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About The Loup City northwestern. (Loup City, Neb.) 189?-1917 | View Entire Issue (July 31, 1903)
Loup City Northwestern GEO. E. BENSCHOTER, Ed. and Pub. LOUP CITY, - * NEBRASKA. What is news? Anything the reader wants to know. The rational man carefully abstains from doing anything rash. The average man firmly believes that he is above the average. Favorable comment has but one leg as a rule, but slander is a centipede. It is capable of proof that many a lean baby grows up to be a big, fat man. Chronic loungers should not treat their busy friends' private office as a public snap. Mrs. Nat Herreshoffs husband seems to be the only man able to beat Nat Herreshoff. Conscious that he is not an Adonis Oom Paul has taken to repulsing cam era fiends with a club. Colorado has discovered a cowboy poet. And now the west knows where to look for its poet-lariat. These contradictory dispatches from Somaliland leave one in doubt whether the Mullah is mad or glad. Designer Watson of the Shamrocks has Just married. Which shows that can win something, anyway. It may be that Lynbomir Zsixkovits was one of the leaders of the Servian revolt, but we suspect the linotype. The latest scientific dictum is that ' the mustache is unsanitary. So is the corset, but the girls Insist on both. Going, going—two German counts and a French marquis. Now, girls, who will close the sale by saying ••Gone”? Mr. Gates says the worst has been reached in the stock market. This is not consolation to the man who reached it. According to a dispatch from St. Petersburg Russia and Japan now agree. Korea may well be alarmed if this is true. King Peter now has an opportunity ■to decide whether or not he will sleep in the room in which his predecessor was assassinated. A Pittsburg doctor has received a fee of $34,000 for treating a man who died. He will never need to take any thing for his nerve. M^iry MacLane announces that she w ill w’rite another book. Then Mary will probably discover that she struck twelve some time ago. Mr. Idncoln Steffens, the Asmodeus of American cities, has got around to Philadelphia, and taken the lid off in h!s usual masterly style. One of the most important elements of successful humor is surprise, and it was not missing in comical little Marshall Wilders marriage. "If the price of potatoes goes too high,” says the Boston Globe, “eat rice.” Was there ever a more painful example of disloyalty to the home food staple? If impatient lovers would only wait a few days it is possible the appeal to carbolic acid would not be required, but love is blind and very, very foolish at times. People are beginning to wonder what the next get-rich-quick scheme is going to be. All of ihe old avenues to hasty wealth seems to have been successfully plugged. It Is announced that Clyde Fitch Is going to spend the winter in Wash ington, and will probably dramatize either the department scandals or the Congressional Record. As the navies of both powers are now in prime condition France and England feel that this is an excep tionally opportune time in which to entertain proposals for permanent peace. Two elderly parsons deserted their wives and eloped with young girls. And the strange thing about it is that with neitner of them had marriage been a failure. One had five children and the other eighteen. Jeremiah Buckley, whose poem or Shamrock was so thoroughly appro elated by Sir Thomas Lipton, is one of those ready writers who can tear it off by the column without stopping to measure lines or count feet, Mr. Gourlay, M. P., of Nova Scotia, says he would rather live iu Algiers than in the United States. Donkeys , do most of the work, in Algiers, and Mr. Gourlay prefers to lire where he would be sure of regular employment The Queen of England, with a bon net on her head, looked over the gar den wall the other day. and it ts now reported that bonnets are coming into fashion again. The king may make ue wear white vest slips, but only a queen could possibly turn the women back to bonnets. j RAVAGES OF THE BOLL WEEVIL I THREATEN AMERICA'S COTTON CROP If there were a national industrial ledger kept, the page for the cotton industry of the state of Texas in 1902 would contain an item like this: Paid to the cotton boll weevil, $20, 000,000. That would be moderate. Repre sentative Slayden, in asking for an appropriation to fight this insect, said in the house last January: "The amount of damage done by the cotton boll weevil during the cot ton growing season of 1902 is various is leading the fight against the boll weevil in Texas, the acting chief of the division of entomology is