davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
OUR SCHOOL CHILDREN.

The school enumeration of the state shows a total of 281, ,682 children of
 school age, an increase of l l 1884 over the enumeration of year ago. Last
 years enumeration showed gain of 4.974 ill 1914. According to the Cour- ant, if the ratio between school child ren and total population, as shown in the 1910 census, still holds good, the population of Connecticut is now
 l, 1,29O,253, a gain, for the year 1915,
 lending September 1,) of about 52, 900.
 In the new enumeration North Canaan shows an increase of 19 school children, or a total enrolment of Al, as against 422 last year; Falls Village shows an increase of 12-from 126 to 138: Sails bury has an enrolment of 734, a gain of only 3; Sharon, enrolment 366, loss 4, Norfolk. enrolment 301, loss 9; Cornwall, enrolment o217, loss 28; New Milford, enrolment l, ,198, loss 10; Litchfeld, enrolment 638, loss 59; Winchester, enrolment 2,042, gain 52; New Hartford, enrolment $50, loss 6; Thomaston. enrollment 732, loss 23; Torrington, enrolment, 4,709, gain 26O. The town of Harwinton, with an enrolment of 483, shows the largest percentage of increase in a gain of AZ. Thirteen towns in the county have made gains aggregating 470, and twelve towns have lost 179 leaving net gain of 291. North Canaan and Falls Eil- lage show a greater percent. of increase than the average, in the enrolment of school children, which proves-what?
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
What the Other Fellows Say

The eyes of the country are on Washington as they have not been since war broke. New Haven Journal .Cour- fer.
 While Bridgeport is very prosperous this year there are many children who won't even know it,is,ChTistmas unless you help out-will you ?-Bridgeport Post.
 Hobson has his, preparedness policy. A sober nation is. essential to national defense. In other words, preparedness should mean prohibition. And, if war should come, most of us agree that Robson is right.-WuteTbury Ameri. can.
 Because we do not, happen to be able 10 see that Henry Ford, can accomplish anything of value in his peace iunket does not make it, necessarily follow that Mir Ford is insinoere or that Mir. Ford is a fool. Mir, Ferd has demon. stTated quite conclusivsly in his life that he is not fool; that he is a man who plans big things and proceeds 10 succeed with them. Sunday Globe.
 An explosion has, occurred in Ger man arms factory. This is one catastrophe the public will not be SO quick to blame on the Teutons. Tor rington Register.
 If skilled aviators. could be trained in the postal service, hleir skill would be available in timeo of war, and the sAf fYaK increase in postal revenues. Bridge port Farmer.
 The fact that a new comet has been discovered by Astronomer Taylor at the Cape of Good Hope had been made known by a cablegram from the Amsterdam Royal at Greenwich, Eng. land. Appended to, the simple an. nouncement of the fact is the state- ment, "Furtherrdetails cannot be given on account of the censor" That caps the climax of oensonial absurdity.-. Bridgeport Standard.
 The New York World concisely ex. presses a profound truth when it says. The New York Public Service Commits. sion and the law should be an aid to the public-not burden" Compre- hension of aud attention to that fact the country over would do great deal to clear up things and re.establisli justice and fairness, Bristol Press.
 Every, purchase of Red Cross stamps, is Il modest nail that the citizen can drive in, the coffin of the white plague. The more the betser. Son.. tinel.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
THE T RE E.

The Christmas spirit is to be given community expression in Canaan, to- morrow night. in the form of com- munity Christmas tree celebration in which all creeds represented Tn the town will participate and make the vel kin ring with the good old carols you sang in childhood. A splendid spirit of cooperation is being shown in the preparation for this novel and beauti- full observance of the great Christian holiday-the genuine spirit of good will among men and true appreciation of the significance of it. It ought to be an inspiring sight and sound-the big Christmas tree on the hill, dazzling with it's myriad lights; Kriss Kringle with his jingling bells and inexhatst- ible pouch, making glad the hearts of the children with gifts of remembrance; the throng of people, and the songs of adoration and gladness making the crisp wintry air melodious with praise and good cheer. The occasion should be one to renew the youth of the aged, give joy to the children, bring a new birth of brotherhood to the whole com- munity, and fuller understanding and deeper respect for the higher things of life.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
The Right Sort of a Pal

