Pike County Democrat, Volume 25, Number 25, Petersburg, Pike County, 2 November 1894 — Page 7

Chrfifcr County gjrnwrrat M. MoO. STOOPS, Editor and Proprietor. PETERSBURG. - - - INDIANA.

UPPER was all ready at the b i g Waigrave house; the first plate of brown muffins, and the lightly turned omelet had dis

appeared with the dining-room, girl, while Hester came from the warm kitchen and dropped into a chair on the cool back porch. Hester Sand always spoke of it as “the stoop,” or rather as “my stoop,” for with the exception of an occasional service as playhouse by the Walgrave children, it was used only as a passageway, or for Hester’s resting place. Vines of cinnamon climbed the lattice straight to the eavestrough on one side, while over the other drooped the sweet wild honeysuckle. The path down the yard and the steps were always swept clean, not a weed daring to be willful on Hester’s domain.

For many years she had been head cook and housekeeper at the Walgraves. They all thought a great deal of Hester, Mrs. Walgrave often asserted^which meant that they appreciated her worth as a faithful servant, and finding she needed neither vigilance, nor much diction, gladly shirked "responsibility, leaving Hester complete mistress over the back part of the house. The evening air, sweet with the breath of honeysuckle, played gratefully about the cool retreat. Upon a shelf within reach lay a little box with wool and crochet, hook, but she did not take it. Her hands, usually so busy, lay idle in her lap, while she looked out toward the crimson western sky. She was thinking, in her simple way, first, that she was thankful for that nice porch, where she might knit or rest when at leisure—snfrely a back porch was a blessing. -Then the thought sprang into her mind that she. had never in her life known what it was to sit on a front porch. To lounge at leisure with a family, gowned daintily and richly, what a luxury! Hut such things were not for her—neither the first nor last. The few whom she could in any sense designate as family were her nephew, his wife and children, who managed to make way with many of her hardearned dollars with the most matter-of-course serenity! Sometimes she thovfght .they did not appreciate what she did for them, but then, she reasoned, one cou|d not be selfish with one's own relations, and it was a comfort to think that some one would be sorry when she was gone. That brought her to the sermon of last Sunday on the importance of individual life. Hester wai conscientious in her attendance at church at least once a week. She had had her girlhood ambitions, but hard fortune had driven her from one place to another, until years ago she thought herself ,, lucky to secure a home with Mrs. Walgrave. If one, seeing upon Hester's table a copy of Harper's Monthly or of the Ladies’ Home Journal, uttered an exclamation of surprise, she would remark: “Well, one doesn’t need to dry up and blow away because one hap- ■ pens to work for a living.” The minister on that Sunday had sought to impress upon his hearers the necessity of a helpful spirit and a high endeavor, no matter where their lines were cast. Hester turned the subject over and over as she slowly rocked, her eyes on the painted ffcVst, and herself no uncomely picture among her vine^, •with the sunset glow- lighting up her g ray-streaked hair and plain features. What had she done, what was she doing to benefit a soul in this world? She coxild think of nothing outside of the humdrum, patient bearing of every

“WHAT IK) YOU WANT?” day toil, unless it was some little kind* ly deed for the meatman, iceman, grocery boy—those who came and went at the back door to supply the Walgrave family. The cloud§. one by one, lost their bright hues; lower and lower dropped the sun. Hester's eyes came down to scrutinize a figure leaning heavily upon the back fence. She waited for a time expectantly, but as the mah neither spoke nor stirred, and she thought his face was white and wan, she rose and went down the path. "What do you want?” she asked, directly. ‘‘Is anything the matter?” Ilis reply was almost inaudible, so she went nearer and again put her question* ^

