The farmers' alliance. (Lincoln, Nebraska) 1889-1892, December 17, 1891, Image 6

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MISrORTTKM DO HOT OOlIt OTOH,
I It was Tuesday that the meeting ot
rulers took place at Markham'a store.
nd all day Wednesday Mary Green
busied herself arranging John's cloth
ing and preparing for tU deoartttre.
John was away most of tne 6j iooalbg
After some business affairs, and Louise
rcnt over to the btore to make some
trifling purchases.
' Left thus alone, poor Mary had plenty
of time to think o .cr her situation, and
naturally her mmd reverted louie pas
to the long line of sufferings thot had
fallen to the lot of herself and loved
-ones, and from that to her child
liood home and her father. Unable
longer to hold her feelings In chock,
the poor woman laid ber head down on
the table where she sat, and gave way
to her grief. Long the tears of bitter
anguish flowed, while her frail form
shook with heart-rending sobs.
I Arising after awhile she went to a
(little drawer and, unlocking it, took
therefrom picture of her father.
Through all her sufferings and through
all her father's cruelties and negloet
she hnd clung to this shadow of him,
and often in her hours of sorrow, when
the dnys were darkest and her heart
heaviest, she looked on his face and re
called all that he once had been to her.
Long and Intently sho scanned the
well remembered feutures, recalling
the times when lie hnd taken her on his
knees, hugged her to his breast and
kissed her with a father's fondest affec
tion. "Ah, father, father, oho cried, in
deejest anguish, "little did I ever think
thin that yon could bo so cold and un
relenting to your child Littla did I
think those lips Hint so often kissed
mine could va so cruel of speech.
Little did I dream that you could steel
5'our heart cgainst mo and make me
less than a stranger to you."
For a long tune Mary Green sat there
gazing on the piuturo she held in her
hand, her raintl busy with fancies of the
past and present. Kho lived over ngain
all the old happy days when she wus nt
home with her father, and as sho re
called his tender expressions of lovo a
faint shadow of a smile lurked about
lier worn and wasted features. Itut
even that tliadow was fleeting, for th
remembrance of tho present brought a
cloud to drive it owny, mid the old sor
row that preyed on her uoul came back
to her in all its terriblunes9.
Then Louise returned from tho store,
bringing with her a letter addressed to
lier mother. Listlessly Mary Green
took it and glanced at tho postmark.
Then sho eagerly tore the envelope, for
it was from Dayton, and her first
thought was that it must bo from her
father, and for a moment blie indulged
tho wildest, fondest hopes. Perhaps he
THE LETTER WAS NOT FROM UKR FATHER.
had relented, and ngain opened his
heart to receive his child. With trem
bling fingers, and fast beating heart,
she drew the letter from its cover and
began to devour Us contents. Hut soon
the flush of hope died out of her face,
and a sundow of sorrow and grief deep
er than any it had ever worn succeeded.
The letter was not from her father,
but from a lady of her acquaintance,
who wrote with more seal than discre
tion. A portion of it was as follows:
"Your father Is well and apparently con
tented. Hts wife is nil ho can tlcslro, I sup
pose, since lis bows to bar Kill in nil things.
She has unr way In tho homo anil tho business,
and sho needs but to him a wish to have it grnt
illcd. Sho ban brought ber sistor's chil
dren, three in number, to live with
ber. and of course your father supports
teem. The two yenriewt, c'-r!?. he keeps
In college, while the other, a youns inun grown.
he has taken into tho bank with hint, making
him a partner In the business. Your father and
his witi are active memu?ra of Reverend
Wheodlor's church, and alio la onu of tbo nios
devout members of tho congregation. Tho
young man whom your father has connected
with him in tho bank is somewhat rakish, and
I think very unprincipled. He spcnd3 money
lavishly, and of course It is your father's
money, for he has none of bis own.
Ho has Just returned from s stay of several
months in the west, and has married tbo
daughter of a circ'uaui hero. It's my opinion.
though, that ho (lid not carry for love, but for
money I think, from what I luivo learned, that
he mot some one out west whoai ho lov.-s. Your
father nr;do a groat dinner on tho occasion of
the wodding, inviting all hts wife's relatives.
I was there, as was also Rev. Wbeedler. The
minlHtcr pronounced it a mot enjoyable meet-
Inj, and I uendered if ho noted your absence.
or romcmbersd that you wcro a stronger te
your father rjr no goon cause. 1 told this min
ister afterward that I could not understand
bow your father could so far forget his own
flesh and blood end take to bis bosom those
who were nothing to him. I told him that in
my opinion no parent could bo s good
Christian while he was so unrelenting. Ho re
plied that sometimes children tried their
parents sorely, and that no matter how Chris
tian a man might be it was not in bis nature
to forget some things. He thought Brother
B'.atchfo.-d was more forgiving than tho mv
Jorlty of men. and cs tor Sister Blatcbford, she
was deserving of much sympathy, for hers was
s trying situation, and no doubt ber heart often
bled for her husband's wrongs. Mrs. Olatcb
ford has a brother, Joseph Spivkler, whom your
father has set np in business several times.
