davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
COMMITTEE is AMUSED
At THE WEATHER CHIEF
Members Smile When Mr.. Moore Says
Only II Per Cent of His Pre-
dictions Go Wrong.

Prof. Willis Moore. Chief of the
Weather Bureau, was before the House
Committee on Agriculture yesterday and
discussed the estimates Of the Depart
ment of Agriculture in relation to the
provisions for the Weather Bureau
only IL per cent of the forecasts
made by the Bureau within the past
year were incorrect" said Prof Moore
to the committee. Chairman Wads-
worth and his colleagues looked out Of
the window, saw the sun shining
brightly. looked at the professor s
weather map for the day, which
said partly cloudy thought of the
prediction of a rise in temperature
last week when instead there was a
drop in the thermometer. then they
smiled and said nothing.
Prof. Moore added that there would
always be small percentage of error
in these forecasts until new discoveries
are made in meteorological science. He
requested an increase in the appropria-
tion for eight additional stations TO be
located as follows: At Providence. r. l.;
Hartford, Conn; Honolulu. Hawaiian
Islands: Sitka. Alaska; Madison, Wis;
Durango, Col Roswell, n. NJ. and one
in the north central part OF Illinois.
The total appropriation asked for by
the Weather Bureau is $3.50 900.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
The briggs Case.
Some Pity May Naturally Be Felt for
the Scapegoat of a System.

The downfall of briggs, while
necessary as a moral lesson and ITO
encourage the Others" has its pathetic
side, which the contemplative cannot
tail to see. briggs probably does not
yet see why the fact that he took with
alacrity the chance of making SO, 500,
by methods which he was given to un-
derstand were not uncommon in Con-
gress, should have been fraught with
consequences so unhappy for himself
and so dangerous as a precedent. He
AYERS, with some show of reason, that
he did not know any better.
briggs plays, in fact, somewhat the
part of a scapegoat; not that others
are likely to go free now that he has
been sacrificed in the interests of JUS
tice, but that others in the past have
gone free after just such offenses
against the Government. and are now
unreaehable. These venal creatures
paved the way, and made the system
by which briggs helped Beavers tc
rob the Government entirely possible.
Without the first CRATER there could
be no system of graft. If there is
ever to be an end of graft examples
must be made, and briggs happened
t" arrive on the scene at the time when
the example was needed.
There is always a disposition, when
a man is convicted of doing something
that a number of other men did sue
cessfully without being caught, to try
to palliate his offense on the ground
that L. is no worse than others. But
tina, 5 no palliation at all. To let
him go free, or Tighten his punish
nent, on any such ground simply
makes it easier for the next man to do
wrong. 1t is always unfortunate
when rascals are not caught but that
should not affect the dealings Of the
courts with those who are caught.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10

Tor deeiphering the inscriptions on
FIVE Oriental rugs belonging TO the lat
ter. Mr.. Yerkes says he has no faith
IN the translation, as it fails TO agree
with a translation of similar inserip-
lions, made by some authority in the
british Museum. Prof. Gottheil AYERS
that the rugs were so badly worn that
the inscriptions were illegible ID
places. Mr.. Yerkes says, and is sup
ported by John Kimberley Mumford,
who is something of an authority on
the subject, that his rugs we're in good
condition, and the Inscriptions legible.
And there the matter rests.
The question now is, who is TO set
tie this matter? There is probably no
one in this country who is absolute
authority on inscriptions on Oriental
rugs, and to take the rugs across the
water to the authority in the British
Museum would be rather expensive
and occupy some time. The weight of
evidence seems 10 be in favor of Mr.
\ erkes, however. The British Mu-
scum is very likely to be right on sub
jects in which most people have but a
vague and uncertain understanding.
The matter is likely to make those
of us who have not Oriental rugs feel
that there are compensations after all.
We do not have to pay anybody $500
to find out whether the figures on our
carpets mean, Behold, my life is de-
pendent on your mercy" or "Home,
Sweet Home"
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10

woman passes the four-score mark
she is encouraged oy the conventions
of society TO lib about the lapse o.
time and keep the vital statistic pages
of the family Bible gummed together
After four-seore the vanity of mer
and women takes a twist in the re-
verse direction, and the coneeit of q
centsnarian becomes monumental.
Perhaps feminine dissemination t.
tell or hear the truth about age is a
survival from the times when years
were important factors in determining
value in the matrimonial market. On
possibly the unpleasantness of refer
ences to the subject is as artificial III
its origin as the fear of mice. which
was considered an indispensable fem
Urine accomplishment generation OF
two ago.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
SEEKING A CANDIDATE
TO DEFEAT ROOSEVELT
Hanna Believed to Be Sidetracked and Presidents Oppo
nentS Turn to Senator Fairbanks.

