davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune., 1921-06-05

dren~--of Irish, Italian and Polish stock
than Protestant children available for
adoption, and fewer Catholic homes seeking
children. American Protestant children are
in greatest demand and most difficult to find.
Moreover, prospective foster parents demand
perfect child, without apparent handicap as
to sight, hearing or use of limb; lamb with
out bemishl The children who fall into
child-placing agencies are only too often dirty,
shockngly neglected and in need of medical
attention. A few months later, under the
effects Of good nourishment and kind treat
ment, curves and dimples have taken the
place of hollows and the childs entire nature
has blossomed out. Scrutinizing collection
Of before and after adoption" pictures of
children leads one to conclude, however re-
luctantly, that only the lack of care, clothes
and proper grooming distinguish the gutter
snpe from little arstocrat.
Pretty little girls of three years of age are
much to be desired, but sometimes a boy can
be substituted, if young enough but boys
from six to ten difficult to place. On
such trif1es as becoming haircut or hair
ribbon may hang a chids chance for rejec-
tion or acceptance, since it is a pregnant
moment when the foster parents survey child
for the first time. Sometimes they come, with
hearts full of sorrow for the child they have
lost, anxious for another as like their own as
possible to ill the empty place. But expert
ence shows that such substitution seldom
works; that if the child who died was a girl
of eight the bereaved parents had best pre-
pare to open their hearts to boy of four.
Applications to adopt children from
all sorts of people, in every rank of life; and
sometimes investigation shows that the
quest for child, especially for already
fairly we'll grown, operates a cloak to
cure a household drudge who will work with
out wages; even for less worthy purpose
But, fortunately, the ladies at the heads of all
child placing agencies are women of the high
est caliber, soEcitous only for the greatest
welfare, spiritual and temporal, of every
child that comes within their province. Natu-
rally, with nowhere near enough babies to fill
the empty arms that long to hold them, the
child placing agencies can afford to be par
tcular when the career of particularly
choice specimen is being weighed in the bal
once. home with two nice young parents
in the country, with green grass, and flowers
N everything, is to be selected in preference
to placing the child with an old maid in a
city apartment, whose desire is to see some
thing young playing around to cheer her lone
New-York tribune., 1921-06-05

into the presence of the man who could aid
her she had changed her mind. She hadn't
even dared to tell him the truth, to admit that
she herself was the applicant Why? Had
she felt some sudden attraction toward this un-
known, who had talked so sympathetically with
her and had seemed for moment to be inter-
ested in her fate?
Not the least in the world! But then, two
y>uths had smiled at each other, and that was
enough to rid her If her desire to go away
She wouldn't return to that clear, bright Office
in which he had received her. She would prob
ably never see him again. But cut of that
brief interview had come an idea of compelling
force.
To go away! To exile herself and seek be-
yond the seas different destiny, troubled un-
doubtedly with the same inquietudes? Zone
can do ones duty anywhere" the young man
had said, in his calm, sure voice. She no
longer saw life under the same desolate aspect.
Hope had revived in her heart
Because she had suffered, because she had
shed the first tears of dsillusionment, she had
believed that there was no longer either loyalty
or justice on earth Now she thought diff
ferently.
Go away! What was the use? Spring sang
it's cradle song-the eternal words which we
listen to and only half believe. There was an
immediate promise of joy in the air. She
wouldn't go. She would try to meet again on
her old pathway the changing visage of hap
piness.
The odor of the red roses was with her still.
New-York tribune., 1921-06-05

Also if you cherish any desire lawfully
to lombard a thoroughfare with ashes,
vegetables, dross, cinders, shells, straw,
shavings, paper, dirt or rubbish, you'll
have to get this section amended.
Wisely and sternly the charter for
bids the swinging of Indian clubs as
Sunday exhibition. In Section 1481 it
also prohibits the performance of "any
tragedy, comedy opera, ballet, farce,
negro minstrelsy negro or other dane
ing, wrestling, boxing, with or without
gloves, sparring contests, trials of
strength, Or any circus, equestrian or
dramatic performance or exercise, or
any performance or exercise or Jug
glers, acrobats or rope dancers" The
attention of the committee is called to
the fact that some one forgot the motion
picture and the automobile.
Discrimination of Section 1883
against the theaters which are pronib-
tied from serving wine, beer or strong
o.. spirituous liquors" might also be con-
New-York tribune., 1921-06-05

