davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
BANK EXAMINATION.

Congress should certainly give atten-
ton to the suggestions made in the an
nual report of the comptroller OF the
currency. in regard to bank eSamina-
lions. The view of Comptroller Ridgely
that the bank examiner can do nothing
to prevent fraudulent failures, that he
can do nothing, where bank officers are
dishonest, until nearly if not all, the
harm is done, is not reassuring and it is
possible may disturb public confidence,
since the public relies largely upon the
system of examinations to insure the
soundness and safety of the banks. To
be told by the official in control of bank
supervision that the examinations are
practically worthless as a means of pre-
venting fraudulent bank failures is well
calculated to impair faith in the exist
ing practice.
If the present system of examination
is of so little value as appears from the
statement of the comptroller, the ques-
ton that naturally suggests itself is
whether some better plan cannot be de-
vised. The report suggests none, but
manifestly the matter is one which
merits the attention of congress. This
fact is shown, that the number of bank
examiners is not sufficient, which nee
essarily results in some of them per
forming their duty more or less per
| functorily. They have not time to make
their examinations as thorough as they
should be. Another thing is that they
are paid by fees instead of salaries
which the comptroller says is the weak
est feature of the present system. These
defects congress can correct and should
not hesitate to do so. 1t is obvious that
| seventy-eight examiners are not a suf
ficient number to properly examine
nearly 5000 banks, and it is equally
clear that the fee system is a mistake.
Undoubtedly bank examiners gener
ally perform their duties the best they
can under the circumstances. But the
results are manifestly not wholly salts
factory and a way should be founC
to improve the system. This is required
in the interest of both the banks anC
the business public.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
CREEKS BEARING GIFTS.
Suspicious Zeal of Senators for Rate
Regulation.
Chicago. News.


While Elkns and Foraker are busy de-
visng plans for government regulation of
railway rates the American people will
not forget the ancient warning against
Greeks bearing gifts. The people. under
the leadership of President Roosevelt, have
won their fight for government regula tion
OF rates. 1t now remains for them to guard
against the wiles of leaders of the United
States senate, who will euchre them out of
their victory if possible.
Government regulation of rates is COM
ing because the demand for it is over
whelming. But the profound distaste of
the little handful of men who control the
great railway systems of the country for
any interference with their enormous
power will hatch plots in the senate that
must be thwarted If real benefit is to come
from the regulation 70 be provided. Per-
sonal interest of stockholders who merely
want fair dividends should place them on
the side of honest rate regulation. Not
lower rates, but equality of rates, is de-
sired by the people. The public generally
should bear in mind that the criminal
branch of the railway business. which in
oludes the granting of rebates, is still
In full swing. notwithstanding the We
hement denials of railway officials. Rate
regulation under present conditions is not
a mere matter of expert judgment. It is
also a matter OF plain honesty. 1t is a
question of life or death to the small
shipper, of life or death to the community
which has to compete with favored rivals
In remarkable article on Railroad Re-
bates" in the December number of Nc
Clure's Magazine, Ray Stannard Baker pre-
sents q great deal of evidence to show that
the unlawful rebate still hourishes. He
concludes that IT will continue to exist as
long as the traffic agent sent out to get
business by any means in his power finds
II reasonably safe to. give rebates and hide
them by cunning devices. The Elkins law
may threaten, but railway officials required
TO get traffic by cutthroat competition fear
discharge for failure to produce results
far more than they fear federal prosecu-
ton.
AS the railways continue to play the
traffic game with loaded dice their pro-
tests that only experts should be permit
ted to change traffic rates are not very
convincing ANY fool can cut a rate, -
says Mr.. Baker, and rate-cutting by means
OF the secret rebate, which is the hand
maiden of monopoly, still goes merrily on.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
ABOLIsHING THE PASS.

Washington Post: II is going to be cold
shedding for many congressman If the
railroads adopt the no-pass idea. Some
of them may be compelled to make proper
use of their mileage allowance.
Detroit Free Press: What we would like
to know is whether the Pennsylvania
management includes congressman among
those who will be subjected to the de-
privation promised when the new order
becomes effective.
Brooklyn Eagle: Why should every
politician in the land be carried from place
to place without paying his fare? He
comes after little to regard a pass as a
right and to vent bis grievance in under
hand attacks on the company il it is
refused to him.
Philadelphia Recor The abolition of
free passes will undoubtedly make il pos
sible TO transact business at the forthcom-
ing special session Of the legislature in
half the time IL would require should the
senators and representatives go TO Harris
burg next January with free passes on
which they could travel without any ex-
penditure of cash.
Wall Street Journal: The giving of
passes to senator's, legislators, politicians
of all kinds, newspaper men and favored
shippers has grown to be a grave abuse
in this country; and It is in full accord
with the new spirit Of reform that the
Pennsylvania railroad voluntarily an
nounces its determination TO cut of the
abuse. Let everybody pay his own way,
no more, no less than anybody else-that
is the kind of a rule that ought to pre-
vail in country like this
Baltimore American: With free trans
/ portation abolished, the interesting prob
| lem now remains If congressman, in deal
ing with the rate question, will have not
] only the courage, but also the resolution
| to pay the expenses of their convictions.
Kansas City Star: The announcement
that several eastern railway companies
| have decided to cease the issuance of free
passes win at least serve as a convenient
| preteNt with railway ofhcials TO refuse e
| give passes TO persons whom they do not
| wish 10 accommodate.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
nELPLNa slsrER REprBL1cs.


