davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
A VERY CLOSE CHOICE.

Colonel Perry. the aucuoneer, lived
near Urbana when he was a young
man, and he was paying attention TO
two sisters who lived on the adjoining
farm. He liked them both. and could
see little difference between them.
At the proper time he asked the
father for the hand of the one he
thought he admired the most. giving the
name, OF course. The father did not
object, and as an accommodation ne
promised TO secure the necessary Ii
cense when he went 10 Urbana the next
time
When the father returned with il the
young bridegroom found 10 his aston
ishment that 1t was made out in the
name Of the other sister
How much will il cost TO change it2p
asked the colonel
About IS cents, a" replied the father.
After meditating a few minutes the
colonel answered The says:
We'll, / can't see the difference. I'll
just take her. and so he did, and he's
perfectly satisfied, explaining his posi-
tion In this manner:
Il wouldn't take a million dollars for
her. nor give a dollar for one Just like
her. columbus Dispatch
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
CURIOUS THRONG
IN ATLANTIC CITY
Thousands Visit Scene of
Wreck to Witness Work
of Removing Cars.

ATLANTIC CITY. Nov. 3.-Thousands
OF visitors have been attracted shore
ward this week to watch the Wrecking
crews Of the third rail electric line as
they were engaged in getting from the
Beach Thoroughfare the train Of three
cars which plunged over the draw
bridge on Sunday afternoon last and
carried about sixty-fve people into
eternity. With the assistance Of divers
chains were placed under the cars and
the cars lifted bodily and set upon
trucks. People, curious and expectant,
stood around n the sticky mud along
the shore OF 1ne stream watching the
operation
The resort is recovering from the aw-
ful shock Of the terrible catastrophe and
matters are resuming their former
tranquility. Services held in the
churches Sunday viii be OF a memorial
character. and nearly all OF the min
listers Will preach special sermons.
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
Interests in ROsenthal Concert.

Rosenthal, THE giant of the key
board" has several novelties or his
program for his tour in this country,
including two unpublished Hungarian
dances by DvoTak. and some recent
music by Grieg that has never been
played III America. It is peculiarly fit
ting that Rosenthal should introduce
these compositions here, for he was per-
sonalIy very close to Dvorak during the
great composers last years, and ne has
long enjoyed the friendship OF Gricg.
The Rosenthal conrert Will be given
November 9 in the National Theater at
$50 O'Clock 1t VIII be this pianists
first appearance in concert here IOr
some years and he is extremely popular
with Washington audiences. Master as
ne was or technique when last heard
here, il is said OF him by every one
who has heard him within the last year
OF two that he has improved marvel
ously in every way. II is interesting To
students OF the piano In Washington to
know that Fran-5 Norris Jones so well
known as a local player. OF talent. who
has been for the past two years with
Leschetizky In Vienna. was fortunate
enough 70 occupy a room directly over
that of Rosenthals when he was in
Vienna and he has had the benefit Of
hearing mm practice day after day.
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
Royal Besses o Th' Barn Band.

In connection with the visit Of the
Bosses of tn Barn" Band 20 Wash
ington on Sunday, November II, to
give two performances in the National
Thester not few have been a bit
puzzled as 10 why these musicians have
adopted such a strange title. The earli-
est mention of "Bcsses o III Barn
goes back 10 within nine years OF the
hanging OF Dick Turpin at York. when
in a newspaper dated January, 1747, an
advertisement appeared Convening a
meeting % creditors at Bessy's o. tn
Barn. THUS hostlery was OF baTn-Hke
appearance, and was kept by a good
looking Lancashire lass called "Bess"
OF Bessie" and, as the inn became a
noted house Of call. the remark would
often be. Let US 90 and see Bessie at
tn Barn
The famous band originated in this
village, which Is one of the historic
spots in Lancashire. AleXandef Owen
IS the band $ conductor.
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
~ ARWY -

