davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

a week, and naturally papa expected
an enthusiastic reply.
oh" answered Jack, II like the
going there, and 1 like the coming
home all right, but it's the staying
there that l object to-"
Now, however, Jack was ten years
old and quite big enough to have
sense, and take school and its tasks
seriously. His teacher watched his
growing hardness and inattention
with concern, and during the Christ
mas holidays she made a resolve to
talk to the boy as soon as school re-
opened after the beginning of the new
year. The very first day Jack came
in late.
Where were you?" asked Miss
Smith.
I'LL was reading in bed this
morning, a-and I-I-f-forgot to get up"
stammered Jack.
What were you reading?" asked
Miss Smith, who was very much an
noyed. yet she tried to speak kindly.
Jack The Giant Killer, and say,
Miss Smith, It Is great story. / wish
that I had lived in those days, or
that giants lived now. You bet I'd
fight them, and I could, too" And
Jack bent his arm to show Miss Smith
and the boys in his class what fine
muscle he had for fighting
$50 you're fond of fighting?" again
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06
JANUS. THE ROMAN GOD

The Romans believed that Janus
waved his sceptre when he wished his
subjects to begin a new work IN
ancient times the Roman boy and girl
never entered on any new task with
out first appealing to Janus. or bring
ing him sacrifices, and they thanked
him when their tasks were success
fully completed by giving him pres
ents.
When you, boys and girls. start out
on a new venture and things do not
go exactly right you naturally blame
thoughtless and l will try harder the
next time. l must not be so careless"
But the Roman lad was wont to cast
his responsibilities on the broad shout
ders of Janus He would say, Janus
is not willing to have me continue this
work. he has spoiled the beginning
OF 1t for me-" and frequently he would
drop 1t and never take 1t up again.
In these times of do and dare, each
of you is his own Janus, looking back
into the past, examining your actions.
and seeing how to improve upon
| them. Each one OF you must open the
door to your future with a key of firm
resolve and right determination.
Are you not glad that you have
these privileges and that gods are
relegated to the study OF mythology
and fine arts?
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

of this little loidy's dime, has yer?'
Patsy decided Instantly. He wasn't
afraid of the fakir, for Patsy, who
could squirm In and out across
crowded streets like an eel through
rushes. knew he had to give but one
jump and the fakir could never catch
him. But Patsy was afraid of doing
what his Ma had made him promise
| he would never do-that was to steal
Quickly his mind was made up and
quickly his nimble wits came to his
rescue.
| "Naw." he answered But III help
you look fer it, So he Topped down
on his hands and knees-the dime
clutched tightly in one hand all the
while, mind you-and pretended to
/ be searching diligently. moment
later he Strengthened up. Il got 'er!
l got err he cried. And he held out
| the lost" coin in his grimy hand.
"Oh, thank you, Thank you so
much.' said the little girl, reaching
out and taking the dime gingerly from
his soiled palm. Il was so scared.
If you hadn't found it my brother
and I would have had to walk home.
Mamma. you see, knows l can take
care of myself and Willie, and she let
us come all the way down town by
/ ourselves today. And-and, oh, thank
YOU so much, Come. Willie, we must
| hurry"
She turned and walked rapidly
away dragging the astonished Willie
after her.
| Kin yer beat it," exclaimed Patsy.
Il dig up her old dime from tn dust
an all | gifts is thankyou!
The street vendor looked down at
him and smiled Really, he was a
nice old street vendor and there was
something about his face that seemed
TO speak of better days and a happier
life.
Il was just awaitin' fer you ter
cough up" he said with a queer sort
of smile Il seen yer when v snaked
up that dime-an | was just awaitin
ter see whether y would come clean
or would l have tor shake it out of
yer. What'd yer do it fer; why didn't
yer keep it, son? l guess y got a
good Ma. aint'je? One that raised
yer right, eh?"
You betcha life l have" said Pat
sy. enthusiastically. Il wanted t keep
that dime, Mister, cause | want one
of them Dancin' Men fer Mike. But
l seen that little skirt drop tn dime
an'-an-"
"Y'knew it'd be stealin.' didje!" the
street vendor interrupted, smiling sad
ly to himself. Il once had a little boy
say, who's Nike"
Patsy told him about Mike and how
he knew Mike would enjoy a Dancing
Man. And then
Now. if this were just STORY
without any truth behind it, | would
, probably relate that the old stree
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