Mr. C. L*. Marlatt, who regularly has charge of entomological field work, “Bulletins have been issuing em bodying specific recommendations for fighting the boll weevil,” says Mr. Marlatt. “These recommendations have been evolved from the actual work of the observers in the field. As fast as anything new is learned it is given to the cotton growers for their produces one-fifth of*the cotton of the world. Therefore when in one year— 1902—at least one-tenth of her product falls victim to the boll weevil the seriousness of the situation is appar ent. The government scientists are now trying to find out if the insect or its larvae can be carried in the cotton bale, as it is taken eastward through Ixmisiana and Mississippi and other cotton growing states. Most of the cotton Is shipped by boat from Texas ly estimated by those who have stud ied the situation to have been from fifteen to twenty-five million dollars. It was certainly as much as the small er sum named, and it is possible that It may have exceeded the larger. But great as was the disaster to the crop of 1902, it was nothing compared to that which threatens the crop of 1903.” The insect gets its name from the fact that it Is a weevil, a species of beetle, with a peculiar habit of punc turing and laying its eggs in the squares and t>olls of the cotton plant. The insect is about a quarter of an inch long and the larva measures a little over three-eights of an inch in length when grown, and lives within the buds, feeding upon the interior substance. The squares attack gener ally drop, but most of the damaged bolls remain upon the plant and be come stunted or dwarfed, except late in the season, when they dry or rot. The dangerous thing about the cot ton. boll weevil is that it Is a travel ing scourge, it was Introduced into this country from Mexico, creeping across the Rio Grande after having ravaged the cotton regions of the neighboring republic until the culti vation of cotton, which had formerly been a profitable crop in Coahuila and Michoacan, was entirely discontinued. Now few cotton producing counties in Texas are unaffected; the advance guard of the pest is on the Texas banks of the Red river, apparently ready to invade the cotton regions of Arkansas and Indian Territory, while the states of Louisiana and Missis sippi have good reason to fear it, al though thus far its progress has been almost straight north rather than to the east In the absence of Dr. Howard, who ■ MAP SHOWING SPREAD OP BOLL-WEE'/JL SCO URGE IN TEXAS \ SINCE 1895 guidance. One of these bulletins will show you the present status of the boll weevil, another the life history of the insect and another the methods of combating the pest.” While the department of agriculture is doing a good work In Texas there is a strong feeling among the cotton planters that their predicament should be thrown open to the best scientific talent of the country outside of govern ment service. Congress will probably at its next session be asked for an ap propriation large enough to enable the government to continue Its work, but also to employ able men outside of the department of agriculture. The Texas cotton crop and Its “by products” of seed, meal and oil Is valued at $150,000,000 a year. The boll weevil has imperiled it. Leaving out China, which Is a rather unknown quantity In the cotton produc ing world, It is safe to say that Texas ports, but some of It goes by rail. Left alone the boll weevil may be expected to prevail throughout the cot ton raising section within twenty years, and to impair the volume and the value of the product at least twen ty per cent. That would mean a loss of countless millions to the flourishing new south. There is another serious phase to the question, a phase removed from the domestic side of the proDlem and one affecting the foreign markets, r.ow be coming more important than ever to the United States. The cotton indus try of the United States is imperiled at a time when the government of England and Germany are making un usually vigorous efforts to promote the cultivation of cotton in their colonies, and when Central and South American countries are seeing in the cotton In dustry a great and growing commer cial opening.—New York Herald. ONLY CREMATORIUM IN CANADA The only crematorium in the Domin ion of Canada is the one in Mount Royal cemetery, Montreal, which has been opened a little more than a year. In that time there have been five cremations. It is a significant fact1 that in the city of London during the first year of the existence of the cre matory, there were but three crema tions. The crematorium is of the English gothic style of architecture, with mas sive oak doors and constructed of Montreal limestone. It la fireproof throughout. A stately porch is passed jn the way to the large conservatory, with its sides lined with plate glass windows, and the floor beautifully de tigned in different colored marbles. Through the conservatory, banked with flowers and plants, the visitor passes through an ante-room to the .