davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-10
EXASPERATING UNCERTAIN
nv

Ever hour comes news from the
west that either buoys our hopes,
or brushes us with despair, anr re-
CARELESS Of the many and varied
points of information there seems
to be little enough Of news Of
reliable information that will set
tie our minds to a reinsurance of
the ultimate success of the demo-
cratic cause.
Election night the spirits of our
people sunk to zero as return af-
ter return came over the wire
from the big vote states, evidenc-
ing the election of Hughes, and a
little Of a reassuring nature was
received on election night, except
that the South, with the excep-
ton Of West Virginia, had done
its duty; and voted solidly for the
party ticket.
Wednesday morning, however
conditions changed, and from
state after state came reassurine
news that Wilson was polling ma
jorities, until at night the election
seemed to hinge upon the result
in Minnesota, California, Oregon
New Mexico and New Hampshire
from all of which it was difficult
to get complete returns, howevel
the exuberant democratic spiri
revived, and a happier expression
was visible on every face.
By night a degree Of uncertain
ty again took possession Of tn
community, for it was known tina
there was something wrong whe
the returns from the pivots
states of California and Minnesot
were unobtainable. Rumor afte
,rumor came over the wire, ths
this or that candidate was in til
lead, but nothing of tangible nj
ture came in to base a REASONABLE
estimate upon.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-10
Yesterday all day the-same de

Yesterday all day the-same de-
gree Of unrest was exhibited, and
almost evaporation was evinced
by many at the slowness Of the
returns from these states, which
was increased by. the rumor that
some Of the smaller states had
been put back into the doubtful
column, so that taken all in all it
was freely stated that the junket-
ing was case Of politics on the
part Of the republicans, who,
knowing that democratic victory
awaiting the publication Of the
full returns, were Juggling with
such of the ballot boxes they
could get their hands safely on.
This view was formed from the in
formation that the officials at Los
Angeles, a stronghold Of the
Hughes faction, had locked up
one hundred ballot boxes for the
night. It is impossible, Of course,
| to state if there is the least justi-
fcation for such a rumor, but it
was freely circulated.
Certain it is that ample time has
passed for every vote to have been
counted twice over in the rural
sections of California and Mime
sofa, and when it is considered
that these states are amply pro
vided with automobile facilities,
|even more than our own state, it
would seem as though there was
something wrong, and detrimen-
tai to the democratic cause, for
the returns to be two days in com
ling in.
Last accounts state that Wilson
leads in California by about 5000
majority, with little more than
one hundred and fifty precincts
to hear from, which would mean
something like 10000 votes to hea,
from. The democratic managers
claim this state, but so also do the
republicans, and it is hard to fore
tell the result.
j Minnesota, too, is in like condi
ton, and from a majority of abou
5000 Wednesday, for Wilson tn,
last returns gives Hughes a leat
of 1000, with one-fonrth Of tn,
, state still to be heard from.
Oregon and New Mexico ar,
both in the doubtful column, will
Hughes leading slightly, although
the democrats in all these small
states are claiming an ultimate
victory.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-10
SANTA CLAUS LETTERS

Let hte little ones send in their
letters to Santa Claus to this Of
fee, marking them, Santa Claus,
THE Commonwealth, Scotland
Neck, N. c..
It is we'll to foster this pretty
idea among our children. Let
the children maintain their ideals
for it is upon such ideals Of kind
ness, good will, and family ties
that the solidity Of this nation
rests.
We are said to be a nation Of
traders, which is by no means. a
bad cognomen, for it were better
to be traders, in other words
workers, than the idlers of Europe
that we long despised, but aside
from this every one Of these self
same traders has a love spot in
his heart, whether it be reposed in
a little child Or some grown up
imam or woman, but it is the ideal
with him which makes him the
better human being, and will even
tually be one Of the rungs Of the
ladder that carries him into thu
Holy Of Holes, and these self same
ideals were the traits that Ou1
Master tried to foster in the heart.
of his people.
Then let us not discard the sim
lple heart throbs Of the little one'
of our community, for as We shall
bring up one Of these little one
SO We can count upon the well be
, ing Of this one Of the future gen
Grafton.
RI Let veneration for Santa Clau
t reign in the heart Of your chi
e ldren, if need be, and foster tn
: sparkle in the eyes of these littl
e ones on the festive day that al
look forward to.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-10
Friday, Nov. 10th,
1916
NOTICE TO OUR READERS

