davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17
WHAT WILL THE HARVEST BE,

Men are judged by their acts and not
by their profession. What applies to
men individually applies collectively to
organized bodies Of men, and especially
tc bodies of men acting in representa-
tive capacity. When the men who con-
sttute the present legislature of Ne
Oraska have completed their work the
judgment of their constituents will be
formed by what they have done as well
as by what they have failed to do.
There is probably less interest mani
tested in the legislative proceedings this
year than there has been during any
session held since the state was organ
lzed, but that fact does not justify the
conclusion that the people are entirely
Indifferent, or that they will remain In
comes in the local campaign next fall
and in the general campaign two years
hence. II the legislative mill of 1905
grinds out chaff a marked reaction in
public sentiment is sure to follow and
the political leaders and aspiring poiti-
clans of today are liable to be buried
under mountain of dissenting votes If
they present themselves for popular en-
dorsement.
In other words, If the legislature fails
TO enact wholesome laws that will place
the people of Nebraska on an equal
footing with those of other states and
decrease their tax burdens. we may look
for a revusiOn, If not political revolu
ton, in the very near future. Although
the session Is but half over and much
can yet be done toward redeeming its
reputation, we must confess that the
outlook for better and more economic
government is not very bright.
The legislature started out with pro-
fessions of economy. In the matter Of
limiting the legislative employees pay
roll its course has been commendable,
but there all the promised economy has
stalled. With an increase of a quarter
of a million in the state debt for last
year, despite the marked increase of
revenue produced under the revenue
law of 1903, and the complaint of over
taxation all along the line, the ap-
preparations threaten to be much heavier
than in the preceding year, and, for
that matter, than they have ever been.
On the heels of this comes a proposi
tion TO levy 1-mill tax to pay off the
state debt. This, undoubtedly, is a
measure calculated to strengthen the
state credit and arrest the increase in
the state debt, but 1t also means more
burdensome state taxes for the next
two years, and taxpaying people will not
he pleased with increased taxes even in
this era of prosperity.
Should another crop failure which is
almost due, strike Nebraska i'm 1905, the
leaders Of the calamity" party will
have their innings. The prudent man
stores up provisions for hard times and
the prudent legislator should so frame
the laws as to prevent discomfort and
head off, as far as may be possible,
political hurricanes.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17
rRE KANsAs oIL coNFLICr

What is to be the outcome Of the con-
fict between the state of Kansas and
the Standard Oil company cannot be
foreseen with absolute certainty, but the
very general hope will be that the state
will be successful and that the Oil trust
will be shown for once that it cannot
exercise its despotic and oppressive
power i'm all directions The stand taken
by the crude oil producers OF Kansas
and which is sustained by the legislature
Of the state, overwhelmingly republican.
will receive almost universal commenda-
ton as a proper resentment by a sover-
eign commonwealth Of the despotic con-
troll Of a great industry by giant mo-
nopoly which absolutely ignored the in
terests Of the people Of the state and had
established a system or policy which was
relentlessly robblng the oil producers Of
Kansas
In view OF this situation the legisla-
ture OF Kansas. after careful delibera
ton, has passed bill that provides for
the establishment Of a state oil refinery
anu llb IOhhlllOlH
that will secure to the producers a fair
price for their oil and TO consumers a
price that will not be unfair and oppres-
sive. Pursuing it's well-known methods,
the Oil trust has taken steps TO deprive
the people of Kansas Of oil and in this
it is likely to be for a time successful.
II occupies a position in regard to the
recently developed oil fields of that state
which gives it a great advantage. The
construction of state refinery will take
time. The money to do this must be
voted by the people and it is said that
there is doubt as TO whether the action
of the legislature is constitutional and
that the opinion of the supreme court
will be asked in regard to the validity of
the legislation authorizing an issue of
bonds.
What is very much in evidence is the
fact that the people of Kansas are most
earnestly determined to rid themselves,
IL possible, of exactions on the part of
the Oil trust which they have found to
be intolerabe and in this position they
are pretty sure of having the nearly uni
versal sympathy Of the country. 1t may
be objected in regard to the action of the
Kansas Legislature that 1t Is a step in
the direction OF state socialism. but those
who are identified with the movement
assert that they are actuated by no such
influence and that their purpose is purely
that of the protection OF the people of
the state. both the producers and the
consumers Of oil, against the exactions
Of a rapaciOus monopoly. The result of
the issue will be regarded with very
great interest by the entire country. The
advantage at present seems to be with
the Oil trust whose command Of the
situation may enable 1t to deprive the
people of Kansas of one of their chief
necessities, but persistent effort may give
them eventually release from the mo-
nopoly's exactions
1t is interesting in connection with this
to note that President Roosevelt has di-
rected the commissioner of corporations
to begin an Investigation of the petro-
leum oil industry and that this Will be
pressed as rapidly as possible
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17
senators Change Their Minds.