Joseph doesn't seem to be of any great conse
quence in a business way, and about all h
seems to bsva any success st Is failing. Ho
bss failed enough already to make your father
several thousand dollars poorer. Ha is not the
only one of Mrs. Blatcbford's relatival who
bavo had your father's assist ance, for nearly
ail of them bavo pone to him for money to tide
over hard places. Ola Mrs. BpicUIer, Mrs.
Blatcbford's mother, has come to live with
your father, and Intends remaining there all
ber lira 1 nope toe uay win come wnen your
father will see and understand bis duty, and f
think It will."
When Mary Green finished the letter
she sat for a long time with her bands
clasped in mute despair, too deeply
troubled to utter a ound. Then turn
ing her sad fare to Heaven she moaned
in anguish, and in her soul cried out:
"My God, whnt hove I done to merit
this? What crime, what sin have I
committed to call down on my head
such punishment? Was it so wrong to
marry the good, honest man my heart
loved? Ohl God, if Thon be just, how
canst Thon permit such things to be?"
For an hour Mary sat there heart
broken and disconsolate, pouring out
the sorrow of her soul in tears and
moanli, oh! who can picture the misery
of tilal ijOUr7 Christ in tha garden of
Gethscmane wept tears of blood. Ho
knew what it was to be poor, friendless
and alone. He felt the bitter grief of a
forsaken soul. He wept and Ho prayed.
Yet He knew that God was with Him
and thnt He was only to pass through
tho shadow of night and come into a
brighter and better life. Mary wept.
All about her there was darkness.
There wus no future hope to buoy her
soul no beacon light to guide her on.
She was penniless and friendless, and
n a few short davs ahe and her child
would be alone on the great plain with
no one near to offer aid or speak a con
soling word.
The agony of that hour was too great
for her, and her feeble frame sank
under it. Tho dread disease that had
long been stealing into her system and
undermining her constitution, tho ter
rible malaria of the west, made, itself
master of its victim, and when John re
turned home ho found his wife burning
with fever, whilo her eyes roamed
about deliriously.
A doctor was summoned Immediately,
and when he came and esainined his
patient, he shook hlu head ominously.
"It is a bad case," ho said, "a very
bad case. Tho disease has been grow
ing In her system for months, nnd she
Is thoroughly Impregnated with It. It
will take a long timo to eradicate it,
hnd it may bo several months before
alio is ubla to go about. I am afraid
sho has suffered a great deal mentally,
for her mind appears to bo broken
down. It is a bad oano at any rate, and
sho ought to have tho bo3t of euro, and
good nursing.'
John sat a long time with his face
buried in his hands before ho mado any
reply. Then, looking tip, ho said:
Great God, doetorl What is it yon
say? Is it possible I have brought tho
best nnd noblest of womeri to this? Oh,
it can't bo so bad! Sho cannot bo iu
such dangerl You rant you must save
hot!"
AVellt well!" cried tho doctor, who,
by tho way, was as kind nnd generous
an old soul as ever lived, "don t get ex
cited, Green. It Is not so bad as that.
Didn't I say sho would get along all
right, only it would tako a long time to
bring her through? '
"Yes, yes, but you said sho must have
good care and attention, nnd I havo no
way of procuring them for her. How
can I get them, doctor, when I haven't
a dollar in tho world?"
Fer a little while tho old physician
remained silent. This stato of affairs
was nothing new to him, for ho met
with similar cases almost every day
now in his practice, but he wus not
Inured to it, and each new case ap
pealed to his sympathy and touched his
heart.
"You can get some means from your
friends to tide you over this spell, can't
you? the doctor asked, "b rora your
relatives or hers?"
"No, it is useless to think of that,
doctor," John replied as ho slowly and
sadly shook his head. "We havo no
friends to call 011 for aid, nnd both my
parents and hers havo cut ns adrift and
left us to stem tho tide alone. Her
father is rich, but ho denounced and
disowned her when sho and I married.
and from that day to this ho has not
spoken to her. Sho is dead to him."
"lint surely, Green, tho old doctor
urged, "in a case like this ho would not
maintain such unnatural and uufather
ly feelings. He cannot be r,o hard and
inhuman as to let her suffer when ho
has it in his power to prevent it. Why,
think of it, man, thsit would bo simply
terrible. It would bo heathenish. It
would bo worse than brutal, and surely
no Christian man would be so hard as
that"
I fear it would do no good to appeal
to him," John replied. "I don't know
what to do, doctor, I'm sure. My poor
wifo must have attention, but I am not
able to even so much as pay you for
your utleudanco."
