
l. ON the part Of the voters would resal
: IN the same conclusion. There In N
. doubt but that new achoolg are need
II ed In other parts OF the civ bst In.
D greatest and most inaxtent need
y seem to come from the Garheld school
3 While keokuk is advancing ali asr,n;
the line and will copti,,pe r. ad+.,,r,
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-01-12
TIE ELECTRIC CITY

New York City is unquestionably
the electric city OF the world. More
electric current is generated and used
there than in any other place. Every
thing is electrified. No steam trains
run on the island of Manhattan. Elec-
trio light. railway, telephone and tele-
graph wires are under ground. 1t has
the most expensive and most endur.
ing construction in power-houses, sub
stations. distributing systems, under.
ground. surface and elevated rail.
ways. Hundreds of millions of dol
lars have been expended by the great
trunk lines entering Manhattan in
eiectrifying that end of their roads
and in erecting monumental termin-
ais. New York has not only to con
tend with the most complex problem
in transportation. but it is also the
scene Of greatest activity in electric
traction construction in the world
The subway system operates daily
with ten-car express trains every
minute and three-quarters, and man.
ages to care for over 1000, 900 pas
sengers daily. Some comprehension
of the traffic conditions may be had
from the fact that the various city
RAILWAYS carry in round numbers l..
5oo.O0o.e00 yearly.
The equipment Of its power-houses
exceeds by approximately 100 per
cent that of the monumental general
ing stations erected on the American
and Canadian sides Of Niagara. The
finest and largest steam engines and
steam turbines ever built may be
seen in New York.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-01-12

The giant Cunarder Carmania limp
ed into port at New York Wednesday
overdue since Sunday. Her passen-
gers did not need to watch the old
year out: they were praying that
they might see the new year in, says
the Chicago Inter-Ocean. Once, just
as the great ship was flung up on the
crest of a giant wave, down upon her
came blast of wind that toppled her
over 30 degrees to port. And on her
side she went down into the yawning
trough of the seas. That the Car
mania came safely to port is proof
that man is making good his destiny
OF dominion over ell created things.
But every now and again Nature
writhes under his dominion. And Of
ten does the sea serve notice that it
is unconauered and unconquerable
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-01-12
STARTING A DAIRY.

January frst has always been the
faForite date for beginning dairy,
which was once about the most popu-
lar gift on the Christmas tree.
There is always something inviting
about the fresh emptiness of dairy's
pages. AS you look ahead through
these blanks, life looks like new coun-
try, untrodden, delightfully."- porten-
tous with big things you hope to do
and unforeseen experiences, all to be
recorded therein.
The modern form of journal, COM
pact, with q few lines set apart for
each date, the same amount for the
ordinary day at the office as for the
enc when you are married, represents
all that this hurrying age cares to
record of its history. The real old
time diaries bullying with heart
throbs We're built on fat blank books,
undated, with illimitable space for
the chronicle of emotions.
The fine art of keeping a diary lis
too little attempted in our hustling
busting days. With active young
persons, the entries soon dwindle and
scatter after the manner OF a boy hero
of Susan Cooiidges:-
Jan. TO- Forgit what did.
Jan. i. Pleasant Went skating.
Jan. IA. Forgit what did.
ian. IT. Stormy.
Jan. 20. Forgit what did.
Jan. %. Forgit what did.
Youthful persons of seriously in
Prospective habits must have been in.
auenced by those standard examples,
the Diary of Miss Thingumbob" OF
somebody else, formerly found ON
every book shelf These ominous
volumes bound In black, partly a
story of times OF laborious toll, were
still more record OF morbid con.
aciences. You read about the funerals
attended, melancholy contemplation
and over critical self examination.
| Perhaps these bilious records led to
! a decline in the habit OF diary keep
ing. And this is an age Of anticipa
ton rather than retrospect. Even tbs
octogenarian may read the baseball
stories rather than dream OF the mas,
In the chimney corner.
A diary need never be morbid. A
well kept Journal written In cheer,
style keeps alive many golden hours
and will give our lives human interes
10 our grandchildren.
i
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-01-12

In connection with the extensive
electric traction project which is on
foot in Switzerland for equipping the
state railroad lines. 1t is proposed to
build number of electric stations In
order to make use OF water power
such as can be obtained from the
Rhine, Adige, Rhone and Reuss riv-
ers. Three Of the proposed electric
plants are to cost no less than $4,000.
600 each, according to estimates, and
the total expense OF this undertaking
will be $4,000. 1o0 In this way a
large amount of power. such as is
needed for operating lines OF electric
railroad, viii be secured.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-01-12

The destruction of the orange crop
in California is a tragedy. To us in
the middle west and east, news of the
immense loss does not mean SO much
but to California and those who re-
Gently invested in California groves.
the loss is terrific. 1t probably means
ruin to many. Those who invested in
young groves viii suffer most serious
~ and will have to wait few years
for the returns which orange groves
have always produced. To some 1t is
IA complete loss. to others temper
airy setback. No one rejoices over
the financial loss that has resulted
from this unusual California condition.
Notwithstanding the cartoonists and
the eastern press take filings at the
glorious climate of California.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-01-12

The baseball situation appears 10
have resolved itself into the original
proposition-have baseball if the mon.
ey can be provided. That was the de.
cis'on at the meeting held in the SUI.
perior court room several weeks ago
TO discuss the matter and seems ia
still be the decision, only with this adj
dition--that there is more hope Of get,
ting the required sum to put the clut
through the season without the usua
cry for help. 1t is a very proper pro
ceeding. Get the money and then yo.
can have baseball, or almost anything
else.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-01-12

Unless progressive legislation is en-
acted the people will jump over the
precipice into socialism, says the Hon.
Thomas Marshall of Indian in his an
nual message to the legislature. Pol
iticians should remember that refor
nations are not all accomplished at
one Jump. The legal enactments in
recent years are all leaning toward a
more equitable distribution. The
American people have the brains and
the spirit to meet changing conditions.
The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-01-12
Tho Ballad Of the HomIns Man.

He saw the sun, the Light giver, step
down behind the oak.
And send tawney arrow.shaft along
the engine smoke.
He saw the last brown harvester lift
UP from mother-earth
The sheaf that holds mystery--the
seed of death and birth.
And like place In Paradise, the
empty stubblefeld
Waited. to watch the hock-cart go,
with the children she did yield.
He saw far-off the homing crows san
into notified sky
Saw horse and horseman flag and
tire, and trees like men 60 By.
tho warm freight
That open Is the brow of day, and
closed the shade OF night.
He saw above the sallows the first
lamps, lemen-hued.
Lead out the painted suburb into the
hazel wood.
He saw the bobtaiied rabbits above
the stoneman's pit.
Where the years went, as the trains
go, all unaware OF It.
Another mile, the roofs begin; the
rigid wilderness,
The smoke, the murky omens, upon
his heartbeat press.
The nightfall of the townsfolk, the
ferment of the place,
Work like sharp ichor in his blood,
like salt reek in the face.
But where the fields are fragrant and
the moody town is pass'd.
There is house, an open door; a
face fire, at last.
"Three voices in doorway" he says
"a woman's form,
And lighted hearth behind her,
can make a desert warm;
And what is Heaven but house.
like any other one,
where the homing nan finds harbor.
and the hundred roads are
done?"
Ernest Rhys.