sidered by the revisers, especially since
the section adds that the Police De-
partment may permit the same to be
sold or furnished while concerts, con-
sisting of vocal or instrumental music
only are being given"
II female tries to sell you strong
drink at concert, repel her sternly and
inform her in chilly accents that the
above mentioned Section 1883 says she
can't.
Don't skin your cows within the city
limits. Refrain from faying horses, bone
boiling, bone grinding and such appar-
emily innocent pastimes, for Section
1912 forbids you
And don't drive your "cattle, sheep,
swine, pigs or calves through the streets
or avenues of the City of New York"
until the committee has revised Section
1927, which probably will be a long
long time after the question of police in
spection of the cock and rat pits has
been decided for good and all.
New-York tribune., 1921-06-05
JUNE, THE GOOD LUCK MONTH

Juniores, or members of the Lower House
named for juno perhaps that is why he chose
that month for his daughters wedding.
That June should be a favorite month for
weddings is explicable from its character
the month of roses and other flowers; although
the beginning of May the time of the
Floralia festival of the old Romans. Still the
partially for June has never been as marked
or as general as the avoidance of May. While
the Romans preferred June, the Greeks greatly
inclined to January. The Russians have long
had a belief, said to have come down from
the early Eastern Church, that weddings at
Easter bring wealth, at Ascension Day health,
at Whtsuntide domestic felicity and at Trim
ity Sunday many offspring.
The custom of throwing old shoes after the
bride is of comparable antiquity, though it has
assumed many different forms. We have
already quoted Ben Jonson's reference to it
in his "Masque of the Gypses," and it was
then very old. Among the Jews, probably be-
fore our era, it was customary to carry
slipper, preferably one we'll worn, at the head
of wedding procession, in token of the COM
plete subsection of the bride to her husband;
though it is not known that it was indicative
of his use of it after the orthodox manner of
inficting chastsementl The same custom of
carrying a slipper or sandal has prevailed
from ancient times among other Oriental peo-
pies, and is still familiar. Among the Mes
torians it was once the custom for the groom
to kick the bride and for her then to remove
New-York tribune., 1921-06-05

main immune to outside influence and
weigh this matter purely on it's merits.
Section 1911 manifestly requires re-
vision. This also deals with lodging
houses and provides nor shall any
horse, cow, calf, swine, pig, sheep or
goat be kept in said house." Why there
should be this prejudice against the
neeker domestic creatures and no op-
position to the rest of the animal king
dom from aard-varks or zebus is some
thing the committee will do we'll to in
vestigate. 1t is clear that the city to-
day needs more of the pastoral spirit
expressed by the presence of few cows
or goats in every dwelling, despite the
annoyance attendant on walking one
hundred yards to and from the hay
stack.
If you want to melt ice on the pave
ment before your home by placing salt
thereon, you had better petition the
charter revision committee. Section
1456 of that document says you mustn't.
New-York tribune., 1921-06-05
:. HILnLEss couple. has it ever been

HILDLESS couple, has it ever been
f suggested to you that you were on
u 4 the brink of selfish, self-sufficient
.,as,e age, with no excitement to jar your
$50 lives save that occasioned by bowl
!, eoldfish and dog named Gypg That for
!. preservation of your own soul, and in the
..,s Of humanity, you ought to adopt some
essla unwanted baby? Somebody on whom
:. might practice your theories for child cul-
srs and to whom, in days to come, you might
~msteIy bequeath the right to bear your
.sns and inherit all the family portraits?
And. due deliberstion having been had, have
-, +wo of you, hand-in-hand, approached one
,ss child placing agencies reported to cater
..,sively to the elite trade? True. you to-
sAsr hoasted but a slender competency in
j. matter of worlds goods; but you both had
..,,s education, combined with q nice sense
: snmor And, in all simplicity, you expected
:, bs invited right in to take your pick of all
IA rste little orphans in stock.
And didn't it come as the shock of your life
,uhsn the Presiding Parsonage glanced over
r,pr credentials, which would pass you with
.,nal facility into the D. A. R.. the Union
ra.gpe Club, or the Court of st. James's, and
.nnssred not impressed? If she had been
ssbv. she wouldn't have picked you out as
nsrents, But honors are even; you wouldn't
..ve chosen her, either, so there.
aWen?" she says. What have you in
mind"
You had come quite definite as to require
repts: having made sure that all conditions
II beredity were as they should be, you might
bring Yourself to accept.a little girl, blue eyed,
veIlow cured, between the ages of two and
.hree: past the troublesome teething and cry
re stages, but still young enough to be
cunning.
The Parsonage shakes her head pityingly.
She doesn't say poor sinp." such epithet be-
ng without her vocabulary, but she looks it.
"You know, of course she says-You didn't
know. equally of course,--as she turns over
the leaves Of her record, that the demand
for girls over boys is as three to one? l see
1877 applications before yours on the waiting
list for baby girls
Twas ever thus, you reflect; inevitably your
taste led your footsteps, in shopping expe-
ditions, toward that which was most choice
and most rare.
But she continues, over tortoise-rimmed
lorgnette, 81 see there is a boy available in
Massachusetts,. A Boston family with sum-
mer home in Stockbridge have set their hearts
on him; but our investigators deputed to look
.am up have unearthed the fact of great
uncle on the wife's side who once had to take
the Kelley cure; so, of course, that bars them
out. We can't be too careful, you understand"
I'VE understand" you agree hoarsely, as
the thought goes through you like knife that
New-York tribune., 1921-06-05
(Continmed from page one)