With President Roosevelt's statement
Of the obligations Of the United states
under the Monroe doctrine there will be
very general concurrence. He rightly
regards the doctrine as one Of the most
effective instruments for peace and also
as an efficient policy in giving to each
nation in the western hemisphere the
chance to develop along its own lines.
But in order to maintain it and continue
its usefulness the doctrine must apply to
changing conditions. This necessarily
means that there will have to be new
interpretations as new conditions are
presented and some departure from the
earlier views respecting the scope of the
doctrine. As to the vital principle, that
will remain unimpaired. Foreign ma
lions must keep their hands off the terri
tory and not interfere with the political
institutions of the American republics.
But the United States, while making it
understood that under no circumstances
will it use the Monroe doctrine as
cloak for territorial aggression, may
under certain circumstances assume the
duty Of disciplining other republics and
requiring them to deal in good faith with
foreign nations. IL is declared that eve
must make it evident that we do not in
tend to permit the Monroe doctrine TO be
used by any nation on this continent
as a shield to protect it from the conse-
quences of it's own misdeeds against for
eign nations"
The president states as one Of the
fundamental objects of the doctrine that
I'VE must ourselves in good faith try to
help upward toward peace and order
those of our sister republics which need
such help" This is a proposition TO
which no reasonable objection can be
made. 1t is n duty dictated by our own
interests, as well as by a proper con-
sideration for the welfare and progress
of the people who to a very large extent
owe their independence to this country
The difficulty is to determine in what
way we Cuh Dt htlplul NlIhOuC StVLhlhS
to unduly NEEDLE in the affairs of the
other republics. Who shall decide when
any. of them is in need. of our help?
Shall we ourselves be the judge of such
need and proffer help. or should we wait
to be asked for it? If the former there
would be the danger of giving offense;
If the latter the help might be too late
to be of the desired benefit. 1t is easy to
see that to carry out the presidents
suggestion to its logical conclusion might
involve the United States in response
bilities and obligations that would prove
q troublesome burden.
This whole question of our relations
and duties, under the Monroe doctrine,
toward the republics of this hemisphere
is manifestly of the greatest Importance.
1t is most desirable that we shall do
everything proper and practicable to
maintain friendship with the sister re-
publics and to promote their progress
and welfare, but we must be careful not
to take upon ourselves duties and re-
sponsibilities that might involve us in
endless difficulties. sa
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
ABOLISH TIE CITY PROSECUTOR.

The Office of city prosecutor was
created for the purpose Of the efficient
enforcement of municipal ordinances by
the prosecution of all persons charged
with their violation. Under the present
regime prosecutions in the police court
have become a farce upon one hand and
a travesty of justice on the other, VIC
lators of the city ordinances, who are
able to pay for lawyer and straw
bond, only have TO appeal from the de-
cision of the police judge or a jury en-
paneled by the police court to escape
the penalties imposed upon them.
1t was publicly stated by one Of the
assistants of the county attorney a few
days ago that not single case appealed
from the police court to the district
court has been prosecuted by the city
prosecutor within the last two years.
AS a natural result it is known to all
habitual violators of the city ordinances
that they need only appeal from the
police court judgments by fling a bond
to be sure OF going scot free.
Under the existing system it is by no
means difficult for any lawbreaker to
secure the required bail bond. There
are men who derive lucrative incomes
from giving such bonds. Inasmuch as
neither the city prosecutor nor any other
law officer has ever attempted to COM
pei them to make good in case the party
for whom they have gone surety leaves
the state for good, they can with i'm
punity assume the risk. 1t is only the
poor wretch who has not the means to
pay for a bond who is thrown into Jail
and made to serve out a sentence for
breach of the peace or vagrancy. In
either case, however, the city prosecutor
frequently orders a release for frivolous
reasons and in many instances refuses
point blank to prosecute where charges
are well grounded. Under such condi-
lions an effective enforcement of mu-
nicipal ordinances is impossible.
The course that suggests itself is the
abolition of the city prosecutor and the
concentration of all the legal machinery
for prosecuting misdemeanors as well
as crimes committed in the city Of
Omaha upon the county attorney. 1t is
the duty of the county attorney to prose-
cute all violations of the criminal code
and it should also be made his duty to
prosecute all misdemeanors against the
city.
1t would be the privilege Of the county
attorney to detail one of his deputies
for all police court cases and to require
him to prosecute all parties convicted
of misdemeanors in the police court who
appeal to the district court, just as he
does all parties bound over for viola
tons of the state criminal code. When
it becomes known to all municipal law
breakers that they will be prosecuted to
finish if they go from the police court
to the district court, the systematic Jug
glery with justice by appeals backed by
straw bonds will cease. ~,
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
.In Times of Pesce TaIk war

