davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1918-12-04
Sends Interesting Letter to His Par
ents From Somewhere in Bel
gum. Is Sergeant Now.
HAS SEEN SOME
WAR TORN COUNTRY
Shell Holes All Over, Trees Shot
Down and Everything Destroyed.
Rails of the Railroads Twist
ed Like COrkscrews.
Somewhere in Belgium.
Oct. q, 1918.
Dear Folks:

Dear Folks:
Many thanks for your letter of the
2 and % of September, father. Have
been receiving quite a bit of mail
these last few weeks, but have been
so busy that l couldn't get to write
as soon as i would liked to have
done. Anyhow don't worry about
me if you don't get to hear from me
as often as you could expect, as ]
am we'll and enjoying myself. You
know its a great blessing to be
healthy and able to do ones duty,
even if it is little tiresome at times
s Was very much surprised when
read about Mr.. Twenge's death. One
never can tell when ones time is up
in this world. One does not neCes-
sarily have to so to war to die,
neither is it sure that one has to die
because he is in war. | firmly be-
lieve that man may be in all the
perils and dangers of war and yet
come through safe and sound, if his
time has not come.
Have indeed seen some war-torn
country lately. Shell holes all over
and the trees shot down and every
thing destroyed. Railroads have been
destroyed and the rails twisted up
almost in a cork screw shape. The
place where we are now is located in
city where the Germans were once
upon time. In building close by
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1918-12-04

Successful California Pig Campaign.
Five thousand one hundred and
five California farmers pledged
to keep 21,099 more pigs
in 1913 as the result of campaign
carried on by farm bureaus to per
suade every member to raise two
more pigs than he would have other
wise have done. The purpose of the
campaign was to counteract the stu
alton brought about by the high price
of grain, which was resulting in the
wholesale slaughter OF brood sows
and young pigs. Fourteen days after
the campaign started the danger
which threatened the hog industry
of the Pacific coast was ayerted. In
addition, the agitation and the pubii-
city gained has increased the interest
of both farmers and fruit growers in
hog raising and has caused large
breeders of hogs to keep up their
stock
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1918-12-04
An Angel Departs This Life.

On Sunday, Nov. "a, occurred the
passing to the eternal home of Susan
S. Swella. She was the third daugh-
ter of Mr.. and Mrs. James w. Swell
la, long residents of Calmar, Iowa.
Born in Calmar, October %, 1893,
where she grew to young woman
hood, attending high school, she was
graduated with honors, being award
ed a scholarship.
She began her college career at
Fargo, N. D., taking up the Domestic
Science course, which she pursued
there for two years in the Agricul-
tural college and finished her studies
at the University of Minnesota where
the degree of Bachelor of Science
was conferred on her.
Joining the faculty of the State
college for women at Columbus,
Miss. in the fall of 1897 and where
she finished very brilliant and sue
cessful year; her work attracting the
attention of the leading educators Of
the state, being re-engaged for
work commencing this fall. but
owing 10 declining health, was
obliged to refrain from following her
vocation, much to the regrets of the
student body and faculty.
She was preparing to enter an
Eastern college at future period
where she was to take up the study
of Artistic Interior Decorating.
The departed was a.young lady of
exceptional mental powers, having
devoted considerable time to perfect
ing her musical education, and was a
very fine musician as well as being
gifted with a lovable disposition that
made her hosts of friends at the
various schools and colleges.
Besides the father and mother left
to mourn her passing on, are Mrs.
E. A. McPhail, Florence Swella Of
Fargo, n. D.. Mrs. F. c. Hendrick-
son, Chicago, ILL.,; H. S. Swella,
Great Falls, Mont; E. F.Swella, S. L.
Swella, COnoyer, Iowa; and F. C.
Swella, Calmar, Iowa. All members
Of the family being present when
she was laid to rest except her broth
er, H. S. Swella, VINO was unable to
be present.
Rev. Willett, of DEBORAH, conduct
ed the impressive service at the home
and beautiful solos were sung by
Miss Olga Ode, accompanied by Miss
Emma Olson.
The following young men acted as
pallbearers: Lester Winn, Virgil
Winn, Paul Ode, George Becker,
Arthur Stromsodt, and Floyd Sand
ers.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1918-12-04

where we are, they painted some
signs or decorations on the walls.
Some of them read as follows: God
with u.s." God punish England, etc.
Today has been Sunday once more,
but all days seem the same here.
In fact, l can't say that l know, half
of the time, what day of the week it
is. We have been enjoying some very
nice weather the last couple of days
and only hope we will have a lot
more coming.
/ forgot to mention that I re-
ceived the Public Opinion today also.
1t is dated June 10. 1t is indeed nice
to have the news of your home town
brought right to you, even as far
away as France. 1t brings home so
much closer you know.
Have been acting Mess Sergeant"
for abought a month now, and today
received my warrant. My appoint
ment took effect the % of October.
My duties are to look after the
kitchen, draw the rations, and see TO
everything in general pertaining to a
kitchen and am held responsible for
the appearance of same.
With love to you all
From your son and brother,
HAROLD SWENSON.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1918-12-04