The average senator IL a queer mortal.
This reflection is suggested by the sud
denness with which the committee on for
eign relations changed its opinion on the
arbitration treaties. Warned by the ex-
perience OF other secretaries OF state. as
well as by his own experience, Secretary
Hay submitted the arbitration treaties TO
the committee on foreign relations before
hand. and that committee approved them.
But when 1t came to act on them after
they had been sent in to the senate. the
committee found that they were most OBJ
Jectionable, and at once proceeded to
amend them From which we conclude
that previous consultation with senator's
even as to such important things as treat
les. does not count for much.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17
"THE DOWNFALL OF STEAM"
Premature Celebration by EnthusIas-
tic Electricians.


New York Mail.
The electricians society gave a banquet
the other evening TO celebrate the downfall
of steam. The celebration seems to us to
have been a little premature. 1t will be
time to lay our wreaths of immortal regret
on the bier Of steam when science is able
to harness electricity to its service with
out the Intervention of steam or water
power. This wonder may be accomplished
but it has not been practically accomp-
lished as yet "Unconquered steam" still
turns the wheel which calls electricity
from the space round about to do the bid
ding of man-it is the prime mover. For
that matter, steam is still the work horse
of modern industry. 1t IN steam that car
ries our commerce over lands and seas
Steam bears our mails. which are the war
rant upon which commerce and manufac-
ture act. Electricity should, and doubtless
ere long must, move the heaviest and the
swiftest trains upon the land and the
great ships across the sea. But at present
II performs but secondary function.
There is, perhaps, more than a me
chanical reason why the industrial world
clings to the use of steam in the degree
that 1t does, instead of Fastening the full
application of electricity suggested by the
triumphs of modern invention There can
be little doubt that man would extend his
use of electricity little more rapidly
than he does IL he were better aware what
he Is doing-in other words, II the essen
tial nature of electricity were more fully
understood Man knows the nature of
steam 1t is mparatively a simple idea.
When water expands into vapor under the
influence OF heat he knows that its eXpan-
sive force will not be denied. He can see
how it acts in his tea kettle. 1t is all
there under his hand. The biggest steam
engine is only an exaggerated tea kettle.
But the electric motor is to most men
mystery 1t is occult. We all seem to be
a little superstitious about It.
The first electrical locomotive was made
in 1S35-and our railroad trains still go by
steam Several kinds of electric lights
shone brilliantly at the first great worlds
exhibition at the Crystal Palace, in Lon
don, in 1851 but it was not until 1878 that
electric lighting was seriously introduced.
Ages before the steam engine was invented
the use of electric power was contemplated,
and even now It is little laggard. There
really seems TO be something of the mis-
giving that we are assuming to harness
the absolute energy when we make an in
dustrial application of electricity. But Is
there anything whatsoever that we do in
which the absolute force is not really the
prime mover?
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17
TO STOP EXCESS EXPENDITURES
Move TO Put an End to Deficiency
Appropriations.
PhiladeIphia Pres

