davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20
The Daily Short Story

There was much more talk. bu
| Melody Ann heard little: she was
in a wonder land of dreams.
That evening the little house ov.
erlooking the valley was closed
and Mrs Carwin and Melody Ann
went away in the big car to a new
life.
Then began work such as Melody
Ann had never dreamed of. She
had thought it would be so easy to
learn to sing, but now she had tc
learn so many things that at first
seemed to have no connection with
music. There were many nights
when she crept into bed, wishing
with all her heart she was back in
the little house on the hill, singing
just as she liked. But when the
night was over, and morning came,
all her determination and eager
ness returned, and she had her re-
ward in her teachers satisfied "Ah,
that is better, much better"
For some time thought had
troubled Melody Ann. 1t seemed SO
ungrateful not to see her benefac-
tor and thank him. even if he would
have to wait a long time until she
could repay him. She preached
the subject to the teacher, but he
discouraged it. wait until YOUR
first public appearance, and then
you shall meet him." he said. So
she waited and worked for long,
hard months until the time came
when the critical public should
pass its verdict upon her voice.
At last the day, the hour, the mo-
ment, and Melody Ann, in a sim
pie frock of white, stood alone be-
fore that swaying sea of faces. A
strange faintness held her for an
instant then the orchestra began
the familiar air, the faces faded
and before her lay the mist-fIled
valley, and she was welcoming the
dawn.
The music stopped and her eyes
saw the light again and the faces,
and she felt the tense silence. Then
applause rolled like thunder
through the great hall. She saw
ner teacher, rather white-faced,
out smiling, and grandmother, nod
ding happily with tears rolling
down her cheeks.
AT last the crowd was gone and
Melody Ann stood face to face with
the man who had made her sue
cess possible.
a year later Melody Ann sat on
the back step waiting for the first
pink flush 10 waken the grav mist
to life, but she was not alone
strong hand held her own tenderlv,
and Melody Ann looked into her
husbands eyes with a great love
shining in her own.
We will help many other girls
just as you helped me, won't Wes''
she murmured, and got her answer
with his lips against her own
The pink swiftly spread over
the gray and Melody AIMS voice
rang joyously down the valley.
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20

entirely willing to do-observe total abstinence
and think nothing of it They laugh at the
absence of humor Id the solemn drys that
makes the latter unable to understand the
gayety of the populace.
And they want to stop laughter, these Sc
rfous drys, at the quips and thrusts that are
made at their expense. They are growing
touchy and oyer-sensitive. Laughter never
be stopped by shutting OF jokes and silencing
the witty ones who may not hold prohibition
in reverence Laughter is a safety valve, a
saving grace. The drys would do well to cul-
tivate sense Of humor and themselves learn
how to smile. Their work should be easier.
Perhaps the stage is at its best when it mir
rors the hypocrisies and 4oibles of contempt
rary society. Only a shallow mind could i'm
agine that such essays in high comedy denote
any impairment of the public faith in funda-
mental Virtues, among which sobriety is
prominent.
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20
Peace at Last.

The senate of the United States has ratified
the treaty with Germany, and we are now for
mally at peace with the war making nations.
Likewise with Hungary and Austria, the coun-
tries comprising the former dual monarchy
conspiring with the fallen empire in precipi-
tating the worlds confagration. The senate
put all three documents through the mill at
practically one shot, and President Harding is
triumphant in his peace restoring measures
with central Europe Thus, after the lapse of
nearly three years since hostilities ceased. the
United States is supposed to BE- on friendly
terms with its allied enemies. 1t took longer
TO establish these relations than it did to whip
2the bloodthirsty powers 10 their knees, so far
as this country is concerned. But it is all
over. notwithstanding that we are without alI!-
ance, obligation or agreement to preserve the
peace terms established
The war clouds have been dispelled but
misery, want and woe that have inevitably fol-
lowed in the wake of such horrors, are still
in the world, everywhere. 1t will take years
to restore the conditions that prevailed before
the brute ambitions of the fallen lord led him
to upset the universe.
Every nation, every people has paid its por-
ton in sacrifice and sorrows. and we would
be happier to know that this act at Washing
ton completes the full reparation.
But it does not Notwithstanding that its
sweet to see the dove again.
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20
Sowing FRIENDSHIP.