".Never mind about me, Green," tho
old doctor replied. "Don't worry about
Pny- I'" attend her and do what
ever is in my power to benefit her, and
you can pay mo when you are ablo.
There won t bo any trouble on that
score."
John wept like a child at these words.
It was the first timo ho had heard such
for thrco or four long years, and ho had
come to believe all mankind heartless.
Ho had felt all alone in the world and
thought that of nil the millions of souls
on earth, not one had a feeling of sym
pathy for himself and family. And now
to meet with such kindness, and to
hear such generous language from tho
lips of a stranger, touched John's heart
deeply. He reachod out and took the
"JUST QIVX MB BIS ADDRESS."
doctor's hand In his, and as tho big tears
rolled down his swarthy checks he cried:
"How can I ever thank you, doctor,
for such kindness? How caa I ever re
THE FARMERS' ALLIANCE,
pay yon for such generous conduct?"
"Come, come. Green," said the doctor
with embarrassment, "don't act so.
lt's not be children. Why, why It's
nothing. Come, roily up, man, and be
quiet."
The old physician's tone and manner
were so frank, quiet and unpretentious,
that John was struck by them, and they
acted on him like a soothing iKition, In
a little while he became calm again,
and as the doctor talked on, always in a
cheerful, confident tone, John's spirits
revived and something of his fear and
dread forsook him.
"Wo can't have everything in this
world that we wnnt," continued the
doctor, "so we have to do the next best
thing, and get along the best wo can
with what we have; and I guess we'll
get along well enough."
So he put out the medicines for his
patient, saying as ho did so that he
never liked to give prescriptions to tho
drugstore, because the medicines there
were not always fresh, and the drug
gists were not always careful In com
pounding them, thus unostentatiously
taking it upon himself to furnish his
remedies with his skilL Having com
pleted th object of his visit, he
arose to go, saying that he would call
on tho morrow, but whe-u he came out
of the cabin he halted by the door, and
for some timo stood hesitatingly on the
threshold. At lost he beckoned John
out.
"Green," ho sold, "your wife's father
ought to know about this sickness, and
if you don't object I'll write to him. It
can't do any harm, and it might result
in some good. What do you say?"
"I don't know that there woutd be
anything wrong in it," John replied,
after thinking a moment, "nnd if you
think it best I shan't offer any objec
tion. Itut I don't think it will do any
good."
"Well, perhaps It won't, but we can
try. Anyhow, we will give him a
chance to show his heart. Just give
mo lib address, and I'll writo when I
get home."
John gave tho address, and that night
tho doctor wroto his letter to Hiram
Matchford.
cnAPTnrt xiv.
ANOTHER. LOAN NEEDO).
John was, of course, compelled to
give up tho Idea of going east in quest
of employment. Ho could not think of
leaving his wifo. IIo waited day after
day and week after week, hopuig
against hope for a happy turn of affairs.
Tho doctor had written hia letter to
Ulatcbford, but no reply came, and
after a month of waiting all hope of
any was abandoned.
Mary continued in a precarious condi
tion, and all through tho long days her
life hung in a balance. Tho good old
doctor was faithful in his ministrations,
but the dread malaria had gained so
firm a hold ou Us victim that it was
difllcult to make on impression on it.
John and Louiso shared tho duties of
nurse, and often through the sad, sol
emn nights John sat out tho hours by
tho side of his sick wife, imd in tho
solitttdo nnd loneliness his thoughts
ran back over tho events and scenes
of bis life. Often in her delirious horn's
the mind of poor Mary wandered, and
in a weak, frail voieo sho talked of
her youth, of her old homo in tho east
and of ber father. Again and again
she imagined herself achild and thought
her mother camo and bent over her
and soothed her with loving words
and caresses, just as she had so often
done in tho long ago. Again sho would
remember her father as sho knew him
when a child, and in her wild fancy ho
would come and kiss her and fondle
her as ho used to do in tho old, happy
days. Sometimes she would dream
that sho was in tho old house, playing
about tho large, airy, cozy rooms, and
again at other times sho romped over
the smooth, soft lawn.
Then her fancy would take a turn,
and through her mind would cotno
trooping remembrances of less pleasant
scenes. Sho would live over again all
tho sufferings of later years and in tho
agony of her soul cry out to her father
for mercy. ,
"Oh, papa, papa," sho would cry,
"havo mercy on me and s.paro mo. I)o
not bo so cold and cruel to your child,
but let mo once more feel the touch of
your hand, tho pressure of your lips.