Hankey. as.
The Great Crime and It's Moral" by
j. S. Willmore.
''The Roots of the War;" by Davis
and Anderson.
"Outwitting the Hun" by Pat o.
Treasury of War Poetry" by Geo.
II. Clark.
Full Measure of Devotion" by Dana
Gatlin.
Gunner Depew," by Himself
Face to Face with Kaiserism," by
]. w. Gerard.
Christine" by Alice Cholmondeley.
The Birth of the Russian Demo-
cracy," by A. J. Sack.
"The Flying Teuton," by Alice
Brown.
The Return of the Soldier" by
Rebecca West.
Fighting for Peace" by Henry Van
Dyke
Golfers History of the War"
twelve volumes.
Survey of International Relations
Between Germany and the United
States" by j. s. Brown.
Donated:
"A Short History of Art by Julia De
Forest.
Works of Vergil," by John Coming
ton.
Nineteenth Century Authors" by
l.. NJ. Hodgkins.
"A Brief History of Roman Litera-
ture," by Mathew Arnold.
THE Study of the English Classics"
by A. T. Blaisdell.
"Orations and Addresses" by c. A.
Sanders.
Smaller History of Rome" by Will
liam Smith.
First Lesson in Political Economy"
by F. A. Walker.
Dawn of History" by c. F.. Keary.
Lectures on Modern History" 2 by
NJ. Arnold. -...
Lectures on Medieval and Modern
History" by w. Stubs.
The American Citizen" by c. T.
Dole.
Preparatory Latin Course in Eng
lish," by w. c.. Wilkinson.
''Poetical Works." by Oliver Gold
smith.
Development of English Litera-
ture,'' by A. II. Welsh.
"Sartor Resartus," by Thomas Car
lyle.
The Hero as Divinity" by Thomas
Carlyle.
Short History of the English Peo-
ple,' by j. r. Green.
The Mutable Many" by Robert
Barr.
Flowers and Fruits" by j. w.
Riley. s..
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1918-12-04
NEW BOOKS AT LIBRARY.
Fine Lot of New and Important
Books just Added.

The following are the books most
recently added to the Public Library:
Miscellaneous:
The Second Fiddle" by Phyllis
Bottome.
Second Youth" by Allen photograph
Every Soul Hath Its Song" by
Fanny Hurst.
''Neighbors," by Florence M. Kings
ley.
Caroline of the Corners" by Ruth
B. Endicott.
Betty Wales Decides" by Margaret
Warde.
"Smugglers' Island.""
I'm Spacious Times"
Five Little Peppers and Their
Friends" by Margaret Sidney.
Five Little Peppers at School," by
Margaret Sidney.
Five Little Peppers in the Little
Brown House. by Margaret Sid
ney.
Two Years Before the Mast" by
r. H. Dane.
"Snowland Folks"
Further Adventures of Mis- by
Selild lLdSSIlOl.
Bears of, Blue River" by Charles
Major.
"Ranny," by Howard Brubaker.
Rider in Khaki" by Net Gould.
"Oh Money, Money! by Eleanor H.
Porter.
"Boardman Family" by Mary S.
Watts.
Money Master" by Sir Gilbert Par
ker.
Laughing Bell Hyde" by, Rex
Beach.
Lions Share" by Arnold Bennett.
"Comrads," by Mary Dillon.
1.-The Way Out" by Emerson Hough.
Edith Bonnam," by Mary H. Foote.
American Ambassador" by Lawr-
ence Byrne.
Missing" by Mrs. Humphrey Ward.
Circuit Riders Widow" by Cora
Harms.
Bromley Nelghborhood," by Alice
Brown.
Fanny Herself" by Edna Faber.
"A Son of the Middle Border" by
Hamlin Garland.
tOn the War:
THE Guilt of Germany by Prince
Lichnowsky.
1.-The Odyssey of Torpedo Trans
port" translated from the French.
Women of the War"
"a Student in Arms" by Donald
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1918-12-04
Cattle Bring $500 Each.