Through the branches OF the junior Red
Cross American school children are working
on 100000 Christmas boxes to be sent to the
children of Central Europe. Likely enough
some sort Of Santa Claus for little Russians
will be devised by the same kindly organiza-
ton, though nothing has been said about it so
far. Perhaps the most important thing in the
world today is the teaching of children of diff
ferent nations to trust and serve each other
This is being done through a myriad of chan
nels unobtrusive, yet effective.
Kindness breeds kindness. Just as hate
breeds hate. 1t is natural for children 10 make
friends with one another without reference To
color. creed or family. They may quarrel Int
barring unwise Interference, they make friends
again in no time. The hate which leads n
feuds and wars is OF aduIt.sowing. How EouId
It be If beginning now somebody sowed thu
seds OF hate where the fine flower of friend
ship is fourishing so thrifty? 1t Is the onIv
sure way of averting future wars or maxine
sure that ornaments viii vanish.
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20
Joking Prohibition.

II Mr.. Yellowby. acting prohibition director
for New York, has his way jokes about proh-
bition and its enforcement or lack of enforce
nent are to be suppressed. He proposes call
ing together theatrical managers for a con-
ference looking to action TO circulate respect
for the constitution. There is no question
that some things about prohibition have
aroused laughter. Some of it, TO be sure. is of
rather sardonic kind, caused by contempIa-
ton Of the efforts of prohibition officers to en-
force the law. But nothing has happened of
more humorous character than the attempt to
prohibit laughter on the ground that all the
ievity caused by the proceedings of the enforce
nlent officers is disrespect to the constitution
of the United States The people of the United
States, all but the anti-saloon element it would
seem, have sense of humor They are nor
laughing at the constitution when the jibes and
jokes of stage people stir them to merriment
Ihey are laughing at more than what is said
by the actors or is shown on the screen: they
are amused at the surprise and anger OF the
dfys over the discovery that it is one thing m
iegislate. but quite another thing TO make men
good by law. They laugh, too, at themselves
end their instructive impulse to resist being
forced to do what left to themselves they are
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20
The War Bonds.

One nowadays hears frequent favorable ref
erence to the fact that the Victory and Liberty
bond issues are gradually travelling toward par
This is good news to the holders of the bonds
The fact is that millions of the bonds are not
IN the hands of the original holders Thou
sands Of persons have been forced by necessity
to part with their bonds and to suffer loss in
consequence Buying up the bonds at a low
hguTe mas with many been profitable business
The bonds have in no small degree passad
into the hands of a comparatively small num-
ber' who will profit well on the margin he
tween the purchase price and par when the
bonds are redeemed, or sooner if thew reach
par Who hold the bonds now and who are
the losers by their patriotic response to the
call OF the country for investors? There is no
question but that the Wall street movement
which forced the prices of the bonds down
and is now forcing them up, has all been in
the interest of professional bondholders and
not for the welfare OF the people as a wboIa
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20
HEALTH TALKS
By William Brady, NJ. d.
Noted Physician and Author.

often the place is too far from tne
how who needs it most. Tne city
street is the school for criminals
Swimming should be as popular
as dancing, and boys and girls OF
anv age seeking diversion should
find a swim as attractive as the
dance is made for them; Here is a
question for real social service
workers to consider. We have had
too many surveys" and ponderous
reports thereof, and nothing but
endless talk as the result
When the Fairgrounds suitably
arranged and comfortably equipped
to attract boys of all ages and
girls as we'll, are about one-half as
common as cabarets, burlesque
shows and dance resorts now are.
then perhaps there won't be SO
MANY scandaious data for the army
of social service retainers to digest
Think. this over when you see
Young men who use the cigar store
or the poolroom of a certain type
as a "hangout" Think it over
when you see pitifully painted girls
engaged in the occupation of street
walking
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20

