davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17
Stoppino the Procession.

The fact that the little we can do
to make the world better is small In
deed is often our excuse for doing
nothing, but it is a very poor excuse.
In reality 1t should be the very rea-
son why we should do our little and
do it up to the limit of our best pos
sible. The world Is not made better
all at once and by the big achieve
ments of one or two; it is a slow
process and the little goodnesses of a
multitude of people combine to make
1t possible. If it came easily and sud
denly and through individual effort
we might easily shoulder our respons-
ibility on some one else, but when 1t Is
such a slow business at which multi
tude must work then to neglect our
part is a sin and a crime. Because 1t
is so little that the best Of us can do,
it Is all the more Important that the
little be done after the best fashion,
lest the whole process, so slow and
laborious at best, still stay and linger
for want of us. No, we ought not to
stop the procession.
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17
INDIVIDUALITY IN ONES PEN
Those Who Claim to Read Character
Profess to See Ability Even In
lIegbIe Writing.

A newspaper editor, a friend Of
mine, wrote such a blind hand that it
was a byword throughout the office
and terror tn tho typewriter. One
day a joker inflated perfectly his
writing and signature and took the
scrawl, most If wi 'ch was absolutely
meaningless, to tn editor himself,
asking if he would kindly tell what he
intended to say The editor was a
trifie annoyed at first and started out
with: 81 don't see why you fellows
can't read my writing; it's plain
enough. Now, this-well let me see,"
and he studied over the deceptive
scrap of paper for few moments,
finally tossing 1t away and saying:
"That is a little blind, l must admit,
and I can't remember now just what
l did write"
People who profess to read charac-
ter by handwriting seem to find traits
of unusual ability In samples Of the
most illegible writing, SO If all wrote
plainly there might be less individual
ity in the world. I am tempted to
say what perhaps I ought not, as 1t
appears to be slur upon my own
sex-that, in my opinion, the peculiar
and illegible writing of men is decid.
edly more characteristic than the
meaningless weak and poor writing OF
great many women. Whether a
judge of handwriting would agree with
me | do not know.
Our penmanship is something Pc
culiarly our own. Others may write
in much the same way, but never ex.
actly the same. Since handwriting Is
so individual thing, and to some ex'
tent an index to our characters, let
us hope that those who are quick to
see what 1t denotes may always find
some agreeable enthusiastically
Wayne, in the Philadelphia Ledger.
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17
Various Compounds of Coal,

Coal has given to the world several
hundred thousand compounds, most of
which are of great value. For coal
contains carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nj
trogen, sulphur, phosphorus and the
halogens. 1t sometimes even contains
gold and radium. Among the materials
mentioned by DR.. Louis Cleveland
Jones in an address before the Frank
lin Institute as obtained from coal
are acid bases, alkaloids, gums, var
nishes, solvents, sugars, saccharine,
stuffs as bitter as saccharine Is sweet,
disinfectants, dyestuffs Of brilliant
hues, stimulating and sleep producing
drugs, healing medicines and violent
poisons, vile odors and pleasing per-
fumes.
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17

CHARMS Of MUSIC
By PHILIP HARRISON.


Copyright, 1914, by w. G. Chapman)
Sometimes a poet is born (they are
not made) in an unpromising place.
But then everybody knows that There
is hardly father but has looked upon
the cherubc countenance of his heir
and hoped devoutly that the deadly,
impractical gift of the muse has not
been visited upon him.
At least, hardly farmer father in
Middleboro. 1t is essentially farm
ing community. The banker and the
parson, the storekeeper and the livery
man have their proper recognition, OF
course; but Middleboro has no use for
poetry.
However, Henry Milton was not a
poet; he was born musician. And
that was worse. For poetry, unhal-
lowed as it is, was known by reputa-
ton to Middleboro, and young fellow
with such an unfortunate name as Mil
ton might have been expected to sue
cumb. but music
See here, Hen," said his father. Il
uoH ouJeCI W youi pidyi 'ho oiN
pianner l guess that's what planners
is meant for, though l don't seem to
see as you gets much tune out Of 1t.
But you've got to get down to work,
my boy. Planners amt work, unless
you makes 'em. Now, it is to be the
farm or Mr.. Sutphen's insurance busi-
ness?"
1t was the scandal Of the town; a
hulking lad of twenty, home long ago
from the high school. spending his
days at the piano composing airs.
"And there's no tune to them,"
walled his father 81 heerd the fellow
who wrote The Star-Spangled Ban
ner got heap of money outen it. But
who's going to print that rubbish
Hens writing"
In the eyes of the good citizens of
Middleboro, the profession Of music
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17
I" Don't Object to Your Playing the
Old Panner."
was associated with a barrel organ. a

