Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 December 1904 — Page 7

Not In the Wedding Party

By Euphemia Holden

The best man wove his way in and ovt <rf V.:v gay throng at the foot of the stairway. Bright colored confetti decorated the white shoulders of the women and the black coats of the men. The atmosphere vibrated with music and the rustle of gowns. lie walked across the deserted library and. drawing aside the curtains of a small den. stepped into semidarkness. On the broad window seat a swirl of fluffy white stirred, and a startled head arose. "Oh, I didn’t expect to be found,” said the maid of honor ungraciously. “I’m so tired. Are they nearly ready?” She was rising slowly. “Don't move.” commanded the best man. “There is plenty of time.” Tucking the cushions behind her, he sat down in a chair at her side. “I’ve done all I could for ltalph,” he contlnuci'. "and 1 felt entitled to a breathing space." “1 tried to help Elsa, but there were so many. They are going south, aren’t they?” “In confidence, yes. Stoddard Allen wants to tie them up with white rib-

“OH, I didn’t expect to be found,* SAID THE MAID OF HONOR. bons and signs. Ralph said if any one tried it he'd handle him without gloves.” “I wouldn’t blame him,” she laughed, “though a bout in the station might be awkward.” “What a pace we've led the last few days!” he sighed wearily. “You girls seem able to stand it, but personally I’m so muddled I don’t know whether It’s Ralph's wedding or mine.” “I suppose circumstances also make that difficult to decide.” The best man felt his color rise. He could not see the girl’s face distinctly, but he knew the mischievous look that gleamed in her eyes. Of course it was no secret that Elsa and he had been girl and boy lovers, but the thrust piqued him. In fact, their few days’ acquaintance had been a series of drawn bathes, without malice, but not without keenness. “Yes,” he replied, “though I glad It’s Ralph’s, because he is so much happier than I would have been under similar circumstances.” “Ah, the cynic again—woman, a delusion and a snare, and marriage a lottery. No! No! Such sentiments belong to the unintelligent.” “Have you ever been in love?” Inquired the best man abruptly. It was the maid of honor's turn to blush. This was not the first time she had found it difficult to get ahead of the best man. “I have thought I was,” she said simply. “Ex-actly,” he went on with meassured emphasis. “Then you’ve ceased thinking so. Later you’ve studied him calmly and said to yourself, ‘A gentleman and eminently respectable, but why did I think I cared for him?’ When you heard lie was engaged to another girl you congratulated him heartily and honestly. Just the same, when they were married, you felt a trifle sad and a trifle lonely; not because you wanted anything changed, merely because it was another chapter closed forever.” “How' do you know?” she cried, sitting up straight. He laughed the low, pleased laugh of a flattered man. “It’s the way I feel about Elsa,” he said. “And the way I feel ahout Ralph,” she gasped. In the silence they could hear the talk and laughter of the wedding guests. “And yet"— she began. “And yet,” he interrupted, “they are the happy ones. They have found each other.” “And they will be peaceful and contented because real love, never analyzes.” "While the left overs—you and l—are sitting in the dark, tired, lonesome, theoretical, yet so hard hearted we wouldn’t change.” ‘Oh, don’t!” she said sadly. “Just think of the fairy kingdom that belongs to them, all full of romance and fun and companionship. Critical eyes will never see their treasure.” The beat man was surprised to hear

her catch her breath. He had not connected sentiment with the merry maid of honor, not having realized that a sharp tongue may give .utterance to sympathy and gentleness. The discovery opened new vistas to him. “But not a treasure we should be blind to if we forced our eyes open?” She shook her head dubiously. “There’s no hope for the analytical. They may peep at a gentle afterglow. One needs to be very young and very rash to find what Elsa and Ralph have found.” “You think it’s (out of the question for us?” “You’ve asked two personal questions. The third is forfeit. I merely meant to speculate. Come! We must go or we’ll miss them.” “But if we stay,” he said quickly, “we may find worlds. Think of the time we’ve wasted sparring, and now —the last nigflt—we find mutual and human sympathies.” The maid of honor loaned back on the cushions smiling. The best man’s enthusiasm was new and curious. “It seems to me,” he went on, with boyish eagerness, “that reason, honesty and unselfishness are the bases of an enduring marriage. That’s why Ralph and Elsa will be happy.” "Oh, you’re not a cynic!” exclaimed the maid of honor. “It was only a pose to cover what you try to be ashamed of.” He laughed, and his face flushed again. "Do* you know,” she added softly, “nothing in the world is more alluring than the thought of some one who will stand by you year after year, who will put up with your foolishness, a lovable, loyal friend who will he your playmate forever and ever?” “That’s it!” lie cried. “We’re discoverers. Don’t you see that you and I could quarrel and make up and be happy”— A babel of voices, excited laughter and a scurry of feet interrupted him. “Quick!” said the maid of honor, springing up. She opened the curtains and hurried out. “They’re gone,” she pouted, coming slowly back.” "I’m so sorry,” apologized the best man, skillfully drawing the curtains behind her. “I ought not to have”— “Indeed you ought not,” she averred severely. “Forgive me. We would have caught only a glimpse of them, and these minutes in here have meant”— “Oh, no, no!” she faltered. “They mean nothing. Weddings are contagious. These are symptoms.” “And the cure?” he laughed. “Immediate separation.” “Twenty minutes too late!” he cried joyously. “Let’s have another wedding!”