Atlantic, Ia.-Seventy head of pure
bred Herefords were sold here by j.
p. Saunders and A. w. Ansty, pro-
minent Edna township breeders, at
an average of $500. The highest
priced animal was COW which went
to Chas. Mills. Cumberland Here
ford man. The sale was well attend
ed. 1t was held at the sale pavilion
on the Cass county fair grounds.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1918-12-04
Dreams She Hears Son i'm France
Calling Her; Size Falls Down.
stairs.

Missouri Valley, Ia.-Mrs. Con-
verse, aged "a, mother of Mrs. Geo.
l.. Goodrich, East Superior street
here, met with serious accident, as
result of dreaming that her son III
France was calling her. She sprang
from her bed while asleep, entered
the hallway and fell down a long
fight of stairs, sustaining a broken
arm and other serious injuries. Her
condition is serious.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1918-12-04
Children Earn Money for Stamps.

Charles City, Ia.-Many of the pu-
pills in the high school and grade
schools here are spending their extra
time of late in earning money for
the united war work campaign. Some
of the girls are doing housework,
cooking, and other work.
One girl offered her doll for sale.
1t was splendid one which she had
had for number of years, but while
other girls were keeping theirs, she
thought that the cause was so greaF,
she wanted to do her part.
One of the girls in the grades
earned her money by selling pop
corn balls. The boys are doing jani-
tor work, building birdhouses for
sale, and similar work. .
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1918-12-04

Some men wear stovepipe hats 20
let the hot air go up the fiue.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03
BRITISH FORCES IN COMPLETE CONTROL 0F BAGDAD REGION City Transformed Into a Busting Hive of Humani-
 ty and Traffic and
 Business Increase

London, July 1.-The British official press correspondent with the British army in Mesopotainia sends the following dis patch:
 ''Ihe Turk has been dissipated on all three@fronts during the last year. Mean while reace has rsigned in the city Of Bagdad and tho amenities of life have been multiplying for the army and for the civil population.
 Bagdad was dead, to all appearances when the British entered, March II. last year. Now, it is bustling hive of hu- manity Thousands of workmen pass through the streets early and late; the main street is paved and lighted: there is constant stream of traffic, and the sleepiest old women who haunt the streets have become adept at dodging the American motor cars, which rush through the streets.
 police force and fire department have been organized: the Old-fashioned oil lamps in the streets have been replaced by electric lights; the water supply has been improved and extended; mosques have been repaired; ro~ds have been paved, and schools. including a training school for native teachers. have been opened.
 dry weather. and sanitary officials have pet etrated the most hidden corners of the city The municipal government has been made self-supporting Two bridges have been thrown across the TiEris river.
 These are some of the changes which have come with British occupation, and come quietly and unnoticed."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03
ONLY A OUT 0F 258. .ON BOARD HOSPITAL SHIP ARE RESCUED.
Thorough Search in Waters Where Vessel Went Down Reveals No More
 Survivors

London, July 2.A thorough search of the waters in the vicinity of the spot where the Canadian hospital ship LlaE- dovery Castle was sunk by a German submarine has resulted in no further survivors being found. An official state- ment issued by the admiralty says It may be assumed that only A out of the 26S persons or board were saved.
 The admiralty statement says:
 .sThe area between the spot where the L1andovery Castle was sunk and the southwest Irish coast has cen thor oughly searched by two groups of his majesty'3 ships in addition to the De- age and one empty boat were found. It survivors from the Llandovery Castle.
 London, July a--(via Ottawa-)-Andrew Bonar Law. chancellor of the exchequer. speaking in the House of Commons to- day said that one would have thought that nothing new as regards German brutality could have happened, but the sinking of the Canadian hospital ship Llandovcry Castle was an unspeakabie outrage. Nothing could could De gained. he added. hy talking about this last ex- ample of frightfulness
 ''The wild beast is at large" said Mr. Bonar Law. There Is no use arguing or reasorlns about it. The only thing to do is 10 destroy 1t. That Is the duty. and 1t is up to all the allies to set thetr teeth until that end is s--ieved."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03
Summary of the News
GENERAL NEWS