•rematorium hall, which has {in arch id roof and walls lined with marble, vhlle the floor, like that of the ecu servatory, is laid in marble. In this hall the religious ceremony preceding the cremation takes place. Adjoining is the incinerating room, reached through large bronze doors. The floor Is paved with white tiles and the walls lined with white marble. Here there is space for four incinerators. They are made of fire brick with steel castings. The fuel used is kerosene oil and the incineration of a body re quires about two hours. To secure cremation it is necessary for the person whose body is to be cre mated to have expressed such a de sire in writing. He must also have been over twenty-one years of age. After a religious service in the hall the body is passed into the receiving chamber, where incineration begins. The ashes are taken from the furnace on the morning following cremation. Toronto is now applying to the On tario Legislature to have a crema torium erected in St. James cemetery, and the request will probably bo granted. At one time al! the great nations of the world, with the exception of the Egyptians, Persians and Chinese, practiced cremation, including the Greeks and Romans. For centuries the practice lay dor mant, but in 1797 it was agitated in France, and in 18G6 in Italy, out it was only in 1891 that in Italy a man was given the right to decide that his body should be burned. In England the history of cremation dates from 1874, when a society ad vocating cremation was formed. In 1879 the first crematorium was con structed at Woking, but was only U3ed first in 1885. Cremation in the United States dates back to 1873-74, and In Germany to 1878. In 1900 the number of bodies cre mated in the United States was 2.414, an increase of 418 over the previous year. AND FOR A WEDDING, TOO. Old Gentleman Objected to Sentiment On Floral Emblem. Whether It wag a mistake or a Joke or simply an example of bad taste is a question that is still puzzling most of the passengers. But no matter about that; it ceralnly was a floral masterpiece. Full four feet of it stood from the ground, in the form of a cross. Roses white and roses red composed the body of the cross, and dainty white blossoms and green leaves formed the trimmings. In the center the word "Peace” was spelled out in rosebuds. Everybody In the car admired the offering, and when the boy set it down on the floor all leaned forward to ex amine it more closely. At length one gentleman stood up and readjusted his glasses in order to get a better look at It. "That is a mighty pretty posy you’ve got there,” he said. "Who, may 1 ask, is dead?” The boy giggled. "Nobody't I know of," he said. "This ain’t for a funeral; it’s for a wedding.” The old gentleman sat down heavily. ‘‘Good Lord!” he said. ‘‘What idiot ever ordered 'Peace' inscribed on a wedding floral decoration?” The rest of the passengers smiled, and many of them, being married, wondered as well; but nobody ven tured an explanation.—New York Press. WHAT OUR SCHOOLS COST US. Immense Sum of Money Well Spent in United States. It is probably not generally known that the United States spends annual ly cn elementary education about $227,000,000—the exact figures for 1900-1901 were, according to the report of United States Commissioners of m hration, $22,043, 236. Europe spent during the same period approximately $246,000,000. The enrolment In the elementary schools of Europe is, however, in the neigh borhood of 45,000,000, while in the United States it is not much more than 16,000,000, although it is esti mated that there were in 1901 almost 22,000,000 children of school-going age in this country. Our yearly expendi ture per pupil averages $22. Some profit may be gained from a comparison of the amounts spent year ly by representative American cities for the maintenance and operation of their public schools. New York spent in a single year $19,731,629; Chicago follows with an outlay of $8,203,493; Philadelphia's expenditure was $3,319, 064; Boston’s, $3,043,640; Baltimore's, $1,417,392; Cleveland’s $1,257,345, and Washington’s, $1,182,916. New Or leans is at the end of the list with an expense of $478,025.