over the probable action Of the Presi-
dent. The recommendation is without
precedent in army history. as il calls Tor
the wholesale disharge Of the three
companies Of enlisted men. even includ-
ing the old non-commissioned officers
Only the commissioned officers, how
ever, are white
That this 5 radical action is plainly
realized. Eut the efforts OF the author
tiles particularly those of BrIgadler
General Darlington, who went 10 Okla
homa, where the regiment is now sta
toned, Z investigate the matter and
seek out the guilty men for court-maF-
tial. have resulted in nothing 10 demon
strate who was responsible fer the
trouble. The negro soldiers have MAIN
tanned a silence which could only be
broken by the most expert cross-CXaul.-
nation. They stuck together with a d.
termination worthy OF a better cause.
say the military authorities here. an6
= becomes necessary TO do something
out OF the ordinary 10 bring the guilty
parties 10 justice. The authorities are
determined that the interests of the
army are 10 be protected and the dis
Ciplins Of the four regiments OF COloreC
troops in the service is To be pre-
served.
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
The Library'S Open Shelves

In discussing the proportional re
duetion in the amount of fiction
read at the city library, the libra
rian's latest annual report makes
this statement:
The means taken To bring about this
reduction have simply been SO to ar
range, display and advertise the re-
sources OF the library that books other
than fiction vii be made approximate
Is as conspicuous as fiction. Ia pub
llshers advertisement. sO-called book
reviews, etc, the novel Is put forward
so much more clamOrOusly than other
| litcra ture that the library should do
something to readlust the balance in
order TO prevent unTeflecting persons
from thinking that the novel is the
only class Of literature worth his at
tentlon
The library, therefore, although con-
tinuing To display an abundance Of new
and standard fiction on open shelves.
has also continued the plan Of placing
in rotation on open shelves the various
other classes or the collection During
/ the year all classes OF nOn-flctiOn works
! except history and a few foreign books
I have Al some time been available for
/ free access during considerable period.
( New nOn-ncttOn acCeSslOnS. regularly
listed in Saturday editions of the local
newspapers, are likewise displayed on
( open shelves
/ 1t should be understood that this
| policy of encouraging the use of
/ books not fiction does not involve
on the part Of the librarian a con-
demnation of the reading of novels.
+ On the contrary DR.. Bowerman is
careful to explain further along in
his report his sympathy for such
reading within proper limits and
his appreciation of its value in
teaching history, geography, ethics,
esthetics. sociology, and religion.
His contention is that the reading
of stories is neither the only nor
the best use of a library, and he
has adopted sensible means of en-
couraging the use of other kinds of
books.
To that end. TO the end. indeed,
The Washington times., 1906-11-04

that the library may fulfill its high
est possible usefulness, it is to be
hoped the trustees may find il feas-
ible to extend the open-shelf privi-
leges of the library as DR.. Bower
man advises. Red tape, as eXemph-
fed in the modern card catalogue,
Irightens from public reading rooms
thousands of the very persons for
whom they are particularly main
tained. UnwErrantable though il
is, they hold to a mistrust of their
own ability tt sort over cards ar
ranged in alphabetical order which
oyerweighs their desire to use the
library Nor are they the only ones
TO profit by the establishment of
open shelves. The accustomed user
of libraries, the man who goes TO
them to work, can sort over dozen
books on his subject at hand, if he
can go to the shelf, in less time
than he can send for and examine
two via the desk of a clerk.
Steady use on the part of an un-
expected number of citizens proves
the value of the city library Its
present management deserves the
Endorsement of the community
particularly that Endorsement which
is expressed in the giving of books.
The progress of the past two years
away from too much fiction reading
illustrates the educational power
of such an institution we'll conduct
ed. Free access 10 a greater mum
ber of shelves is directly along the
line of such administration.
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
ENGINEERING CORPS
BEGGING FOR MEN
Seven VancanCieS Which
May Be Filled From
Civil Life.

