davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Alma record., 1914-10-29
DONNY XO0DP[CKER.
A Bows View Point Towards
Birds
W0ODPECKERs ARE A BENEFIT
Characteristic Black and White
Marking Notes

A boy at first always looks upon
birds as elusive spirits of the air,
which he longs to follow in their free
dom of fight and love of the woods.
He would like to share the evident
blessings of freedom and seeming
care-free pastime Of making a living
by hunting for good things, just the
things apparently most desired.> AT
least he thinks they must be good,
from the manner in which they are so
diligently sought. "Downy' was en-
gagged in that business just in that
way, as he meandered up the bole of
an old apple tree, picking here hard
coated morsel, and there a wriggling
tid-bit from the dusty cracks in the
bark; stopping occasionally to tap,
tap, tap in rapid strokes on some un-
suspecting spot. The boy not six feet
away watched and listened with senses
tense. Even the acutest keenness of
the boys ear could detect no differ
ence in the different taps. Yet the
bird, while using his head as ham,
mer, chooses the vulnerable spot that
contained the boring insect larva be-
meath. This little physician of the or
chard has learned to tell what is hid
den beneath by the sound of or per-
cussion, just as the real physician,
perhaps after having learned it from
his little instructor, learns what is the
condition of the lungs by what ne calls
percussion. Tap, tap, tap, and upward
the bird went with short quick swing
and firm grip ready for the next vic
tim.
There are some people who have
even fancied that these "wood-peck-
ers do a lot of damage making holes
in trees" Far from this. They only
help to clean up the orchards and trees
and make possible larger and better
crops.
What is the food of the Downy
wood -pecker? About three-quarters
of the food consists of insects, nearly
all of which are known to be injurious.
Prominent among these are the~bor-
ing beetles, coddling moths, and bark
beetles. The other fourth consists of
wild berries such as those of the dog
wood, poison ivy, and Virginia creep
er.
The Downy wood-pecker is common
from March till October or Novem-
Der in this locality, and occasionally
his CHEEKY rafting call is one of the
few bird-notes in winter, as his flash
Of black and white tells of the cour-
age and hardness of this small bene-
fetal species. The bird is readily
known as the Downy wood-pecker, or
Dryobates pubescens medianus, as it
is our smallest wood-pecker, six to
seven inches in length, and is recog-
nized by its habit of creeping on the
tree trunks. It's call notes and its
black and white markings, and white
underparts, aid in identifying it. The
crown of the male has scarlet cres-
cent.
Alma record., 1914-10-29

as a teacher and superintendent OF
schools and by the practice of the law.
He should have actual experience as a
lawyer and in the independent conduct
of cases, this Mr.. Smith has had.
He should be a reldy and forcible
speaker with the faculty Of apt illustra-
tion. This o. l.. Smith has in large de-
gree as any one who has ever heard him
knows. The cause Of the county will al
ways have sn able representative in Pres
ecuter Smith.
This office above all else needs an ec-
onomical, well balanced. man. A man
who will not bring suit for every trivial
matter and involve the county in unnec-
essary expense but will sift throughly
every charge laid before him and exer-
else careful judgement while fully pro-
tecting the community against law
breakers.
The office needs young man of
energy who will be always alert and
watchful for the interest of the county
and every citizen
Alma record., 1914-10-29
Newell Smith
Candidate for Representative
in State Legislature

Newell Smith. candidate for Represent
ative, was born May lst, 1862, and when
ten years of age moved with his parents
to the township Of Wheeler where he
grew up and lived there until 1891 when
he moved TO ST. Louis. He has lived in
Gratiot County 81 years, and was Sup.
ervisor of Wheeler ten years and also
one year since moving to ST Louis. was
admitted to the bar in 1890, has held sew
ersl city offices. has been a Justice Of
the Peace in Wheeler and St. Louis
twenty years, was elected Representative
in lol2.
He is forceful and fearless speaker,
and made good record in the Legisls-
ure, nd if elected will be a credit to
himself and to Gratiot Comfy.
Alma record., 1914-10-29
$40 IN PRIZES
Given by Business Men for Best Corn
Exhibits

The business men of Alma have do
mated prizes amounting to nearly $50
for the best ten ears of corn in each
of the following five varieties: Yellow
Dent corn, White Dent corn, Smut
Nose, White Flint, Pop corn. The
contest commences on November g.,
and continues until January /. The
exhibits will be on display at the Alma
State Savings Bank and are always
open to inspection by the public.
The judges of the corn are Fred
Battles, Henry Mcnamara, Burton /.
Gee, Frank E. Boyd, William Schiff,
and VIM. Vanderbeck. Every farmer
within radius of fifteen miles of AL
ma is eligible. See ad. in this paper.
Alma record., 1914-10-29
BIT TIE WRONG MELON
Saginaw High Defeated by
Gridiron Boys of Alma
FORWARD PASSES SUCCESSFUL
Score 13 to 12-Alma Had Crippled
Team on Field