The Order of the Garter.

The Order of the Garter, the highest and most illustrious order of knighthood in Great Britain, was founded, says Selden, by King Edward 111. on April 23, 1341. But some trace the origin of this order back to April 23, 1192, when Richard I. compelled twen ty-six of his best knights to wear a thong of blue leather on the leg when fighting w ith the infidels. The generally accepted tradition, however, is that King Edward 111. was dancing at a ball with the Countess of Salisbury when she dropped her garter, which the sovereign picked up and at first tied about his own leg. Observing, however, that this act excited a good deal of attention, he handed it back to the fair owner, with the words, “Honi sol qui mal y pense” (“Evil to him who evil thinks”), words still used as the motto of the order. The king said further that shortly they should see that garter advanced to so high am honor and renown as to account themselves happy to wear it—Harper’s Weekly.

Changed Hl» Mind. i Swaddlecomb—Last time I saw you, if I remember rightly, you told me you were about to be married. Y'ipsley—l did intend to be, but at the last moment another rich relative died and left me a lot more money, and I haven’t spent it all Tribune. Throning Down the Gnnntlet. “I confess,” said he during the tiff, “I can’t understand you at all. Y'ou’re a regular puzzle.” “Well,” she retorted defiantly, “if I’m an unsolvable puzzle there’s only one thing for you to do—give me up.”— Philadelphia Press. An Uncongenial Topic. “That man talks about nothing but the weather.” “Y’es,” answered the man with the rheumatism, “he is always trying to make himself disagreeable.” Washington Star. The End. Upson—ls love a disease? Downs—The worst In the world. Flckleson nearly died with it. Upson—What cured him? Downs Marriage. Detroit Free Press. Full Time. Belle—Hear about Madge? She has signed a life contract to lecture. Kate—What? You don’t mean it! Belle—Yes, it’s true; a marriage certificate.—ruck. Football Profile. “How did your college cousin have his new photograph taken, full front?” “No; halfback. He is on the football team."—Judge. A Coquette. He saw a ring upon her hand Ere he his love had spoken, And so he asked her If the gem Could be another’s token. “How can I tell?” the maid replied. While hope his heart lmbueth. “I never let my right hand know The things my left hand doeth.” —New York American.

O, MISSOURI.

O, Missouri, I’m a weepin' for you. My tears are a failin' like rain. I'm a Bobbin’—boo hoo! ! O, Missouri, Mlzzoo; My heart is nigh broken with pain. On you I've relied with a whole lot of pride, And couoted you safefrom the fray, But O, whai a slide—why I mighty near died At seein’ you wander away, O, state of my birth you have squelched all the mirth And made me feel lonesome and blue. Though I wander the earth of all joy there's a dearth O, fickle Missouri, Mizzoo! I have alwavs avowed that of you I was proud, f But this is a blow to my pride. I am sobbin' aloud, and my spirit is cowed . To think that you’d ever blackslide. You have wandered from the old path today. And you’ll findthatthe pickin’ is poor. You will find it don’t pay—do you catch what I say? Your new friends will bunco you sure. When on husks you must dine in comp’ny of swine Just recall what I whisper to you: For the old ways you'll, pine, and you'll get back in line. Repentant Missouri, Mizzoo! J O Missouri; it’s tough! You were quite old enough To know a lot better than that. But you swallowed the guff—O, Missouri it's rough To have all our hopes bnsted fiat! But, Missouri, Mizzoo; we're a lookin' for you To come back again to the fold. ADd the day that you do what a hullabaloo We’ll raise when your form we behold. —Bryan's Commoner.

WASHINGTON LETTER.

Political and General Gossip of the National Capitol. Secial Correspondence to The Democrat: The President has formulated another message.'. He has been definitely engaged on it for the last’fifonth in the midst of hccumulated business and called his Cabinet together to hear him read it. Having had their approval, he sent it to the Public Printer and got the proof back in time to read and revise it Thursday evening just before hurrying to the train for St. Louis at midnight. The train was a special of three beautifully equipped cars extended to him as a compliment by the railroad lines. He will take a swift coup d’ oeil, release his tongue a couple of times for the benefit of the Purchase Expo., and jump on the train again and hurry back so as to be here on Tuesday. Take him altogether, personally, insularly, isthmusly, and oratorically, he is by all odd 6 the fastest man th« United States ever had in the executive chair.