Young men in civil life now have the
opportunity 10 obtain commissions in
the engineer corps of the navy. There
are seven vacancies in the corps. which
will have TO be filled by appointments.
II Secretary Bonaparte is able To find
that many young men who are properly
qualified. They must be graduated from
a technical school
Department officials are in some doubt
as to whether il viii be possible TO OBJ
tain the candidates from such a source,
and the department has held that II
viii not be possible to make any fur
ther transfers from the line To the
corps or designate any Of the midship-
men for appointment in that branch OF
the service. This action is rendered
necessary. despite the urgent need OF
officers OF the corps, by the lack OF Of
hcers for duty on board ship. With a
number OF new war vessels being put in
10 service and slight increase in the
number OF officers. where 70 find suf-
icient commissioned men has become
a problem.
Numerous applications have been filed
by line officers and By senior midship-
men for appointment as civil engineer
officers, where the chances Of promo
ton are somewhat better than in the
line. from present indications OF rap
idly approaching hump There have
been three appointments 10 the CORDS
within the last year from those who had
left the Naval Academy and who had
not passed the physical examination for
appointment as ensign. the defects be-
ing OF minor character and in no man
neT Interfering with the perfOrma nee
or the duties of a civil engineer.
The latest addition 20 che corps is A
4. Baker who has gone 10 Troy, y. Y
for special instruction in civil engineer
ing. The course VIII last about two
years, when the appointee will be as
signed 10 duty as assistant in the
navy yard The examination Of can
didates from civil life VIII take place
about the first OF the year. is Is ex-
pected, and Will likely be held At the
New York navy yard
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
Cs MMVYeezI}

OF silver and other souvenirs" are sto-
len from American men of war annually.
This is not only practiced in foreign
ports, but at home stations as "sii.
IN fact, nowadays, no officer gives
social function aboard his vessel. Oh
which any number Of visitors are pres
cnt, that the jackies as well as officers
do not keep a close watch and even
then something is always missing. When
the articles taken belong 10 the silver
service, the loss is sometime made up
by the State. citizens. or societies, who
originally gave 1t, but more frequently
il has 10 come out Of the Of1cers pockets
OF course. the navy provides a service
but the silver or gold service provided
by the State in honor Of which the shii
is named is supposed TO be finer ana
always more priced. Consequently
when too many loving cups, oyster
forks, sugar prongs, nut crackers, des-
sert spoons. etc. disappear, the ofn-
GERS feel obliged to "chip in and re-
place them. IN order TO keep the service
any thing Ike complete.
This robbery, under the prOfessed In
nocent guise OF merely obtaining
souvenir" became most fragrant when
the ships began TO enter American ports
at the close of the Spanish-American
war. II remember when we first came
into New York our decks were swarm
ed for days with 'hero-admiring' visi-
tors" said Commander Nicholson. whC
was the navigator Of the oregon on heS
famous cruise around the Horn. in
speaking Of the practice. Finally
things got away from Us so quickly that
we had not only 20 lock up everything
loose, but stand guard on many things
nailed down"
Captain Potter, assistant % the Blu.
reau Of Navigation. was on the New
York with Sampson during the conflict,
and when that vessel returned 10 her
native city she was almost lifted bodily
out Of the river by the welcoming visi-
tors. Things disappeared right before
our eyes, and il was difficult 10 stop II"
said Captain Potter. We even had 10
take the sights on the guns TO keep
them from being pulled of"
Everybody applauded the late Rear
Admiral Jack Philips when he calmly
said 20 his crew. "DoE't a-iss55!aSid. men;
don't you see those poor fellows are
dying?' The Texas had always been the
"hoodoo" ship OF the navy till Philips.
then captain and commanding the
navy's original battIeship, put her
through the thickest Of the fire at San
tiaCO. When he put in at New York
his ship was as badly stOrmed as the
New York was lie had changed coats
throwing of the coat In which he
fought. and left it lying across his bed
in his cabin. Later he discovered that
every button had been cut 90
But that's q different thing observ-
ed an officer who went through the Sau-
uagO fight. It's plain stealing 10 take
loving cups from the Denver. or silver,
gun sights, or anything Of that sort
from any ship. But who could blame
the admirers OF Philips for being un-
able 10 let his buttons alone They were
only brass and cost a little; but look
what they meant 10 those who took
them. I would have clipped one of
quicker than a wink myself had / beer
there. II was an honor 10 Philips. and
I'll wager he didn't mind il one bit. 10
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
The Right Use of Parks.