was associated with a barrel organ.
dark, Italian face, and monkey.
Never mind, Harry, dear be-
lieve in you," said pretty Lucy Rollins.
They don't understand. But | know
you are going to become great COM
poser, and some day Middleboro will
be proud of you"
The end of it all was that Henry
Milton packed his grip one morning
and took his departure for the me-
tropolis, with the evil predictions of
all Mddleboro ringing in his ears. But
there was sweeter music than that,
sweeter even than the melodies which
came to him night and day. Lucy had
promised to be his wife when he had
achieved success.
Of the boys struggles in New York
nothing need be set down. Lucy wait
ed three years, four, five. Occasional
ly, in the first part Of the long wait, a
letter came full of promise. Then the
letters ceased. New York had swal.
lowed up the boy, as she swallows
many others.
81 reckon that Hen Milton went to
the bad long ago." said the insurance
agent, remembering sundry errors Of
omission and commission which he
had discovered after Henry left his
employment.
That was the universal agreement
Old man Milton had had the misfor.
tune to have his only son turn out bad.
young fellow secretly. but he set his
face as hard as flint in public.
Then came the day when an attack
Of paralysis seized him, and he
awakened from his coma to see Lucy
at his bedside, nursing him. When he
recovered he asked her to keep house
for him. He meant to adopt her, he
said, as he had no children.
The months passed. Lucy some.
times dared to speak of Henry, but the
old man would not betray his emotion.
"He was a bad lot, my DEAR" he
said. 81 know there was something
between you, but you've had mighty
narrow escape. want you to find
some young fellow that will be worthy
of YOU"
Then Lucy would sigh and say moth.
ing. 1t was three years now since she
had heard from Henry.
Then one day the insurance agent
came in, breathless with excitement.
All the city was talking of new
opera, he said composed by one Henry
Milton. He was Americas great mu.
steal prodigy. The newspapers were
full of him.
Middleboro reluctantly agreed that
it might have been mistaken. But not
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17

SO the ola man. He was more stub.
born than ever.

