davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
FROM p. F. NEWALL

Geo. s. Word is in receipt of the following letter from P. F. Newell, formerly farm demonstrator for Lee county:
 France, Nov 5, 1918. Dear Ole Geo.:
 I read your letter some days ago with lots of pleasure Would have I had only had time, but we are working harder after the war is over than before. It's a fact. We haven't had day that is our own. Since we came out of the line we have been recognizing, re-equipping. and various and sundry other things so it takes all the time. We have now been out for three weeks, and the 5 proceeding weeks we were fighting every day. My old division, (3OthD made some record. Went over the top seven times in three weeks I think we made old linden burg's head ache as we broke his line in its strongest point. I am feel ing great after it all is over. How ever was in hospital for two weeks from machine gun bullets in my neck It's great stuff, George, after it is all over, and even while you are in it, but I don't want any mort. Am atisfied-perfectly
 Can you imagine how happy we all are now? You must have cele- brated some in Little Old Marian na." I often think of you and all the bunch Grace wrote me that Dick Kitchens died of the flu over here. Mighty sorry. He was dandy boy, too.
 France has little, I mean this par ticular part, to recommend it except cold and mud. It is the stickiest mud in the world too. Of course, Gay Paree' is worthwhile, but l have been unable to get down there yet We fought at Ypres, Belgium and St. Quentine. France. Have been with the British all the time, to-, Think we join our own army soon. Hope so.
 You must be right in the midst of the bird season. We have lots of quail here, and larger than ours, blu, cannot shoot them, of course. Am anxious to get back and go with you again on a good hunt.
 Give my regards to the bunch. Write soon.
 Most sincerely.
 DOC.
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
A HARD LUCK STORY

Geo S Word, local representative of the Pierce Oil Corporation, has reason to believe an evil star is pre- siding over his destinies and that a combination of adverse circumstances is conspiring to thwart his efforts to supply his customers with the pc troleum products so essential to mod ern life. A year ago an auto truck used by Mir. Word in making deliv- cries to points in the county. was de stroyed by fire this side of Rondo. He subsequently, purchased a new truck and operated it until Tuesday of this week when it, too, went up in smoke, with no gallons of gasoline and 100 gallons of kerosene. The loss of the truck the gas, oil and cans was heavy enough, but what hurts still more is the fact that MT. Word had just expended more than a hundred dollars in repairs on the truck Then to add insult to injury, the one-horse wagon he put in serv- ice following the loss of his auto truck was wrecked Tuesday morning by runaway team hitched to the Griffis-Newbern wagon. Between fires and the run-aways George says he is having regular Hun of time.
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
JUDGE PLUMMER AGAIN HEADS MASONIC LODGE
REELECTED WoRsHiPFUl MAS TER FOR ENSUING YEAR-ALL OFFICERS TO BE INSTALLED ON DECEMBER 27.

At the regular meeting of the Ma sonic Lodge of Marianna the other night officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:
 J. A. Hummer. Worshipful Master; Bruce Mulkey. Senior Warden: J. w. Jones. Junior Warden; J. B. Grove, Treasurer; c. J. Gregory, Secretary. The Worshipful Master appointed the following members to subordinate of fees: Arthur Martin, Senior Dea- con; T. J. Leake, Junior Deacon; J. S. Moates, Tiler; Houston Potts. Sen for Steward; J. F. Dowdy. Junior Steward; Rev. c. c. Burke, Chaplain
 At a special meeting to be held on Friday night, December 27, St. Johns Day, the new officers will be install ed.
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
NAMES DROPPED
 FROM SUB. LIST
couRIER-iNDEx IS DISCONTINUE ED TO THOSE WHOSE Su5- SCRlPTIONS HAVE EXPIRED WATCH LABEL ON PAPER