Liable as il is TO be misunder.
stood and seuselessly opposed, the
proposal to lay of a public golf
course in Rock Creek Park is en-
tlrely in the channel of good park
administration Such open grounds
are designed for the health of the
community as represented in breath
ing spaces and recreation. Golf is
one of the best of deep-breathing
and wOrry-routing games for per-
sons of every age ana class. Unfor-
tunately the maintenance of links
requires the use of so much ground
and the outlay of so much money
as 20 put the sport beyond the reach
of the average wage Garner. This
project will have the effect of e1-
tending opportunity to play the
game to every citizen able 10 pay,
perhaps 10 cents, for the privilege.
Objection to it will probably be
made on the theory that such a USE
of a public park is unusual and that
golf is not public" game. If that
proves TO be the argument, it will
be easy to answer. For the laying
out of public courses in public parks
is unusual only in Washington, sex'
eelIent greens and fairgreens being
The Washington times., 1906-11-04

Watertown. n Y, Friday evening, Oc-
tober &c. by Louis Baker Phillips. plan
ist. assisted by Mrs. Samuel Lawson
Burton, formerly Mrs KittIe Thompson
Berry. Of this city. Mrs. Burton was
for many years a leading soprano sing
er In Washington. and since her mar
Tiage TO Dr. Burton. who is a nephew
OF Thomas ". Lawson. Of Boston, has
taken a prominent part in the musical
affairs or WateTtown. Her songs on this
occasion were Liza Lehmann's Mi
rage" de Koven's Resale" and three
songs by Mr.. Phillips. "Merza. % Thou IT
Like Unto a Lovely Flower and
Spring" dedicated 10 SIrs. Burton. She
made the most hattering success and
was recalled many times
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
Choral Society Managers Meet.

The board Of managers Of the Wash
ington Choral Society held its monthly
meeting in the lie Droit building on
Thursday evening.
The members Of the society at pres
ent numbers III, and there are still
many applications hled. The soprano
ranks are practically hlled- More ten
Ors and basses are needed and those
who are interested in the work are
urged 10 come 10 TeheaTsals any Mon
day night, in the George Washington
University hall
At the Leoncavallo concert in the Ma
tioual Theater on the afternoon OF No
vember go when the Choral Society will
take part, the members of the chorus
will be under the personal direction OF
I.eoncaNallO
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
Increasing Wages.
works.

Threats have been heard lately
that railroad employees would un-
dertake TO obtain general and con
siderable increases in wages. 1t is
announced that the Pennsylvania
system will on January l forestall
such a move by granting voluntar-
lily an increase of 10 per cent to its
employees. This viii apply TO both
the East and West divisions of the
system and to about 100000 men.
Wages are good the country over,
and work is plenty. But prices also
are good and getting better. Mr.. IL.
G. Wells described the national pros
perity most graphically when he
recently likened it TO a great wave
that sweeps over the land, engulf-
ing and submerging everybody and
every interest, but passing on and
leaving practically all as they were
before. People are getting more
money than ever before-and re-
quired TO spend more.
The immense surpluses that
transportation and industrial cor
porations have lately been showing,
the increases in dividends, the cut
| ting of melons," have all been cal
culated to attract the attention of
workers and TO induce inquiry as 10
whether they are getting their
share of the prosperity. The per
sistent discussion of increased cost
of living has fortified the demand
of labor.
Therefore il is on the whole most
fortunate that a great system like
the Pennsylvania has taken the lead,
forestalling the possibility of such
trouble by making the concession
voluntarily. The example viii be
followed by other roads and the
possibility of a serious labor trouble
will be greatly reduced. The Penn
| sylvania has recognized the justice
of its employees demand for better
compensation even before that de
mand was formulated or present
ed. 1t has not only taken the right
step 10 strengthen their loyalty, but
10 has done the very thing that, by
putting upon competing companies
the burden of disproving the fair
ness of a demand for more wages
viii increase the probability OF
more voluntary concessions of the
same kind.
Nothing could constitute a great
er menace to present prosperity
/ than serious labor troubles. Moth
/ ing. on the other hand, will do more
to promote end enlarge prosperity
than to spree! it out among all the
people. That is what the Pennsyl-
vania has recognized.
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
Handel Evening of Students Club.