NJ question BY writing The Argus LnzoEEle
Washington. D. c. Give fun name and
to each Individual. 10 attention wi-! D
secretion in the alime1tarT canal
OF the sperm whale. which IS Dc
ieyed TO be in all cases its origin
1t is white, ash-gray, yellow o.
black, and often yariegated-Aghl
light marble. The floating masses
are sometimes from go 10 -
pounds u weight 1t is wholly 70
latilized as a white vapOr 1T lyy
degrees centisrade; is soluble IN
oil. but resists acids; dissoITes
readily in hot alcohol. 1t IS high
ly valued in perfumery.
@. What was meant by the tn
yium? F. c. y
A In the curriculum Of the early
universities, the first three Of the
seven liberal arts, which embraced
grammar, logic and rhetoric, were
known as the triyium.
@. Why does the moon have
more influence on the tides than
the sun? q. Il.
A. Tides are caused by the graTl-
rational pull of the sun and moon
upon the water The moon beng
SO much closed, is the principal
cause Of tides.
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20
Fxerrise versus RoMdYism.

Il
II half the money squandered
for fancy office fling systems, sal
laried clerks to nurse the flies and
card-indexers to keep them sup
lnlied with data, in this great mod
ern profession called social ser
vice we're appropriated for the pur-
chase and. maintenance of suitable
nIavgrounds, the result might be
worth the price.
If a boy has no place but the
streets to play he is bound to COM
init certain misdemeanors sooner
or later, such as breaking windows,
or punching" such things as fruit
from Antonio's fruit stand, or do
ing something in the way of ma
ljcious mischief to a tempting
freight car in the railroad yards, or
| otherwise getting himself entered
in the files as incorrigible and all
that sort of thing. Sometimes
when l think how many of these
foul crimes I perpetrated when /
was a kid, and how fortunate l was
to be raised in small town where
there was nothing remotely resem-
bling social service, it seems to me
] that our social service folks are
| about five hundred years behind
the times. They are wasting their
efforts on attempts at curing the
disease, whereas they should de-
vote themselves to the business of
prevention.
Older boys with no suitable place
to play seek an outlet in the pool
rooms. the bowling alleys, dance
halls. And older girls with no
place to play find a substitute in
the dance halls for that which they
should by rights seek in the gym
nasium, the swimming pool and the
skating rink-all publicly owned
and conducted in a manner as
Clearly and efficiently as the post
office or the town hall is conducted.
A stone heaved through a valu-
able window is the unfortunate
boys equivalent for strike-out in
ball game of his own. A village
boy steals second base where the
play-starved lad in the big town
steals Tony's bananas and beats
Tony in the ensuing race. The va
cant lots or open country surround
ing the small village afford the
country boy every opportunity for
wholesome play if he has whole
some incIinations A playground
in a big city is a rarity; even if
the city provides space for play,
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20
INDEPENDENCE
OF WOMEN AIDS
DIVORCE MILL,

st. Louis, Mo.-Women becoming
economically Independent is an.
tributed as the cause OF the in
crease in divorces by court officials
here.
Divorces granted in ST. Louis
this year have exceeded greatly
those Of other years, 1t was said
Nearly 700 divorce cases were as
signed to the court Of domestic re-
lations at one OF It's terms.
There were only 2,543 divorces
granted in the entire state of Mis-
souri, in 1896 and 5,791 in 1916 az
cordtng to recordA
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20

@. Can baseball umpire change
his decision? /. F. ].
A An umpire may change his
decision, but he rarely does.
O.. Does the state or federal gov
eminent keep up the roads in the
national forests.
a. AS the states have no juris-
diction over these roads, Uncle
Sam must see that they are kept in
good condition.
Q. Should q child who Is left
handed be made TO write with the
right hand? w. ID.
A The bureau Of education says
II Is matter of opinion as to
whether or not left-handed chill
dren should be forced to use the
right hand in penmanship. Some
theories advocate this, claiming
that such training adds to brain de-
velopment.
T. Just what is an ambergris?
E. G.. D.
A. Ambergris Is a substance of
the consistency OF wax found float
ing In the Indian ocean and parts
az the rooics and also as 8 morbid
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20
Questions and Answers.