persons for less than one week at a
time-may not yet appreciate the situa-
ton that will confront them when the
committee takes up Section 1910 in a
serious way.
All lodging-house keepers, this pro-
vides, shall we'll and sufficiently to the
satisfaction of the Health Department
whitewash the walls and ceilings there
of at least once every year.
Persons who have dwelt temporarily
in rooms not thoroughly and tastefully
whitewashed can appreciate the vital
nature of this section. A lobby may be
formed by several of the great hotel
owners, all of whose establishments
come under the classification of lodging
houses, to urge revision of this meas
ure. 1t is probable that the whitewash
ring will oppose any amendment. 1t is
to be hgoed that the committee may re-
New-York tribune., 1921-06-05

anasy May vs rsdds june sssssdsa ~sssns
w specially propitious? And why,
oh, why should old shoes be flung
after and, indeed, at the bride? What say the
poets?
Marry IN May,
And rue the day,
But, on the other hand:
Morry ia June.
Au life be IN tae1le.
All three of these superstitions are hoary
with age. They were already antquated
when the legend about st. Swithins Day was
invented 1t might be too much to say that
they are as old as marriage itself. But they
certainly antedate the classic age. Thus
Ovid, in his "Fasti," refers to what he de-
scribes as the familiar belief that May is
bad month in which to marry. And the same
poet after careful investigation of the various
time of his own daughters wedding, because,
as he said, it was good to the man and happy
to the maid"
1t might indeed be explained that May is
unfavorable, because the month was named
for Maia, the mother of Mercury, one of the
many fair but frail damsels for whom Jupiter
broke his wedding vows; and that June is
favorable, because named for Juno, the model
of conjugal constancy and virtue. But the
rect. May was so called by Romulus in honor
of the Majores, or Senators, of Rome, and
June was named by him in honor of the
New-York tribune., 1921-06-05

one seeking to adopt child. First, catch your
child! Strange it may seem, while our
so-called orphan" asylums and sundry pr-
vate institutions, subsidized by the state, ap-
pear full of homeless, unwanted children, in
vestigation shows that about IS per cent of
these have relatives who expect ultimately to
reclaim them. A widower often finds his chill
dren an embarrassing incumbrance; but it
may be that by putting Antonio and Theresa
"in college," as the term goes, and paying
only a small amount for their support, the
cost of maintenance may be met until such
time as they are old enough to obtain "work-
ing papers" and rejoin their father and step
mother as an asset rather than liability.
All child-placing agencies work primarily
New-York tribune., 1921-06-05
By lean Berthe
7 Translated By William L. McPhers

