davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29
CHAPTER XXI.
A Meeting in the Trenches.


Charlie Brown had gone, and Cap
tain Montague had ordered his men to
place Guy upon heap of straw, where
he must lie until the doctor came. In
Trench 27 an atmosphere of sadness
had succeeded the air of light-hearted
carelessness that Charlie Brown had
found when he arrived there. The
candle still flickered upon the table
round which the poker players had
lately sat. But all thought of that
frivolous game had vanished from
their minds. 1t was not that they had
not already seen many of their men
shot down. But Guy Falconer had
quickly endeared himself to all-ofi-
GERS and enlisted men alike. And now
that he had received his billet, in the
German bullet, there was not one soul
in Trench 81 that was not both sobered
and sad.
But they had little time to bestow
upon contemplation of wars horrors.
Five minutes had scarcely elapsed
after Charlie Browns departure when
a sergeant appeared, holding prisoner
by the arm.
1t was Streetman-that prisoner.
And he was far from presenting the
jaunty figure that usually distin-
guished him. His clothing-civilian
clothing-was badly torn, his face was
scratched and dirty, and his right arm
was in sling. The mans hat was
gone, too.
The sergeant reported TO his captain
that while on patrol duty he had
caught the fellow slull1ing around.
''He came from the German lines"
he said.
Captain Montague held the candle to
Streetman's face.
"And in civilians clothes! A SOY,
ehT' he exclaimed.
''NO, no. captain! An Englishman-
a loyal Englishmanw Streetman pro-
tested.
They searched him; but found moth
ing of Importance.
Hes got some kind of cock-and-
bull story about being wounded and
then" the sergeant started to say,
when Streetman interrupted him.
The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29
NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS
Better to Make Many and Break Some
Than to Have Made None
at All.

It's very much the fashion to joke
about making New Years resolutions;
but as a matter of fact there is adj
vantage in making resolutions, if they
are good ones, and there is no other
date except ones birthday anniversary
SO appropriate for the practice.
That individual must be totally de-
void of sentiment who has no senti-
ment on the subject of New Year.
JokerS whose topic is New Years res
olutions lay stress on the fact that
many of them are broken. A fact it
is-there is no denying it. But not all
of them are broken. A man who makes
ten New Years resolutions, every one
of them good, and breaks nine, is
better off to the extent of the virtue
involved in keeping the one to which
he adhereS than if he made none at
all.
For the sake of argument, however,
perhaps it may be conceded that max
ing numerous good resolutions at Cnce
is open to criticism on the ground that
it is harder to attain perfection in
many things than IN few things, and
that failures cause encouragement.
and that concentration is helpful to
success. From this point of view the
wise thing for New Years resolution
makers to do is to survey their fail
ings and frame a few resolutions hit
ting the high spots.
The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29

the daytime, and then at night they
shoot at the same range"
Charlie Brown and his escort had
not talked long before Guy Falconer
came out of his abstraction. He raised
his head all at once and looked inquir-
ingly at the civilian. Then he jumped
up and approached Charlie with out
stretched hand.
II thought l recognized that voicew
he exclaimed. "Do you remember me,
Charlie BrownY
"Hello. GuyT the delighted Ameri-
can cried. $50 you did come over
to the front, after all? Didn't I say
you would?"
"Yes! came over with the first
batch-bribed the recruiting sergeant!
And here am! But what are
you doing at the front?"
Charlie explained how he had fallen
into the hands Of the Germans, how
they had set him free and started him
toward Brussels. But his rebeiIious
nature had revolted; and having hid
den by day and Travelled by night, he
had made straight for the place where
he understood the British to be in
trenched.
Mr.. Brown had scarcely finished his
brief recital when there followed an
ominous whistle, which seemed to
come from over his head. OFF in the
distance there was a flash and an ex-
plosion.
whats that?" the American asked.
ooh, just one of our shells travelling
somewhere to our friends, the enemy"
the captain informed him.
''That will probably start their eve
ming song" Guy remarked.
"They needn't hurry on my ac-
count" Charlie said.
For few minutes they stood there,
discussing the war.
whats it for?" the newspaper man
asked. There's no individual hatred
no great, soul-stirring emotional
crisis behind it ALL"
But England was forced into it,
Captain Montague interposed.
"And 1 dare say France and Russia
and Austria all feel they were forced
into it, too" Charlie replied. '"That's
the whole trouble. Each nation be-
lieves honestly that it's in the right,
and in some way I suppose each of
them is. 1 don't know-Tm
not a big enough man to attempt to
say. :. And what good is it ALP
at is that militarism shall cease
that never again can there be another
war like this" the English captain
told him.
AS they talked, doctor, accompa-
MED by two stretcher bearers, en-
tered the trench, and, finding that
there was no need for their services
in that quarter, they passed ON.
''That's the Red Cross" Captain
Montague explained. noticing the jour
The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29