Two boys, one the possessor of a permit, were fishing on certain estate when a game keeper suddenly darted from a thicket. The lad with the per- init uttered cry of fright, dropped his rod and ran off at top speed. The game keeper was led a swift chase. Then, worn out, the boy halted. The man seized him by the arm and said between pants:
 "Have you permit to fish on this estate ?'
 "Yes. to be sure," said the boy, quietly"
 "You have?' Then show it to me. '
 The boy drew the permit from his pocket. The man examined it and drowned in perplexity and anger.
 "Why did you run when you had this permit ?'' he asked.
 ''To let the other boy get away" was the reply. "He didn't have nonep'
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
Cares Nnh for Riches.

"John, John," whispered timid Mns, Jones, urgently, about 2 a. m., recently, "get up-get upl There's a man in the h@asev"
 "Grup.p.ph'' replied John sleopily.
 '0h, John, do, wake up! I can, hear some one moving about downstairs, |" she went on, prodding the sleeper fiereely in tbe' back with her elbow. "If you don't hurry, he'll take all our silverl"
 Better that he should take, all our silver than that should go downstairs and take all his lead, my dear" re. piled John, firmly, as he removed his back out oS the danger zone a0d settled down to his slumbers again.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
The Embittered Suitor.

"Your aristocratic American mil- fiona. re will often make a mesalliance and marry a chorus girl or a parlor maid. But I notice that your aristo- cratic American millionaires always keeping her head, makes a good watch"
 The speaker, was Mme Montessori, the Italian educator. She continued:
 'On my way hither on the boat there was a beautiful American heiress, to whom young magazine writer from the west paid assiduous court. But he, on account of the low rates of the magazines, was as poor as church mouse, and so the heiress would not consider him seriously.
 "As they leaned side by side over the rail one afternoon the heiress, look ing out over the rolling blue waters, sighed and said:"
 "I love the sea.
 "The impoverished and embittered writer retorted with a sheer:
 "I don't see why. It hasn't got any money"
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
Echo Song.

If love with laughing eyes coquettes,
 And Cupid's darts just miss her, Should I then harbor vain regrets,
 And be too shy to kiss her? Echo-Kiss- her-Kiss her. If Lois i'll poppy field
 Her blushing face should cover, Should to my impulses yield,
 And tell her that love her? Echo-lIove her-Love her. If in the moonlight I should dare
 With wild words to address her, An, do you think that she would care
 If to my heart I'd press, her? Echo-Press her-Press her. And if with downcast eyes she stood,
 And love at last should ouell her, Were she in a receptive mood,
 Should be bold and tell her? Echo-Tell her-Tell her.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
CHE FER UP.
off

A good cheer sentiment from Helen Keller, who is deaf, dumb and blind:
 Sometimes, it is true. sense of isolation enfolds me like cold mist as I sit alone and wait at life's shut gate. Beyond there is light and music and sweet companship; but I may not enter. Fate, silent. pitiiess, bars the way. Fain would l question his inn perious decree: for my heart is still undisciplined; but my tongue will not utter the bitter, futile words that rise to my lips, and they fall back into my soul like unshed tears. Silence sits inn mense upon my soul. Then comes hope with smile and whisper, 'There is joy in self-forgetfulness. So I try to make the light in others eyes my sun, the music in others ears my sym phony, the smile on others lips my happiness"
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
The Wurra Wurra Club

There was no time to spare. so the president, O. J. Decker, called the meeting to order at once, and ordered tha6 the reading of the minutes, the roll-call, the singing of the Opening Ode. and the collection of fines, dues and assessments be omitted--and they were omitted, although theES was con- siderable grumbling on the part of Judge Fora. who had been practising all the week on the high notes of the Opening Ode. The chair declared that the meeting would get right downf to business and called for motions, resolu- Uions, petitions, complaints or anything else that would bear looking into.
 Clarence Humphrey got up aud moved that the Club attend the Com- munity Christmas tree exercises in body, and join in leading the. singing of Carols; and furthermore, that all the members remain, after the present session adjourns. and rehearse the songs that will be sung Friday evening. The motion was seconded by Frank Hitchcock, in a neat speech, and over- whelmingly carried.
 Clint Roraback, (mayor,)J proposed the. name of Talbot O. Freeman, chief promoter of the Community Christmas Tree, for membership in, the Club, under suspension of the rules. So voted, unanimously.
 Al. HerTiman wanted to know why the Business Mems Association didn't boost the community Christmas tree, at the annual meeting, Thursday night.
 Dr. Lee thought the matter might have been brought up if there hadn't been so many sandwiches. and SO much coffee waiting, in the next room, for the community appetites Eve always noticed that when ever they have refreshments at those meetings. '" said the doctor, "the business sessions are foreshortened, and adjournment is voted as quickly as possible. However, it is gratifying to observe that the Ca naan Business Mems Association has finally succeeded in having another meeting, and it looks us if it might stay awake little while longer, if the sandwich crop doesn't fail" "
 Judge Ford attempted to bring up the snow and sidewalk matter again, but was forestalled by Fred Collins motion to adjourn.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
Pat Him on. the Back.