so the ola man. He was more stub.
born than ever.
81 don't care If he can fool the pub
lic," he said. ANY knave can do that.
When Henry takes up clean line of
work and makes good at it I'll take
him back Till then-no, sir!"
Yet Lucy knew that he secretly de-
voured the newspapers, searching for
his sons name. He was secretly proud
of him. Lucy had an idea.
Father" she said coaxingly-she
called him that nowadays-"he is to
conduct at performance in Boston
next Friday. Now you know you have
been promising to take me into Bos.
ton. Let us 60 and hear him."
What do want to hear him for?"
growled the farmer "Haint heard
him times and again strumming on
that old piano? I've had enough of
hearing him, my lass"
However, by dint of coaxing, Lucy
inveigled him to Boston, and thence to
the opera house, where, upon a dozen
billboards. as large as life, were the
words Henry Milton. beneath a flesh
and blood reproduction of the young
man.
Lucy felt herself trembling. She
knew that he had long ago forgotten
her; she had nerved herself to accom-.
pany the old man only out of a sense
of duty, in the hope Of effecting
reconciliation; if she saw Henry she
meant to show him her Indifference.
But when the farmer saw his son
conducting in the orchestra, a strange
look came over his face. And Lucy,
watching him, knew that the past was
forgotten in the Joy at finding his boy,
The old mans stupefaction increased
as, seated all through the bewilderne
medley of sounds, he saw Henry wav'
ing his baton and his hand, sometimes
in alienation and sometimes together
We'll, I'm swinged!" he exclaimed
He turned to his neighbor.
How much do you reckon that there
young fellow Milton makes night out
of this?"
20, perhaps three hundred dollars
answered the other.
The farmer gaped at him and sub
sided into his seat.
They were at Henry's side almost
before the piece was ended. And
Henry, looking up, suddenly perceived
his father and Lucy. His face grew
pale.
Hen! Hem" faltered the old man
and suddenly he grabbed Henry to
his heart and muttered something
about forgiveness and coming home.
well, father, | wanted to scores OF
times, but you know you told me not
to see you again until had got bet
ter job than composing music" said
Henry.
Better job? Suffering snakes, you
amt composing still, Hen, are you"'
demanded the farmer. Three hundred
dollars a night for working that wood
en- plug and making the band go-say
it beats blowing the church organ out
and out. Go on and compose all you
want to, Hank, so long as you keep at
that there job of yourn."
But Henry, knowing his father, was
content with the compromise. 1t wac
all his stubborn old soul could bring
itself to- Besides
Lucy, dearest, if you had answered
me-"
But it was you, Henry, who
stopped"
And that explanation was the begin.
ming of the long promised paradise.
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17
IS AS OLD AS THE WORLD
Boy Problem Now, as Always, tho
Most Vexing Question for
the Centuries.

Wars come and CO. rulers fall from
power, but the boy problem is ever in
the public prints. Reading the contin.
uous lamentations with earnest atten-
ton, it seems that the boy is always in
danger of growing up and becoming
man and that he must be watched very
closely. On the other hand, some of
'em become sissies, fate that is dis.
tinctly more to be regretted, although
the uplifters say nothing about it. AS
sisting this pernicious instinct Is the
boys own ardent desire to be man.
And that is only excelled by his desire,
when that happy estate is reached, to
become boy again. The great joke
on every boy Is the exchange of boy
hood for manhood, and to this all men
contribute, more out Of spirit OF
cynicism and revenge than anything
else.
AS a matter of fact, the boy Of four.
teen and sixteen knows more things
worth knowing and fewer things that
are best left unknown than the man OF
forty or sixty The wisest thing in the
world is the boy In his early teens,
and his only folly at all is growing out
of them Life is thoroughly complete
for the boy, and If only there were
no men to encourage an ambition to-
ward manhood's privileges, all would
be we'll 1t is while he Is Christopher
Columbusing aroun, in those early
days that he learns all the human ma
ture there is. Relationships are very
direct and associations intimate. There
is little equivocation, and subtlety has
the frankness of earnestness instead
of the duplicity Of deceit. Impressions
are vivid and the way to make good,
steadfast, lifelong enemy is to give
needless offense to boy Of ten years
old.
The boy Of today knows far more
than his father will ever suspect, but
under careful tutelage and great pa
tience on the part of the son, the ia
Tiers are doing better right along. and,
taken as a class. are improving dis
tinctly and with as much celebrity as
can be expected--Seattle Post-Intelli'
gencer.
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17
Beyond Him,

A party Of New Workers were hunt
ing In the "piney woods" of Georgia
and had as an attendant an old negro
whose fondness of big words Is char
acteristic of the race. One Of the
hunters, knowing the old Africans
bent, remarked 10 him: Uncle Nose,
the indentations in terra firma In this
locality render travelling in vehicular
conveyance without springs decidedly
Objectionable and painful anatomical
ly. Don't you think so?"
Uncle Nose scratched lis left ear
a moment and replied, with a slow
shake of his woolly head: "Mistah
Gawge, the exuberance OBJ yoh words
am beyon NAH iurydiction."
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17