it was only a flesh wound. And fol
the last twenty hours I've been seek
ing the British position somewhere
near Trench 27-for that's the vital
spot-when your sergeant caught me-"
"Trench q, eh?" the captain said.
"Yesr' Streetman answered eagerly.
SIS it near here?'
Remember, sir, you are not ques-
tioning me-" Captain Montague replied.
80 you won't believe me? Yet
you've looked at my papers, Don't
they convince your"
Papers are easily forged" Monta-
que told him. Still, he was somewhat
impressed by the others glib tale.
and he allowed the captive to proceed
with his story.
''The Germans are to attack tonight
in force at your Trench q, in the hope
of cutting through the British lines.
Street1nan continued. ''Your only
chance is to bring up every possible
man to protect that trench. Otherwise
Wen be beaten. You see what it
means. All! There's your field
headquarters! They'll understand!
He started for the telephone.
But Captain Montague sprang in
front of him.
keep away from that Instrument!
he commanded. And, turning to the
sergeant, he ordered him to take the
prisoner to headquarters. "You can
explain to Them" he informed Street
man.
'By then it may be too late,' the
fellow replied. ''Their attack was to
be at midnight
'Indeed! the English officer ex
claimed dryly. "It's past midnight
now" And straightway he became
more doubtful than ever of the,
strangers story.
''Then they're likely to charge any
minute" the spy declared with we'll
simulated alarm. "I've got to tele.
phone. It's for England! beg of you
to believe me! Let me inform head
quarters-let them decide! Do you
dare take the responsibility
. One of the privates ON guard sud.
denly called out.
"Somethin' crawlin' out there, cap
tain! Looks like a manr
The sergeant faced to the front,
with gun ready for action.
Hes comm this way!' another sol,
der cried.
Streetman saw another chance for
his plan to succeed, and he quickly
seized It.
you see, captain, it's the start of
their attack he said excitedly. "For
Gods sake let me telephonem he
begged.
At last Captain Montague was con-
WINGED.
Quickly then-telephoner' he said.
And while Streetman sprang to the
instrument, the British officer ordered
his men to their stations. "Keep your
eyes open-and give 'em the best we've
gotv' he urged them.
Meanwhile. out there in the moon
light between the two lines of trenches.
that dark figure crawled nearer. Rifle
fire cracked out FROM the German
watchers, and the skuIker broke into
a stumbling run.
They're tryin' to pot him from the
other slder' one of the Britishers cried.
another trick to fool us!' Captain
Montague observed.
CTo BE CoNTINUED)
The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29
SAME OLD BLUFF.

The old year was backing up, pre-
paratory to his departure.
"Have you anything to say before
you leave?" he was asked.
81 don't know that 1 have. No, /
guess not. Unless"
YES; so on"
"If I had my life over again would
do whole lot different. wish had
known then what know now. should
have"
'That's what they all say. It's old
stuff. Good-by."
The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29
RAa@GA2

nalist's interest in the trio. Following
close upon his words came another of
those sinister whistles.
''That's one of their shellsw the
captain continued. meaning the Ger
mans.
At the Information Mr.. Brown
promptly ducked and huddled down
upon the bench under the overhang of
the trench.
''You needn't duck, old man! 1t
wouldn't do you any good" the elder
officer remarked. Anyway, that
shell was on It's way toward one of
our batteries" he added. pointing to
their rear.
"Well, now they've started, any
how" Guy said.
sometimes they fire only one or
two shots-and then again they go on
all night" his senior officer explained.
Stepping to the field telephone.
which rang insistently. Captain Mon
tague received Il message from the
battery posted some distance behind.
When Guy Falconer learned that some
light bombs were to be let off. be
The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29
NEW YEAR MEMORIES
BY Fred Bogardus.