Last week the names of half a dozen subscribers were dropped from the CourierIndex mailing list be- cause the subscriptions had expired. This week other names come off the list. We are confident each of these subscribers desires to continue talk ing the paper, but under our cash-in- advance system. which we are rigidly enforcing, we cannot keep the names on our list after the time for which payment is made expires. The labels on the papers show the day. the month and the year to which sub- scriptions are paid Every week the subscriber receives the paper he has an opportunity to know how his subscription stands. Suppose, while you are reading this, you look at the label on your paper and note the ex- piration date. If it is within the next week or month why not mail or hand in your renewal now. We are doing our best to make the Cour- ier-Index worth every penny charged for it. At $2 year the price of the paper to you is less than four cents a week. If you are in business in Lee county, you can hardly afford to do without the paper for the reason that every week we publish the price list put out by the interpretative board of Lee county, under the fed eral food administration. No other means of publicity is given to this price list. If you fail to take the paper and keep yourself posted on the margin of profits allowed under the prices fixed by the board, you may violate the law, and though ig- norant, you will none the less have to pay the penalty.
 In more ways than one 1t will pay you to be regular reader of the Courier-Index, and to keep your sub scription paid in advance all the time.
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
MISS MEckIE FAIRFAX DEAD

On last Thursday afternoon at five o'clock Miss Meckie Farrar aged 66 years, died at the home of her brother, J. P. Farrar, in this city, after a brief illness of pneumonia. Miss Farrar was stricken with influ- enza, which rapidly went into pneu- ponia. Funeral services over her re- mains were held Friday afternoon by the Rev, c. l.. Hammock. pastor of the first Baptist church. followed by mterment in Cedar Heights cemetery. MISS Farrar came to this county with her parents in 1872 She was born m Limestone County, Ala. After the ueath of her parents she went to oprlngdale, Ark, where she resided With a sister until the death of the atter Is years ago, since which tune she has made her home with with her brother, J. P. Farrar, in this clty' There were eleven of the Far Tar children and with her death only one surVives-J. P. Farrar. In ad- luton to her brother she is survived large number of nieces and nephews. She was an excellent chris ian woman and was loved by all who knew her.
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
ANNUAL ROLL CALL
 RED CROSS MEMBERS
,,uo BECAME MEMBERS IN a1,ve LAST CHRISTMAS ARE ',,ro UPON TO RENEW 1ueIR OBLIGATION.

,,nual Christmas Roll Call .So Red Cross membership begins
 Y. next Monday and will continue
 ou .n saturday night. In the big
 ns on,hership drive year ago nearly
 '~o thousand people in Lee county
 snlisted as members of the great or sauiyation, paying the regular mem { .ah;n dues of one dollar. This Usar the heads of the organization
 .re nut on a campaign designated as .so annual roll call for the week be-
 a'n,inp December 16, during which tme every man, woman and child .ho @ is already enrolled as a member ostad to renew their membership, and those who have not been affiliat- ad with the organization are asked |.S nocome members by the payment of the annual dues of one dollar. R D. Jarratt is chairman of the roN call drive for Lee county. He has placed enrolment blanks in prac- |tically every place of business in Ma dianna and has supplied township obairmen with the necessary blanks.
 Already hundreds of citizens have en- ,olled again as members of the Red Cross and it is expected by the close of next week Lee county will roll up at least 2,5O0 members in the great Red Cross.
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
Lovingly,
TURNED SON FROM DOOR
WAYNE.

Waukegan, H., Dec. g. Mrs. Jas. Johnson of Gurne, motioned to a man on the front porch and called. We want no agents here" The man smiled. Mrs. Johnson turned pale, then threw her arms about his neck.
 George. my son, George!"
 George Johnson came back to the old home after 33 years in search of his fortune. His father, the late James Johnson, had not approved of Georges plans to become carpenter or work in Waukegan store. He wanted George to be farmer, sO the boy went away.
 He was then just 21. He went to the North Michigan woods, and then drifted west. At Ponderay, Mont, he owns a large sheep, cattle and horse ranch, is married and has seven chil- dren. But he never came home until recently. Then he stopped off on the way to Chicago with car of cattle.
 A schoolmate, George Dalzell drove him to his old home in a buggy. He has been renewing old friendships here.
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
METHODIST CHURCH

We are fully organized Tor the work of the new year. The boards of Trustees and Stewards met on Wednesday night, and arranged TOT the various interests of the church to go on in an organized way.
 All the regular hours for worship will be observed on next Sunday The church expects every man to do his duty, and attendance upon the ordinances of the church is one od those duties. Meet with us and help have a profitable day.
 w0MACK. Pastor
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
MISS LONE STRAIN