General Adna r. Chaffee, chief of stan Of
the United States army, at reception TO
patriotic orders at Los Angeles is quoted as
saying:
There are plenty of men in this room
who will see our country at war again. Per-
haps the conflict will not be on our own
soil You must remember that we have
now become one of the greatest nations.
We have extensive interests to defend"
General Chaffee may be right, but II is
well to remember that military men are
prone to continual speculation as to where
fessional trait, as II were. and is not 20 be
taken too seriously. Soldiers are usually
better fighters than prophets.
the next war will break out. II is a pro-
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
Historic "OId Ironsides."

fHlduelpnla record.
The proposition of Secretary Bonaparte
to make a target of the frigate Constitu-
tion, "Old Ironsides." now stationed at Bos-
ton navy yard, has aroused deep indignation
in New England. There is a feeling of ven
GRAFTON for the old sea-hghter something
akin 10 that entertained for independence
hall.
The proposition of destruction has been
made before. The Springfield Republican
says that in 1888 Dr. Holmes saved the old
craft by his fine poetic protest. a part OF
which follows:
Aye, tear that tattered ensign down;
Long has il waved on high,
And many an eye has danced to see
That banner in the sky
Beneath 1t rang the battle shout
And burst the lannon's roar,
The meteor Of the ocean air
Shall sweep the clouds no more.
Her deck, once red with heroes blood.
Where Fnelt the vanquished foe.
When winds were hurryinE DER the hood
And waves were white below
No more shall feel the victor's tread
or know the conquered knee,
The harnies Of the shore shall pluck
The eagle OF the sea
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
Compulsory Glory.

The Russian ambassador says that the
opening 70 the gates of freedom TO his
people will make the name of the Gear
Nicholas immortal in history. 1t is, per-
haps, more the misfortune of the car
than his fault that he was not born with
a character to cope with the greatest
crisis in the history of his nation, but
history, to be impartial, must record that
so far from being a public benefactor or
the man of the hour. Nicholas had not
even the courage or decision TO make a
virtue of necessity. What measure of
freedom the Russian people eventually
gain from him will be forced, not granted
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

BY looping off the county Jail feeding
graft the Board of County Commission
ers could effect a saving to the tax
payers of over $1,000 a year, or nearly
as much as the combined salaries of it's
members Tor one year. If there is any
good reason why the board should delay
decisive action in effecting this saving
it has not been divulged.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

In the very nature of things there
have always been and will always be
political deadheads climbing into Office
who want others to put up the sinews
of war to land them in lucrative Offices,
SO the defiance of the republican organ
ization by the republican state super
intendent is neither novel nor startling.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
ANCIENT and Modern Kleks.

Lemnos seized by the powers to put pres
sure on the sultan, is celebrated in legend
as the island on which Vulcan fell when
kicked of Olympus by Jupiter The pow
ers seem to be contemplating kick that
eventually may land the sultan on the asian
side of the Bosporus. Lemnos, command
ing the Dardanelles would be a good point
of projection.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
Fear of BEING Found Out.

1t is being generally conceded that At
torney General Moody has given the presi-
dents maximum reasonable rate policy
great additional strength by his argument
that it would operate most effectively
against rebating. There can hardly be any
question that railroads will much less read
lily concede a special low rate TO some IA
vored shipper when there is danger that
the government may find it out, and make
it a maximum reasonable rate for all other
shippers.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

He neglected to tell the Commercial
club that the water board had been
drawing salaries for more than two
years and paid out thousands Of dollars
for attorneys fees and expert advice
aud still has no water works to admin
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

From, the fact that the conservatives
are responsible for the Irish land laws
and that even Gladstone was powerless
10 force the home rule issue on the
liberals. Mr., BafouF viii have a hard
time TO convince; British electors that
the'hope Of the union lies in his party.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

State insurance commissioners are
said to be opposed to federal regulation
of insurance - and this is but natural
when it is remembered that insurance
companies court investigation" such as
they receive at the hands Of the average
state commissioner and willingly pay
the price for it,
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
Free-Footed in Theory.