~ ATSY wanted that Dancing Man!
EE Indeed, as he stood looking at
q him, he felt sure he had never
U in all his life wanted anything
quite so much. Perhaps that was be-
cause the Dancing Man was for Mike,
his crippled brother. who had SO few
things with which to amuse himself
during the long, tendious days when
Ma (meaning his mother) was out al
work and Patsy was selling papers
and watching out for errands and odd
jobs
Mike would like that Dancing Man:
Mike would get just lots of fun out of
him and his queer antics-Patsy felt
sure he would!
"Loides an Gents" called out the
street vendor who had the mechanical
toys for sale and was exhibiting them
on the top of an old dry goods box.
step up an pick yore own Dancing
Man. He'll dance any old time an he
never gets tired. Does all tn new
dances. and he's yours fer only a
dime-two nickels-one thin dime.
Watch him dance! Watch him
W., .,,o. ....-, ..;,..,,-.-
- - ne s'oppo" "4',,tllls up
'iie 10Y nc S"'Ieu t' D"LC4Iis Nan ana
put II Gown on lhe Top OF the pox.
i,Is','iI''S inc dancing Man began TO
10y vas eH'l'l dl!eu' II ne couio
otiIS puy one anu take II nome to
nike bus' alas' lhat was impossible,
for he had exactly eight cents in his
PoCAeU Win "Hicn 10 purchase his
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

yes, even worse than the ones Jack
fought
Watcher mean?" asked Jack. 81
never met any"
Yes you did, you are meeting them
all the time. and they are fighting you,
and licking you. too. This very morn
ing you met one in your home, and
another on your way to school"
Then little John, the number one
boy, raised his hand and said:
Miss Smith, l think l know the
giants you mean. They are our own
bad habits"
Exactly" said the teacher. Jack
can have his wish gratified sooner
than he expected, for he can fight
big ugly giants this very day. When
he read in bed he was encouraging
the giant Disobedience to play with
him. Now the wicked giants in the
story book first played with, and then
harmed, their prey just as a cat does
a mouse after he has caught It. By
and by Disobedience will overcome
Jack unless he fights him good and
quick. Let me see your muscle again
Jack"
Jack made a fist and bent his arm.
Fine! Use it. Hardness Is an
other ugly giant you met this morn
ing. He was lurking right outside
the school building. Then there are
the giants OF Untruthfulness. Sloath-
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

very familiar quotation, and in
the main 1t is correct, and yet
- y very. very much depends on
lhe beginning of things. The begin
ming of anything is its foundation,
and If the foundation is strong and
right, then the result is apt to be
good.
Everything depends on the begin
ming Is another familiar quotation,
and 1t is attributed to Janus, the
Roman god, who stood for the begin
ming of all things in that far-off time.
Could you but see a picture or statue
of Janus you would think him q queer
looking god, for he has two faces. But
when you know that the month jan
uary was derived from Janus. and that
the gods two faces stand for the old
year that has t1st passed. and for
the new year Just beginning, you will
understand the reason why this
heather god has an old face looking
backward, and a young face looking
forward TO the new things yet to come.
Could you see this picture you
would see key in the right hand
of the figure. and a sceptre or wand
in it's left. With the key Janus was
supposed to lock up the portals of
the old year just passed and open the
doors of the new.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

JANUARY has more births Of prom
inent men than perhaps any
other month in the year. There
were also many historic happen
l,,gs in January The jewel for the
month is garnet. emblem Of consistency.
The flower is the snow drop. conscia-
ton.
January New Years Day.
January 1, 1735-Birth Of Paul Re-
we're.
January /, 1S63-Lincoln's Emanci-
patton Proclamation.
January l, 1So1-Union Of Great
Britain and Ireland.
January /, 1913-Parcel Post gys-
tenn organized in United States.
January 2. 1s63-Slavery abolished.
January 2, 1788-Georgia admitted
to the Union.
January 4. 1Ss6-Utah admitted to
the Union.
January 5, 177s-Birth Of Commo-
dore Stephen Decatur.
January 6, 1s11-Birth of Charles
Sumner.
January 1, 1ilo-DlTtH ol 1STdei
Putnam.
January s, 1S15-Battle of New Or
leans.
January 9, 17SS-Connecticut ad-
mitted to the Union.
January II, 175z-Birth Of Alexan-
der Hamilton.
January IL, 17S5-Seat of the Y. S.
Government established at New York
City.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06
chnz1a1.ymM5tny