Translated By William L. Mcpherson
Copyright. 1921. New York Tribune Inc
~ HE was tall young woman, with pale
cheeks and dark hair. She entered the
office on the ground floor, where the
minor officials had their quarters and
asked If she could speak to the Colonial Serv-
ice Director.
Yes, but you will have to wait some time
half an hour, possibly three-quarters."
"I'l wait" she said.
She took seat on a bench where some
others were already waiting. There was
working woman, who had baby on her
arm; also a very old Sister of Charity and
Two soldiers with worn tunics. Although it
was o'clock in the afternoon, the electric
Lghts had to be turned on in the gloomy, ill
cared-for room, and they brought out all it's
uglness
Marthe closed her eyes and asked herself
once more why she had come. She was as
tonshed at the ease with which she had de-
cided to take fresh start in life. A disap-
polntment, shattered dream, Certainly she
anew well that such setbacks are common
IN the lives of over-sensitive people who let
lhelr hearts carry them away too quickly
IN the hard competition for happiness.
others take up the struggle again and buoy
themselves up with eternal hope. But she,
through weakness or pride, had renounced
nat bitter effort. What she sought now was
another sky-and forgetfulness.
Plunged in her reverie, she didn't notice that
aer companion had left the bench and that she
was sitting there alone. A door opened and
! ah employee approached her.
The director has been called out. You will
NOT be able to see him to-day. But his secre-
'sry will receive you"
1t made little difference to her. She fol-
owed her guide through a corridor that
seemed lnterminable. Then she found herself,
",'nout knowing how, in clear, bright room,
whose windows opened on garden. A young
@ah arose and bowed to her. On his desk was
bouquet of fresh red roses.
You want some information"
she felt embarrassed To speak of herself
aud tell her story seemed utterly impossible
'esertheless, his courteous manner inspired
''nncence She answered, after slight hesi-
4 lstion:
les. 1t is for friend of mine who thinks
v expatriating herself. She is of my age
.'enty-two-and consequently legally major
s4u iree She has diplomas, speaks several
@Hsuages and doubtless could be of some
4 ~ssee wherever you sent her.
oountess," the young man repeated. "We
'e'u' IN fact, all kinds of assistance all sorts
sialng workers. Let your friend make out
'0fnlal application and will do what is
Vessary, | promise you, to obtain prompt
I sas~er for her,
ihank your said Marthe Lesner, with a
a'sace that conveyed her gratitude.
Since your friend is free,' the young man
'ntnued, "she will have good opportunity
establish herself satisfactorily, if she be-
i vines acclimatized in her new place of resi-
/ 'se. Ie encourage marriages among the
New-York tribune., 1921-06-05

from his foot the sandal with which he had
kicked her. Some Jews struck their brides
light blows with a slipper, as a token that
they must thereafter be submissive to their
will, In Russia it was an ancient custom for
the groom on the wedding night to require the
bride to kneel before him and pull off his
boots. In one of the boots was a small whip,
and in the other a purse Of money. If she
pulled off first the boot containing the whip,
he struck her with the lash, as a token that
she might thereafter expect frequent fog
gings; while if she first disclosed the purse,
he would lavish gifts upon her and their do
mestic life would be happy. variant Of
this was practiced by Martin Luther, who,
after performing the wedding ceremony, took
off shoe of the bridegroom and placed it upon
the brides pillow, as reminder that she must
always be subservient to her husband.
The wedding ring, now so essential part
of the service and SO Indispensable an object,
seems to have come into use at a compare
lively recent date, aE1 20 have had at first
less significance than now. 1t was given as
only one among various presents and, as an
emblem of eternity, was meant to indicate the
lasting nature of the marital vows. Among our
Anglo-Saxon ancestors it was the custom for
the prospective bridegroom, on becoming be-
trothed to his intended bride, to give her GER
tain presents called we'd or pledge: from
which word the word wedding" is derived.
An essential part of this ''wed" was a ring,
which was placed upon the girls right hand;
in brief, engagement ring as we now know
1t. That ring was never removed, under pain
of breaking the engagement until the wed
ding, when the bridegroom. himself removed it
and placed it upon the left hand, to serve as
the wedding ring. Then he placed it upon
each Of the four fingers IN succession, saying
at the first "In the name Of the Father" at
the second "In the name of the Son." at the
third "And in the name of the Holy Ghost"
and at the fourth Amen
An old Scottish custom, now practically if
not entirely extinct, was that of "creeling'
the bridegroom. 1t was practiced on the day
after the wedding. Early in the morning,
often before the newly married couple had
arisen, the neighbors focked to the door, and
summoned the bridegroom to appear. Then
they seized him, bound upon his back a large
creel, or basket, and filled it with stones.
Thus laden, he was compelled to run, at
least to walk, about the town until his wife
saw fit to run after him, overtake him, and
kiss him; when he was relieved Of his burden.
The distance which his wife let him run be-
fore releasing him was variously interpreted
as indicative of the strength of her affection
tor him, of her bashfulness and of her sense
of humor This custom strictly enforced,
the man who was last ''creeled' having charge
Of directing and experimenting its infiction
uDon the next who was married
Burdensome and even painful as some Of
these ancient customs were, it may be that
some couples of the present day would find
them less grievous and embarrassing than
some of the more sophisticated practises Of
The twentieth century.
New-York tribune., 1921-06-05