Connecticut. She was one OF the pret.
tiest girls the colonel had ever seen,
with her fluffy brown hair, gray eyes,
red lips and unsophisticated ways.
The colonel was little afraid Of her
at first. but after while he won her
confidence. He knew how to do that;
he was always gentle and always
gentleman.
He had employed her as his secre-
tary, at twenty dollars, for about
month when he learned about Tom.
Tom was young farmer in her home
town, and they were engaged to be
married-perhaps in a years time,
when she had saved her trousseau
money and he had begun to make
things 20 better. He had only lately
taken over the land and it was heavily
mortgaged.
Miss Elizabeth" said the colonel,
and, though it was the first time he
had ever called her by her Christian
name. his tone was SO respectful that
it was impossible to take exception to
his words-"Miss Elizabeth, you are
much too charming girl to take up
country life. Why, here you could
have your pick of dozen million
aires"
Miss Elizabeth laughed softly and
looked at the colonel with that inno-
cent expression that always puzzled
him.
"I'll prove it," said the colonel I'm
going to take you out to lunch with
me, and just you watch the men stare
at you"
Miss Elizabeth put on her hat and
accompanied him. She had never been
into big restaurant before, had never
eaten cold jellied consomme or tasted
champagne. She slipped about two tea,
spoonfuls of the ice cold wine out OF
courtesy, although her parents had
been prohibitionists. Still, she did not
want to hurt the colonel
Il have had a most delightful time;
you are very good to me-" she said,
when they returned to the office.
Feel like repeating the expert.
ment?" inquired the colonel, and Miss
Elizabeth nodded gayly.
That was the beginning Of many
luncheons At times the girls heart
misgave ner; she felt that she ought
not to accept so much kindness from
this friend. But he was always so
gentle, SO entirely respectful to her
| Then one day the colonel invited her
to dine with him and go to the theater.
For the first time that night. after
she had left him at her door, Miss Eli.
zabeth began to dread that his interest
in her was not wholly platonic There
| had been an undertone Of something
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17

THE LOST FRIEND
By II. M. EGBERT.


Copyright 1914, by w. G. Chapman')
Col. Jim Slee sat in his swlvei chalr
and looked at Miss Elizabeth Ray ana
pulled his dropping mustache.
Colonel Slee was the last man in the
world whom one would have associated
with large city store. A little over
fifty, perhaps, with splendid hgure
and military bearing, there was some
thing chivalrous about the man IN
spite of his reputation. If there can be
grades of fast livers, the colonel un-
doubtedly belonged to the highest
grade In SO homes he was regarded
as a man of unblemished reputatloh'
and those who knew what his life was
somehow exonerated him.
The colonel had fallen heir to the
store on his brothers death, ana no
had not known what to do with 1t.
His first act was to call all the en-
ployees together and raise their sala'
ries. Then he promoted all the pretty
girl clerks. The colonel's old-fashioned
idea was that the prettier girl was
and every girl was pretty If she had
health and a sweet temper-the less
right she had to labor for pittance.
Miss Ray, being the prettiest and most
innocent of the lot, was appointed the
folonel's private secretary.
That was as far as the colonel got
before the departmental managers In
terfered and told him. with firm polite
ness, that he would have to leave the
charge of affairs to them unless he
wished to drive the store into bank
ruptcy.
The colonel made them agree that
the revised salary schedule should
stand, and after that he came down to
the store for about two hours day
and pretended to answer letters.
1t Is doubtful whether he would have
come more than twice week but for
Miss ] ". She was about twenty,
and she came from little town IN
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17
Bravery Was Toothache.

While some old soldiers were telling
war stories one of them recalled
curious incident. He had raging
toothache and the night before the
battle hardly slept a wink. Next day
he was in line with his regiment, and
there was the usual nervous appre-
hension among the men, but he was
fully occupied with his aching tooth.
Suddenly the fight was on, and with
a yell he started forward at the head
of the company. He yelled and
cheered and fought for two hours, and
when victory was won he was highly
complimented for his bravery. "Yet,"
said he, 1T wasn't bravery at all. 1t
was that awful tooth, and my desire
to do anything to Danish the jumping
pains!"
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17
Keeping Wine Properly.