BY Fred Bogardus.
Oh! for an old-fashioned New Year day.
With enjoyments keen and pure,
When fun and frolic reigned supreme,
Good fellowship the lure.
AS we journeyed to the parties
Afoot, perchance by sleigh.
The atmosphere seemed laden with
Best wishes of the day. % .-
With good old hearty handshakes
We knew were welcome grips,
Instead of the present method of
Just touching the fingertips.
How we merrily danced the lancers,
Danced it with q zeal,
Also the polka and minuet,
And jolly Virginia reel.
How the young and old enjoyed 1t
Each in his separate way,
Youth thinking of the present,
Age of the bygone day.
While times and vogues may change, alas.
And natures will obeys,
I'll still retain sweet memories of
The good old-fashioned ways.
The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29
Rather Plains poksn.

slow about the New Years resoau-
tionsg"
81 never make any," answered the
busy man.
"You don't mean to say you are en-
tirely free from bad habits?"
mo, indeed, but making New Year
resolutions 1 don't intend to keep is
not one of them"
The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29

Lucky thought to put New
Years so close to Christmas. If
Bits folks send us a Christmas
card, reminding US that we
should have sent them one, it's
easy enough to retort with n
New Years greeting.
Good resolutions abandoned
are about as beautiful as snow
flakes that have fallen into a
4 mud puddle. 81
The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29
Look Forward.

Another milestone In life's journey
Disappears from human sight.
Another year is fleeing onward
Swiftly slipping in it's fight.
But what has gone is gone for always
And so let US shed no tear
Just let US hope that 1917
viii ever be a Happy Year
The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29
Monster of the Sea.

The average weight of the Green
land whale is 100 tons-224O00 pounds
equal to that of 80 elenham 'l,o
of 400 bearA.
The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29
hannv New Year.

With joy Wen tumble out of bed
To see the New Year dawn;
For now we are lots better fed,
The turkey hash - gone
The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29

Good New Year resolution. Don't
be peSSimist.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10
SIX YEARS.

When a little company of old
friends stood around the new made
grave in the cemetery Sunday morn
ing they witnessed the last act In a
brief chapter of Abilene history that
has been as strange as fiction and
which marked the passing from earth
of family once notable in the city's
social and business life.
Six years ago there was none who
seemed to have more of life's good
things than the Italians. Isaac Hal
lam came to this county In it's early
days. His warm heart and southern
hospitality won him and his good
wife friends. Prospecting on his farm,
he finally came to town and entered
actively into its life. His home was
a rendezvous for the young people;
his daughter was one of the citys
most charming girls. She married
happily.
Six years ago the father was presi-
dent of bank, and interested in 9TH
er business concerns; he had left the
big rambling house on Vine for a
more suitable bungalow on Buckeye
where he expected to pass long and
happy years. A block away the cash
Ter of his bank lived in a handsome
new home surrounded by all the com
forts a town like this can give. The
three families-of the father, the
daughter and the cashier-were APP
parently favored of the gods.
Six years-the bank failed, the
cashier disappeared, the modest fort
une vanished, the father died in the
cashiers house and in the cashiers
own bed, later there was prison
term for the cashier; then the daugh-
ter died; and Sunday the mother
was laid to rest, and in the same pa
per that told of her death was the
news that the cashier is to be allowed
to go out into the world to begin his
life over. One family is gone; faith
er, mother and daughter lying side
by side in Gods acre, another has
suffered all the anguish that sensitive
souls can suffer.
1t is all story worthy Of Dumas,
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

Earl Woodward, of the Minneapo-
lis Messenger, is the one kind hearted
editor who has sympathy for the
Mexicans. He says: Don't be too
hard on the Mexican. Maybe IL you
lived where il was hundred or SO
in the shade for twelve months of
the year and had nothing to eat but
hot tomales, chilli, and pepper sauce,
and naught to wear but straw
thatch; maybe you'd be bit peevy
yourself"
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10
DICKINSON COUNTY HAS 1O2
MORE MOTOR CARS THAN EVER