 GENERAL NEWS 1-Pershing's army numbers more than million men now. Americans win brilliant victory on Marne front.
 City of Syracuse is rocked by great explosion in Semet-Selvay plant. Only 34 out of 25S on board Ca- madam hospital ship were saved. 2-Pernhing sends thanks of army tO builders of ships. 8-Kilby opens hls campaign with speech to homefolks. a-American. aiflnen fight wonderful battle on Marne front.
 LOCAL NEWS 6-Red Cross bull sale was great Guecese. PIedxe rep~rts Of War Savings drive slow in cening in. Miners are asked to file com pIaints with headquarters. 5-Dr. Bowling issues order to clean up restaurants.
 FEATURES l--Edff0rlal comment. eoetety and Dolly Dalrynple. N-9pOrtas @ @
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03
Pershing Congratulates Men Who Are Fighting
 on Chateau Thierry Front

With the American Army in France, July 2.--General Pershing has sent his congratulations to the American troops operating in the Chateau Thierry sec tion for their Ealinrtry in recent fight ing. His n,essaEe to the field con- mAndcr in the Chateau Thierry sector reads.
 ssPlease congratulate. in my name, the officers and men who took part in the action in the Chateau rhierry region on the afternoon of June p, when 24O prisoners and 10 machine gums were captured from the enemy"
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03
TERRIFIC COUNTER ATTACKS

thrilling mir battle between nine AmeriSan airplanes and an equal number of German machines Is reported in the Chateau Thierry section. At lenst thyee German planes were destroyed, while two American machines have failed to return from the encounter.
 On June .. the French reported they had recaptured Hill 204, a height dominating the city of Chateau Thierry. 1t appears, how ever, that the Germans have been holding nt least part of the height, ar that they have by m attack which has not been reported, suc- cceded in occupying the hill once more.
 BRITISH HOLD POSITIONS
 British forces northwest of Ai- bert have been forced to fight hnrd fo hold positions they took from the Germans sunday night. A de- tcrmined attack by the enemy at that point threatened to wrest the captured ground from the British, but heavy counter attacks flung the f0e out of all but one of the trenches hc hnd occupied.
 The French front west of the Ofse and cast of Rheims has been the scene of considerable local fighting in which prisoners were taken Dy the allied forces. The French have
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03
15,325,0OO-BALE COTTON CROP IS BUREAU FORECAST This Production Will Be Third Largest in History. Condition Was S5.S
 June 9

Washington, July 2.-A huge cotton crop is in prospect this year the department of agriculture today forecasting the pro- duction at 1s.s2s,OOo equivalent scc-pound bales. A crop of that size would bs the third largest ever grown.
 The condition of the crop on June w was ss.s per cent of a normal. or s.s per cent better than on May aS and s per cent higher than the lo-year average.
 The acreage this year comes close to the record and is exceeded only by that of lsla
 The acreage and June g condition. by states, follow;
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03

plant when the fire, the origin of which has not been ascertained, broke out The workers made efforts to subdue the flames, and later in speeding to safe ty were caught in the first of the two explosions. Men were hurled in all di- rections Two, caught between burning buildings, were blown through wall. Still alive when picked up, there was not shred of clothing on their bodies.
 SECOND EXPLOSION
 The second big explosion followed Is minutes after the first and the com bined force of the two crumpied build ings In the vicinity. The homes of work men across the road from the plant col lapsed, and the burning timbers were to the roofs of buildings across the rail- road tracks, which divide the plant in half.
 James Russo and Arthur (. Goodfellow were analysing samples in the plant when the cry of fire" called them to build ing No. l.
 Of their efforts to subdue the flames, Goodfellow said:
 STORY OF CHEMIST
 .The smoke was so thick 1t was im- possible to see much, and little explosions kept letting go inside the building. We tried the hose but could do little good There wasn't enough water to be of any use.
 We knew that big explosion was coming. and we turned and ran for our lives down the hill. We were just at the foot of it when the biz blast let 90. It knocked us both flat on our faces,'
 At midnight the flames had eaten inta the picric acid plants and was making slow headway toward the giants cf oleum.
 ! Most of the small explosions were due. according to wofkmen. to the contact oi flames with small 'nitrohers" or pul- yerizefn."
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03
More Than 800 Prisoners and Humiliation of Enemy Units Is Result of Night Battle on
 This Most Important Sector of the Front
BILLIARDS MEN ON MONTDIDIER
 LINE ALSO MAKE SUCCESSFUL RAID
Italians Continue to Repulse Austrians and Many
 of Enemy and Guns Fall Into Their Hands
By Associated Press