All opposition 30 the nomination of
President Roosevelt by the next Re-
publican NationA Convention has not
been stamped out>by the refusal OF Sena-
tor Hanna to come out I'm statement
permitting the use of his name in con-
nection with the nomination. On the
contrary there is good reason for be-
lieving that the Presidents opponents
are cropping about in search of some
one upon whom they can unite in an
effort, even at this late date. when Mr..
Roosevelt, IN the vernacular of the street,
seems to have the nomination 'cinched, -
to bring about hts defeat in the Chicago
convention.
1t is taken for granted generally in 20
litical circles thai Senator Hanna means
what he says when he declares that he
is not a candidate for the Presidency,
and while there are those who profess
to believe that as late as convention
time itself. the delegates might be
stampeded in his favor If he would only
permit the use of his name. the ma
jority understands that any chance he
might have is being daily diminished by
his persistent refusal to declare that
he is a candidate. Consequently, those
who still hope to prevent the nomination
of Mr.. Roosevelt are IN search of some
other available man.
Looking to Fairbanks.
By force of many circumstances they
seem inclined 10 turn to Senator Fair
banks of Indiana. There is good
authority for the statement that those
representing the more prominent of the
anti Roosevelt members of the party
have recently approached the Hoosier
Senator with an offer of support IL he
will consent TO accept il.
The iutimation is that interests al
lied with ]. Pierpont Morgan are back
of the effort to start a Fairbanks
boom. The fact that the Wall Street
financier would like very much to bring
about the defeat of the President for
the nomination is no secret but the
more ardent of the friends and sup
porters of the President contend that
that rather than being an obstacle to be
feared. is an element of strength for
Mr. Roosevelt.
The moment the rank and file become
fully cOgnizant of the fact that Wall
Street influences are seeking the Presi-
dents overthrow. they contend there
viii be such a reaction against the
money interest that nothing can pre-
vent the nomination of Mr. Roosevelt
In fact they do not admit that there
is anything which can now accomplish
that end
Meanwhile Senator Fairbanks is much
disturbed between his loyalty to the
President and his unconouered ambition
to become President of the United
States. For several years the Indiana
Senator has entertained the opinion that
he is Of Presidential size. and has made
preliminary plans to launch a campaign
For the nomination A large number of
Republicans. even outside of Hoosier-
dom, have shared his opinion and were
willing to assist in boosting him up TO
reach to get the prize.
Senator Fairbanks is one of the strong
conservative statesmen Of the Republi-
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
The Matter Of Age.
Men Are often as Sensitive as Women
on the Subject.

On the SUBJECT.
The National Academy of Design
recently awarded prize to woman
in competition limited to artists not
over a certain age. The artist dis
covered that she was ineligible and re-
minded The committee Of the fact. In
her frank letter renouncing claim to
the prize, the artist said "Of course.
1t isn't pleasant to have attention
drawn TO ones age"
1T is fact that almost all women
more than twenty years old, and many
men over forty, are sensitive on tie
subject of age, but few of them could
give any explanation of their feeling
that would not be pueriie. Appar-
emily they are ashamed of having ar
rived at years Of discretion" but
they would repudiate that explanation
Indignantly. Surely there is nothing
discreditable in the bodily health that
ccnduces to long life, nothing degrad-
ing in having escaped fatal sccident
and disease.
Why should it be unpleasant 20
have attention drawn to ones AGE
when one is neither very young nor
very old7 1t is not unpleasant to
have attention drawn to the color of
ones hair-unless the color be arti-
fetal or indicative of that same repre-
hensible lapse Of time which consti.
tutes age. 1t is not unpleasant to be,
say, thirty years old, but it is the cor
rect thing for women especially to re-
gard reference to the fact as a per-
sonal affront or an injury TO their
vanity.
The man who shows sensitiveness
about his age and tries TO appear
younger than he is usually is regarded
as a silly person and spoken of behind
his back as vain old fool, but until
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
COULD REACH THE POLE.