We wish to express to the pub
lie our appreciation for the kind
ly cooperation Of the citizens in
getting for general information
the correct news of the election,
and also to state that the good
work Of the mechanical depart
ment Of The Commonwealth had
much to do with the prompt de-
livery Of this news to the public
for all Of which we are very CRATE
full.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-10
How's This2

We offer One Hundred Dollars Reward
for any case Of Catarrh that cannot be
cured by Halls Catarrh Medicine.
Halls Catarrh Medicine has been taken
by catarrh sufferers for the past thirty
five years. and has become known as the
most reliable remedy for Catarrh. Halls
Catarrh Medicine acts thru the Blood on
the Mucous surfaces, expe1ling the Poi
son from the Blood and healing the dis.
eased portions.
After you have taken Halls Catarrh
Medicine for a short time you will see a
great improvement in your general
health. Start taking Halls Catarrh Medi-
cine at once and get rid Of catarrh Send
for testimonials. free. -
F. J. CHENEY & CO.. Toledo, Ohio.
Sold by all Druggists. TIC.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-10

E. 13 chains to small cypress OF 1he
run Of Jarvis swamp; thence WIN
said swamp as it meanders to the NC
ginning and containing 80 and elgn''
seven one-hundredths acres. This belns
the same land conveyed to said lren,
Hussey by J. P. Ware by deed recorue'
in Register of Deeds office OF HahiaA
county in Book 210 on page U.s. "
which reference is made.
This Oct. 81, 1916.
IF. 8. ROYSTER MERCANTILE w.
Incorporated
Mortgage
1927 1910.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-10
ADMINISTRATORS NOTICE.

Having qualified as administra
trix Of my late husband, Lemuel
w. Barnhill, deceased, late Of Hal
flax county, North Carolina, this
is to notify all persons having
claims against the estate of said
deceased to exhibit them to the
undersigned at Scotland Neck, N.
c., on or before the 31st., day Of
October, 1917, or this notice will
be pleaded in bar Of their recov-
cry. All persons indebted to said
estate will please make immediate
payment.
Mrs. BESSIE BARNHILL,
Administrative.
R. F. D. No. l Scotland Neck, N.
C.
This, October 31st, 1916.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-28
ROANOKE RIVER BRIDGE

There are many happenings
these days that crowd us and
leave us barely time for the things
we do day by day, it is the height
of folly to neglect such matters
that are for the material good OF
the town. and it's entire citizen
ship.
The proposed bridge over Roa-
noke River is the most important
Of all the prospective matters that
affect us, and since we have ellc1-
ted the general cooperation OF
our friends across the river, and
those of our community who have
given the matter thorough study
have pronounced the plan good
let us get together in a hearty
manner, and put the scheme
through.
It should be the pleasure Of ev-
erv citizen to see Scotland Neck
grow, and none would object to
having the population doubled to-
morrow, if that were possible, SO
that this project, which will mean
practically that we will have a
double portion to trade with:
should meet the hearty co-opera-
ton of all right thinking men and
women.
While there has been little said
about establishing a tobacco mar
ket here, that would be entirely
feasible if one we put through the
bridge proposition, and if we dc
get d tobacco market at this pOin'
let it be as good as any in thu
State, and then we will be justly
proud Of it.
This is not a one mans job, blu
it requires the endeavor Of ever.
man in this community because n
really great venture has ever BEEF
successful without cooperation
successful without hearty COOP
Grafton, and 70 rthis co-operatio
The Commonwealth, does and a
ways will, cry aloud.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-28
AN OLD MANS STOMACH