With the American Army France July 1.-Two successful raids broad daylight have been carried out by the Montdder region In the daylight corporal three entered post located n wheat field and took prisoner and machine gun. With the American Forces the Marne Front July 2 made by the Germans today against the positions last night by the American forces to the west Chateau Thiery completely broken The Americans did give up ground which they had captured There hot fighting today in front of Hill 204 which is in the hands Germans At o'clock this evening the artillery engaged in heavily smelling the po- stion.
 
  holding
 
 n - ata  of have Page
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03
Draft Registrants May
 Volunteer in Engineers

Washington, July 2.-Draft regis- the engineer corps. said an announce ment today by Provost Marshal Gen. eral Crowder. Request has been made by the engineer corps for a number of men with qualifications necessary for that branch.
 General Crowder specified that vol- uateer rekistrants must be white men and that nc man included in the July calls will be accepted. Resistrants of the 1918 caass will bc accepted If all time limits for Induction are waived.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03

reOccuple0 the v1uaEe or st. F1efre A1gle. southwest of Soiss0ns, which they lost three weeks ago.
 Italian forces which have been gaining important ground on the eastern side of the AsiaEo plateau have suddenly shifted their attnck to the Monte Grappa region, east of Brenta river. Important Aus trian positions have been carried and nearly 600 prisoners captured by the Italians. Cxecho-Slovak troops, fighting under the Italian flag, have taken part in the strus- &les of the last few days in the mountains.
 There is still no indication that the German offensive Is about t0 be renewed. in spite of the fact that it fs almost three weeks since the fighting north of Compeignc came to stop.
 American. British and French forces, which have been landed nt kOia on the Murmansk coast to protect vast stores transported there before the collapse of Rus- sia as factor in the war, prob ably will be called upon to face serious attack soon. Dispat from Christianfa say that Ger man and Finnish troops are push ing northward toward the cOast.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03
Railroad Administration Opens School for Training
 of Women in Office Work

Washington. July 7.Schools have been opened by the railroad administration in several cities to train women to sell tick cts at depots and consolidated city of nces. It was announced today that stu dents who graduate after ahort course will be paid salaries equal td those paid men on the sayne work, The adiministra- ton already has women employed n ticket offices in Nov. York and Wash- iuGton
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03

The explosions followed fire that had raced beyond control and spread to the TINT vats. Two of these let go. bury iny many workers under an avalanche of debris and scattered the flames to adjoining buildings At late hour to- night the flames were burning fiercely and there was danger of more explosions
 Volunteer firemen were poweriess to stay the progress of the flames. Aid was sent from Syracuse. but at midnight the water system brown down.
 shift of 800 workmen was in the
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03
Summary Of All War NelDs
By Associated Press

By Associate Hurng themselves tip salient driven into the allied the Germans late in May the Americans and French important ground Chateau Thery The local character but its import future operations in that part of the battle front Paris aimed at the hamlet of Vaux which is sit the side of the Chateau ThieyPars road and the northern slopes of Hill 204 about miles Chateau Thiey This carried by the rush of the French and Americans who also occupied small patches of woods in the immediate vicinity. TERRIFIC COUNTER ATTACKS
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03
Between 60 and 70 Are
 Killed in Explosion

London, July 2.--An explosion occurred in the national shell filling factory in the Midlands on Monday night, it was officially announced today Between co and 70 persons lost their lives.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03

attacks west of Chateau Thierry have been repulsed by the Germans. accord ing. to the official statement issued to- day. Attacks against the German lines at other points. the statement adds. also have failed. The statement reads:
 At many points along the front strong surprise firing attacks were made preliminary to enterprises launched by the enemy. which ended in their repulse.
 West of the oise and south of the Aisne, there was lively. reconnoitering activity. Strong partial attacks by the enemy south of the Ourcq and west ol Chateau Thierry were frustrated in our fighting xone.s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03
City Of Syracuse
 Rocked by Great
 Munition Explosion
At Least 16 Persons Are Killed and 200 Injured When Huge Plant of Semet-Solvay Company Is Wrecked. At Early Hour This Morning Fire Was Still Burn
 ing and Other Explosions Were Expected

Syracuse Y July 2At least 16 persons killed and 200 injured and the huge plant of the Semeovay Split Rock here virtually wrecked by two explosions of trinitrotuuo at 9:3O o'clock tonight
  buildings of this
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-03
BRITIsH

London. July ?. Field Marshal Haig's ; report from British headquarters tonight says that beyond the normal artillery activity on both sides in various sectors there was nothing of interest to report