What's the matter with Alma High? =?
She's all right! Who's all right? Al
ma High Who said so? Gazella! Ga
zellal Gazellal Gazzar! Get outl Get
OUT Get out Of the way Ribol Ribol
Zip, Booml BAH Alma High School
Rahl Rahl Rahl
Alma, 13; Saginaw West Side, II.
Alma's old rival was trodden under
foot Saturday on Davis Field by AL
mas cripply team. The day was
sunshiny, and neither hot nor cold, just
right. The field was a trife rough but
in excellent condition otherwise. A
large delegation of Saginaw rooters
came to see their team defeated at the
hands Of city hardly large enough to
be called a good Saginaw suburb. Be-
tween six and eight hundred people
witnessed the fray. About twenty
five came over from St. Louis, nice
delegation from Ithaca and the sur
rounding country.
Alma's team showed the effects of
efficient coaching and the team work
which was necessary to bring about
the victory was in evidence with a
vim and vengeance bound to win. AL
though the score was close, the head
work of Alma's men was far superior
to that of her heavier rival.
Some of Alma's best plays were
bottled up and were not uncorked.
Once a trick play that would have
netted large gain was tried, but it
failed. The forward passes of Sagi-
nav were Of no avail, seldom were
they caught at all, and some of them
that did not hit the ground were inter-
cepted by Alma men. Alma's passes
were usually successful. Alma's sec
ond touchdown was made by Stevens
on a forward pass. He received the
pass in an open field and ran away
from the Saginaw safeties for touch
down.
Mahr made many short gains thru
or over Saginaw's heavy line. Smith,
lodging here, there and everywhere,
mystified the Arthur Hill men, and
netted gains for Alma. Handley,
smashing thru tn cline, made his US
ual gains. All of the fellows proved
that they could fight when the odds
were against them.
Blaisdell L.E., Muscott 1T, Won
ders, Boyd L.G., Campbell c., Tink-
ham R.G., Dutt RT., Stephens RE-, V.
Handley (H. Handley) LII, Mahr F.,
Smith R.H.
Alma record., 1914-10-29

where he has long been activity identified
with the BUSINESS life Of the village. He
remains today active and energetic in
the conduct OF his business affairs.
He has never been seeker of political
office but has served as President, Trus-
tee, and Treasurer of the village of Itha
ca, served four years as assistant assessor
of Internal Revenue, and represented
Gratiot County one term in the Legisla-
ture. in all of which positions he show
ed himself to be faithful, hard working
and competent servant of the people
As County Treasurer, Wilbur Nelson.
will devote ali his time, energies and per-
sonal attention to conducting the busi-
ness of the county with the same care.
honesty and zeal which he has hereto.
fore devoted TO his private business. He
will moi entrust the County's business
to the hands Of any deputy but will take
charge of the office and the work of the
county in act and not merely in name.
His long experience and broad business
training makes him admirably fitted to
perform efficiently the duties as County
Treasurer. Your vote for Wilbur Nelson
for County Treasurer on November srd
will be appreciated.
Alma record., 1914-10-29
THE CITY Carriers
Completed Count, 8,426 Pieces of
Mail Handled in one Week
R. F. D. CARRIERS COUNT
For Whole Month Will Show Inter-
esting Figures

For the week ending October oath,
the city letter carriers had one of the
busiest times of the year. The de-
partment called for a count and weight
of all mail and separation of bust
ness and resident mail accordingly:
8,426 pieces Of mail weighing 1,341
pounds, was delivered in the resident
section and the distance travelled was
24l 3-4 miles, and 5,707 pieces weigh
ing 400 pounds, was delivered in the
business section at a distance of SO Ia
miles, making a total for the three
city carriers Of 14,133 pieces weigh
ing 1906 pounds delivered while trav-
cling 300 miles.
The first delivery in the morning
and the first one in the afternoon each
have total of 9O3 stops of which 1876
are in the business section and an av-
erage Of 80 per cent of these are made
at each trip and the carriers are kept
mighty busy effecting good and thor
ough service in their allotted 8 hours
which includes their time routing mail.
During this same time and outside
from what the city carriers delivered
there were 285 parcel post packages
delivered, causing 351 separate stops
at distance of 50 ga miles.
The Rural Carriers are having a
count for the whole month and some
interesting figures will result in their
report.
Alma record., 1914-10-29
Erva r. Laycock
For County Drain Commits
sioner, Republican Ticket