January IL. 1sz5-Birrh Of Bav,,.
Taylor.
January IS. 1sf4-American Fri,
ate President captured by British.
January IT. 170s-Birth OF ger,.
min Franklin.
January 10. 1s62-Death OF Pres
dent Tyler.
January IT. 1ss3-Death of prs.
dent Hayes.
January IS. 17S2-Birth Of Dan,a
Webster.
January 10. 1so9-Birth Of Eden,
Allan Poe.
January 10. 1so7-Blrth of Rohe-,
E. Lee.
January Fl. 1s24-Birth of "s.ous.
WALL Jackson.
January %. 15s1-Birth Of Frapc,,
Bacon.
January p, 17ss-Birth Of ro-.
Byron.
January -. 17a7-Birth o, John
Hancock.
January rs, 1759--Birth OF Rahs,.
Burns.
January &c, 1837-Michigan admit,
ted to the Union.
January 81, 1s59-Birth c. William
II, of Germany.
January 27, 1756-Birth of Nozar,
January %, 1S43-Birth OF william
Mckinley.
January %. 1861-Kansss admit.
ted to the union.
January 20, 1734-Birth Of Robe,,
Morris
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06
Jack and the New Year Giants

fulness, Laziness and Carelessness. W.
will call them all New Year Giants
and we will make firm resolves tn
be, like Jack in the fairy tale, cuts
enough to catch and kill them"
When Miss Smith ceased TALKING
there was silence in the room. Then
up went Johns hand. May / figh
some of them" he asked.
"Oh. he doesn't need to, for thew
never come in his path" answered lit.
tie Sam, at the foot of the class.
Yes. indeed he does" quickly re-
sponded the teacher, ut is only by
constantly fighting that any Of US
can ward them off. They are persis-
tent giants and want to be around lit
tie boys and girls all the time. Even
John, good as he is, must use his right
arm to protect himself against them
We will form ourselves into a regi-
ment to fight these wicked things
Jack may be our Captain.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

bring 1t right back wherever you say
l got "a
The little girl looked at him a mo-
ment In amazement; and there was
also something of fright in her eyes.
Then she turned quickly on her heel
and walked away, making no reply.
But-but-as she turned the quick
eye of Patsy saw something small and
bright and shining slip from her purse
and fall to the pavement. He bounced
on it in a jiffy--and came up tightly
clutching a dime.
1t was almost too good to be true
He had dime! Mike could have Il
Dancing Man. Not just one to look
at fer erbout err hour" but one all
his very own. Wouldn't Mike be
happy.
Then Patsy caught his breath. The
dime wasn't his! He hadn't even
found 1t. 1t belonged to the little
girl--and he knew it did. What
should he doo He knew what his
Ma would say he should do but-but
Mike sure would like Dancing Man.
Just then the little girl turned and
came hurrying back.
oh" she cried. I've lost a dime!
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06
g xSaN ! FOR THE YOUNG pE0pl4f !. O. G.

vendor promptly gave Patsy Dancing
Man to take homo to Mike with his
compliments, and everything would be
nice and happy.
But, the street fakir did nothing Of
the sort; he was interested in hearing
about Mike and he wanted to give
Mike Il Dancing Man. But-alas--a
dime was dime, and the fakir found
it no easy matter to earn enough of
them to buy food and nights lodg-
ing. But he did the best he could do.
Say. son." he said. ''y're all right!
An Wen just see how honest yer
really are. I'll sell yer Dancing Man
at cost-five cents, one nickel. Y can
take it home to Mike now, an then
termorrer I'll be around here about
this time an y can slip me a penny.
er maybe two If it won't strain yer
bank account none. An another on
tn next day an so on until we paid
me in full. Are yer wise? Get me?"
Patsy did-indeed he did. instantly!
So, thanking tho old fellow pro-
fusely, he carefully tucked a Dancing
Man away in his pocket and started
olAI illIc'l Will " WI
harder than ever to sell his papers
and pay the five cents to the kind
vendor at the rate of one a day.
Also, it is pleasant to record that
Patsy did pay him. And on the aft
ernoon the fifth and last cent was
paid the fakir patted him on the
shoulder and told him he was good
boy
Mike? Oh, yes, Mike thought the
Dancing Man was even finer than
Patsy had thought he would think it..
And Mike declared it the best present
he had ever received.
would like to know what the Dane
ing Man thought about it all. wouldn't
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