Philadelphia Press
The act proposed by the house judiciary
committee making an executive officer of
the government punishable by fine and i'm
prisonment for expendng money in excess
OF appropriations, or for making the gov
ernment liable for such sums through an
ticipating contracts, has much to commend
It. But If it becomes a law congress will
have to be more careful I'm its appropria-
tions and allow a much larger sum for con-
tlngencies.
1t is rather absurd to have urgency de-
ficiency bills to make lawful such payments
figure up over s160OO,OOO, as was the case
last year Even larger bills. in the aggre-
gate, of that character have been passed.
In some cases this money would not have
been expended without authorization by
congress but I'm other cases the eXDendi-
lures were absolutely necessary. Congress,
to make a show of economy, had failed to
appropriate what was necessary.
Such failure has often been the result of
design and not due TO any mistake. Pre-
ceding congressional campaign the ap-
propriations are often purposely kept down,
knowing full well that urgency deficiency
bills will be presented promptly at the be-
ginning of the next session. That is a
wrong method of doing business and should
be stopped. 1t has encouraged executive
officers to expend money when there was no
authority to do so and when there was
room for difference of opinion as to the
wisdom of the expenditure.
The proposed law is a good one, but un-
less congress does its work more carefully
some branches of the government will have
TO cease operations temporarily in the flu
ture or else the nation will have to be put
to the expense OF an extra session OF con-
Rress.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17
OIL TRADE IyYESrtc.rtoy

Announcement comes from Washing
ton that the president, in compliance
with the request OF the house of repre-
sentatives has ordered an immediate in
vestigation OF the oil trade by the bu-
reau OF corporations and that it is pro-
posed to press the inquiry as rapidly as
possible. This grows out of the course
OF the Standard OIL trust in Kansas. as
to which the legislature OF that state has
just taken action that promises a most
interesting conflict between the authori-
ties OF the commonwealth and the oil
monopoly.
The country will warmly welcome the
announcement that the federal govern
ment is TO institute an investigation OF
the oil trade. which OF course means an
inquiry as to the operations and meth
ods OF the trust In every state OF the
union thousands Of people will be inter
ested in the inquiry and IL is not 10 he
doubted that the oficials Of the bureau
OF corporations will find any number
most willing to supply them with infor.
nation regarding the trusts opera tions
II was stated some time ago that an
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17
Wonderful Generosity. This.

Portland Oregonian.
The United States Steel corporation will
divide a cash bonus of s.. .0OO, 900 among 5000
OF its employees. The money will be dis
tributed on a pro rata basis according to
the size OF the salaries. The American
public will be gratihed to learn that some
one besides the stockholders of this trust
will share in the enormous profits. 1t is
difficult to forget, however that the $1,000 =
900 distributed among these employees is a
mere bagatelle compared with the amount
that Is annually given the foreign steel
buyer IN the way of lower prices than will
be quoted In protected America.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

investigation Of the oil trade by the fed
eral authorities was I'm contemplation
and 1t is not improbable that agents OF
the bureau of corporations have already
obtained a great many facts respecting
the methods Of the Oil trust but at all
events the country is now assured that
an investigation will be made and there
can be no doubt that it will be as thor
ough as it is in the power Of the bureau
of corporation to make it.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17
THE DEAD ROSE OF DESIRE
Roy Farrell Greene.


The things that We longed rJr Gnce upon
time
In dim perspective wondrous fair they
seemed!
Perchance of villa quaint in foreign clime,
Or forest ledge OF rough-hewn logs we
dreamed
And vowed we'd make our own when for
tune deisned
To smile on us, some time in manhood s
crime
All. how in youthful hearts and brains they
relRned,
The. things we longed for, once upon q
time.
The years crept on, competence we
gained,
And able grew to purchase at command
What pleased us best, and later still at
tained
An opulenee, aye more than we had
Hlanned!
Thus blessed with power to buy we frank
confess
To weary prose has turned each lifting
rhyme
We now have no desire 10 possess
The things we longed for, once upon a
time.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17


According to the financial exhibit of
the Union Pacific railroad, published by
authority the net earnings of that
company for the last six months
Of 1904 show net increase
of over $1.OOO,OO0 over the correspond
ing period for 1908. but, according to
the Omaha attorneys for the Union Pa
cific, there was a most alarming con-
traction in the earnings of that com
pany last year that compels the COM
pany to resist the enforcement OF the
tax levy, based on the assessment of
the State Board OF Equalization for
1904. As between the auditor and the
attorney, investors always prefer to
take stock in the figures of the auditor
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

1t is easy TO say Il told you So" but
it did not take seventh son of sew
enth daughter to predict that the dale.
cation from Douglas would get into
deep water over the charter amend
meuts unless the revision was prepared
before the opening OF the session.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

The Kansas Peruvians will be under
everlasting obligations to the Standard
oil octopus for forcing the emotional
Kansas legislature into state socialism
in the establishment of II state oil re-
finery
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17
Richness Denied the Drama.