on the principle that a child belongs with it's
own people and aim to keep families together,
not to separate them. There are exceptional
cases, it is true, but to pursue any other
policy would be disastrous to society
generally.
But from the ranks Of the remaining IS
per cent in the institutions who have no ties,
likewise from the number of illegitimate and
unwanted children whose mothers desire to
give them up as soon as born, it is not easy
to find the child one seeks. In the first place,
the rule is that adoption, when practicable,
shall be by giving to persons of the same re-
igious faith as the natural parents of the
child. There are many more Catholic chill
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-08-30
s'Frosting"


When Wally Woodchuck and
his wife arrived at the top Of the
mountain, which had changed to
q brown, rocky mountain, it hadn't
rained for days and days, and they
hadn't had a drink for dear knows
when.
Hurry, Mrs. Woodchuck," urged
Wally. we've just a few moro
feet to climb, then we can taste the
white frosting that seems to be SO
thick everywhere, and start back
home. One thing sure, Mr.. Sprinkle
Blow has kept his promise about
The rain. Not a drop since we left!'
Wally took a few more steps and
reached the white stuff that he
thought was frosting and dug his
lace down deep to take a large bite.
Suddenly he gave a whistle of de-
light. "Oh. JIMMY" he cried lick
Ing his parched lips. Hurry up.
Mrs. Woodchuck, it's snow. I see
what Sprinkle-Blow meant when he
said 1t was frosting. What he really
meant was frost. I'm, yum! It's
better than spring water!" and Wal
ly licked up a mouthful. In fact, he
and Mrs. Wally ate snow until they
thought they would burst.
Sprinkle-B Blow on his magic UNI
brella said to Nancy and Nick in
their Green Shoes (they had follow
ed, you know, Didn't I tell you
Perth Amboy evening news., 1921-08-30
CHAPTER SO.
am Aualxened i'm the Night

iii stNdhtIftu III tAfC LNt6ith
! hardly knew how to answer
Grace Cameron's statement. 1t was
evident hat she knew that Lila had
set out with Phil.
yes" 1 said lightly. but we must
not gossip"
4 minute after 1 regretted the flip
pant speech.
81 don't want to gossip-heaven
knows l haven't any right to say
one word about anybody-Miss Sor-
ensen; but-I'm troubled"
what is wrong?" f~earfully.
almost anything might be wrong
when a couple start on hat Wis
terra road used to make it my
self know. She hasn't by n
chance come in yet. has she?"
NO"
"If 1 thought she was in love with
Philip Ames I'd say let them CO."
Grace went on. Nothing can hurt
them anyway-but l know she isn't
in love with him. She isn't In love
really with anybody-she has never
even cared for her own husband
I've been here long enough to know
that! She'd be all right II some
thing would just happen to bring
her to her senses-before it's too
late"
We stood there helplessly staring
at each other.
There is nothing either of us
can do now" 1 said at length. 1--WE
might better go to bed and sleep"
YES, but I'll sleep with half an
eye open back here, so If anything
happens that you need help-call
me-" Grace smiled.
I was desperately tired that night.
The day had seemed a year long
so many things had happened since
l awakened with the sound of Lila's
voice near my door and Grace
stubborn answers.
l lay awake long in the cool dark
ness. trying to solve some of the
! riddles which had formed in my
mind during the day. And then
after awhile my tired brain gave up
and / was conscious of a vague, dis
turbed wondering in which Tom
Bradford and John Ames were con
cerned.
Had 1 made a mistake about Tom?
T wondered. And did he still care?
He told me once that he would al
ways care and wait-I Rugged the
thought! There was something OF
happiness in 1t for me.
But how did Philip know about
him and me? 1 went v e the time
1 had talked to Philip Ames and
assured myself again that I had
not mentioned Tom. And Grace
could Tom have cared for Grace?
Could a nan do all for a girl that
Tom had done for her, be as inter-
ested in her as Tom was. and yet
not care?