The answer to this puzzle Is u.
name of a winter sport. II you auu
and subtract correctly according
the pictures you will have the answs''
REVERSAI4S.
Reverse fiat, and find the same
Reverse q look, and find the same
ReverAe an action. and find TN
same.
Reverse a feminine title. and nns
the same.
Reverse a girls name. and find INV
same.
ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS
FOUND IN WINTRY WEATHER
1t is distressing to see Hannah an
ing all the time.
What is incorrect in the sen'snN~
Hector amt not a. bad boys
II you wish to see the sights n'''
I'll guide you. .
Please ask the Principal II ros'''
are necessary.
l love to hear my son Freezer"
pound the law.
ANSWERS.
RFVERSALS: Lepel, Peep Nv"
Madam, Anna.
ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIo'
Hail, Rain, SRoto, Frost, Ice.
WINTER SPORT.
Top - P - To bog = lUU oSoos
grain + Toboegrain - r0ia 3 iV'T 70
+ anvil Il Tobog0GnpiH - ~ =
boogan + Cabin ~ Tobpged"e"gg%os oc
CAB = Toocgganin r gtooe IT,
oaainglobe - Lobe z= Topog9aH'AS'
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

Il"
Thank you. dear" said Mother,
taking off the wrappings.
Two hat pins were inside the pack
age.
You see We did not tell one another
what we were going to give you, and
that's how this happened" stammered
the girl.
Bob hung back.
Now open Bob's," said Laura She
did SO. and 10! his also was a lovely
hat pin.
II thought I heard you say the
other day that a hat pin was one of
the Few things that you did not get
Tor Christmas, so l bought you this"
Mother laughed very heartily, and
there was nothing left for the three
to do but to join in. At any rate
their presents had a point to them,
and Mother was pleased.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06
Their


would pop out before they knew
what was happening.
The next few days excitement ran
high. and Mother would surely have
suspected something hadn't Uncle
Nick arrived from the West and taken
most of her attention.
on New Years Day Emma, Bob
and Laura met in the hall outside
Mothers room with their presents in
their hands, but SO eager were they
to be secretive to the end that each
one instinctively concealed their pres
ent.
Who's going to make the presen-
tation speech?" asked Bob.
You. of course" said Emma, and
Laura shook her head in approval.
To knock at the door Mother said:
Come in" and in trooped the three.
Bob advanced. and in a neat speech
explained that before Christmas they
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06
a Present With Point To 1t. Anew Years Story

others that she was ready to agree to
anything that they wanted.
TN tell you what l think would be
fun" said Emma after a little thought.
Let US each buy something that we
think Mother would like, but not tell
the other until we give it on jan
uary l. In this way the surprise will
be so much greater"
They all agreed to this, and then
each one went to her room in deep
thought, for they wanted to get what
their dear Mother would cherish most,
The selection was made all the more
difficult because, while Mother had re-
ceived very little from her children,
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

she did get some lovely presents from
friends. of whom she had many.
A half hour later Emma passed Bob
in the hall and as she playfully pulled
his hair, she said:
Il know what I'm going to give
Mother. Wouldn't you like me to
suggest something for your"
NO. l have decided on my gift
already, and it's a sumner. Wouldn't
you like to know what 1t is. smarty p"
At that moment Laura Joined them
and she said that she knew that none
Of them could possibly have thought
of anything half SO nice as the one
that she was going to give, but that
no power on earth would make her
divulge the secret, and then all three
ran away in a hurry for fear that It
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

were all hard up, and that they all
felt their presents to her were not
nice enough, SO they had taken ad
vantage of the New Years Day to
make amends. With that each one
handed her box and each wished
her very happy year.
Mother was greatly surprised, and
thanked her children heartily for
their good intentions. Then she I'M
wrapped Laura's present first and
gave an exclamation of surprise and
pleasure, for there in an oblong box,
nestled two lovely hat pins.
Il knew you needed them" said
Laura, pleased with herself and with
her mothers delight, but she did not
notice how Emma and Bob gasped
This is my gift" said Emma. but
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