To keep wine properly. the liquid
must actually touch the cork, for any
air that is compressed here by cork
ing the bottle Is very injurious. Air
can be removed by taking small cop
per tube about the size of quill and
filling it SO as to make a semi-tube,
then fixing thumb ring at the top and
sharpening the bottom end. Place the
tube in the neck with the fiat side
against the glass, and the cork is
driven in SO that the air comes of
through the tube. When corked, the
tube Is withdrawn and no air Is left in
the bottle.
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17
commends the Judue.

AS the Judge of one of our western
courts vas leaving the bench, Hfter
making a decision in case, the losing
attorney remarked with some heat that
he was hopeless of getting Square
deal" In that court. And what did the
Judge do-reconvene the court and
mulct the attorney in heavy fine for
the fragrant contempt? He did not.
He came back 1t the attorney in good,
strong Anglo-Saxon and prepared to
thrash him If the insult was repeated.
Involuntarily we are impelled to say,
Good for the Judge, who thus valves
an easy advantage Of judicial power
and as man to man submits his honor
to the clivalric wager of battle!-
Law Notes.
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17
Coal and Its Formation,

Each different kind of coal-peat,
ignite, semibituminous, bituminous,
gas coal, smokeless coal, semianthra-
cite, anthracite, graphite, diamond -
represents only "a different step in ma
ture's slow process of converting the
vegetation of the carboniferous era
into the fuels so necessary to our mod
ern civilization"
The earth's crust is vast retort
and in it's work of carbonizing vegeta-
ton it saves us the by products in the
form of asphalt, bitumen, petroleum
and natural gas. .
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17
ECONOMY & COMFORT
made Sweet, Fresh and Clean by having
them washed in the laundry Our method
gives it beautiful pearly white tint,
smooth velvet like finish
The cost is so little that it Is
Economy and Comfort
FOR YOU.

Our price Is cents each.for all except
Counterpanes (Which are 10 cents each)
or 80 cents dozen pieces. With each
dozen pieces you may include one count
erpane.
Try our FAMILY WASH at 5 cents
per pound. Ry this service we iron all
fat pieces, such AS Bed and Table Linen,
and dry all 9th RS; starching all pieces
needing starch ready for ironing.
Our agents, Firor Bros, of your town
will be glad to serve you Called for and
delivered GIVE them call and be con
vinced.
Waynesboro Steam Laundr
apr % 3mos Waynesboro, Pa.
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17

Note-All trains arriving and leaving
Thurmont scheduled from Western Mary
land station.
Note-All trains arriving anl leaving
Frederick scheduled from Square.
Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-12-17
FREDERICK RAILROAD
ThurmOnt Division

Schedule In Effect Sept. II, 1914.
All trains Daily unless specified
The American issue. [volume] (Westerville, Ohio) 1912-19??, 1914-08-07
Stockholders in Liquor Traffic Must Keep Out

o rendered opinion the eligibility of candidate, who
engaged secretary bookeeper of the Cofax Brewery
corporation engaged in the manufacture and sale OF malt
liquors. and who salesman for the products of the
brewery The decision adverse to the candidate. The
lodge does entirely satisfied with the construc
placed this statute and desire opinion upon
the question.
enclose all correspondence covering the matter had with
lodge my opinion and would appreciate decision from
you in order that may be put completely rest
and whatever it may be, all will be satisfied.
Will state the grand chancelors of Washington have
not been provided with copies of decisions of the
cancors may be that this subject has long since been
by of your worthy predecessors and the only
guide | had the supreme statutes.
Fraternaly yours,
(Sgned) R. M. DYE.
Grand Chancellor
The American issue. [volume] (Westerville, Ohio) 1912-19??, 1914-08-07

Of the 40 counties in Kentucky, ninety-nine
have abolished the saloon and the remaining twenty
one will hold local option elections in the fall.