p. j. Coston. of Alaska. who is in the
city from the town of Nome, has a new
plan for the discovery of the North
Pole.
Let some miner say that he has
found a good-sized nugget there. and
you will find plenty of others who will
get there. They are gold-mad in the
country"
Mr.. Coston is an attorney and is busy
with the Interior Department. trying to
make Nome a city snd to get outside
Of the fact that It is now existing only
under squatter rights.
You can deny" he says. that there
is any restitution or suffering up there
for there is none. Everyone is busy and
everyone is happy. and we do not think
anything OF hitching up the dogs and
going off on a thousand-mIle journey on
the sleds. AS a matter of fact the mails
are carried 1900 miles before they reach
some OF us. and every mile is over the
snow"
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
FOR OFFICIAL PLAGIARIsT.

Fame has been thrust upon Louis J.
Melchoir. messenger at the War De-
partment. through a remarkable placard
he prepared at the suggestion of en-
ployes in the Office of the adjutant gen.
eral.
Much trouble was experienced in the
office as the result of the careless use
OF copying press, and the faithful
messenger was asked to prepare a card
warning persons who were not author
lied to do copying to let the press
alone
Melchoir found his vocabulary a little
short when he began TO print the card.
He was uncertain about suffixes and
inquired of one of the clerks:
What do you call a person who
copies?"
"A plagiarist, was the quick reply of
a busy clerk.
The result was a large pIacard bear
ing the following words:
For the Use OF the OficiaI Plagiarist
Only"
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
OYSTERS FOR NO. 4.

The firemen of No. Engine Co npany
are brushing up their clothes and shin
ing their shoes preparatory to sitting
down to genuine oyster supper. pro-
vided for them by a generous friend.
whose property was saved by their
prompt action
Fire Chief Belt this morning received
a letter from A. J. Sanford compliment
Ing the members OF No. company, for
their good work in extinguishing the
flames which threatened to destroy his
house at 1854 Four-and-a-half Street
southwest recently.
Folded with the letter was a check
for $40 with instructions to turn it
over TO the foreman, and tell him to
give the boys 40 oyster supper" The
instructions are going to be carried out
to the latter.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
APPROPRIATION BILL
REPORTED TOMORROW
Two Days for House Discussion, as
Senate Needs Material to Check
Panama Hysteria.

The bin making appropriations for
the executive, legislative and judicial
departments of the Government will
be reported TO the House tomorrow
from the Committee on Appropria tions.
1t is expected that not more than two
days will be devoted to discussion while
IL is under consideration. the curtail-
ment Of time being advised in order that
the measure may be gotten over TO the
Senate as soon as possible, so that
the upper house may have something to
act upon other than the Panama Canal
treaty.
The customary free-fOr-alI discussion
VIII be permitted while the deficiency
and agricultural appropriation bills are
before the House. A deficiency bill will
follow the legislative bill the latter
part of this week. and it is not unlikely
that the agricultural bill will come in
on Saturday. or week from tomorrow
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
THE
Personal
SIDE
SECRETARY ROOT AS A BAD MAN.

secretary Root is all right until he
begins to talk in cultural tones without
moving his lips. Then you want TO look
out for him. Something is going to hap
PEN
Such was the warning a. well-known
newspaper correspondent gave 10 a
grodp Of reporters who were waiting in
Secretary Roots anteroom.
never saw the Secretary lose his
temper but once, and don't want to see
another exhibition Of the same Sort the
correspondent continued. There was
plenty of provocation. A newspaper
man with more nerve than judgment had
asked the Secretary the same question
SIX times Mr.. Root refused TO answer
IL each time. but the reporter couched
the question in different words and per-
sisted. That kind of work may go with
some persons. but Secretary Root is too
good a lawyer to permit anyone to in
suit his intelligence In that manner.
When the question came the seventh
time Secretary Roots lips ceased to be
rigid, and he regained his voice. What
he said was so plain the questiOner left
the room faster than people usually
move in polite society, and don't
think he's tried any of his police court
lawyer tactics on Secretary Root since .
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
STARTS BOOM FOR QUAY.