“Pm very ill. 1—I have nowhere to Sf°-” “Come right in, then; I’ll give yon some supper and a food cup of tea; then you’ll feel letter.” was Hester’s hearty invitation. The man seemed relieved and tottered weakly up the path. Heater holding open the fate, and waiting for him tb pass. She eyed him keenly, though with commiseration. He was evidently not a tramp of the ooramon kind—his speech, tone and manner told that, though his dress was very shabby. He ate what she brought him voraciously, but she noticed that he knew how to use his knife and fork. Then with murmured thanks, like one totally overcome with fatigue, he crept up into the corner of the porch, with almost the whispered words: “If you’ll let me rest just a little, please,” and immediately he fell into a. sound sleep. “Poor thing,” said Hester, as she gently placed her chair cushion beneath his head, “how dreadfully tired he must, be.” When she was ready to go to her room she found her tramp still lying where he had fallen, snoring hoarsely, and there she left him, after carefully locking him into the latticed porch. When she opened the kitchen door early the next morning he was still there, asleep, though he had changed his position and was breathing more lightly. She unlocked the outer door, and turning met the eyes of the man as he raised himself weakly on his elbow, saying: “1—why. it’s morning. You were very kind to let me stay all night— ’tisn’t the way most people treat tramps,” and he struggled to his feet. “But I’m not most people,” she said, kindly, then added: “Just keep still till I get some breakfast.” While the kitchen girl washed the dishes, Hester drew another chair out on the porch. b The man sat with his"4iead in his hands in a very unconversational mood, but Hester was determined to draw some information out of him. “Now,” sho began, in a kind, busi-ness-like tone, “1 want to know something about you, if you will tell—it seems a great pity to see such a young man as you going about this way.” He started and looked up; he opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again and sat dreamily gazing into the cinnamon vines. Hester waited expeetantlj\ Finally, drawing a long breath and straightening up, he began: “Well, madam; I will tell you—”

“Don t call me madam, 1 am only a servant, and ray name is Hester Sand,” interrupted Hester. He scrutinized her questioningly, then said without change of manner: “My name is Arthur Boran, and 1 have but recently been dismissed from the penitentiary.” His listener started; not more on account of the information than because of the sharp, bitter tone with which it was given. “You see I am a young man, and I am really much younger than I look; trouble and ^confinement don’t tend to make a man young or cheerful—or anything else that’s good, 1 fear—” A long pause ensued, when Hester said: “Please tell me how it happened.” “How it happened? Yes—well—I belonged to a good family; my father had a splendid salary; my mother and sisters were very extravagant, and we always li^pd—at least ever since 1 can remembe*-away ahead of our income. Before I was twenty my father got me a good situation with a business friend, and, to make a long story short, I was fond of high liVing. I soon got deeply in debt. At first I went to my father with my trouble; he gave me a good raking over and helped me out. The next time he stormed and raged, 'Cnd told me 1 had to depend on myself, that he had his hands full. Well, he had, and I had no business to blame him. The fault was my own, but I really did not know how to manage— I had very little practical knowledge, and no business training, so I borrowed money of my employer on the sly, fully intending to pay back every dollar, but I couldn’t make ends meet Things kept getting worse and worse, and 1 grew utterly miserable, knowing that discovery must come. It was actually a relief at first, though my father stormed and declared that he would never own me again. Mother cried herself sick, an'd the girls said 1 had disgraced the family forever. It seemed there was nothing to do with me but to shut me away from the world.” He paused, then resumed, in the same tone of bitter Hopelessness: “But now I am free again; I have been wandering about for three weeks, trying to get work of any kind, and barely able to pick up enough to keep me alive. 1 had had scarcely a morsel for two days when I stopped to watch you sitting here on the porch.” “But,” said Heater, “don’t you mean to go back to your friends?”