1t is difficult for the modern dramatst,
whose mind is centered on the elevation of
the stage to contemplate, without signing,
the dazzling scenes that could be arranged
with Johann Hoch and his ffty-three
wives. II only the law would permit the
principal TO accept engagements
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

Union Pacific into Southern California,
is divided half and half between Sena-
tor Clark and +. VI. Hartman, but
that merger will not be enjoined by
Omaha IL the construction of the road
is expedited so that it may be open for
travel and traffic by next New Years
day. That will bring Omaha 600 miles
nearer to Los Angeles than it is now.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

From now until the fourth day of
March plans and specifications for Pres
ident Roosevelt's reconstructed cabinet
will be floating in the atmosphere at
the national capital. but President
Roosevelt is liable to disappoint and sur
prise all the cabinet makers by select
ing some men whom nobody has thought
Of
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

An opposition statesman says that 10.
seph Chamberlain is suffering from a
malaria Of ambiguity" which I'm plain
I'n@llsh probably means that the mem
hcr from Birmingham desires TO he un-
derstood .as not desiring TO be under.
stood, a position In which other states.
men hnd themselves at times.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

That international boat race between
Japanes vessels and the third Russian
squadron for Admiral Rojestvenskys
feet may contain few elements of sport
hut there will he little dispute about the
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

Scrlptural quotations for public
schools are being formulated in Boston
by the convention OF the Religious Edu-
catlonal association, but the introduc-
tion OF scriptural quotations in the pub
lie schools is liable to revive con-
trOversy that bodes no good TO the pub
lie schOolS
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

Vienna and Budapest are anxiously
awaiting decision as to which place the
emperor of Austria and Francis Kossuth
will choose for their meeting, but prob
ably the police of both places are in
training for the event.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

Just to prove that its report on the
Santa Fe case did not impair its powers
and that it plays no favorites, the Inter
state Commerce commission is wrestling
with the terminal lines at Pittsburg
The Colorado Iron company may be vim
dicated by a showing that 1t is not the
only steel works enjoying concessions on
rates.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17
PenaIiEinE Greed.

ST. Louis Globe Democrat
Russia admits a loss in Manchuria or
1000 killed and 10000 wounded, to say
nothing of the mortality and disability
from disease. 1t is one OF the severest
lessons of modern times.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

The prediction that Irish members will
be active during the present session of
Parliament is not in the nature of that
quality OF news which may be termed
surnrisInp
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17
shiverinE on the Brink.
Chicago Record-Herald.

CniCaSO heCoTu-heTdlu'
The attitude OF the senate toward the
house rate bill is a good deal like that OF
a boy who has his clothes on but stands
on the bank because he Is afraid
the water may be pretty cold.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

II Commissioner GARFIELD keeps pace
with the requests for Investigations of
alleged trusts he will be the busiest man
in the employ of the government
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

1lIlSDuTB DlspdtCH'
Architects from all over the world are
invited TO send plans for the Palace of
Peace at The Hague. But the United
States senate has 10 plans for making the
peace genuine.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

Since the legislature has acted in the
matter Of a state oil refinery it is not
difficult to tell what has become Of all Of
the former populists of Kansas.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

Just think OF what this snow and cold
weather has done to the chinchbug and
look happy in spite of the frost-bites.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

In the matter Of taxation Of wireless
telegraph plants science seems TO have
advanced more rapidly than revenue
laws
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

Despite the effect upon American in
terests President Castro is to be con-
graduated upon being able to realize
upon an asset Of q New Jersey corpora
ftOn
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

Russia may make better showing in
the war when those troops which have
had practice work In Warsaw and Lodz
reach the front
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

A matter o money and matrimony are
responsible for projecting two Hochs
into the limelight these days.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