Chicago Record-HeraId,
Uncle Joe" Cannon says the national
house of representatives never takes or
ders from political bosses. Uncle Joe's"
cheerfulness is one thing about him that
can always be safely recommended.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

Under rigid police surveillance the
tough joints in the east end will be very
quiet between now and New Years, and
then the orgies will be resumed. 1t is
one thing just before taking a license
and another thing after taking.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

The county commissioners persist
emily ignore the popular demand for the
immediate abolition of the county Jail
feeding graft and nobody has yet been
able TO explain why the board hesitates
or why II shirks its duty.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

II the merger of the city and county
treasures were invalid the merger Of
the city and county tax commissioners
department would also be invalid and
we would have confusion worse con
founded
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
Their RnnY DnY.

Cincinnati Commercial Tribune.
Notwithstanding the trihing inconven-
fence of having the wires down, the st.
Petersburg correspondents don't seem to
have much difficulty in demonstrating
events, past, present or to come
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
A Shining Example.

Attorney General Moody sets a good ex-
ample for effeeting large economies in the
government service. His current report TO
congress has been reduced in volume by
200 pages through the omission OF needless
matter. He does this 'in conformity with
the common desire TO reduce unnecessary
printing"
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
Bad business All Around.

Philadelphla RECORD
The insurance business is bad, report all
of the agents. 1t has been bad for many
years, according to all of the information
being brought out by the New York in
vestigating committee.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
WHEN OUT OF TOWN.

Subscribers leaving the city tenn
pOrarily should have The Bee
mailed to them. IL IL better than
daily letter from home. Adj
dress will be changed as often as
requested.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

Admiral Rojestvensky is convinced
that the navies of the world must be
equipped with heavier guns 49, but the
result of the battle will still depend upon
the man who pulls the trigger.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

Win suit against stockholders of
the Cincinnati Hamilton & Dayton,
high finance" may receive setback in
OhioS |A ~
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

With twenty-five cattle barons" Of
Kansas under indictment, the United
States marshal of that district may be
thankful for the Tip" from Nebraska.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

Don't wait till the last minute with
your Christmas shopping. Have some
consideration for the rushed-to-death
store clerks if you have none for your
az. -" f-"-.;
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

South Omaha BARRIERS threaten to dis
solve their union and the prospect is
that South omahogs may soon get two
shaves for a nickel.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

Italy with its purchase of the rail.
roads reports a surplus in its treasury,
but Italy has not yet invested in an
interoceanlc5canal project
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

Japan is breaking another precedent
set by Russia by refusing to permit an
appeal to other nations to assist its fam
ishing people
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

That show girl might find Mr.. Corey
hardly ';weFth while after he shall have
severed relations with both his wife and
his source of income.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

Nebraska politicians who have been
waiting for an opportunity may get a
windfall at last.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

That Wisconsin man who invested
100000 in forged deeds to Oregon land
must be convert to the "Torrey' regis
tration plan.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

We always did know that the new
federal building in Omaha stood on a
volcanic foundation.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

Happy is the federal office holder who
can contemplate his record with no fear
of the big stick
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

Omaha architects have no ground for
complaint of a lack Of patronage this
winter 81
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

DR.. Nipples enumeration Of the
achievements accomplished by the
water board omits the really vital point
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

State Of Nebraska, Douglas County, SIS:
g. q Rosewater. secretary Of The Bee
Publishing Company, being duly sworn,
says that the actual number OF tull ana
complete copies Of The Daily, Morning,
Evening and Sunday Bee printed during
the month Of November. 1906, was as fol-
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

Dreams of the rise of another Dutch
republic are doubtless Nightmares in the
neighborhood of Berlin.
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11
A SONG OF WINTER.

= SUM- UT " IN TN
Somervillc Journal.
The Frost King now is on his throne,
The mercury owns his sway.
The trees are bare. but the sun is bright
This clear November day,
The morning is fresh with the frosty air
That sets our blood aglow.
Away with the summers sickening heat
Hurrah for the Ice and snow!
Hurrah for the sleighbells' merry ching,
And the ring OF the skaters steel!
A welcome change from the lightning
And the thunder's roaring peal.
Hurrah for the whirling drifts OF snow
Swift piling, far and near
And the snow shovel, too? Say, we forgotl
how soon will spring be here?
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

THE successful people nowadays are the
refoTmcrs," remarked the patriotic citizen.
Yes" answered Senator Sorghum, Il be-
lieve that reform is actually getting around
10 basis where II can be made TO pay
Washington Star
Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-11

G. c. ROSEWATER,
Secretary
Subscribed in my presence and sworn to
before me this LIST day of December. 1905.
(SeaO NJ. b. HUNGATE,
Notary Public