If your friend has sung a song, That has filled your heart with chee Or has righted some sore wrong. . At the cost of many q tear
 Pat him on the back. If he falters in the race For the nobler things of life, Look with pity on his case, Help him in his manly strife
 Pat him on the back. If he falls beneath his load And is struggling to arise; Do not censure, do, not goad, Casting on him scornful eyes
 Pat him on the back. If he has been led astray, Into ugly paths of shame, Win him to the better way, Use no bitter words of blame
 Pat him on the back. If in far off country he Has been eating husks with swine, Make for him a jubilee, When his sins he shall resign
 Pat him on the back. Never utterly forsake One you cherish as a friend; Follow closely in his wake, Though at times he may offend
 Pat him on the back.
 J. M. Cavaness.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
EXT RAVAGANC CE.

A statistician, arguing that this nation "needs a new birth of thrift, !" asks consideration of these facts:
 We spend $8, ,4OO,O year for cigar cites.
 We drank 7O,O0O,OOO gallons of whisky last year.
 We chew up over $25, ,oOO, 900 worth of chewing gum annually.
 Last year the American people paid out $90, 100000 for candy.
 These figures and many more like them are the measure of what is largely popular extravaganza.
 We could do without a very large part of the things represented by these enormous figures and be just as we'll off.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
THE B Q M . A.

The Canaan Business Mems Associa- tion, with a new board of officers, is ready to buckle down to whatever work may be before it, and the interest manifested at the annual meeting, Thursday evening, indicated the proper spirit and purpose to take on new lease of life and justify it's existence by it's works. President Holsapple, after three years in office, declined to stand for reelection, arguing that "new blood'' in office is beneficial to any organization. President Holsapple has given generously of his time and effort to the work devolving upon the head of the Association, and has been persistent in his endeavors to keep the concern in a state of useful activity. He is one of the faithful few who could find the time and evince the interest to get out at every attempt to hold meet ing.
 The former vice president, Joseph L. Parsons, another of the faithful few, who was induced to accept the presi- dency for the coming year, is well qualified for the position, and has the requisite interest and energy to keep the organization alive if such a thing is possible. He has the confidence of the members, and knows the needs of the town and the possibilities for good that such an organization has within itself. He is tactful, progressive and possessed of executive capacity, and if the Association fails to "come to-, un- der his galvanizing efforts it will be a sufficient sign that it is not sleeping, but dead.
 The new secretary, E. A. Creveey, succeeding N. Watson Hardenbergh- the efficient and only secretary the or. ganization ever had since it's formation five years ago, and who positiv ely re- fused to continue in office-is a live wire business man of ideas and experi- ence, whose long residence in a large Connecticut city and observations in cities abroad qualify him to estimate the value of live business organiza- tion in community that pretends to be or aspires to be alive. His co-opera- sion will be a valuable asset to the As- sociation.
 The treasurership was again crowded upon Allyn Fuller, who has most effi- ciently performed the duties of that office since the Association was formed
 With these executive officers, there
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
Rural Credit and Rural Thrift.