Getting By-Please tell me what
1 can take to clear up aibumen so
it will not be discovered in the
urine test. Il Il. W.
Answer-Sometime 4S hours In
bed and a bread and milk diet re-
duced to the minimum will turn the
trick-but it is hard to get by the
insurance examiner.
Tobacco Habit-Three years ago,
by using your advice l succeeded
in breaking the tobacco habit and
have never desired or crayeds it
since. Now what / want is your
help in reducing. 1 am Sc inches
tall. 80 years old and weigh 200
pounds. s. A L.
Answer-Repeat your request
and incIose a stamped envelope ad-
dressed to yourself.
Birthmarks Not Inherited - Are
birthmarks transferred from gen.
Grafton to generation?
MRS. o. N.
Answer-The ordinary red or
augmented marks are not. Defects
or anatomical peculiarities, such as
hare-lip. supernumerary fingers,
webbed toes and the like, seem to
occur frequently in certain faHi
lies.
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20

You may not be as well off you would
like to be- but remember that there are others
worst off than you. There are hundreds of
good men idle in Rock island today All want
work, and are willing to perform any tasx
whereby they may obtain enough money to
maintain them. Look around your home and
see if you cant find work for a man for a day
two It's nice to he able to give the other
fellow a lift especially when he needs it as
badly as he does now.
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20
Uhr Unt1thzt1ttp
HERE LIES MANS ANCIENT ENEMY,
DILL CARE
WHO prsuNrEEs THE UNLovED CUss.
REWARKl
PASSIONATE PLEA TO wILLUMS

PASSIONATE PLEA 1U Williams
Old Pal, why don't you answer me?
Oh, Willums, pal dear, can't you see
I'm pining my poor heart away
In rapt suspense TO hear you say:
"Oh, Cactus girl, your thorny darts
Have pierced my tender bleeding hearts.
Here's one, so dry your dripping tears
The rest I'll keep for future years."
Your silence deep l cannot share;
All, must my heart / thusly bare
To gain from you just one sweet smile
And make the living but worth while?
"A skin you love to touch, they say:
All, Willums, yours must be that way.
What would / give to stroke your cheek?
A greater boon I'd never seek
How many, many lonesome years
Must l hold back these pent-up tearA
And in suspense, heart-rending, be?
Old Pal, why don't you answer me?
CACTUS.
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20
MELODY ANN.
By Frances E. Koodrich.

By Frances z. Koodrich.
! Copyright, 1921, by the Wheeler
! Syndicate, Inc.)
, Melody Ann sat on the back step
| looking across the mist-1lled val
/ ley AS usual she was singing, 9TH
erwise she would not have been
! Melody Ann.
when Melody Ann takes them
high notes it makes shivers go right
up your backbone" said Deacon
| Brown, and the other villagers
agreed with him.
''Too bad Melody Ann is so odd
they said. IF she'd only dress
herself up a bit and not look so
gawky she might get a fellow as
well as the other girls, but land
sake. all she thinks of is getting of
by her herself somewhere and
singing"
She was odd. When the other
young people we're enjoying them
selves with lively country amuse-
ments, Melody Ann was roaming
through the woods or by the sea,
singing in her high, unframed
voice.
The mist slowly dissolved itself
in pink, ghstening dawn. and Mel
ody Ann caught her breath for a
moment with the beauty and mys-
terry of it Then, like a bird CAROL
ling the new day, her voice rose
sweet and piercing in a hymn of
praise.
She did not hear the automobile
that stopped by the gate4 nor see
the heaYily-built, black bearded
man who left the car and walked
toward the back of the house, so
she was much startled when a gruff
voice said: Great! Do that over
again, girl" Jumping up, she look
ed into black eyes that shone with
eagerness. She stood looking at
the stranger in establishment, when
his impatient command again
broke the silence. "But-but-I
don't know what / was singing"
stammered Melody Ann. Il just
sing that way most all the time"
We'll, you can sing the scale,
can't your" he asked.
ooh, yes, sir. We are taught to
sing that way in school," and, al
ways glad to oblige when she
could, she sang the scale. Then an
octave higher, then still higher, but
the man raised his hand. THAT
will do. Where are your parents?
want to see them"
my father and mother are dead
and l live with grandmother. Won't
you come in?" and she led the way
into the little kitchen, where the
table was laid for breakfast Mrs.
Carwin appeared and with simple
made a place for the
stranger at the table.
With shy Amusement Melody Ann
heard him tell her grandmother
that her voice was a remarkable
one It was his business to find
and train just such voices as Mel
ody AIMS.
Mrs. Carwin listened eagerly;
then with tears in her eyes slowly
shook her head 81 know her voice
is different from most, but we
haven't any money for to have it
trained now. Perhaps as soon as
she gets to work herself she can
earn a little and take lessons"
But the man shook his head i'm
patiently. "Poof, we cannot wait
until she can earn the money. The
line to start this training is now,
and the money will be provided.
IN New York there is a man of !
yreat wealth who gives literally to /
rain such girls as your grand !
laughter. His mother was an op-
era singer. When she died she
eft the request he should help girls /
With great voices and little money, I
%, madam, your Melody Ann can
'egin this day"
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20