Coincident with a visit of Senator
Quay to the White House yesterday q
boom was started for him for President
by Judge Riley, a well-known resident
of Washington. The Senator had just
been in to see the President. He
emerged from the White House offices
with the usual inscrutable mask of mys
terry resting on his sphynx-like counte-
nance
''Politics2" inquired the reporters.
Neither politics, business, nor reli-
gion," replied the Senator.
AS the Senator was walking away
Judge Riley FASTENED up and held out
his hand Senator" said the judge
ny name is Riley. and l want to shake
the hand of Senator Quay. a man 1 have
always admired"
The Senator extended the glad-hand
which holds Pennsylvania in its grip
1t evidently captivated the Judge.
There's a man I want TO see Presi-
dent he said. Wouldn't he make q
great one?"
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
MORE TROUBLE AHEAD FOR
BUCHANAN NOMINATION

When the Senate meets tomorrow af-
ter the usual open session, a further
consideration in executive session is ex-
pected of the appointment of William /.
Buchanan as minister to Panama Fri
day for two hours the Senate de-
bated the legality and propriety OF the
Presidents action in dispatching dip
lomatic representative while the Senate
was in session.
Several prominent Republicans doubt
the correctness OF the Presidents ac-
ton and desire 6. full consideration OF
the subject The Democrats are press
ing for a decision which win maintain
the Senates right to confirm nomina-
tons before they become valid AID COM
plete.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10

Some people are protesting against
American friendship for Japan, on the
ground that we shall thereby be 1.-The
tail of the British kite" If we are to be
governed in all our international rela.
tons by the desire to be on the other
side from England, we shall not only
sacrifice some Of our boosted independ-
ence, but we shall put ourselves. as re.
CARDS England, in the position of the
pig which can be led anywhere by pull
ing its tail in the opposite direction.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10

can party and comes from a section OF
the country entitled by reason of its
geographical location and political I'M
certainty TO present candidate for she
Presidency Early in the game these
facts were weighed carefully by Sena-
tor Fairbanks and were regarded IS
giving him a good show of winning. A
year ago there was much talk Of Sena-
tor Fairbanks ability to corral a large
number OF the Southern delegates. par
ticularly I'm those States where the
President has given some offsI.se to the
lilly whites" by his recognition Of the
black and tans.
The plan was suggested OF establish
ing a string OF Republican dailies in a
number Of cities OF the South for the
purpose of advocating the nomination
OF the Indiana man. Some OF thes pro
gressive>- municipalities began TO swell,
with righteous pride al the thought
of having established within theft
midst Republican daily newspaper
with money and influence to back Il
The rising tide In favor Of the nomi-
nation of Roosevelt dashed this pros
pect, however. and the Republican dali
les which were to boom Fairbanks have
never issued their first editions
The incioient Fairbanks boom died
down. but II IS now said that there
will soon be an effort made TO revive
it,; provided, Of course. always. that the
Senator yields and gives it his sanction
and approval either publicly or tacitly
II he should decide to allow his name
to be used, it Is not supposed that he
will do so at this time, but will wisely
wait and watch the trend OF events fcr
ar opening.
Conceded IN Northwest
THE nomination Of President Roose-
welt seems to he generally concede>'
among the Republicans OF the North
west" said ex-senator Thomas Carter 81
Montana. head OF the Government COM
mission in charge of the 81. Louis Ex-
position. while at the White House.
Not only is this true but Roosevelt
will carry in the election every State
west of the Mississippi but Texas. Lou
isiana, Missouri, and Arkansas. No di-
vided delegations will be sent from west
of the Mississippi to the Republican
National Convention. They will all be
for the President.
II do not take much stock in the idea
that the nomination of Roosevelt is ike
Iy TO be prevented ] am satisfied Sena-
tor Hanna is not seeking the nominal
ton. I look TO see Roosevelt nominated
by reclamation on the first ballot Any
candidate that would enter the field
would be doomed to a hopeless minor
ity of votes IN the first ballot. and 1 do
not think anyone will attempt it"
Senator ca rter said he expected the
President would attend the exposition
some time in the fan. He said he did
not see how II would be possible for
him 20 go before the convention, and
hence. he would probably conclude to
walt until autumn.
THE exposition viii be open on time, Z"
said Mr.. Carter. Exhibits will soon be-
gin TO be sent in in large numbers. 1t
viii be the greatest exposition the world
has ever witnessed"
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
THALATT0SAURUS LATEST
IN ANTEDILUVIAN BEASTS