Amoung all the offices i'll the county
none comes nearer to the people pockets
nor needs more cereful selection than
that of County Drain Commissioner.
Erva r. Laycock the Republican candi-
date is especially well qualified for this
position
Having served as highway commits.
sioner of his township, he is able to see
the township side of all drain matters.
AS a practical builder of drains for ten
years, he knows just how they should be
built, and where and is able TO form a
just estimate of each persons share of
the benefits.
As a man of sterling integrity the
people of Gratiot County can trust Erva
r. Laycock with the constructionof their
drains and know that the work will be
done promptly. economically, throughly
and honestly That he will push all work
with energy and secure to all tax payers
the benefits OF the drains on which they
have paid taxes i'm the shortest possible
time after the drain is sold.
That he will give to every detail of the
office his individual attention and secure
to the people the greatest possible eff
cheney.
A vote for Erva r. Laycock is a vote
for your own interest.
Alma record., 1914-10-29
STANTON LADIES ENTERTAIN

Last Friday afternoon Mesdames
Hall, Messenger, Brainerd, Scatter
good, Kelley, Parr, Brewbaker and
Ward took the 1892 flyer for Stanton
in response to an invitation sent by
Mrs. French and Mrs. Finch of that
city.
The ladies were met at the train
and escorted to the beautiful home of
Mrs. Finch, where were assembled a
number of Stanton ladies. Cards was
the feature of the afternoons enter
tainment, Alma ladies winning both
prizes. At $3.50 a six-course dinner
was served, after which some fine mu-
sic was rendered.
The Alma ladies voted Mesdames
Finch and French fine entertainers.
Alma record., 1914-10-29
O. L. Smith
Republican Candidate for
Prosecuting Attorney

The office OF Public Prosecutor is one
of special interest to the people of Gra-
tiot county. The candidate for this office
should be man of through prepar ition.
This qualification O. l.. Smith, the Repu-
blican candidate possesses in a large de-
gree, having been thoroughly trained in
the Normal college at Ypsilanti and at
the University of Michigan,
He should have actual experience in
meeting men and reading character
that he may deal justly with all, this he
has gained by several years experience
Alma record., 1914-10-29
GOVERNOR FERRIS
Spoke From Special Train Saturday
to Large Crowd

Governor Ferris arrived in Alma
at Ills Saturday morning in his spe-
cial train. He was enthusiastically
greeted at the station by band and
a large delegation of citizens and col
lege students. The band gave a short
concert on Superior street and then
marched to the depot where they play
ed almost continually until the special
arrived.
The governor gave very forceful,
purely political talk from the observa-
tion platform of the car. He was in
troduced by our townsman, William
A. Bahlke. His speech was received
very warmly and loud cheers were
given in his honor.
Alma record., 1914-10-29

has ever had in this important office.
The prediction has been fulfilled to
the letter. Every detail of the office has
received Mr.. fuckers most careful at
tention and with his competent assist
ants he has given prompt service.
AS a penman he is excelled by very
few. AS an affable gentleman he is pop
ular with all patrons Of the office.
He needs no Introduction to Gratiot
voters because of his splendid service.
Alma record., 1914-10-29
INSTRUMENTATION
Musical Comedy at Realty Opera
House Friday November 6

Miss Cherry Blossoms, a three act mu-
sical comedy, written by Mr.. and Mrs.
John Wilson Dodge will be produced
under the auspices of the Alma Baseball
Association, in this city Nov. g., at the
Realty Opera House. The cast is chosen
from Alma's most popular and talented
young people. This play will be the
treat of the season to Alma theatre 60
ers. The principals and choruses have
been rehearsing under the personal
direction of Miss Ruth Johnson, and the
production.promises to be one of the
greatest successes ever staged in this
city.
. The city band will play on the street
in the evening and the orchestra at the
Opera House.
Cast of Characters
Cherry Blossom, brought up as the
daughter of Kokemo, in realty Evelyn
Barnes of New York Miss Mary Sharp.
Kokemo, proprietor Of a Tea Garden
in Tokyo .... ...... Chas A. Button
John Henry Smith, of New York, on
a visit 70 Japan, ,.......... John Chick
Henry Foster Jones, Jacks Pal, ......
............- .......... Mr. Mcintyre
Mr.. Horace WorthingtoD, Of New
York, a stockbroker .... Ford Cargett
James Young, Worthington' secretary
................. Paul Kress
Jessica Vanderspool, Worthington's
niece. .......... Miss Bernice Pollasky
Alma record., 1914-10-29
CONFERS DEGREE.