 The South and the West and the Northern agricultural states have much to learn in the way of rural thrift from the New England rural communities, says an exchange. The constant cry is easier credit for the farmer, but what the farmer most needs is. more thrift Some of the Southern states are cursed with crop lien laws which are holding back the rural communities by allow ing a man to mortgage his future work and hopes and keeps him continually in debt instead of allowing him to lay something & side. 1t is all astonishing fact that Massachusetts has five times more savings bank deposits than have twelve southern states. In Massachu- setts there are 3, 300, 900 people and 3, 250, 900 of them have savings bank deposits. In three years the savings banks in connection with the public schools showed l,400, 900 deposits. Every school in the rural communities ought to have a course of thrift talks, '" whereby the teacher could lay before the scholars the necessity of saving a portion of whatever money they might earn. This money could be deposited in savings banks and, later, when it has grown, could be used to purchase goods. safe bonds paying three and one. half to five per cent interest. The child mind, as we'll as the minds of those who are older, should be im- pregnated with the fact that it is not what one earns that makes com- potency for old age, but what one lays aside.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
Odd Bits of News.

Harrisburg, Va.-Virginia MeDon- aid, said to be the only four legged person to reach the age of years, died of tonsilitis recently. She had four perfectly developed legs and four arms and was normal mentally.
 Springdale, W. Va.-W. R. Smith found a freak potato in garden. It has grown through silver pipe stem band, and projected about three inches on both sides of the band. The band is embellished with relief bust of former President Taft.
 Walnut Ridge, Ark.-Bobby Watson, baloonist, fell from a height of 500 feet when he cut loose his parachute at the end of a balloon ascension at the Fall Festival. He fell through the sheet iron roof of gin, struck two by four and bounded off to the ground. He was picked up with a broken leg and several broken ribs, but will live.
 San Francisco, Cal.-Miss Pauline Turner, of Bremerton, Wash, enter tained the Rotary club of Rochester, N. Y, by singing over the long dis tance telephone. The club members in NSI6 receivers and a special line was leased for the service.
 Buffalo, Wyo.-Mrs. Martha Early, 94, at the wheel of an automobile, recently made a sixty mile trip from Sheridan and Buffalo.
 Clarendon, Ark.-The Misses Sloan, one S5 and the other 83 years old, made their first railroad trip the other day when they visited relatives in Okla homa. The women are very feeble, neither has ever married and had never seen a railroad train until they made their first trip.
 The man had been haled before the magistrate on some trivial charge.
 "Let me see" said the judge. "I know you. Are not you the man who was married in a cage of man. eating lions ?''
 "Yes, your honor," replied the cul- prit "I'm the man."
 Exciting wasn't it ?' continued the justice.
 "Well," said the man judicially, Cit was then; it wouldn't be now. "- Ladies' Home Journal.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
GOSSIP OF DAYS GONE BY
Record ot Doings from Week to Week Culled from The News Files.
 I83d

May 2I Mrs. J M. Root was pre- pairing for all exhibition by the pupils in her school.
 Robert W. Adam, of Pittsfeld, Mass. was visiting relatives i'll town.
 Rev. David Phillips preached a Memorial Day sermon in the Methodist church.
 Judge Granger purchased of H. c. Williams, six acres of meadow land.
 The Adams Express Company in creased tteir service by placing an ex. press car on the milk train.
 The case of Garfield and Sardam against David Heady, tried before the court of common pleas in Falls Village, was decided in favor of the plaintiffs
 The reunion of the schoolmates, who attended school at the square roofed school house in East Canaan. was held at the residence of Mrs. Hiram Briggs. Those present were Mrs. Leonard Lawrence. Miss Julia Ann Daboll, Mrs. Henry Holt, Mrs. Hannah Stewart, Miss Kate Lawrence, Mrs. Lyman Dun- ming, Mrs. E. M. Rockwell, Mrs. Charles Morris and Mrs. Hiram Briggs.
 The funeral of Mrs. Sarah B. White was attended from her late residence.
 Sixty calves shipped the present. week. price six cents per pound.
 The Chautauqua Circle met at MT. Lyman Dunning's.
 Falls Village-Elder Ferguson de. livered very interesting sermon in the Methodist church on Sunday. W. L. Brown was going to Maine. D. w. Clarke and E. I. Dudley were drilling tle cavalry in military tactics. The band had re organized under the lead- ership of John c. Wolfe. MT. Lee A. French was the delegate to the Sunday school convention to be held in Water bury. Timothy Tucker was, making improvements on his. block on Main street Charles Graves was. working in Bristol.
 West Cornwall-James. A. Cochrane had just received his appointment as deputy sheriff. Dr. W. E. Weed spent the week at the commencement exer. cises at Columbia college. Miss Jessie Hart was studing music in Sheffield. Miss Ellen Hanchett, of Huntsville, was visiting Miss Jennie Ocain. The receipts of the sociable at R. F. Smith s to $6 for the organ fund. Mrs. James A. Ford, of Canton, N. Y., was the guest of friends. in town.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23

is no good reason why the Association should not go forward upon a career of efulness-if-if-ift the business com munity has interest enough in its own we'll being to manifest disposition to Get Together and Pull Together, as other small towns are doing.
 "It isn't your town-it's You!"
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
THURSDAY, DECEMBER B. 1915.