On last Sunday afternoon at San Angelo, Texas Miss lone Strain, aged 54 years, daughter of Mrs. Mary E. Strain and sister of J. E Strain of this city, died of tuberculosis. Her remains were brought here, accom- panied by Mrs. Strain and Mir. Strain, reaching Marianna Wednesday after noon. Funeral services were conduct ed at the Christian church by the Rev. Jno. A. Womack, pastor of the First Methodist church, followed by interment in Cedar Heights cemetery. The pail bearers were R. l.. Nixon, w. J. Shorten. Henry Cobb, Geo. Patterson, R. l.. Blair and J. O. Payne.
 Miss Strains condition became serf- ous about four months ago, and ten weeks ago she went to San Angelo, accompanied by her mother, in the hope the climate of Western Texas would improve her health. However, her condition was such that medical skill and climate could do her no good. On Thursday of last week J. 
 k. Strain was advised that the end was near and he left immediately for San Angelo. arriving there Saturday night.
 Miss Strain had been a consecrated christian since her girlhood and had become perfectly resigned to death, and passed into the Great Beyond fully confident that she was going to a better and brighter world.
 She was born near Nashville, Tenn, and came to Arkansas with her family ten years ago, locating at Forrest City. Eight years ago the family moved to Marianna, since which time she made her home here She was a sweet, christian character devoted to her family. friends and to her church.
 In addition to her mother and brother, who reside here, she is sur viyed by one sister. Mrs. V. k. Brink ley of Nashville, Tenn, who, with her daughter, Mrs D. A. Beezley of Mem phis, came to Marianna to attend the funeral
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
HOLD ROADS FIVE
 YEARS, SAYS M'ADOO
RETIRING DIRECTOR GENERAL ADVISES THOROUGH TRIAL OF GOVERNMENT oPERATIoN-To AVERT HASTY ACTION.

Washington, Dec. 11.-Continuance of government control of railroads for five years, or until January 1. 1924, was recommended today by Di- rector General McAdoo in a letter to the chairmen of the Senate and House Interstate Commerce Commit tees. This would permit fair trial of government operation, said MT. McAdoo, and eliminate the unsettled conditions under which the railroads must be operated during the next year or two if their status Is not changed materially by Legislation.
 This recommendation is not made in support of any theories concerning the best ultimate policy of running the railroads. MT. McAdoo explained. but only to give the nation time to form it's ideas carefully.
 The director general said that it IS impossible to retain the roads under government control for 21 months after the declaration of peace with out further legislation, owing to che strain on the morale of officers and employees. He told of the difficulty of obtaining comprehensive legisla- tion of the subject soon.
 President Wilson in his recent ad- dress to Congress said he was unable to decide what should be done witn the railroads. and asked congress to take up the question immediately. He said that unless action was forth coming he would be forced to turn back the roads to private manage ment
 Acting under this plan the railroad administration has been preparing to relinquish control of the railroads and it was the general understanding that the administration would wait two or three months before starting the relinquishment proceedings to give congress a chance to act. Re cent developments have shown the difficulty of determining a policy at this time. according to railroad of ficials.
 Most railroad owners and manag- CTS are said to have urged that the roads be relinquished, but under some sort of remedial legislation giv. ing them power to pool their resourc- es and eliminate wasteful competition There have been no important advo- cates of restoration of the old con ditions Friends of government own ership have just begun to renew agi- tation for retention by the govern meet of permanent control and later purchase of the roads property.
 When the railroad control bill was enacted. MT. McAdoo urged that the period of control not be limited to Fl months after the formal close of the war He said this would not give opportunity for a real test of government At that time he oppos- ed government ownership.
 Recently he again expressed disap- pointment that government manage ment had such limitations, saying that there was danger of the railroad question becoming a political issue in the election of 1920 This would be unfortunate. he said, because the railroad question is purely economic.
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ooou attendance last Sabbath. All ". yur services as usual next Sunday. 7 lne pastor feels grateful to the ladies :. the church and friends for their thoughtful kindness and helpfulness Ans Mrs. Johnston's recent-engage- "' With the flu. She is getting up
 u VIII soon be back in the work eain Pastor breaches at Yarber "ooi house next Sunday afternoon % 'hree o'clock. A church confer ence following.
 subject at night, 7:15, "Our Neigh. 's Who they are. How to treat % n, a The second sermon from Matt ,a. ,Oo-aS A bright gospel song serv- sn we shall be glad to meet you ' "u our services next. Sunday. 1azsn " K InxIMCrQM uau&0r
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
CARD OF THANKS