The Ithaca and the Alma Odd Fell
low Cantons united. Wednesday even
ing and conferred the degree on a
class of fifteen candidates from STAN
tom
The work was done in the Odd Eel
low hall in this city. About twenty
FIVE were present from both Ithaca and
Stanton. After the degree work an in
formal banquet was served to the Wis
iting cantons and delegates.
An inspection of the cantons was
made by Major Stinchcomb.
Alma record., 1914-10-29

to Beloit. Wis and secured position in
drug store, being desirious of learning
that business. After four years here he
came to Michigan, locating at Milling
ton, Tuscoia county in the spring of
1876 and engaged in drug and grocery
business, was elected to the Legislature
from the first district of Tuscola county
in 1886 and reelected in 1888. In the
fall of iS9l he sold his business and
home at Millington and removed 10
Georgia, seeking relief from rheumatism
in milder climate. He later returned
to Michigan and located in the fall of
1894 at Wiedm9n, Isabella county
where he carried on q successful bust
ness for twelve years. Was elected
county treasurer in leo6 and again in
lo0Sl Since entering upon the duties
of county treasurer he has made Mt.
Pleasant his home.
Alma record., 1914-10-29
Wilbur Nelson
Republican Candidate for
County Treasurer.

Wilbur Nelson the Republican cand-
idate for County Treasurer. came to Ora.
tiot as snail boy when the county was
first opened 10 settlement He has been a
resident of the county ever since except
for the period from 1861 10 1865 when he
was fighting TO preserve the Union, enter
ing the war as sergeant and was rapid
ly promoted to the position of captain.
After the close of the war he returned TO
Gratiot county and made his home in
Ithaca where he has since resided. and
Alma record., 1914-10-29
John A. Damon
Candidate for State Senator
on Republican Ticket

John A. Damon was born in Lake
county, Ohio. going at the age of five
years with his pareuts 70 Dsne county,
Wis, where he was brought IN on a
farm.
He spent four years in study al the
University OF Wisconsin in the prepara-
tory course and the freshman year of
the full literary course and entered the
sophomore class. having passed the re-
quired examination. He then taught
school two winters, after which he went
Alma record., 1914-10-29
FEDERATION DAY.

The delegates TO the State Fedora
tion of Woman's Clubs held at Adrian,
will give their reports at an open
meeting of the Woman's Club, to be
held Monday, November 2nd, at 2:45
p. m., at the home of Mrs. Francis
King.
Members of the Art Club, the Civic
Improvement League, and the Garden
Club are cordially invited to be pres
ent. COR. SEC'Y.
Alma record., 1914-10-29
Newell M. Bradford
Of Wheeler, Candidate for
Sheriff of Gratiot County

Newell NJ Bradford, the choice of the
Republican voters in the primary; is a
Gratiot couty man.
Born raised in Wheeler township, he
has served the people of his township Of
fices, lat present servinghis second term as
Supervisor. His popularity and effic-
iency in his own township is evidenced
by the almost unanimous vote accorded
him in the August Primory, thereby re-
versing the oft repeated phrase that
Alma record., 1914-10-29
AUCTION SALE.

Arthur Hilsinger, living 6 miles
west and one-half mile north of Alma.
or 2 miles west of Elwell, will sell at
auction on Saturday, October 81, a
large quantity of stock and farm tools.
Among the stock are several head of
horses and cows.
Alma record., 1914-10-29
Bernie L. Case
Of Emerson, Candidate for
County Clerk.

b. L. Case, Republican candidate for
county clerk was for seven years super
visor of his township of Emerson where
he has lived for 20 years. As super
visor he was careful, efficient and thor
ough, always standing for economy and
having broad outlook on the interests
of the county.
Besides holding tho office of supervisor
he served his township for two years as
treasurer and two years as township
clerk. His competency, honesty and
Alma record., 1914-10-29
Bird J. Tucker
Republican Candidate for
Register of Deeds.