Before he gets back a majority of the members of Congress will be cooling theit heels iu the scant corridors of the pallid excrescence officially known as the annex to the White House and unanimously wishing he would “stand pat” when distinguished guests are about to arrive. Not only will the old members be here in importunate 6quads demanding things, but most of the 386 members of the next Congress who have just been elected will be on hand holding up their platters for a portion of the official gruel. There will be 101 new members among these whose appetites will not be at all dulled by the circumstance that they have not had their feet in the public trough before. Of the members of the next House 134 only will be Democrats, and blessed are they who who expect nothing, for verily they shall not be disappointed. Fifty or sixty Senators and members have called on the president during the past week. They were met with the cordial salutation “Now, then, look a-here, boys! we’ve got ’em just where we want 'em. We must show ’em that we can do things. We must prove that we know enough to manage the trusts and keep ’em from robbing the American people. We must demonstrate that we can build the Panama Canal, and pass laws to improve the condition of the Filipinos. I’ve read my message to the Cabinet, and they say all right! By the way, let me show you—”At this point he has taken the most conspicuous Senators and members aside and. read to them bits of the document. He is somewhat worried about publishing the figures obtained by Garfield as to the business of corporations. He says he does not want to injure business, and it may be necessary to maintain secrecy regarding the results of investigations. But then, what can be done with the clamorous public, who want to know, you know? The President will advocate building a stronger navy and taking a more prominent part in the International Peace Congress at the Hague. Of course stronger navies are necessary in order to give any excuse for the Peace Congress. He is therefore understood as backing up Secretary Morton in his demand for a $500,000,000 navy. With such a force afloat upon the sea, and an army in proportion it is believed that this country would be able to

meet any peaceable nation at least half way. The message will review the work done during the year by the Panama Canal Commission and will show the condition of the work to date. Of course no dirt has deen shoveled yet, but the figures and diagrams of the chief engineer are interesting, and the President will undertake to conjecture when the real work of excavation will begin. The Congressional Committee on Isthmian Affairs, headed by Hepburn of lowa, is in Panama to-dav being escorted round by General Davis, Minister Barrett and John Findley Wallace, engineer- incharge. This isn’t a bad season to be in Panama, and when they get on the floor of the House again the members of the Committee will probably report everything lovely. Whether an extra session will be called for the new Congress to meet on March 4 at the expiration of the present, is yet an unsolved problem. Governor Cummins, Representative Foss, and forty or fifty others are perfectly sure that the tariff question should be tackled without delay, but the standpatters are believed to outnumber them and at their head is the President himself. It is dollars to doughnuts that, through there may be some effervseent speeches, the question of reciprocity will not be vigorously taken in hand for another year.

t t t Undeterred by the popular manifestation the President’s message will be handled without gloves when it is let loose in the Senate in the presence of such Democrats as Teller, Carmack and Patterson, and in the House by the stormy petrel Cockran and the hasher-up of unconsidered trifles Claude Kitchin. It is said that the President’s conversation borders on profanity when either Kitchin or Carmack is mentioned in his presence; and that he and Carmack do not hesitate to say of each other in the words of Philip van Artevelte “He is a rash, inconstant, vehement man.” t t t

It is likely enough that Congress may appoint a joint commission during the winter to take the whole tariff schedules in hand, including tne Philippine and Porto Rican tariffs, and report a year hence as to any need of modification of existing statutes. Senator Cullum, Fairbanks, Foraker. and Lodge are said to favor this plan. t f t Col, Brownlow who was dismissed by Postmaster-General Wynne and who appealed to the Civil Service Commission has been turned down by that body, which informs him that it has no power to interfere when a dismissal is made “for any cause which will promote the efficiency of the service.” As this is the very same language with which Miss Rebecca Taylor was removed, it shows that General Black is very careless in his use of grammar. It would certainly be idiotic to intentionally remove a public officer fora cause which “would promote the efficiency of the service.” The cause of removal is indolence or immorality, or insubordination. Do these promote the efficiency of the service, General Black? In other words haven’t you said exactly the opposite of what you meant to say? Did you not intend to say that removals can properly be made for any cause which diminishes the efficiency of the service?