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA.
Jan. Elm the Shasta county fossil beds
John c. Merriam. professor OF paleontol-
ogy at the University of California.
found the remains of an animal which
appears to have been of a family entire
ly unknown TO paleoltologists. and has
been named the thalattosaurus.
j.. 1t is huge sea lizard and is estimated
to have been at least seven feet long.
Originally il was a shore form, but be-
came after long period marine ami
NAL. Professor Merriam saws the re-
mains represent not only a new species.
but a new order.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
SIX STUDENTS DROPPED
FOR HAZIN6 AT WESLEYAN

NEW HAVEN. Conn. Jan 9.-Pres-
ident Raymond. of Wesleyan University.
Middletown. has announced the suspe1-
sion of six members of the sophomore
class for violence at the :nitiatory cere-
monies on the night of December d.
when the two secret societies OF the
university were taking in members
The whole sophomore class is in re-
beilion against the action of the presi-
dent The suspended students are Frank
H. SIgrett, Montclair. y. J.: Arthur X.
Dearborn. Middletown. Conn: Arthur
j. Hanlon, Canaan. Conn. Clarence e
Hancock. Syracuse. N Y; Ralph NJ
Cole. Cottonville. " Y. and Arthur J.
Monroe, BrattIeboro. VI
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
RIDDLE IN UNIFORM.

Col. John Biddle. who is incidentally
major of engineers, u. S. A, walked
into the District Building yesterday
morning resplendent in his army uni
form. The colonel usually appears at
his desk as a plain and affable citizen.
consequently HIS clerks were more or
less agitated when he appeared bedeck-
ed in crimson and silver stripes. on a
background of blue. Rumor had it that
some great event was impending. but
careful investigation proved that the col
onel merely contemplated visiting the
War Department to bid farewell to Gen
eraI Young.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
FOUR COAL POCKETS
DESTROYED BY FIRE

KINGSTON. n. Y. Jan. Sire yes
terday destroyed four coal pockets. con-
tanning about $50 tons of soft coal, IN
the yards of the Ulster and Delaware
Railroad,
Two box cars. one loaded with grain,
were destroyed and a pain. shop and
other buildings were damaged. A loco
motive cab was burned and the machin-
cry badly twisted and DAMAGE by the
intense heat.
The loss is about s25. 600.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10

One of those wise persons writes to
the New York Sun" to suggest that
the number of male and female immi-
grants of each nationality should be
be possible to forbid any foreigner to
enter Ellis Island unless he had a
woman with him, but how can he get
rid of any of his numerous children
If they happen to be all boys or all
girls?
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
HURON COLLEGE ASSURED
OF ENDOWMENT FUND

HURON, S. ID. Jan. e.-The success of
Huron College has been assured by the
raising of the 100000 Of the endow-
ment fund. Ralph Voorhees,. of Clinton.
n. J., surprised the faculty on Christ
mas by gift OF $1,000. TO be used for
the completion of the girls dormitory.
John II. Converse, president Of the
Baldwin Locomotive Company. sent a
draft for $2Ooo. and the Presbyterian
board of aid for colleges has furnished
$500. The people of this city and State
have given by subscription $4,000.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-10
DALZELL WOULD REGULATE
MAIL CLASSIFICATION

Representative Dalzell Of Pennsylvania
has introduced three bills affecting the
classification of mail matter One meas
ure provides for the consolidation OF
third and fourth class matter to be ad-
mitted for transportation at the rate OF
] cent for two ounces.
The bill enumerates the articles which
may be sent as thru class matter The
other bills regulate the manner in which
the Postmaster General may receive
matter without requiring postage stamps
TO be affixed to each piece.