And though coat may button lack, And though face be sooty and black, And though rough words in speech may blend, A hearts a heart, and a friend s friend.
 Will Carleton.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
MAILS CLOSE GOING.

MAILS CLOSE GOING North East South West 9:48 a. m. SIS a. m. 7:44 a. m. 10:20 a. m 709 p. m. 3:5i p. m. 2:32 p. m. 6.38 D. m.
 MAILS OPEN FROM North East South West 8:25 a. ID. $50 a. m. 10:3c a. m. 900 a. m. 3:10 p. m. 11:O0 a. m 7:39 D. m. 4:25 D. m.
 7:15 D. m.
 Mail closes on Route No. 1. R. F. D. at 1030 am. For Southfieldand Mill River at 1. D. m.
 E. l.. ROBERTS, P. M
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23

A book of old literary curiosities yields the following, the interpretation of which is that this is going to hard winter for man, beast and crops:
 "If Crystmas on the Saterday falle, TT at wynter ys to be dredden ale, Hyt shalbe so fulle of grete tempeste That hyt shall sle bothe man and beste, Frute and corne shal fayle grete won. |"
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
lmpregnabIe Forts,
he Editor Of The News.

To the Editor of The News:
 I noticed in The News of December 3, an article stating that some forts were impregnable and that it would continue to be physically possible to so construct fort so strong that no shell could penetrate it.
 Now I think that writer had been- reading about the Dardanelles and Con- stantinople. What do you think about that? Charles A. Harris.
 Two Harbors, Minn.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
OUR GEMS.
BY EMMA RoDEMEYER WAIT.

This world holds caskets of rare gems BedecSing many diadems, And each heart safely guards the key Protecting each his mystery. The gems are memories We save From birth, through life, down to- the. grave The purest ones like diamonds rare,. Ennoble life and make it fair. We gather as we go along, In helpful word or cheerful song. Each time w. strive 10 do the right. We gain a diamond pure and bright.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23

A report that the ,Barnum- Bailey circus headquarters may be moved to Milford causes a commotion in the editorial den of Lyon's.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23

Get Together. Pull Together. Start the New Year with purpose to make the old town better old town, in every wav
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
"Gather around the Christmas tree p'

Inasmuch as Christmas falls on Sat- urday this year, The News will, as usual, not be printed on that day.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23

There are new ways of wearing hair this season, but the way of wearing no hair remains about the same.-Mil. waukee Journal.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23

THE NEWS AGENTS Extra copies of The News are on sale at the off1ce of publication and at
 Dempsev's Drug Store, Canaan, Post Office. Rast Conaan. Post Office, Falls Village, George T. j, hnsons Store, Norfolk H. L. Rood, Ashley Falls. A. l.. Dickinson. Salisbury. J. W. Morgan Great Harrington, Mass.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23

"Don't any of your friends come to see you on visiting days ?" asked the kindly old lady.
 "No'm," responded No. 777,444 IA; "they're all here wit me. Buffalo Express.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23

The "Pile-driver" colyum in the Bridgeport Standard is responsible for this gem:
 "He laughs best who laughs last.''
 "Nix. He laughs best whose laugh lasts,'
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23

1ntered at the post-of1ice as second class
 matter.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23

WANTED-At Wake Robin Iun, Lakeville, Conn, two maids or man and wife, white, for dining room and chamber work, Must furnish first class references.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
THE EWS' AGENTS

TELEPHONE: CANAAN 5e
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23
FOR SALE
MISCELLANEOUS

for clock assembling Wm. l.
 Gilbert Clock Co, Winsted, Conn.
Connecticut western news., 1915-12-23

G. w. PARSONS, BUSINESS MANAGER