Let mo once more hear you speak words
of tender lovo as you did when I was a
child."
Thus tho weeks dragged by and tho
autumn came. John's storo of provis
ions dwindled down until tho larder
was almost empty. For dnys ho and
Louise had gone on short allowances in
order that so much as possible might
be spared to tho sick woman. Cut now
the timo had come when tho larder
must bo replenished in some way. John
pondered the matter over long, and at
lust ho hit upon a plan. He had his
wagon and team and few farm implO'
ments left. Ho would make an effort
to dispose of them. He was loth to tako
this step, for with tho sale of the things
he parted with all chance of raising
a crop the coming year.
"Yet, it must bo done," he musjd.
" 1 hey must go, if there is anyone to
buy them."
So he made an effort to raise some
means that way, but day nfter day ho
sought f r a purchaser in vain. Thcro
woa nobody to buy them, for fow of tho
settlers wero much better off than ho,
and many another would gladly have
exchanged his possessions for provisions
or the means of securing them. Find
ing it impossible to get a purchaser for
his things nt any price, John began
to seek out another plan, and at lost hit
upon one.
Scruggs still lived, and as a last re
sort ho decided to go once more to him.
Terhaps under . the circumstances
Scraggs would be so good as to increase
the loan on the farm, or at least accom
modate him with a loan on the wagon
and team. There was no great hope of
his doing cither, but as a drowning
man catches nt a straw, so will a starv
ing one Catch at anything that offers a
Dare prospect 01 reliet. Jsolxxly save
Seraggs seemed to have money to loan,
so to Scraggs John went.
When ho entered Scraggs' office John
found Harry Pearson there. Tearson
gave him a warm salutation, asked
ufter the health of tho family, and was
greatly shocked and much saddened
when John told him of Mrs. Green's
sickness.
"It is too bad," ho said, "and I regret
it exceedingly. 'ou have my heartfelt
sympathy, Mr. Green, indeed you have.
I havo felt a great interest in you, and
while I was awoy I often thought of
you. I should have been out to seo you,
but only returned from tho east three
days ago, and I have been very much
crowded with business since."
John thanked Pearson for his kindly
interest thanked him from the bottom
of his heart, for he was in that condi-
I tion when the kindness of a dog, even,
TNCOLX, NEB., lriUKSDAY. DEC. 17. 1891.
would have been grateful. Moreover,
John looked upon Mr. Pearson as en
exceedingly generous young man and
was glad to have his friendship and
company. So he expressed a wish that
Harry would visit his family as often m
be found it convenient.
Scraggs looked on this little seen
with anything bnt a pleased ex
pression. His face showed a mingling
of anger and pity, and if John had
been a close observer, capable of read
ing the human countenance, he 6urely
would have seen somctlstog in the ex
pression of Scraggs face and eyes to
have warned him against future
danger. But as it was John saw
nothing.
'Mr. Scraggs," John said when the
salutations were over, "I have come to
yon for a little further accommodation;
as yon call it, and in thi.sinstance I will
term it an 'accommodation' myself
even though dearly bought. I have
come to that point where I must have
money from some source, even if I
have to steal it, and I want to know
if you couldn't possibly make a slight
advance on my loan. The farm is un
doubtedly perfectly good for more than
double what is now on it, and yon
could surely let me have fifty dollars
more, at least. Come, Scraggs, caa't
you do it under tho circumstances?"
Scraggs mode no reply further than
to shake his head slowly in tho nega
tive, "Scraggs," said John, "it is a
matter of life and death. I must havo
money or my wifo will die, and you
must let mo have it. You must, do you
hear? I can't get it anywhere else, and
you must let me have it."
It was a long time beforo Scraggs
spoke, and thon he delivered his words
slowly, and there was a tinge of sadness
in his voice so foreign to him that it
sounded strange even to his own cars.
"Mr. Green," said he, "I sympathize
with you, and were it in my power to
aid you with a loan I'd do it gladly.
Itut it is not. You know that tho money
I control la eastern capital, and I have
rules to govern me rules that are not
v-f my making, and I dare not overstep
them or vary from them in the least. I
rave had other petitions such as yours
from the settlers of the plains, and in the
hope of being nblo to accomplish some
thing for those people, I havo written
to tho company whose money I have,
laying the true stato of affairs open to
them, and begging them to make more
liberal terms so that these unfortunato
pooplo might havo a chaneo to live
through thess closo times."