“£everl—so long as 1 live! was the fierce reply. “Yon—you may be mistaken about your mother, at least. A mother loves through everything,’* pleaded Hester. He shook his head. “Not now; not in this plight. If I should ever be successful and prosperous I migh't, in that case, make myself known to mother. “Hester,” he said, suddenly, turning to her, with a frank tone of good comradeship, which made her smile in a pleasant way, “I’ve had plenty to read, and plenty of time to think lately, and, 1 tell you, I’ve learned my lesson, and as sure as there is a God I mean to succeed.” “If you grow to be a good, earnest man,that will be success; besides, young man, there is no doubt about God and His love for each of us. Trust Him and obey Him, for He is certainly leading you. tV hat do you propose to do?” “To keep traveling on—working my way west—1 ought to be on the road now,” he said, straightening up; “and I certainly feel like a new man, thanks to your kindness.” “No,” said Hester, detaining him*

“you are hardly able; wait till to-mor-row, and you shall go.” He looked at her questionably. She understood it and replied: “I am undisputed mistress in this part of the house; neverthless I will speak to Mrs. Walgrave. * There is a little back room up here, where you must rest to-day and to-night. In the morning you may go,” The next morning Hester watched her tramp down the path and out the back gate as he disappeared with a good-sized lunch basket on his arm. “Hester Band,” he had said as he took her hand, “you are the first mortal for many a month who has done a kind thing or spoken a kind word to me. I will never forget it, Hester; and if I live, and you live, you shall hear from me.” Years passed, as years do. leaving the impress of time and toil on Hester Sand. Of late she had been afflicted with rheumatism, and Mrs. Walgrave one day remarked to her daughter, who had grown into young ladyhood: “I’m afraid poor old Hester is not going to last much longer, and I don’t see what we shall do without her, nor do I see what she is going to do without us.” “Oh, 1 suppose she must have saved up a good deal of money,” was the careless reply. “I doubt it; she has been too generous; what with that nephew’s family running to her, her church affairs, and giving to everyone who touched her heart, I fear she has not enough to keep her decently comfortable even a few years.” That evening as Hester sat in her back stoop she saw the big Maltese pounce upon a little chicken. She started to her feet and down the steps, but upon the first step her ankle turned

“DON’T YOr KNOW ME, HE8TEB?” and she fell heavily down the remaining' four to the ground, where she lay moaning. The kitchen girl sprang to her assistance, and, finding her unable to rise, called to her mistress. “Why, Hester! What is the matter? Are you hurt; dan’t you rise? Minnie, call Sam to come and help us,” said Mrs. Walgrave, tenderly raising Hester's head to her knee. She looked up at the sound of a quick step, expecting to see Sam, the coachman, but instead, a fiue-looking man, hardly more than thirty, raised his hat to her, saying: “Good evening, Mrs. Walgrave.” He knelt immediately beside the prostrate figure, gently turned her face to him, while he asked with some solicitude: “Did you hurt yourself much, Hester? I saw her when she fell” —aside to Mrs. Walgrave. “Sprained your ankle, I’ll bet a hat! I’m just in time to tender my professional skill. Hester, don’t you know me?” with a bright look into her face. Know him? She thought she did, and in spite of her suffering her heart bounded with pride. He saw it; he understood. “We will just put her here in the porch for the present.” he said to Mrs. Wdlgrave, “and now another chair, please, on which to.rest her foot while1 examine it,” and he went briskly, even merrily, to work, Mrs. Walgrave wondering the while. When llester had been made comfortable in her room, her mistress, unable longer to control her curiosity, asked: “Hester, who is that fine-look-ing young man? I had no idea you owned so*distinguished a looking rela- ! tive.” “Oh. he is not related in any way; he is just an acquaintance, for whom 11 was once able to do a little kindness. Suppose he was about, and thought he'd come and see how I was getting on.” The next morning when the doctor called upon his patient he began cheerfully: “Well, Hester, I'm glad tc see you so mnch better. I was in the nick of t\me, wasn’t 1? Changed slightly, though, since I was a tramp upon your mercy, some • years ago, haven’t I?” She looked at him through prideful tears, as she replied: “I’m so glad; so

glad; Air.—ur. isoran—dui—out i didn’t ever dream that this would happen.” “Nor I; not just this.” lie dexterously unwrapped and rewrapped the hurt ankle, then he said, merrily: “Well, I think, with my assistance, you will be able to travel right away.” She looked up with a little gasp of surprise. He continued earnestly: “Yes, Hester, I mean it. I’ve got a dear little home and plenty of work out where I live, and, what is better, just one of the best of wives, who is waiting to give you a cordial welcome to a home with us, as longf as you live.” Poor old Hester’s heart bounded with grateful love. In all her life she had never known such a feeling of satisfied peace. To-day, if you happen to pass a certain suburban residence in a certain western city, you may see on pleasant evenings, upon the front porch, a I white-haired woman, her face shining with benignance. Not far away may sit the doctor and his wife, while close about the old lady’s ohair play two children, who dolightedly call her “Grandma Sand.”—Springfield Republican.