Dickinson county has 1872 more
motor cars now than it had at any
time the last fiscal year, ending July
|, according to the applications for
1916 state licenses made at the office
of county treasurer. 1908 automo-
bile owners and 32 dealers have APP
piled for new tags to date, while up
to July the applications numbered
1858. N. Cole, treasurer, says that
the reduction in price in one popular
car is partially responsible for the
increase, while the bumper wheat
mobiles in the agricultural populace
of the county.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

story that as it has happened here
in this quiet community has been
like series of tableaux, each with
its sudden startlingness. Fate took
its way inexorably and brought the
end of it all. Looking back, the town
wonders at the rapidity with which
events transpired.
The gentle hand of time softens
the intensity of past events; the kind
Illnesses that were showered upon
their friends by all connected with
the drama are remembered. The
chapter of the Hallam family in the
towns history will be told in years
to como with much recalling of good
deeds, but there will be much wonder
why all the tragic of their lives
should have been comprised into six
short years
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10
SAYS TT is BUNK.

THE tariff commission pleases a
certain element and does no harm
writes w. ]. Bryan. an unregenerate
foe of protection, in the Commoner
In other words. Colonel Bryan
means that the Rainey tariff commits
sion bill is harmless piece of politi-
cal hypocrisy and that as such, he
approves Of it.
Writing in the Commoner some
months ago Colonel Bryan declared
that any compromise with the protec-
tive principle by the Democratic party
would result in its being laughed out
of the campaign. The compromise
has been made at least an effort has
been made to make the people think
so-but the Colonel explains that its
just piece of political bunk and not
TO be taken seriously.
But If the Democratic leaders do
not realize that they are in bad on
the tariff issue. why the necessity of
the bunk? The Colonel might ex-
plain that next. Why not rest on the
Underwood tariff law record as ii
was made before the war began.
when three million American wage
earners were out of a job?
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

Judge A. M. Crazy, Of Harrington,
after spending a month in New York,
says: Way up in Northern New
York, where everybody is Repub-
lican, they are estimating that unless
Wilson comes out of New York city
with more than 100000 majority,
that he will positively be defeated.
The eastern Progressives are heartily
endorsing Roosevelt's attitude to-
ward Hughes and regard it as having
been done for the welfare of the ma
ton There is much bitterness de-
veloping in the East over the move
ment of the state troops to the Mexi-
can border as is believed unneces-
sarily." AS Wilson was nominated
chiefly because he was was opposed
to the rotten Tammany methods in
New York and as soon as elected sur
rendered to Tammany and allowed
that organization to name his APP
1t is not hard to see what
the decent Democrats will do to him.
New York is considered safely Repub-
lican by 100000.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

Postmaster General Burleson tried
to dismiss a postmaster who wrote
sarcastic letter concerning an ap-
preparation made by this administra
ton. Now il the P. NJ. G. could only
disfranchise all the voters who are
saying sarcastic things rearding the
appropriations made by this admins
tration, there would be some chance
of reelection of Wilson. But that
would leave mighty small vote on
election y.-Leayenworth Times.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

i've purpose. 1t also indicates a grow
ing demand in Kansas that public Of
flee holders shall fill their positions
with intelligence and efficiency. We
have been wasting money on polite
ians who treat their county and city
offices as sinecures. If democratic
government is worthy it is worthy of
the best that can be had for 1t. There
is no more important duty properly
considered than the activity of gov
eminent. Why should not men be
trained to have an intelligent grasp
of the duties to which they shall as
pire when they seek office ?-Wichita
Beacon.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