At this point Seraggs happened to
glance up r.nd his eyes met those of
Pearson. Tho latter was scowling end
looking daggers and shaking his head
angrily nt Scraggs, but the agent paid
no uttention to these gestures, nnd went
on:
"I havo exhausted every means In
the effort to induce these capitalists to
show a liberal spirit to the settlers, but
it hn3 been all in vain. They say ad
vance no more money under any cir
cumstances, nnd that ends the matter
for me. I would let you havo the mon
ey, Green, if I could, and I'd bo glad
to do it, but my hands are tied, and I
can do nothing."
"Could you let mo havo sotno on my
team and agricultural implements?"
Green asked.
"Couldn't do that even," Scraggs re
plied, with another slow shnking of his
head. -..
"Xot even a very small amount?"
John persisted.
Jo, not a dollar."
Then, whnt in the name of God am
I to do? Must my wifo dio of want be
foro my eyes, and ray daughter nnd my
self starve? Surely there must be some
way to avoid that. Surely ull mankind
are not brutal."
And the tears eamo to John's eyes,
strong man that he was, and his voice
trembled and his form shook. . Even
Scraggs was touched by tho sad spec
tacle tho poor man presented and ho
felt anxious to do something for him.
After tho lapse of a minute, during
which the agent did some serious think
ing, he looked up and said:
"Green, I pity you, nndall the poor
settlers who arc so situated, and I wish
I had tho power to help you all. But I
haven't. I am not rich. Far from it.
I have some means, it is true, but it is
nearly all in real-estate, and in these
times it is impossible to get it out.
Your ease, though, is a little harder
than any I know of, and I feci that you
must have help, so I'll tell you what
I'll do. I'll do my best to get in a
little money from some source, and if
you'll como hero again day after to
morrow I'll let you havo some. Say
nothing about this offer, though, for if
it was to get out that I had made it to
you, I would bo overrun with impor
tunities from a hundred others. Keep
it quiet, and corao day after to-morrow."
At this point narry Tearson left the
office, and Green arose, and, pressing
Scraggs hand, thanked him again and
again for his offered aid.
"Mr. Scraggs," he said, "I have mis
judged you in the past, and I feci that I
owo you an apology for it."
"That's all right, Green," Scraggs re
plied, "all right. I am not a saint by
any means, but I guess if tho truth was
known I would not be considered alto
gether as bad a3 some people think I
am. However, that is neither hero nor
there. Como back as I tell you and I'll
see what I can do for you."
The reader may be inclined to look
upon Scraggs us a changed creature,
and decide that he has undergone a
changs of heart or something of that
sort, but such is not tho case. IIo is
Scraggs still tho same in heart and
principle that ho has always licen. Tho
truth about Scruggs is, he never was as
bad as he seem-Hl. Like a great many
other successful business men, be knew
how to look out for his own iutcrest,
and made it a point to turn every dol
lar possible into his own pocket. In do
ing this he did not stop to consider the
welfare of those with whom ho dealt.
But outsiilo of business Scraggs had a
heart, and he could, and did, synipa
thizo with tho needy. Scraggs was
charitable in his way, but he never
mixed charity and business.
When John Green camo down from
Scraggs' ofl'icc after tho interview just
described, he found Harry Pearson
awaiting him on the street, and the
two men walked away together. They
had not gone far when Harry re
marked: "Scraggs is a pious old chap, ain't
he?"
"He seems to bo a much better man
than I thought," John replied.
. "Yes, seems to be," said Harry. "It's
not very hard for some men to make
appearances, though, is it?"
"I don't know what you mean, Mr.
Pearson."
"Oh, I don't mean anything, only that
of course Scraggs' pretended interest in
yonr welfare is nicely put on. The idea
of Scraggs feeling an interest in any
body. That's rich. Green."
"Do you suppose he didn't mean what
he said?"
"Why. so far as letting you have the
money is concerned, no doubt he did.
But what sort of terms would he make
you?"
"I don't know," said Green. "I
never asked him about that. I don't
suppose, though, the terms would be
very liberal, but let them be what they
may I am glad to accept them. I am
not in a situation now to cavil over
terms. I must have money at any cost,
and Scraggs is the only man from whom
I can get it."
"You are mistaken, Mr. Green.
There Is another place to get the
money, and I will help you to get it.
Y'ou must not take it from Scraggs, be
cause he only wants to get you in his
power. He would loan you twenty-five
or thirty dollars on your chattels at ex
orbitant interest, and if you failed to
take up your note promptly to a day he
would close you out. That's his pur
pose and a nice little speculation he
SCRAGOS, I W1SJUDOED YOU".
would make of it. But don't you do it.
Don't put yourself in his grasp."
"I know," replied John, "that
Scraggs makes it a point to drive a
good bargain; but still ho has been very
fair with mo. IIo hunted up a cus
tomer for my lots over thero at Para
dise Park, und begged mo to sell out
and save my maey."