IT BENEFITS THE MASSES. Aaod Results of the Tariff Rodocttoa An Already Apparent. It Is tm established fact that the tariff bill passed by the democratic congress has already proven to be a blessing to the poor people of the cation. It has reduced the prices of nearly all the necessaries of life and we now have cheaper (roods of many -other kinds than we hare had in many years before. One dollar will now buy from ten to twenty-five per cent, more than it would one year ago when the McKinley law became operative. Prosperity is returning, business Is reviving, wages are increasing and the cost of maintaining life and comfort is decreasing. What more can the American people want? This condition of affairs was brought about by the enactment of the Wilson bill. Although the new toll schedule will not go into effect until the 1st of January next, carpets are cheaper already, and every woman in the land will tell you that she can buy cheaper dress goods now than she has been able to do in a long time. We have cheaper tin, and this, of course, will lower the price of canned goods We will have cheaper white lead, which will reduce the cost ! of paint: and tho price of shoes will be lowered by the reduction in the costs of acids. The new tariff bill has already affected fruit quotations, especially in the case of oranges and lemons. Every housewife in the country is interested in the subject of canned goods. They are used very extensively and are quite an item in the grocery bill. The tariff on canned vegetables has been reduced one-third in most instances, while the duty on tomatoes has been lowered from 45 to 20 per cent This means that the prices of canned goods will bo considerably below that paid now. The effect of the reduction of the tariff on butter, cheese and eggs is already apparent In October, 1893, the price of butter ranged from 17& cents for western

cents per square yard for similar goods. • Cotton prints under the new tariff have to pay duties ranging from 9 cents per square yard for the common kinds used to 4J£ cents per yard for the finest. The McKinley tariff on corresponding grades varied from 4 cents to cents per square yard. The duty on cotton thread in skeins, cops, trundles, etc., is reduced from 10 to 0 cents per pound and the imposts on spool cotton have also been lowered. • The imposts on spinning machinery have been reduced, and metal ties, which were taxed 9-10 cents per pound nnder the McKinley tariff, are now on the free list. This is only the beginning of the good times that are surely and quickly coming. If the Wilson bill has had snch a gratifying effect on the industries and prosperity of the country in the short time since its passage the people may expect a great deal more before the year is over, and may look forward to years of increasing good times and happiness.—Albany Argus.

DEMOCRATIC PRICES. The Misleading Argument* of Free Trade Blatherskites. The democratic press has begun to inform the public that the Gormanized i tariff monstrosity has cheapened the price of living. They say that horses and carriages were never so cheap as they are at the present time. They declare that houses can be built cheaper than they could be under the McKinley law. You can buy European pictures, statuary, laces, silks and velvets, they continue, at less cost than they could be procured under the McKinley law. In fact, nearly everything made abroad which comes into competition with American products can be obtained, according to this authority, for less money than it could be when the republicans were in office. If this is the fact, is it not remarkable that business does not at once re

SOME MEN NEVER KNOW WHEN THEY ARE DEAD.