—Harper Weekly. BREAK IN THE SOLEMNITY. Little Maine Girl Enlivens the Pro ceedings of Her Sunday School. This “true story” comes from Water* ville. It occurred at a meeting of the Sunday school in one of the Water vllle churches. Just before the classes were to be excused the superintend ent asked If there was any one present who would like to make any remarks or ask any questions. All was still for a moment, and then a little tot of 5 years said: “I’d like to speak a little piece.” The little girl walked slowly down the aisle, and, taking a posi tion directly in front of the altar, made a neat bow and said: Thera was a jolly wobbln who kept his head a-bobbin* As ho gobbled up a big fat worm: And he said: ''I've eat forty-two brothers and half a dozen others. And golly, how It tickles when they squirm: The little girl bowed, and amid laughter and applause returned to a seat beside her mother.—Lewiston (Me.) Journal. Not Terrified by Nudity. At Bayport, L. I., the firBt bather of the season put in an appearance about two weeks ago. As the regular bathing houses were not open he sought a secluded spot and proceeded to divest himself of his garments, all the while softly humming that classic ditty: When Pop was a little boy like ire He went in swlmmln’ where there was no wlmmin. He stopped suddenly at the sight of an ancient dame sitting on a near by heap of stones. “I'm going to bathe, ma’am.” he shouted by way of a gentle hint. “Well, dear, I hope you’ll enjoy It,” she said, without moving, whereupon ae said more emphatically, “I’m going In swimming!” “Who’s stopping you?” she retorted, settling herself into a more comfort able position. “Sure, the water’s as free to you as it is to me!” Making Over the World. At rest lay stretched the simple lea— A region elemental. When- life for nil the folk was free No bird nor beast paid rental. A dreadful state of waste. I know; ’Tis hard to understand It. Except the facts would go to show That only God had planned It. But man stepped in and built a town— He tore its peace to flinders; He plowed it up and cut It down; He tilled It blue with cinders; Pressed brick supplanted shrub und tree And further he revised It XU1 scarce the air Itself was free— And thus he "civilized” It. —Four Track News. Some Hope. Whiting—“Since my son has been ’tt college the things he has learned are perfectly marvellous.” Biting—“I've no doubt of it; but I wouldn’t worry. He'll forget them all after a few years.” Rome’s Immense Cemetery. The biggest cemetery in the world '.s the catacombs at Rome. They con tain six million bodies. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. LESSON V., AUG. 2—SAMUEL ANOINTS DAVID. Golden Text—“Man Looketh on the Outward Appearance, But the Lord Looketh on the Heart."—1 Samuel, 16: 4-13—David’s Exaltation. I. “First Step In David’s Exaltation. Samuel turned from the Past to the fu ture.”—1 Sam. 16: 1-3. It was natural that Samuel should be bowed down with Kr‘e* after Saul's disobedience and hypocrisy had disclosed the fatal weakness of his character, and God had uttered the sen tence of condemnation. But at this sad dest hour of the prophet’s life God came, us he always does come to his children In their distress. The Lord bade Samuel to cease mourning for Saul, fill his long horn with anointing oil. and go to Jesse at Bethlehem, one of whose sons was to become king in Paul’s stead. II. “Second Step in David’s Exalta tion. The Sacrifice at Bethlehem.”—Vs. 4, 5. Resigning ills wlll> and sadly aban don In g the king who dad so won his af fection. the obedient prophet followed Jehovah's Instructions, 4. "And came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town.” The magistrates, probably with Jesse among them. "Trembled at his coming. Ami .said, Comest tnou peaceaeuy i Illustration. “Hundreds of years after this, when the heavenly light was seen In the same place by the shepherds, they, too. were 'sore afraid’; but there was as little to fear In the one ease as in the | other; for in both there was a provided sacrifice, and in both the mission was one of peace; yeu, as Samuel came to anoint David to be a king, so the angel-her alded Jesus appeared 'to make us kings and priests unto our lxird and his Fath er.”—William M. Taylor. 5. “To sacrifice unto the Lord." The sacrifice consisted of a feast, oertain por tions of which were s» t aside and conse crated to the Lord, In token of his com munion with his people, "Sanctify your selves." "That is. wash your whole per son and put on clean clothes.”—Cleikie. The ceremony was symbolic of Inward purity. "And come with me to the sac rifice.” “Probably the sacrifice was not till the next day.”