Mrs Jake Hamon, whose husband was slain
by his affinity, has declined offer of mar
riage from a wealthy westerner because, she
puts it, he is too handsome. Mrs. Hamon
says one experience with Belvidere is enough
for her. She declares that her next husband
must be homely, and she doesn't care if he is
rich or poor, either. Here is a chance for some
OF the boys out Of work. Don't crowd, fellows.
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20

One sees so many poses of the occupant of
the White house these days that one might be
pardoned for wondering how Mr. Harding finds
TIME to look after his presidential duties.
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20

We in the United States should not grow
unduly alarmed over the bomb attempt on the
life of Ambassador Myron T. Herrick in Paris.
The gentleman might have had a similar expo
rience right here at home.
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20

One old friend who will likely be missing
yhen Germany organizes her new Washing
ton diplomatic staff is Herr Won Bernstorff OF
wartime memory.
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20

oOne Of the famous Chicago loop cafes is
advertising to give the patron all he can eat
for 81. There must be some joker in that
announcement
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20

Ludwig. the mad king OF Bavaria. is again
reported dead. There is mad king over in
Holland who used to rule Bavaria who wishes
be was dead.
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20
Argus Information Bureau


D c
uonyunous
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1921.

The new fall skirts from Paris are disaD-
pointing They reach to the shoe top. -
The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1921-10-20

CACTUSS last lines nearly always give US
gentle grin. Excuse mistakes" she wrote
yesterday. Am TRYING to xzqxxb scribbleo
on dzabmzd Oliver (TWister) machie"
All, OUI; OF SURETY!
Dear Mac: Could you find room in your
colyum to call attention of some of these here
now rosy-cheeked young sparrows to the sign
in front of the Como hotel, viz:
do not, park here while painting"
Evening capital and Maryland gazette. (Annapolis, Md.) 1910-1922, 1921-10-05
PORT DEPOSIT JOINS
STATE ASSOCIATION
VOLUNTEER F|REMEN

Charles w Tucker. of Annapolis,
President of the Maryland State Vol
unteer Firemens Association. has re-
turned from a trip to Port Deposit,
where on Friday last he organized d
company of the State Association. He
was accompanied on the trip by Harry
T. Levely, past president of the State
organization and George F. Quaid. of
Annapolis,
The trip was made in the automobile
of Lieut. William c. Sullivan of the
Navy. On the return journey. the
party stopped at Rising Sun, Cecil
county, and paid, a visit to the vol
unteer firemen of that place, who
signified their intention of joining the
State Association. The firemen there
recently held a. carnival to raise
funds for purchasing modern piece
of apparatus.
Evening capital and Maryland gazette. (Annapolis, Md.) 1910-1922, 1921-10-05
|. v. Y. WILL HAVE
COUNTY CONVENTION

The County Convention of the
League of Women Voters will be held
on Tuesday. October 25. at 1890 a. M,
in the Old Senate Chamber of the
State House The object of this con-
vention is to amalgamate the differ
ent county organizations into a united
federation. and it is hoped there will
be a large attendance at this time.
Each organization is entitled to two
voting delegates, but all the members
present are permitted TO enter into
whatever general discussion takes
place.
Next Saturday there will be another
meeting of the League in the First
district 10 start a branch at Gales
vile, il being thought advisable to
have another organization there as the
distances in the lower county are
great and the roads difficult in bad
weather. Miss Anne Murray, of Cum
berstone. is head of the League in the
First district.