"Yes," said Pearson, "and what was
his purpose in that? Was it to serve
you, or to make a good sura of commis
sions for himself? Scraggs would rather
6ome other man than you would lose
w hen tho other man's loss means fifty
dollars in Ssragg's pocket. Tho worst
of us can nitord to bo honest und gen
erous under such circumstances. Of
course you can do as you please, but as
a friend who ha3 no interest hi the mat
ter except your good, I say keep away
from Scraggs. I can help you get the
money, and, if you wish it, I will."
"Where can I get it?" Green asked.
"I havo a friend up town," said Har
ry, "who has a little money to loan, and
though your security is not exactly in
his line, I can indues him to take it. I
wish I hnd the money for you. If I had
you could have it at low interest and on
nil tho timo you wanted, but unfortu
nately I have very little of this world's
goods, having lost heavily in Scraggs'
boom over at Paradise Park."
"Were you a victim to that boom?"
"I was. I wont into it on Scraggs'
representation, nnd like you and all tho
rest I got stuck, while Scraggs got rich.
Scraggs has plenty of money, but ho
knqjvs how to keep it."
John's faith in Scraggs wasof a recent
growth and consequently easily shaken,
and it is no great wonder that ho in
clined to Harry Pearson. Moreover,
Pearson's talk and manner wero earn
est, and his estimate of Scraggs was
quite plausible, to say tho least. John
decided to avoid Scraggs and accept the
loan from Harry's friend, and accord
ingly went to that friend's oflice without
delay.
CHAPTER XV.
FARKY PEARSON'S PHIEND.
Harry's "friend" proved to be one of
those benevolent gentlemen found in
almost every western town, who make
it their business to "accommodate"
people with short time loans on chattel
security. His oflice was in a double up
stairs room, and when John Green en
tered ho found a dozen or moro men
sitting in a row along one side of tho
first room, which was evidently a waiting-room,
and Harry motioned him to
take a seat at tho lower end of the row.
Presently a door connecting the two
rooms opened and a couple of men
camo out. One of the men was plainly
the "friend," whilo tho other John
knew to be a farmer, and he rightly
judged that ho had been getting an
"accommodation." The farmer depart
ed, nnd the "friend" signed the man at
the head of the row to come to the next
room.
Tho "friend's" name was ? tills, nnd it
was by no means an inappropriate
name either, for he was a "ffrinder,"
and resembled the mills of the gods,
insomuch that he ground the grist that
came to him exceedingly fine. Tho
reader, however, will learn more of this
by and by. It is our business at present
to follow John Green.
Doing business with Erastus Mills,
the money-lender, was like doing busi
ness with tha flouring mills each cuv
tomer had to await his turn; so John,
from his position at -the foot of tho row,
a position which ho did not hold long,
however, since other anxious borrow
ers rapidly filed in, had plenty of
time to watch tho proceedings
and observe the workings of
the place. Looking along up the
line of waiting men, John thought he
had never seen a sadder lot of faces in
all his life than these men presented.
Somehow they impressed him with tho
thought that they were victims awaiting
a terrible doom, and bo was unablo
after tho lapse of a few minutes to dis
associate them in his thoughts from a
string of condemned culprits who were
awaiting their turns to be led out and
guillotined by Mills, tho executioner.
John saw that the men wero chiefly
farmers like himself, and he knew that
like him they had como there as the last
resort to raise money to buy bread for
their families, and even in his own
deep distress he pitied them. They
were a sight well calculated to toucn
the heart and claim the sympathy
of any human "being. Their sun
bronzed features, swarthy and deep
lined, told only ' too plainly the
story of their sufferings, while
the restless roving of their eyes and
tho uneasy moving of their limbs be
trayed all too well tho anxiety of their
minds. They were thinking of their
loved ones at home of the wives and
children clothed in rags and pinched
with hunger, and of the wolf that
hovered about their thresholds, and
the picture was forbidding enough to
11
make their hearts quake." They real
ized how dearly they would bo required
to pay for Mills' "accommodation,"
but even this dearly-bought favor
this longed for and prayed for robbery
was by no means assured them. Mills
was particular about his security, and
even at the exorbitant rates of interest
he charged a man must put np choice
chattels to secure ever so small an "ad
vance;" and these men, knowing that,
trembled with anxious fear lest they
should be turned away empty banded.
After the lapse of near an honr, dur
ing which time Green had studied the
faces of his companions, and drew pic
tures of this one's and that one's condi
tion, he made bold to break the death
like silence and engage the man next
him in conversation.