To the many friends who so sweet ly and tenderly sympathized with us in the death of our daughter and sister, Miss lone Strain. and to those who looked after the funeral arrange ments here and did everything in their power to lessen our grief, we wish to extend our sincere thanks and to commend them to the Great God of us all who alone can bless.
 MRS. MARY E. STRAIN. s14p J. k. STRAIN.
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
A DIP INTO THE FUTURE

The government proposes to en- courage the production of the air planes, according to the report from Washington.
 Maybe you sniffed at this item of news, thinking it is more tomfool- cry" which the government is engag ed in. For you don't believe now that the airplane will come into com mon use.
 Without venturing a prediction as to the popularity of the flying trans portation system of the future. this begs to call to your recollection the letters you wrote in for publication 10 or 12 years ago in which you ad- vocated measures to keep the few strange and noisy motor cars then sputtering about town off the streets.
 You wanted to ride downtown be- hind "old Baldy" without the menace of a "chugging" motor car to disturb the established order of migration.
 You remember, of course, how you pointed the finger of scorn at the dreamer who predicted that motor cars would come into common use.
 Of course, if you were going to write an order for an airplane today, you wouldn't know whether to call it a roadster" a runabout or a limou- sine. But for that matter, ten years ago you didn't know the difference between runabout ard touring car, and you refused to pronounce the word limousine in public for fear of making spectacle of yourself. Now, just see how glibly you talk of the different styles.
 You are sure today that you do not intend to invest in an airplane, be- cause you say the motor car "gets you over the ground as fast as you want to go."
 But it seems only yesterday that you had your first ride in motor car, and you held your breath anu clenched your teeth until they need ed the attention of a dentist-you were such "fraidcat."
 When some gay blade rode by in a motor car at IS or 20 miles an hour you exclaimed: 'Tt's a wonder more fools are not killed by these rich ducks riding around here in these things" That was only yesterday, and last night the motor cop threat ened to arrest you for exceeding the speed limit
 You were sure then that the street car would get you over the ground as fast as you wanted to go, but to- day you. are thinking of trading in your second or third car for another one-"one with little more pep"
 If you want to buy now, you can buy gay little airplane runabout, say, for $5.O00 or so, or. if you want one of the nifty seven passenger kind you can get it, maybe. for something like $25 1000.
 But if you have old fashioned no tions about 1t. don't buy now. Wait a few years until the mail carriers in the rural routes begin to drop their letters in the back yard from the air --Kansas City Star.
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
REFUSED TO DIsPERsE

A young Irish constable the first time he was placed on his beat ar rested a man for disorderly conduct When stating his case at the police court he was asked by the magistrate this question:
 Did you give this man warning before taking him into custody?"
 "Oi did, yer honor. Oi said to him. Disparse, and he rayfuseG Z" Boston Transcript
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
SCHOOL NOTES
(By a Student)