AS we grow older and less active, less
ana less food is required to meet the
demands Of our bodies. If too much is
habltually taken, the stomach will re-
DEL. when man reaches the advan-
ced age OF IS or 80 you will find that
ne IS a light eater. Be as careful as
you will, however, you will occasional
" eat more than you should and will
feel the need of Chamberlain s Tablets
20 correct the disorder. These tablets
90 not contain pepsin, but strengthen
the stomach and enable it to perform
us functions naturally. They also
cause gentle movement of the bowels
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-28
CERTAIN CURE FOB GROUP

Mrs. Rose Middleton, of Greenville,
ILL.,, has had experience in the treatment
Of this disease. She says, "When my
children were small my son had group
frequently. Chamberlain IS Cough Re
medy always broke up these attacks
Immediately, and I was never without
it in the house. I have taken it myself
for coughs and colds with good re-
suits. -
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-28
FOR A WEAK STOMACH

AS a general rule all you need to do
IS to adopt diet suited to your age
and occupation and to keep your bow
els regular. When you feel that YOU
have eaten too much and when con
stipated, take one of Chamberlain $
Tablets.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-28

never a battleship, never a ya"n-
ing gun, never a threatening sentl-
mel on guard; four thousand miles
of civilized and Christianied inter
nationalism: 1t has held more than
hundred years, and it gives the
pledge of peace for a thousand
more.
"Had they sought, each genera
ton could have supplied excuses
for war as readily in America as
in Europe. But war everywhere
and always is cruel, is lawless, is a
hideous and CHASTITY crime. And
for this reason the international
ism of North America, on the lips
of the peoples of both countries,
says that between our two nations
there shall never again be war.
And for us and for our nations the
North American idea holds; the
right of the free people to govern
themselves.
If it were possible to emblazol
these few words in the minds o
the fighting units in Europe, an
Of their leaders, no cost would b
too great for such an achievement
for it would prevent further de
yastation of the old world, an
would save the heart ache
MANY a million loved ones.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-28
Our Word Is a Guaranty of Honest Values
Dixie Furniture Co.

-LOST.-A nice medium sized,
Cameo brooch on pink setting
with plain gold rim. If found
please return to Miss Kate Boy
cite.
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-11-28

Total $52,7942s
State of North Carolina-County of
Halifax, November "a 1916.
I, s. L. Hyman, Cashier of the above
named Bank, do solemnly swear that
the above statement is true to the best
of my knowledge and belief.
S. L. LYMAN, Cashier.
Subscribed and sworn to before me,
this 81 day Of November, 1916.
w. D. Hyman. Notary Public.
COrrect-Attest:
w. D. HEDGEPETH,
r. J. SHIELDS,
K. LEGGETT,
Directors
Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1916-06-02

called out the men and they started
on the jump for the bank.
Helen, in the interval, had taken the
securities from the box and showed
them to Spike. AS they turned to
leave, the Waterman, REINFORCED by
the officers, bounced down on them.
Helen, desperate over the situation,
upbraided the Waterman.
A wordy discussion followed. But
Helen and Spike were started for the
station, where more developments had
already taken place. The victim of
geant's message, had arrived, and on
having the suspects, Ward and Adams,
paraded before him, was unable to
identify Seagrue's retainers. In fact,
he distinctly declared these were not
the men that had eaten all his free
lunch and robbed him.
The chief, refusing to be satisfied,
continued to ask questions. His in
stinct concerning criminals seemed to
tell him that this pair were crooks,
and, if not answering to one charge,
should justly be held to await another.
While this was going on in the Office
of the chief, Helen and Spike were
ushered, with the complaining watch
man, into the booking room. Helen
demanded the use of the telephone,
and in spite of the serious charge
lodged against her something III her
bright eyes or her demeanor satisfied
the sergeant she was no criminal, and
he handed her the phone from his
desk. She called Rhinelander up at
Seagrue's rooms.
When the bell rang, Seagrue told
Rhinelander to answer it, and from
Helen at the station the latter learned
of the plight she and Spike were in.
No explanation that Helen and
Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1916-06-02