Continued)
Working Women: During the past
year, the total number of immigrants
that landed at the port of New York
alone, were 357,000 ignorant Italians,
Russians, Poles and Hungarians. In
one week in March, 700 of thoso un
desirable immigrants arrived in New
York. Those are the classes that
swarm like locusts, and fill up the
tenement houses of New York city,
the dirty, filthy, ignorant scum ct tU
Europe, who drink swill beor. and
live on black bread and swill barrel
o!IaL Out of the 857,000 immigrants
arriving, but 17,000 knew anything
about farming or skillod labor. This
is tho class that the American working
woman roust compete with, as statis
tics will show that forty per cent of
these immigrants are women. Men
and women herded like swine, hardly
above the animal kingdom, ten and
fifteen persons living in one tstuull
room in stench and filth. Men, wo
men a.id children, all employed on
slop work for millionaire manufac
turers of shirts, neckties, suspenders,
women's wrappers, and every branch
of industry. These sweaters are fur
nished sewing machines on the install
ment plan by the blood suckers, who
alone are benefited by such labor. The
largest and most unscrupulous of this
class of employers, are the Hebrews;
their agents are watching for new ar
rivals on every steamship, they era
met at tho bargo o'fieo and set up in
business tho faamo sewing machines
are sold over and over again, with
profit doubled and trebled. Tha
American wage woman has been
driven out 0 employment by this class
of competitors. And it is high timj
that notion is taken on the rostnotion
of this class of undesirable immigrant
They havo already proved a ciraa in
stead of a blessing to tho industrial
men und womeri of the United StutOA
Tho Teii!io?fco Methodist: Our
I Louisiana brethren had better look
J sharp in their conflict with tho Louis
iana lottery. I hero is danger of the
lottery becoming a question of state
policy.
FARMER'S SIDE.
" Where we are, how we got here,
and the way out,"
By Hon. W. A. PEFFER,
U. 6. SENATOIl FUOX KANSAS.
11 mo, cloth
Price, SI. 00.
There ii a demaud for a comprehensive and
authoritative book which shall represent tho
farmer, and set forth hU condition, the influ
ences Burroundinsr him, and plans and projects
for tho future. This book has been written by
Hon. W. A. Peffor, who was elected to the
United States Senate from Kansas to succeed
Senator Ingalls. The title is Tub Farmer's
Side, and this indicates the purpot e of the work.
In tho earlier chapters, Senator I'cffcr de
scribes the condition of the farmer in various
parts of the country, nnd compares it with tho
condition of men in other callings, lie carefully
examines the cost of kibor, of living, the prices
of crops, taxes, mortgages, and rates of interest.
IIo gives elaborate tables showing the increase
of wealth in railroads, manufactures, banking,
and other forms of business, end he compares
this with the earnings of the farmer, nnd also
wago-workers in general. In a clear, forcible
style, with nbuudant citations of facts and fig
ures, tho author tells how the farmer reached
his present unsatisfactory condition. Then fol
lows an elaborate discussion of " The Way out,"
which is the fullest and most authoritative pres
entation of tho aims and views of tho Farmers'
rVH'unce that has been published, including full
discussions 01 tho currency, tho questions of
interest and mortgages, ruilronJs, the 6ale of
crops, and other matters of vital consequence.
This book is the only one which attempts to
cover the whole ground, and it is unnecessary
to emphasize its value. It is a compendium of
the facts, figures, and suggestions which the
farmer ought to have at hand.
The Farmer's Sidb has iust been issued.
ami makes a handsome and substantial book
of 280 pages. We have arranged with the pub
lisher tor its sale to our readers nt tue pub
lishers' price. The book may be obtained at
0111 otllcc, or we will forward copies to any
address, post-paid, on receipt of $1.00 per copy.
ALLIANCK PCB. Co., Lincoln Kett.
J. 1 PARR &
PAIATERS,
2045 M Street, Lincoln, Neb.
Tho most exquisite preparation for the
skin. Cures Chapped lianas,
Chafed or Scalded Skin.
Removes Tan, Freckles and Sun
Burn. Perfectly harmless,
after shaving.
Excellent to use
sSS SWEEP MILL
FOR TWO HORSES
F11K7 Guaranteed.
Grinds EAR CORN
Scot on Trial.
MD SMALL GRAINS.
Riwcisl Gab BrMkta DotIm
and peculiar dress of Grinders, fc
of it, with lew work to
Team titan any ether.
THE FOOS MFG. CO. SpringfielO.
I
nseHQwara'surBam of Roses
V ii II K
R MILLS.
Setlee to Coal CoaMners.
I have been able te complete arrang
mcnts "whereby we are better ab.e
than we hare been heretofore to make
satisfactory prices on all grades of
Canon City and Trinidad coal, as well
as the best (Trades of Nor thern Colo
rado coal, over any line ef road run
ning ont of Denver or Pueblo. Their
capacity is sufficient to guarantee
prompt shipment. I will keep pur-
cnasers posteu on prices upon appuca-
tion. The lowest
possible wholesale
rates are obtained.