thirds to SO cents for creamery state best. This year the prices range from 13 to 25K cents. Last year the poorest cheese was worth 9K cents and the best was quoted at 11 cents. This year the price of cheese ranges from 7K 10^ cents. For eggs the dealer paid last year from 84 to $4.50 per case, while this year for the same goods 83.35 is the price. The American can huild a house much cheaper now than a year ago, for the prices of lumber and building materials hare been materially lessened. The import duties on building stone of all kinds, except marble, have been reduced from 40 to SO per cent, for dressed material, and lumber is practically free of duty. Already a big tumble in prices is noted and is most apparent in the cases of laths, shingles, clapboards and floorings. In regard to binding twines and cordage, the Cordage Trade Journal has the following to say in reference to the new schedule for hemp, flax and jute: “One effect of tbe new tariff is likely to be a period of depression for some manufacturers of Jute. Tbe placing of flax and hemp on the free list and the reduction of the duty on dressed flax and hemp cause a reduction in the selling prices of twines and yarns, which results in their use where jute has been used In maintaining the duty on flax and hemp the government has placed them at a disadvantage compared with jute, which was in 1880 pat on

the free list. Jute was awo to ouuci up a easiness which was to last as long as the conditions lasted. ‘Now that conditions have changed, jute must adjust itself to the changed conditions and build up a business in open and fair competition with the lower grades of hemp and flax. Already the hemp and flax manufacturers in this country are receiving orders that cause them to Increase their production and, in some Instances, to run their factories on full time. Jute manufacturers, on the other hand, report poor business, and some of them . are reducing their output. In this case, at least, the abolition or reduction of the tariff is resulting in the use of better goods than bad been previously used." Sweeping reductions in the duties charged on imported silks were made by the new tariff, and all these favor the home manufacturer. Carded or combed silks now admitted to this country upon the payment, of duties equal to 20 per cent, of the invoice value were taxed 50 cents per pound under the McKinley tariff. Just what this meant is shown by the official announcement that the McKinley tariff of 50 cents per pound amounted to 60 per cent, on the silk imported during 1895. Retail dealers who fail to give their customers the benefit of the reductions in cotton cloths of all kinds will soon lose their trade. The prices demanded for almost every kind of manufactured cotton fabrics have slumped since the new tariff schedules went into effect. On unbleached cottons the new tariff imposes duties ranging from lto lJi cents per square yard; under the McKinley tariff the cost of importation ranged from 2 to cents per square yard. The new tariff on the Cheaper grades of bleached cotton goods varies from 1 to IX cents per square yard, the Mci Kinley tariff ranged from 2>f to 8)i

vive? The democrats have been telling1 us that business would pick up as soon as the tariff question was settled, llut it has not improved as was promised. Now they say that the price of living was never' so low. Yet the people arc not rushing to the shops and stores. , It is possible that a horse and carriage can be bought cheaper than ever before, but what does that avail a man who may want that horse but has not the money to pay for it? His wife may tell him that silks and velvets were never to be had so low before, but if his bank account has disappeared the silks and velvets will continue to lie on the tradesman’s shelves. A house may be built cheaper than it could be under the McKinley law, but that will not profit the builder, the lumber dealer, the brickmaker, the plumbers, bricklayers, carpenters and painters, if tbo man who wants the house has not the money to pay for his material and for their labor. This is the situation to-day. Democrats may declare that times are improving, and that the cost of the necessaries of life has been cut down, but the merchant waits in vain for the promised customers, and the workman finds at the end of the week that his condition has not improved in spite of all the glowing promises whieh he finds in democratic newspapers and of which he hears from deniocratic stump speakers. ^ There is only one way by which business men and workingmen can test this matter, and that is by their own experiences, not by the predictions and tho promises of democratic scribe? and pharisees.—Albany Journal.

OPINIONS AND POINTERS, -Mr. McKinley forgot to promise the Louisiana lottery protection if it would vote his ticket.—Chicago Herald. —\Ve do not wish to alarm Gov. McKinley, but he*d better keep an eye on that man Reed.-^Chicago Tribune (Rep.) -It is strange that no republican orator has yet attributed those train robberies to the Wilson bill.—N. Y. World. -From numerous republican organs we gather the information that prosperity has made the mistake of returning without the consent of the republican party.—N. Y. World. -Steve Elkins is worrying the air and shivering the scenery with speeches against Wilson over in West Virginia. It is more than likely to do Wilson good. The folks know Steve Elkins there.—Chicago Times. -“No duties should be levied for protection that are not needed for revenue,” said Senator Sherman. McKinley has received few severer rebukes than this from democratic sources ft is evident that he is out of. touch with all parties McKinleyism is a dead duck. e-St. Louis Fost-Dia* patch.