II FEEL awfully mean about my
81 Christmas present to Mother"
Ri said Laura, after that great day,
u especially as she and Father
stretched a point and gave US so
much"
Same here. But how can we make
it up at this late date?" asked Bob. to
whom the remark was addressed.
Then Emma chimed in: Lets each
give Mother real present for New
Years gift, but keep it quiet until
that day comes"
Good idea" said Bob, but what 2"
Shall we ask her?" said Laura, but
she was squelched SO hard by the
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06
The Dancing Man

throwing back his head and pretend
ing to be simply overcome with laugh
ter. An only dime, Missy, only a
dime-d'ye want one fer yourself an
one fer yer little brother? All. yes
you'll like EN-. Want a green one
err blue one? What's that? One
of each? You have 'em-here they
are already wrapped up-and here's
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

m ACK loved school holidays. For
that matter, most boys do. but
q then they likewise like to study,
n and they enjoy 5chool-life. When
J4ck was tiny tot of six his father
asked him how he liked going to
school. The child had been there only
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

my twenty cents-thank you-who
else wants a"
The little girl and her brother
moved slowly away, she trying to hold
the two packages under her arm and
at the same time close her purse.
Suddenly Patsy had an idea. Now
there was nothing bashful about
Patsy. With him, to think was to
act. Say" he exclaimed, touching
the little girl on the elbow, ''wouldje
min lending me one of them Dancin'
Men fer erbout er hour? Homes I'll
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

asked the teacher.
You bet l am, especially giants. At
least l would be if they existed now"
But they do" quietly said Miss
Smith.
Jack grinned obviously.
Indeed they do. Big ugly giants,
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06
Z ECOP.S c5 &r
pETOLD SEIHJRH
Copyright, 1915, Garrett Netokirk, Pasadena, Cal.
THE FOX AND THE GOAT.

- TIE 1OAl.
And Reynard now proposed plan
To get them out, and thus ii ran:
Stand up" said he. "a little time.
While upon your back may climb.
Then from your head I'll make a
bound,
To get my feet on solid ground;
This done, at once I'll turn about.
And. reaching down. will help you
out
The goat approved, his part was done.
When off the fox began to run:
Hold on!" the goat cried out. In
deed
You haven't done as you agreed"
Aha, thou art a silly Bird"
The fox replied. to take my word.
III give thee counsel now to keep;
It's always look before you leap.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

It must have dropped out of my purse
when l was trying to close it. Have
you seen it. Mister" And she looked
up appealingiy at the street vendor.
The Vendor-who wasn't q bad fell
low at heart-came out from behind
his box and helped her look. NO,
Missy" he said. II amt seen no dime.
Maybe you amt lost nothing-look in
yer pocketbook an make sure. L
/" He stopped short and looked
searchingly at Patsy. Hey. you rat"
he continued, you amt seen nothin'
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

4 FOX by careless running fell
~ Into an old and shallow well,
With walls so slippery all
about,
That he despaired of getting out.
Within this damp and cherries bed
Most surely | shall de-" he said.
There came that way a bearded goat.
Who had a dry and thirsty throat;
And Is the water good?" asked he.
The fox replied. Come down and
see
So never stopping once to think,
Down leaped the goat to get a drink.
And now they both were in the scrape.
No chance there seemed of their es-
cape.
A fox, you know, hath much in wit.
A goat but just little bit;
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

"LL'S well that ends well" is ]
very familiar quotation, and in
the main 1t is correct, and yet
- y very, very much depends on
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-01-06

~ ATSY wanted that Dancing Man!
EE Indeed, as he stood looking at
& him. he felt sure he had never
a in all his life wanted auythin.
Evening journal., 1916-02-24
Gets YEAR IN JAIL
POR ASSAULTINC man

Twenty-one men. charged with
drunkenness, were before City Cor
this morning. and were promptly
disposed OF by Judge Churchman.
Fred A. Smith, charged with act
ing disorderly at the Fourth street
wharf. was fined So and costs.
Clyde A. Willie and William
Stevens were each fined So and costs
for disorderly conduct.
David Adams was fined 81 and costs
and Thomas Staats. SO and costs, on
the charge Of creating disorder on
New street.
The case of John Lodice. charged
with assault and battery, was con-
tinued until March "a.
The case of Charles Ayers, the
Baltimore and Ohio railroad watch
man, who is charged with man
slaughter and assault with intent to
commit murder. was continued for
one month. as the man he is charged
with shooting still is unable to ap-
pear.
Norman Scott pleaded guilty TO as
saulting Samuel Reading, oolored, and
was fined 800 and costs and one year
in Jail
After hearing the case Of assault
and battery against George Burleigh
and Calvin Gray. who are charged
with beating Gustavus Smith. a white
man. Judge Churchman asked that the
case be further investigated and con-
tinued it until Saturday morning.
The case OF J. A. Bader. charged
with violating the city building ordi-
nance. was continued until Saturday
morning upon the application of
Frank Ball. counsel for the defence.
DominiCk De Luke. charged with do
ing bodily harm to Special Officer
Harry II. Brennan. at Fourth street
wharf. was held under 800 bail fol
trial.