PUBLIC SALES. If you contemplate having a public shlo this season don’t forget that the place to get your bills printed is at The Democrat office. No office in the county gets out a more artistic or better bill than The Democrat, and our prices are as low as any office in the county. Coupled with this is the fact that a free notice of each sale is published in The Democrat, and “everyone reads The Democrat.” Such notice really does you more good and is read by more people than your bills. Remember the advantages of getting your bills printed at this office and be sure to come here for them. 5 PER CENT LOANS. We can positively make you a loan on better terms than you can procure elsewhere. No “red tape.” Commission lowest. No extras. Funds unlimited. See us before borrowing or renewing an old loan and we will save you money. IRWIN & IRWIN. O. O, F. Building. Morris* English Stable Liniment Cam Cat*. Brulaat, ffrr«t<fcWL OtOta, Bvmbit. Splint.^Corb, Sold by A. F. Long.

Open Evenings till 9 o'clock Open Saturday Ev's till 10:30 THE 99 CENT RACKET STORE IT is a fact beyond a doubt, that we are doing twice the amount of business that we did one year ago today. The simple reason is that we do not allow any one to undersell us; we are always first ro reduce prices and last to raise them. No matter how low the price may seem to you, the quality of our goods will be maintained. The people at large are finding out that they get the same goods for less money or more, and better goods for same money at the 99 Cent Racket Store, than elsewhere. This is one of the principal reasons for the growth of this mammoth business house which now carries one of the largest stocks of all kinds of merchandise that can be found in Jasper County. Having two rooms loaded from top to bottom, with everything used in the household —-outside of groceries, which we expect to handle in the near future — people are surprised at the magnificent display and the vast variety of goods we have on exhibition. We want you to see our store, get our prices, examine our goods, see our beautiful premiums we are giving away absolutely free. It pays to trade here; we will make it an object to you to come miles to do your trading with us. We will quote a few prices, just to show you how we do it. Lots of more bargains equally as good as the ones quoted below. Our Clothing Department in the Annex is a Hummer. We handle Boys and Men’s Suits, Overcoats for boys and men, Men’s Boys and Child’s Pants, Overalls, Shirts, Underwear for men, ladies and children, Ladies’ Skirts, Wrappers, Cloaks, Shirt Waists, Blankets, Quilts, Bed Spreads, Rugs, Lace Curtains, Trunks and Traveling Bags—and all in our annex. Our prices are right, our quality is superior, our styles are up-to-date —you make no mistake when you buy of us. See Our AH Leather Shoe Made by the largest manufacturers of shoes in the world, the Hami'.ton-Brown Shoe Co., St. Louir, Mo. One pair to a customer only in Ladies’, Gents or \ ontbs, balance of this month each a pair yy^ Guaranteed all leather. OVERCOATS others charge §7.50 to $lO for we <|* are selling at $4 99 and PILLOW TOPS, the \ 10 Bars Mascot Laudkind you want I dry Soap only A Fine Toilet Soap, Toilet Soap, others give 2 4 large bars 0n1y.... *GC bars sc, our price, cake. ■+*

Our Holiday Goods Are arriving daily; watch and wait for our grand display, the grandest and most elaborate display ever brought to the city. Above,all, do not spend every dollar you have before you see what we have and get our prices. Examine our goods, put on your “leather glasses” and do not let anyone make you think we have not the same goods or better goods. You can brand them as notorious liars from away back. Call, and judge afterwards. Save your tickets you get from the register; no matter how small the sale, you get one with every’purchase. When they amount to a given sum you will receive a beautiful present Free? Be sure the tickets correspond with your purchase and ask for them if you do not receive same at time you make your purchase, otherwise you will be out, as the register only prints one with each sale, and what is not called for is destroyed each da)’. This month we will give as an extra inducement to everybody buying live dollars worth of goods, a beautiful 16x20 Photo Gravure picture with 4-inch frame, absolutely Free. They are actually worth si,oo but you get one free with every purchase of live dollars. Remember these pictures we never have given for less than $lO worth of tickets. We have a Beautiful Oval frame in latest styles of coloring, in the new blacks, green and browns. In solid oak with fancy raised work, goods that sell in furniture stores as high as $2, we will make you a present of one free with 510 worth of tickets. These pictures are suitable for any home and are works of art. You will want them when you see them.

I THE 99 CENT RACKET STORE I ✓ E. V. RANSFORD, Prop. g . I A'Hia Jfc 216 varieties of Fruit, with concise description and season of ripen- ■ B r ing of each; G 4 half-tone views cf Nurseries, Orchards, Packing Houses, etc. 50cts. for book (post-paid) and Rebate Ticket permitting return of fa BBrbook by mail within 60 days and we refund the 50?. Or, mail us within 1 year, Rebate Ticket with sl2 order for nursery stock and L s2 v l , n r ES t payment on your order and you keep the book free, n L PAY THt r KtltiUi. lir U A l weekly and want more home and traveling salesmen. OUTFIT W e lfly tldSu FREE.—Surk Bro’s, LOtllSUltt, Mt., Allwtlc.ltwa, FsytttevHle, Mu Get vour sale bills printed at j An armload of old papers for a The Democrat office. I nickel at The Democrat office.