FROrXSSIONAL CARDS. wj. t/kim^ it nJT* Physician and Surgeon, ' * ' PETERSBURG, IXO. SSFOfflee in Bank building, first flow. IfII Oe tound at office da; or ni^bt. GEO. B. ASHBY, ATTORNEY AT LAW . f -' PETERSBURG, IND. Prompt Attention Given to all Business fiSROfflce orer Barrett fir Son's store.

Francis B. Posit. Dewitt Q. Chappell POSEY & CHAPPELL, Attorneys at Law, Petersburg, Ind. Will practice In all the coarts. Special at* tention given to alt business. A Notary Public constantly in the office. BarOffioe-* On first floor Bank Building. K. A, Ely. a q. Dinmn ELY & DAVENPORT, LAWYERS, Petersburg, Ind. O-Offlce over J. R. Adams A Son’s drug store. Prompt attention given to all bust* ness. R. P. Richardson. A. H. Taylor RICHARDSON & TAYLOR, Attorneys at Law, Petersburg, Im . Prompt attention given to ail business. A Notary Public constantly In tho office. Office In Carpenter Building, Eighth and DENTISTRY* W, H. STONECIPHER,

Surgeon Dentist, PETERSBURG, IND. Office In rooms6 and 7 in Carpenter Build In*. Operations first-cla^s. All work warranted. Anaesthetics used tor painless extraction of teeth. NELSON STONE, D. V. $., PETERSBURG, IND. Owing to long practice and the possession of * fine library and case of instruments, Mr. Stone is well prepared to treat all Diseases of Horses and Cattle STJCCKSSIT'TJlaXiY. He also ^eeps on hand a stock of Condition Powders and Liniment, which he sells at reasonable prices. Offitt Over X B. Youag & Co.’s Start.

Latest Styles L’Art Dels Mods I r COLO HE® PLATES. AIL TM« UlTTST PAMS ill SKIT TCU TiSUm

CVOrrterl t of yonr or wnd SCI crotj for liMtnr bw to W. 4. SOKSS, J*uM!»kor, 3KiOlStb St, So* tort. irli^U ini* FAFX& .wrj tto. jco wtito . I . ‘ > t TRUSTEES* NOTICES OF OFFICE OAT. NOTICE is hereby Riven that I will attend to the duties of the offlce^of trustee of Clay township at home on EVERY MONDAY. All persons who have business with the office will take notice that 1 will attend to Business on no other day. M. M. GOWEN, Trustee. NOTICE is hereby Riven to all parties in* tervsted that I will attend at my office in Stendal, EVERY STAURDAY, To transact business connected with the office of trustee of Lockhart township. AH persons having business with said office will please take notice. J. S. BARRETT. Trustee.

NOTICE is hereby given to aH parties eon* earned that 1 will be at my residence. EVERY TUESDAY. To attend to business conneeted with the office of Trustee of Monroe township. GEORGE GRIM, Trustee. OT1CE is hereby given that I will be at my residence EVERY THURSDAY To attend to business connected with tht office of Trustee of Logan township. 49*Positirely no business pansacted except on office days. SILAS KIRK, Trustee. NOTICE is hereby given to ail parties co» • earned that I will attend at my residenet EVERY MONDAY To transact business connected with the office of Trustee\f Madison towns hip. ^-Positively no business transacted except office days. \ BUMBLE, Trustee. NOTICE is hereby given to all persons interested that I will attend in my office in Velpen, EVERT FRIDAY, To transact business connected with th« office of Trustee of Marlon township. Ali persons having business with said office will plea&e take notice. ~ W. F. BROCK. Trustee. NOTICE i« hereby given to all persons concerned that I will attend at my office EVERY DAI To transact business connected with thg of Trustee of Jefferson township. K. W. U&RBIb, Trusted