 The Parents Day Exercise given last Friday afternoon by tte first grade unuor Mrs. \ B. Stewart. teacher, and Mrs. Goldstein, principle, were among the most interesting and entertaining exercises given by any classes this year Mrs. Goldstein first gave a short talk to the parents on the methods now being used to teach the little people, showing them that the work of cutting and building, and the bookless method of teaching them to read, called vizualization, are not merely kindergarten methods to keep them out of mischief, but real ways of teaching them construction and to grasp what they see before them
 Parents were amazed at the ex out the program. They read and re- cited with much more expression than many grown folks. and the best part was that they really understood what they were giving.
 First came the opening speech by little Sarah Hewitt. Then prayer by all, after which came song by all, "The Gingaboo Man" under Miss Wells.
 Next, Mrs Stewart gave an illus, tration of their reading "by the fami- lies" as they call it; and their read- ing from the chart. The visitors were much impressed by the splendid progress made in reading.
 The next part of the program was a soldier drill by al: the children, led by one of the little boys. Then fol lowed stories told by the children, counting by blocks and pieces of pa per. more reading and singing, physi- cal culture exercise, number work, writing work, little lullaby by the girls with their dolls, and Japanese song by them with their fans, aud a partmg speech by little Pauline Beau champ. Mir. MacChesney gave a short talk to the parents on intercss in and cooperation with the school, and they were dismissed.
 All expressed greatest appreciation of all the work and exercises, and marveled at the interest shown Dy the children. the variety of the pro- gram and the time in which the llt' tie folks were taught The teachers were congratulated on their excellen, work with them.
 If will perhaps be of interest to patrons to know that tardiness IS being so steadily eliminated from the school that this month we just nad twenty-two tardies over the whoie building-only two from the seventh grade up The general average has been 90. This is the best report we have had up to date.
 *****S
 The Christmas holidays will begin on Friday. December 20, and last uh- iii the thirtieth. Heretofore parents have been wont to take students out of school a week or so before the holidays. This has seriously inter ferred with their school work and the faculty urges that such moves VIII not be taken this year, and 1urthef warns students that if they wilfuiiy stay out they will receive zero on all subjects for the week.
 &&&a &&
 The program that was to have been given by Miss Sadie Wright's class in aesthetic dancing on Friday nigh' has been postponed until Friday night, December 20
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
CARD OF THANKS

: we hereby wish to extend our thanks to our friends for their A'nuhess and sympathy shown us uulihg the illness and death of our s's'er and aunt; also for the beauti. 'ui lioral offerings May God bless you all is our sincere prayer.
 J. P. FAIRFAX,
 WIFE AND FAMILY
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
FROM THE TRENCHES

A lady told us true story of a soldiers wit-that a soldier in hos pital on recovering consciousness said:
 Nurse, what's this on my head? ?'' Vinegar cloths,' she replied. 'Yod have had fever"
 After a pause.
 And what is this on my chest?" "A mustard plaster. You have had pneumonia
 And what is this at my feet?"
 Salt bags. You have had frost bite"
 A soldier from the next bed look ed up and said:
 Hang the pepper box to his nose. nurse. and then he'll be a cruet."- Strand Magazine.
The courier-index., 1918-12-13

Some of the monks of Tibet are still printing books in the manner followed few hundred years ago when printing was done from carved blocks of wood.
The courier-index., 1918-12-13
FROM WAYNE MURDOCH

Mrs. J. B. Hood of Gassett is in receipt of the following letter from
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1918-06-12
BABY HIT
BY TRAIN

Struck by engine No. 1876 of
1.-THE Tacoma and Eastern while at
tempting to cross the tracks near
Allison, the 18-months-old baby
lgirl Of Mr.. and Mrs. Frank f.
Breneman was cut to pieces by
the passing train Tuesday after
noon.
The child had left the house of
its parents close to the railroad
tracks and had started across
the track to meet its older broth
er, but a sharp turn In the track
just near the Breneman home
completely obscured Engineer
Hurd's lew of the child and his
train passed over her before he
could apply his brakes. The body
was brot into Tacoma and ID at
the Buckley-King parlors.
At the time OF the accident the
father, who works at the Clover
Creek Lumber mill had not re-
turned from work.
The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1918-06-12
Autos of Yesterday

Thomas A. Edison, the electri-
cal wizard, was the first well
known American to prophesy that
the automobile would revolution
ize transportation. Nearly 25
years ago he is quoted in the New
York World: THE horseless We
hicle IL the coming wonder. Ten
years from now We will be able
to buy a horseless vehicle for what
you would have to pay today for
wagon and a pair of horses. The
money spent in the upkeep of the
horses will be saved. A great in
vention, which facilitates COM
merce, enriches a country just as
much as discovery of gold"
In 1896 Barnum & Bailey an
nounced that they would exhibit
turnout the country "horseless
vehicle"
1t is hard to conceive that in
1896 there were but four auto
mobiles in the United States.
o o o
In 1898 gasoline sold for 6
cents a gallon.
o o o
In July, 1898, the news is given
that a plant would be built to turn
out "one motor carriage a week"
o o o
Gen. Nelson A. Miles, Chaun-
cey M. Depew and John Jacob
Astor were judges Of the second