sas, demonstrating a quarter section
of land north of Detroit. Here they
lived for 10 years, removing from
there in 1884 to Abilene, which place
had ever since been their home.
For a number of years Mrs. Hal
lam has been afflicted with deafness,
and this prevented her active affilia-
ton with many organizations and
movements that enlisted her sym
pathy.
The family were attendants and
members of the Presbyterian church
in Abilene, coming from Presbyter-
ian ancestry.
Funeral services we're held from
the Hiland Southworth home, Sunday
morning, Aug. 6, Rev. H. F. Martin
officiating. The funeral address was
based on the text, Phil. 1928. In
terment was in Abilene cemetery.
The quartet, composed of Mrs.
Julia Short, Miss Grace Peters, Har-
vey Kugler and Lynn Covert sang
two beautiful selections.
The pail bearers were: r. M.
White A. w. Rice, D. R. Gordon, j.
S. Bigler, j. D. Cramer and j. A.
Wilkie.
Mrs. Robert Wilson, sister from
Parkersburg, West Virginia; DR.. ].
w. Parker, a son-in-law from Kan
sas City, Mo-, and Mrs. ]. H. Whip
pie, cousin from Topeka, were pres
ent at the funeral.
So passes away the last of the Hal
lam family. One more of the early
pioneers of this county is laid to rest
one by one the fathers and mothers
who subdued the wild prairie, and
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

The candidates who did not win
the nominations are a mighty good
natured bunch and all have right to
be proud of their clean contests and
the splendid support each received
from the home folks. Somebody
must lose in every election, and the
success of the party is after all the
paramount thing. 1t is to the cred
it of the Dickinson county candidates
that they all will help elect the ticket
nominated.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10
Obituary, Mrs. Isaac Hallam.

Miss Fannie S. MacGregor was
born in Carlo, West Virginia, Dec.
20, 1912, and departed this life Aug.
3, 1916, 1870 p. m. at Kansas City,
Mo-, aged 73 years, Z months and 10
days.
Since the death of her husband in
1910, she has made her home with
her son-in-law, DR.. ]. w. Parker, of
Kansas City, Mo.
She was married in August of
1866 to Mr. Isaac Hallam in West
Virginia. To this union one daugh-
ter was born, Mrs. Lulu Hallam Park
er, who lately preceded her mother
in death.
In the spring of 1871 the family
removed to Dickinson county, Kan
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10
A FoRwARD-LookING TOWN.

Chapman, an intelligent community
in Dickinson county, has sent a petit
ton 10 Governor Capper signed by
500 persons asking him to use his
influence to establish at the univers-
ity a course OF training to fit men
for mayors. street commissioners
park commissioners, finance commits
sioners and other city and county Of
fees. This denotes q high construct
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

The Kansas climate is always
mighty uncertain. Last Fourth of
July it looked like the biggest corn
crop in history-now it is more like
half crop. But Kansas has gone
through other disappointments and
with its wheat crop one of the two
states where there is normal crop,
it will pull through and buy a few
thousand more automobiles.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

What politics in the federal re-
serve bank? An order was made
that collections on little state banks
be made by the postmasters, compell-
ing the banks to cash checks free and
in currency. Kitchin made speech
in the house in which he said that If
1t was put in effect Alabama would
go Republican, the order was
discontinued.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

Dickinson county is to have not
able addition TO it's editorial force in
w. E. Blackburn, who has purchased
the Harrington Sun. He is one of the
ablest newspaper men in Kansas, and
Harrington will find him a useful citi-
zen in every sense of the word
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10
Vern Butler Sued for Divorce.

Vern E. Butler is being sued for
divorce by Hazel Butler, of this city,
who states in the petition filed in the
office of the clerk of district court,
that Butler has failed to provide for
her the past two years. She seeks
the decree and any alimony the
judge may grant on the grounds OF
gross neglect of duty.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

Speaker Clark made a statement
the other day that he could revise
the tariff so that people would pay
no more for their goods than they
now do and yet raise revenue to run
che government. Well, why don't
his party do 1t and reduce the taxes?
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

law makes the county printer elective
and Lester Combs, formerly of the
Reflector, was nominated by the Re-
publicans by handsome majority.
Lester is making marked success
as editor of the Bulletin at Anthony,
and with a wife, baby and the coun-
ty printing, ought to be very happy.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

The Republican of Dickinson coun-
fy have nominated a strong ticket,
composed of good candidates, and
they are going to sweep the platter
clean next November.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-08-10

made this part of Kansas a garden
spot for their children and their
neighbors' children, have taken their
departure. God grant that we may
SO live that when the summons comes
to join that innumerable caravan,
we may go with desire to depart and
be with Christ. 80