The Students Club OF the Washing
ton College or Music, held its first meet
ing Thursday evening The seating
capacity or the hall was not sufficiently
large 10 accommodate all who attended.
and after this the meetings viii be held
In the large drawing room at 1926 Mas
sachusetts avenue. The subject If the
meeting was Handel" a paper was
read by Miss Johnson upon the com
posers previous 10 Handel Then fol-
lowed paper by Mrs. Frank Curns on
"Handel-IIis Life and Works" The
musical program Of Handel's compost
tiOns Included the overture to the Mes
slah;' recitation and aria from Mes
siah,'' Largo; aria from "Rinaldo;''
aria from Samson"
The subject of next meeting will be
Hayden, November 10.
The Washington times., 1906-11-04

The following residents OF Washing
ton have registered here during the
week.
BosCobeI-Niss Herbert Mrs BenJa-
min Spear.
Chalfonte-M Walter Heiston.
Dennis-Mrs. Charles Parrish, Mrs. W
w. Wilmer, Miss c. NJ. Fulton.
Morton-Mys. L. =. Shidy, Miss V T.
Shidy, the Rev. Edward Eland
HaddOu Han-P. j. Brennan, p A
Denny.
Rudolf-Mrs. A c. Barney.
Wiltshire-H. c. Frank.
WestministeI-W. W. Conner, Mrs. F.
J. Lawton. Mr. and Mrs. l. c. White
house, Mr.. and Mrs. W. II. Orent.
YOung s-Mr. and Mrs. Q. T. Crom-
we'll
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
COLORED TROOPS
TO LEARN FATE
Expected President VIII
Give Brownsville Riots
Decision Monday.

Tomorrow, il IS confidently expected,
the President will announce his decision
in the case Of the recommendation of the
War Department TO dismiss three COM
pauies OF the Twenty-fifth Infantry. col
ored. for participation in the riots at
Brownsville. Tex. last summer. The
President has had the case under ad-
visement several days. and it is under
stood that he has indicated that a de-
cision would be made before he leaves
for Panama.
Army officers are busy speculating
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
To Raze a Landmark.

GuveTLatOr Pavilion. on the Board
walk. between Arkansas and Missouri
avenues, will soon he razed 10 make
room for the erection Of a row OF con-
crete and brick stores. This is one Of
the old landmarks. IL was III the heart
of the excursion district a few years
back and Guyernator's was a resort to
which az eXcursIonIsts repaired
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
Battleships Victims of Souvenir Fiends

Dispatches from Havana stating that
previous 70 the departure OF a number
Of distinguished American and Cuban
guests from an elaborate dinner aboard
the Denver the commander OF that yes
sci discovered that considerable silver
had disappeared. has reminded many
OF the officers in the Navy Department
Of experiences they have had while on
warships. In this connection II is esti-
mated that thousands Of dollars worth
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
EIks to Have New Home.

The local lodge of Eiks has cleared
the old Hotel Ridgway of their lot.
just below atlantic on North Carolina
avenue, and work OF raising a hand
some new lodge home will be started
there in the course OF a few weeks. II
Is currently reported that theater will
be installed in the first floor OF the
building
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
Changes in Metropolitan Choir.

Perry Turpin. tenor. and Miss Matte
GRAY, coatraIto, have resigned from the
choir of the Metropolitan NJ. (. Church
Dana Holland has been engaged as di-
rector Mr Turpin has had charge Of
this choir for several years, and he has
given perfect satisfaction. Miss Gray
has spent nearly all her life in this
choir, going into it as "A very young
girl. and soon becoming the contralto
soloist. She has a voice of much sweet
ness and sympathy, making her singing
Of sacred music especially effective.
The Washington times., 1906-11-04
Many Canadian Visitors.

There is an unusually large number
Of Canadian visitors here for this time
Of the year. The trade from the Domin-
ion Is increasing every year. and the
fall Of the year is, 70 all appearances,
most acceptable TO the Canadians for
shOreward travel.