send out man to bring in the vic
tim of the hold-up for their further
identification.
To complete Wards chagrin, the
precious handbag was checked in
under the sergeant's desk.
On reaching the hotel in which
Rhinelander had taken Helen, she sug-
gested that while he made his pay
ment to Seagrue she would go to the
safety deposit vault-Rhinelander him.
self was president of the Safety De-
post Vault cempany-and place their
securities away before starting for the
Jail to intercept Spike when he should
be released. In parting they agreed
to meet again at the hotel.
Helen went directly to the vault,
which she reached just in time to
make her deposit of the stock certifi-
Gates in Rhinelanders box; the watch
man was closing the cage when she
came out to go to the penitentiary to
meet Spike.
It was long drive, but once there
she was not kept long in suspense.
In the warden's office she awaited
Spike, who, greatly changed, present
ly entered the room.
Rhinelander had found Seagrue in
his rooms. Without words, the two
set about the business in hand. Sea-
grue showed the agreement and
the table, opened it to take out the
money. Inside, he found an odd-look-
ing package and thought that Helen
must have wrapped the currency up
differently after she had taken it from
him. He unrolled bunch Of news
papers-astonishe at the situation
but could find nothing inside them
that looked like currency: The money
was gone.
Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1916-06-02
SYNOPSIS.

Little Helen Holmes, daughter Of Gen.
eral Holmes, railroad man, is rescued
from imminent danger on scenic rail-
road by George Storm, neWsboy. Grown
to young womanhood, Helen saves Storm
now a fireman, and Robert Seagrue, pro-
moter, from a threatened collision. SAFE
breakers employed by Seagrue steal Gen. o.
eraI Holmes survey plans Of the cut on
line for the Tidewater, fatally wound the
general and escape: Her fathers estate
badly involved by his death, Helen goes
to work on the Underwater. Helen RECEIVERS
the survey plans from eo s eag 4nds and nd
accidentally made proof of the survey
blueprint Storm Is emRG by ae by fn in his
turn saves her and the right-of-way con-
tracts when seagrue dnaps her Helen ellen
against Seagrue for right-of-way. Helen,
storm and Rhnelander rescue Spike from m
nrofect RhfneIander, and Storm and Helen
save Spike from death in the burning ming
ninches out. Seagrue salts it and sells it
to Rhinelander. The vein is relocated.
Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1916-06-02

He turned to the telephone. Spike
and Helen had reached the rooms at
the hotel when Helen heard the ring
of the telephone She answered the
call. Listening, dumfounded, she did
not tell Spike what she heard, but
with her face somewhat blanched and
Rhinelander's words ringing in her
ears, she hung up the receiver. Get
the stock from the safety deposit
box" he had directed, land l will use
that as temporary security until / can
replace the money"
Seagrue shook his head. mo. Mr..
Rhinelander," he said slowly, that
won't do. I must have legal tender.
and have it today, Or our contract
doesn't CO."
Helen, with Spike as her escort,
reached the bank only to find it
closed as she had feared. The watch
man, despite her appeals, refused them
admittance. But little obstacle
such as that was not a serious deter
rent to Spike. He had defied the
law too long to be baked now in the
interests of justice and fair play. He
had been a malefactor with the law
against him; he brushed aside all
scruples now in taking the role of
benefactor with the law still against
him. The Waterman had his way.
IF the case is as bad as you say,
Spike muttered to Helen, we've got
to do something"
Helen shook her head despairingly.
ct may mean millions, Spike" she ex-
claimed What can we do?" In her
distress she clasped her hands.
DO" echoed Spike scornfully. eco
in and open the box and get your prop
erty-there's nothing else to do"
But how" cried Helen, wide-eyed
with perplexity.
Spike tossed his head. It was set
high above a pair of swinging broad
shoulders, and whenever Spike shook
his head in that way, Helen knew
some suggestion was coming. He bent
forward and pointed his finger at her
to emphasize his words. You put the
stock in the box, didn't your" She
nodded a halffrightened assent.
That he continued stif1y, was
your business. Now, you want to get
it out, don't your" She nodded once
more. THAT" he declared with much
positiveness, "is my business"
A moment later, at the side Of the
bank, Helen, frightened to death, fol-
lowed Spike through an unguarded
door. He led the way hastily and
stealthily to the vault, and Helen, with
her key, opened Rhinelander's box. 1t
was while they were thus feloniously
abstracting their own property that
the Waterman saw them. He turned
in an alarm. At the police station
where it registered, the sergeant
Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1916-06-02