—Cook. “And he sancti fied Jesse and his sons." Illustrations. God s children may some times think thut his providences are working against them; but his ways, says Richard Sibles, are like the wheels of a Autch, which move contrary one to an other, some backward, some forward, yet the watch as a whole is constantly mov ing forward. III. “Third Step in David’s Exaltation. The Seven Sons Rejected."—Vs. 6-10. The lads were hastily summoned from their various tasks—all but David.—and passed in review before the prophet. 6. "He looked on Elinb and said.” speaking, of course, to himself. "Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him." 7. "Rut the Lord said unto Samuel,” That Is. God spoke, not audibly, but none the less really, within Samuel’s soul. ”1 have refused him. For the Lord seeth not as man seeth.” Saul was the king that men would choose, but David was a man after God’s own heart. S. "Abinadab" was next called, and similarly rejected. 9. "Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by." 10. "Again" (or. as it may better he translated, "so") "Jesse made seven of his sons to pass Ik fore Samuel." The seven included the three already named, hut not David. "And Samuel said unto Jesse The Lord hath not chosen these.” IV'. "Fourth Step In David’s Exalta tion. The Anointing."—Vs. 11-13. 11. "Are here all thy children? And he said. There rcmalneth yet the youngest." Evidently too little considered to be sent for. to take part In Samuel’s review. Children are likely thus to be under estimated by their elders; but Clod looks more wisely upon them. "And. behold, he keepeth the sheep.” Often in the world’s history, the greatest leaders of men have been drawn from the lowliest origins. "We will not sit down till he come hither.” Practical. It often happens that men neglect the very person, young or poor or obscure, whom God has chosen for high est honor; but whomever men may choose to crown, the real feast cannot proceed till God’s candidate has been discovered. 12. "lie was tuddy.” With auburn hair and lair skin. In southern lands, where skin and hair are dark, these are Considered especially handsome. "Of a beautiful countenance.” "Literally. ‘Beautiful-eyed and goodly in appear ance.’ ”—Oamb. Bible. "Arise, anoint him." “Christ" signitk s “the anointed one.” he being our Prophet, Priest, and King. 13. "Then Samuel took the horn of oil Hnd anointed him in the midst of his brethren." That Is, in their presence. The later history shows that they did not understand the real meaning of Samuel's act. It is not told us that even David or Jesse comprehended what 8amuel was doing. Note: The i ffect of the anointing: "The spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward." “The Hebrew for ‘came upon’ describes a sudden and pervading impulse.”—Camb. Bible. Just ns with Saul upon his anointing (I. Sam. 10: 6, 10). so Dnvtd received a supernatural exaltation for his lofty destiny. "So Samuel lose up, and went to Hamah." his home. v. ''Mfth Step in David's Exaltation. David’s Introduction to Saul's Court."_ I. Sam. IK: 14-23. The remainder of the chapter describes the providential manner In which David was introduced to the household of the king whom he was to succeed. Saul's disobedience was pun ished by n mental disorder, sent from God. a form of melancholia akin to vio lent Insanity. Such maladies are often bettered by the influence of music, nnd at the suggestion of Saul’s attendants David was sent for. since his skill upon the harp, as well ns his courage, pru dence. holiness, and wisdom, were well known. He at once won the affection of Saul, and proved himself so skillful In soothing the frenzied king that tie was often sent for afterwards. jn this most unexpected and marvelous way did God begin to work out his great design for David and the kingdom. Note in all this the fifth step in God's exaltation of Davld.-thc steady move ment of providence as the young man developed his gifts naturally, and as op portunities for exercising those gifts opened out before him The climax of Golbuh’rtwM !, H ' r‘m" in ,h" wl l Go lath which vie study next Sunday. Theie is nothing in David's advance ment which may not be essentially true °f .b,,y or **r,> if he or she will be obedient to the anointing of duty. Every Day Occupations. The occupations of every day seem often trifling, we may do them without thinking as ordinary things, yet they are the scenes of our ap pointed lot—appointed by God for you and me. The ordering, the appli cation of these ordinary occupations Is the appointing of the Divine pur pose; it is for ourselves to carry them out. And secretly our character forms according as we handle them 3ive thy heart to God Eternal, since thou art thyself eternal.—T. T. Car