The paid lobbyist of the Omaha Elec-
tric Light company has projected him
self into the arena as a charter maker
in conjunction with Cadet Taylor What
nextf
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

The new directory OF the Salt Lake
4 Los Angeles railroad which is
eventually to be the extension of the
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

The trouble of the railroads in these
parts is not so much a car famine just
now as a superabuudance of snow.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

Burning Accent corn as a substitute
for Iowa coal is a luxury which only
Iowa farmers can afford.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

sTATEMENT OF CIRCULATION
state OF Nebraska, DouRlRs County. Sc
9eorEe r. Tzschuck secretary OF The Bes
Publishing Company. being duly sworn
says that the actual number Of tuH ana
complste cooles OF The Daily. Morning.
month OF January. 1905. was as follows:
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

President Castro is apparently guiding
the ship OF state OF Venezuela straight to
the port which San Domingo is entering
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

Omaha as grain market is no longer
an interrogation point.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

Then you scorn my suit, proud beautyfN
Il do" she said firmly. "And 1 positively
will not go out step with you until you
change it,
Sadly he rued the day when his eye had
been attracted by the sign, II was S32. Take
me home for ts.eO."-Cleveland Leader.
Sensible girl that!
Never thought her So"
well, when she rejected me the other
night she said she was sensible Of the great
honor l did her and call that being pretty
sensible New Orleans Times Democrat
Young man." asked the girls father,
"have you any visible means of support?'
"Why-aw-none that are visible to the
naked eye" replied the young man, hesi-
tatingly. II am one of the microbe special
lists of the health department."-Chicag
Tribune.
Look here roared the King of Beasts,
you fellows don't seem to be duly i'm
pressed when tell you OF my wonderful
say. Leo" replied the hyena. laughing
but then we know you're a lion. Phil
adelphia Ledger
THAT orator says a great many things
that nobody understands"
THAT is how he gets credit for great wis
does understand them. ''-Washington Star.
"I don't see why fellow should kick II
he doesn't succeed Every man is the arch
itect OF his own fortune"
''Yes. but did you ever know OF an archi-
tect who didn't blame the builder or some
subcontractor for his own iure?"-Phila-
delphia Press.
Cant l sell you a copy OF our Pocket
Encyclopedia?' asked the book agent. 1T
will save you both time and money"
Huh" exclaimed the young man with
the bored look, Those happen to be the
two things I'm the worst overstocked with
Good day."-Chicago Tribune.
Footsore Franke-Please, mum. could yer
give a little sumpin' ter a starvin' mAn7
Mrs. Kindeish-Yes, my poor man-here
is an old pair Of my husbands trousers
does look like a goat?-Cleveland Leader.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

Legislative investigations are always
IN order.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

Senator Cady has introduced a bill
for the creation of an elective state
railroad COM ssion. The proposed
measure wCl... doubtless, meet with
popular favo., Notwithstanding the fact
that former nppointive railroad commits
slons in Nebraska had proved them
selves incompetent, irrelevant and imma-
terial. II is questionable, however,
whether I'M elective commission would
stand tie test of the courts any more than
an appointive board of transportation,
which was In fact the railroad commits
sion for Nebraska. Would it not be
more rational to clothe the Board Of
Public Lands and Buildings with the
powers devolving upon a railroad COM
mission, making 1t its duty to hear and
consider complaints and in conjunction
with the attorney general, to take the
necessary steps for the enforcement Of
existing laws prohibiting discrlmina-
tion by rebates and favoritism to pre-
ferred shippers and localities. Such a
law would hold water in the courts, but
railroad commission. either elective or
appointive. is almost certain TO be ruled
out as unconstitutional.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17
LAUGHING LINES.

Flanagan called ye a liar, did he1'
He did thot"
An what did ye do?"
Flanagan. n."-Philadelphia Ledger.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17
Sensible girl that"

sensible girl tndt.
Never thought her So"
well, when she rejected me the other
night she said she was sensible Of the great
honor did her, and ] call that being pretty
sensible New Orleans Times Democrat.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-02-17

GEO, b. TZSCHUIk.
Subscribed in my presence and sworn to
before me this 3lst day of January. 1905.
(SeaD M Is. HCNGATE,
Notary Public