Adams hurried Off uptown to leath-
er goods store. Breaking nrocipitate-
ly in on the proprietor, they pulled
and hauled his stock about with small
sense of responsibility. Evidently
they wanted bag, but they seemed to
the shopkeeper hard to suit. 1t was
only after much searching and many
hard words that Wards eyes lighted
on something such as he was looking
for.
The diner had been put on and
luncheon called. Rhinelander, taking
Helen started for the dining car, close
ly watched by Ward. No sooner had
the two seated themselves at table
than Seagrue's men following took
seats directly behind them. Rhine
lander placed the handbag at his feet.
Ward made no move until Rhineland
er became occupied closely with the
bill Of fare. While he was trying to
tempt Helen with the various delica-
cies offered, Ward put his foot care
fully out, slid Rhinelander's bag away
with his toe and, unobserved by the
hurrying walters or the busy diners,
pushed the dummy leather bag into
it's place.
The knaves then cool1y ordered
their luncheon, ate it-somewhat hur-
riedly-and left the dining car ahead
of their victim.
When slackening speed warned
Ward and Adams that the train was
nearing Oceanside, they were in no
hurry to start out. In fact, they
Jagged noticeably in their movements,
and Helen and Rhinelander left the
station and took a taxicab uptown
without noticing the change of bags
that had been played on them.
And just at this juncture blind
chance itself took hand in the little
game. Two city detectives in plain
Clothes had come to meet the train
and were refreshing their memories
by reading description of two hold
up men expected on it. Scanning the
faces OF the incoming passengers for
such pair as would fit their search,
the detectives noted Ward and Adams
getting slowly out Of the coach. While
the pair did not quite suit the descrip-
ton, the officers, on general princi-
pies, crossed over to meet them and
stopped them for examination. A
few curt questions and equally voluble
answers did not satisfy the plain
clothes men, who, after some discus
sion insisted that the suspects should
accompany them to the station.
Wards mouth fell as he heard the
order Uselessly he tried to convince
the detectives that he and his friend
knew absolutely nothing of the hold
up in question. To the station they
we're compelled to go and there were
held in cells until the sergeant could
Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1916-06-02

quickly with the payment. Burning
the tires all the way into town. he
pulled up with jerk before Seagrue's
apartment and the three, alighting
from the car, fastened up to his rooms.
Seagrue, expecting the return of
Ward and Adams with their loot,
caught his breath when he faced
Rhinelander and his escort at the door.
Rhinelander he could account for.
Helen, he was not at a great loss to
account for; but to see the craning
neck, square jaw, straight nose and
cold, gray eye of Spike in the twilight
of the hallway was too much for even
Seagrue's poise. When they pushed
their way in upon him, he made hardly
any attempt to resist. Il wasn't
looking for you," he stammered.
Rhinelander laughed. mo! I I'M
derstand. However, it's all right. A
couple Of your men, Seagrue, had this
bag in hand"-he held up the leather
grip for Seagrues inspection-"to
bring to you" Rhinelander's eyes
were sparkling WIFI Lne ZeSC OL VIC
tory. "They were detained, Seagrue,"
he went on, enjoying to the full the
CONSERVATION of the GREATNESS rascal
before him. ''In fact, the two met with
a little accident" He nodded toward
Helen as the little accident, herself.
1.-THE police are looking for the pair
now" explained Rhinelander, testing
ly. But we thought it only neighborly
to bring the bag in, ourselves. Espe-
cially since you seem to consider that
our title to the Superstition mine rests
on your receiving the actual cash to-
day for the second payment"
While speaking, Rhinelander had
gone to the table, thrown the bag open
and was tossing the packages of cur
rency out There's your money, Sea-
thousand dollars.
Count it, Seagrue, and give me- re-
ceipt."
CTO BE CONTINUED1