If ever an officer needed no recon-
mendation 10 secure his reelection, 1t is
Bird ]. Tucker, Republican candidate
for Register of Deeds. Two years ago
it was predicted that if elected Bird
Tucker would make one of the most
competent and popular officers Grstiot
Alma record., 1914-10-29

Fred Mackbridge, late with the Re-
public Motor Truck Co., left last Sat-
urday for Wellington, Ontario, where
he has accepted a position as foreman
with the Electric Welding Co. This
company manufactures shells for the
guns used by the English govern
ment. The position came unsolicited.
Alma record., 1914-10-29

Dan Peirce living one mile north and
three-forths Of mile west of Forest Hill
will hold An auction sale of stock and
farm tools on Wednesday November 8.
Sale willIcomnence OF one O'Clock sharr.
Alma record., 1914-10-29

Mr.. and Mrs. Frank Anderson were
Alma visitors Sunday. Mr.. Anderson,
known as "Pink," was a student of
Alma College for several years, and
is well known in this city.
Alma record., 1914-10-29

Mr.. and Mrs. William Smith visited
in st. Louis over Sunday.
Evening star., 1914-09-27
CHINESE NOT MALTREATED,
SAYS JAPANESE EMBASSY
Kiaochow Investors Forced to Requi-
sition Fuel, But Make
Compensation.

Charges that japanese troops had
ill-treated Chinese inhabitants in the
section of Shantung province. which
were made by Charles A. Leonard, a
missionary in that region, in a letter
to Peking, must have been based on
misinformation, says a dispatch from
Toxic to Lieut.. Col Itamy, military
attache Of the Japanese embassy here.
A statement given out by the em-
bassy last night supplements a denial
of atrocities published in The Star last
evening, as follows: .
"The report attributed to Charles A.
Leonard, an American missionary in
Laichau, must have been made on mis-
information.
when Japanese troops were march
ing in the vicinity of Laichau the
heaviest rain in the past sixty years
was falling. The soldiers were forced
to seek shelter in the houses of the
natives, as well as to requisition ma
terial for fuel to dry their uniforms.
"On account of the extraordinary in
clemency of the weather it was prac-
tically impossible for the commissariat
to provide foodstuffs. Requisitions were
made, as a last resort. Whatever Iequisi-
tions were made, it is needless to state,
were amply compensated for.
THE authorities desire to deny most
emphatically the accusation that Chinese
women were molested by Japanese in
any way. 1t is matter to be greatly re-
kretted that such defamatory news
should ever have had circulation"
Evening star., 1914-09-27
WAR HAS HIT ICELAND
Commissioners Arrive in United
States to Buy Food to Take
Back Hbme.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Staf.
NEW YORK, September 26.-Gisli ].
Olafsson, manager OF telegraphs and
in Iceland, arrived here to-
day.
Mr.. Olafsson came over as far as st.
Johns, Newfoundland. in the steamer
Hermod with two other Icelandic COM
missioners, Olaf johnson and Sweinn
B5ornson, who arrived here in that ves-
sci not long ago. bringing cargo OF
wool and herring to sell with the in
tention of buying American foods to
take back.
Iceland has felt the European war
very hard" said Mr. Olafsson. Indeed.
all business has practically stopped.
That is why we came over here, and
believe the Hermod is the first steam
or that ever brought a cargo from Ice
land to this country"
Iceland is misnamed." insisted Mr..
Olafsson in answer to a question. The
name of our country should have been
changed with that of Greenland, for 1t
is Iceland that is really the green
land Why, none Of US had ever seen
an iceberg until we got near New
foundland, and there we saw lot of
as $50 feet out OF the water.
Our country now has about $4,000
population. We do very little In the
way of manufacturing. Our telegraph
and telephone systems really cover a
good deal OF ground, for, notwfthstand-
Ing our small population, Iceland Is
bigger than Ireland"
Evening star., 1914-09-27
bigger BATHING BEACH
PROPOSED BY HUDSON
Recommends Pools About City
Where Children Can Be Taught
to Swim.

Asserting tho municipal bathing
beach has reached capacity. DR.. W. b.
Hudson. superintendent, in his annual
report to the Commissioners yesterday
recommends that the pool now used
for colored bathers be enlarged and
given over to exclusive use by women
and that pools be established in vari-
Gus sections Of the city where children
may be taught to swim.
The pool for colored bathers. DR..
Hudson suggests. should be enlarged
from As to 30 feet. Attendance of this
class OF bathers at the beach this sea-
son averaged but ~ daily. They may
well be taken care of in the pools now
being constructed by the Fairgrounds.
he states.
Any plans looking to the construc-
tion OF permanent swimming facilities
In the tidal basin or other parts OF the
left to the offlcer in charge OF public
buildings and grounds. In whose 1uris-
diction these places are vested.
The bathing beach during the past
season was open from June 20 until
yesterday. During this period. how
ever. the pools were closed four days
July 8. 8, 10 and II. on account OF lack
Of funds for operating expenses. The
total attendance was 60.4ss. OF this
boys and 1888 women Attendance at
the colored pools was 3,S77. There
were 80 rescues during the season and
no fatalities Receipts of the beach
from rent of suits, lockers. etc,
amounted to $603.60.