Daav all orders.
Cash must ac cona
J. W. Haktlet, State Agt.,
Lincoln, Neb.
For the Germans.
The first and only work ever written
on currency reform in German is "Geld"
by Robert Schilling. It is a translation
and enlargement of his' 'Silver questi sn"
and sure to make converts. The retail
price is 25 cents, but it will be furnished
to reform organizations and agents at a
greatly reduced rate. A sample copy
will be sent for 15 cents. Address
Alliance Pub. Co.,
20tf Lincoln, Neb.
A
OUR SPECIAL SALE ON
Cloaks and Furs
STILL CONTINUES.
We also call special attention to our
Bargain Counter.
We are selling 20 dozen Ladies wool
hose. Other bargains too
numerous to mention.
Be sure and visit onr Bargain
Counter.
&
1
133 to 133 S !!th St., Llrcoln, Nebraska.
II. E, BAILEY,
Wholesale Commission
DEALER IN
BuiteF,Egp,PouItry,Po!at08S
AND
BAILED HAY.
23mG")
1326 U Street, Lincoln, Neb.
IF YOU MEAN BUSINESS.
and Intend that our Poople movement shall
triumph, you Bhould rally to tho support of
THE LABOR WAVE,
owned, edited mid published by the Assembly
of Nebraska, Knights of Labor, in the place
of all places whore the truth, plainly and fear
lessly spoken will accomplish tho most good,
Omaha. Subscribe now and put this paperon
a sound financial basis. Address all com
munioatiooB to Anson H. Bioblow, State
Seoretary, 1!J01 Dnufrlas St. Omaha, Neb.
ALLEN ROOT
GF9. 8. BKOWN,
Formerly Sales
man A.L.8.C. Co.
Salesman.
Stock Art. NeD. mate
Farmers Alliance.
Office and Financial M'gr.
SHIP YOUR OWN STOCK.
LIVE STOCK
Commission Mernhauts,
Boom 34 Exchange Building,
South Omaha, Nebraska:
Before you ship Bend for the market.
REFKRENCES.
First National Bank of Omaha. 14-tf
Commercial National Bank. Omaha.
Packers National Bank. Omaha.
Nebraska Savings and Exchange B'k, Omaha.
Central City Bank, Central City. Neb,
PENSION
THE DISABILITY BILL IS A LAW.
Ssldiers Disabled Since the War are Entitled.
Dependent widows and parents now depend
ent wheso sons died irom effects of army
service ara included. If you wish your clairr.
speedilr and and successfully prosecuted,
address. TANNFR
Late Commissioner JHIIItO IHMtn
of Pensions. 47-ly Washington, D. O.
THE PERKINS
WIND MILL.
tin nmiBT
nil BCT
Mm i m Aw
3k A fAlil
THE PEKKINS
Is the Lightest Running
Wind Mill now Made.
TRY FT !
After 31 years of success la the manutau
tr.re of Wind Mills, we have lately made a
complete canfre in onr mill, all pnrts being
built stronfrer and hotter proportioned and a
self lubricant bushing placed In all boxes to
savo the purchaser from climbing- high tow
ers to oi lit, The same principal .f self g-ov-trning-
retained. 3very part of the Milljful.
ly WARRANTED, and wU run without mak
inc a noise.
The reputation gained by the PerklM Mil
in the past hag induced some unscrupulous
persons to imitate th mill and even to take
our name and apply it to an inferiormiU. He
nut ueceiven. nose genuine unless stamped
as below. We manufacture both pumping
and geared mills, tanks pumps eto and gen
eral Wind Mill supplies. Good Agents want
ed. Pend for catalogue and priors. 41-6m
PKKKINS, WIND Ml I.I. AX CO.,
Mishawaka, Ind.
Mention Farmers' Ai.liangb.
Scientific American
Agency for
CAVEATS.
TRADE MARKS,
rSICN PATENTS
COPVRICHTS. etc.
JJlt irSP lrd f Handbook write to
MUNN A CO M BitoADWAY, Nkw Yoitnr.
Oldtwt Mircao 1 for securing patents In America.
Every Patent taken out by n Is brought before
the public by a notice given free of charge in the
largest rtrrnlatlon of any oelentlnr paper in the
world. HnliMuiiiiiB 11 1 . . ."..1.1 .
No tntplllcnnt
P
iuu bii'hiiu Dv WIT D out I
Sl-HO SIX month Arlnui M f TV vr L r-r.'
VUeui;RSl361 Broadway, ISew Vork.
FARMERS
eii
MILLER
PAINE
VMJi BUY IT!
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"Pw -HH D