davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-06-02
ANTS AS FARMERS

In the tropics there is a species of ant
which cuts bits from green leaves, carries them
TO the nests, and piles them IN a mass. When
the mass decays the ants use 1t as q bed IN
which TO grow a kind OF mushroom. greatly
priced by them as food.
friend who once VIZ -ched an army Of
these leaf-cutters told me that guards were sta
toned The length of the tree trunk, and that
whenever an ant appeared with a dry or dead
leaf she was halted and turned back, apparently
TO do her work over, and that if she objected
and refused 10 obey, she TUtulessly killed
and torn to pieces by the sentinels.
Another interesting species Is the agrlcul-
tUral ant, found IN Texas, Florida and other
southern states. DR. McCcok, q noted author
ity on the subject, thinks it doubtful If these
ants sow seed, but he Is certain that they cul-
tivate rice-grass and harvest the grain, which
they store in underground granaries.
The Nanessa antiopa, the cosmopolitan
member of the butterfly family, Is also clever
insect, which at times performs IN quite
markable way as does the yucca moth, the Am
mophila urnaria and the harvesting ants. But
her efforts always seem 10 tend toward self
preservation rather than toward the preserva-
ZION of her eggs or her friends.
The upper surfaces Of this butterhy's wings
are dark velvety brown Ornamented with violet
spots, and an edge of dull yellow; but under
meath they are very different, as we learn when
we suddenly lose sight of a gay little rover
which but second before was fitting and
frohcking about IN the spring sunshine.
This butterfly vanishes as if by magic and
then reappears as mysteriOusly, and We wonder
how ii was done. until we discover that It Is
trick OF the wings. Such a simple trick. too
The antiopa just closes them, and, presto she
vanishes into the background.
1t is case Of protective coloration. for
the under surfaces Of the wings are notified and
blotched IN grays and browns until they blend
quite perfectly with the bark or earth where the
insect usually ahghts.
The male Vanessa antopa Is said to have
a trick all his own. During his counting days he
1l.anipulates his wings in such a manner that
laey produce musical" tones 1t is pretty
fancy, this Of butterfy's serenading his lady
love. But am still waiting to hear the melody.
To return to facts, however, there IS IN
the East Indies gorgeous butterfly. banded
with orange aud purple, which can, when oc-
casion demands, alight among brown leaves and
become 50 like them in appearance that the
eye is rarely able to distinguish from the
other.
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-06-02
Little ErEatupE5th that
inN7n9W5g5.AFta as
Men and0WnmEn.
By Ellen Robertson-Miller.

HHERE are some 1UonderfHl little
people daUeIiHg in orr rery midst,
gvhoSe methods and maueHUer5 TO
I'll on in the 1vorId are usually HknoSvn or
Ignored BY us as zoe hustle through life IN
tenn on our OGVn affairs.
When 1Ve do stop for space and look
about however, SVe are certain TO find these
zee creatures quite as baSy eVifh their small
undertakings as are TUe Nth our larger
ones
Haze you ever seen a little INSECT me-
chaHic using tools as it 1Vent earnestly about
some construction eVOrk at hand? DO yOH
kHo5y that there are other insects that keep
trained servants to labor for themg They
are neVer bothered BY the serVaHt-grI or
friedman problem, ho1vever, as their ser
5itors are slaves and could not run a10ay
they 9Oonld.
Then there are other insect capitalists
that osvn herds of "coqrs" and milk them
regularly; certain species prepare the soil
and groso crops of ovhich they are fond,
gathering them Nth seeming human tn
fcHgerce at harvest time:
The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-06-02

--rlier part of the summer slipping nectar nom
the flowers. Later she becomes imbued with the
building instinct, and begins to dig cells IN the
ground for her eggs, and then to provision
them with caterpilars.
Her method of managing larva is to sting
1t to death, or, at least, to paralyze 1t, so that
II causes neither her nor the maggot that Is to
devour it any inconvenience. 1t was once
thought that wasps Intentionally refrained from
killing their prey IN order that their young
might enjoy fresh food for a longer period.
Recent research indicates, however, that this Is
a mistake, and that Madam Wasp merely stings
to quiet the creature which she Is appropriate
ing.
1t is odd, but this Ammophila urnaria,
which goes marketing for caterpillars. viii take
nothing else, while the mUd-daubing ?elopeus
chooses only spiders for her children to live
upon.
In fact, we find that the nests of different
varieties of wasps are always filed with but
one kind of food, which indicates that these
winged insects have the power of choosing what
they consider best.
They also have inherited notions of how
and when to build for the generation which Is
to follow them. One prefers decaying wood,
ana the stems OF plants, others, Ike AnUnophila
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06
KNIGHTS OF GRIP TO VOTE BY MAIL
travelling Men to be Protected in
Bill Proposed by Julius Block.

Voting by mail is the latest thing
proposed for the travelling men of the
state and those compelled to be away
from their homes on election day.
Former State Treasurer Julius III.
Block is behind the proposition and
is now having bill prepared for in
PRODUCTION in the legislature. It's legal
phases are now being inquired into.
Mr.. Block says there are several thous-
and travelling men running out Of the
Twin Cities alone and to them the right
OF franchise is an expensive luxury.
Oftentimes their business will not per-
nit them to return to their homes and
vote Then there are others also COM
PEELED to be away on this particular
day. To aid them and save them
money he would have their voter sent
by mail, to be surrounded by restric-
tions and precautions that would pre-
vent fraud or miscarriagesh. The
iudgeor some election official would be
authorized to receive it.
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06
TO "CANALlzE" THE MINNESOTA
The Pioneer Press Discusses the
Problem. in Earnest.

There is one factor which is apt to
be too lightly considered when discus
sing the development of the Minnesota
river as a highway for the transporta-
ton Of the products of the valley, and
of the Dakotas as we'll. Tt is claimed
by some that no river in the country
is better adopted to ''canalizationn
than this, which stretches from one
border of the state to the other. The
volume of water available is far great
er than will be required to operate
New York's great barge canal" from
Buffalo to the Hudson: especially
since engineers have shown that it can
be supplemented by stored floods from
the Red River of the North. Sites for
the inexpensive construction of reser-
voirs are claimed to be numerous.
The conversion of the river into q
slack water channel might in part solve
the problem of transporting the wheat
and other crops Of the northwest to
market without congesting the rail-
roads as they are congested today.
Perhaps the Minnesota Valley I'M
provement Association will make it a
point to get expert engineering advise
as to the feasibility Of this project.
If the river can be 'canalized" at
moderate cost, the investment would
come back MANIFOLD in the increased
attractiveness of the valley, to agri-
culturists and manufactures alike.
Pioneer Press.
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06
EXPRESS AND TELEGRAPH RATES
Senator CIa9ue Would Cut Them
Down by Thirty Per Cent.

Senator Frank Clague of this dis
trict has prepared bill for max
ing a fat reduction Of 80 per cent
in the present rates of express COM
panies and telegraph companies in
Minnesota.
The railroad commission has been
preparing for an investigation of ex-
press rates, and a legislative investi-
cation is also proposed, but Senator
Clague believes his bill will bring re-
suits good deal quicker than inves-
LEGATIONS.
The main provisions OF the bill are
as follows:
All express companies and all tele
graph companies doing business in
this state shall reduce their rates on
all business done, originating and
terminating in this state thirty per
cent below the rates existing, charged
and in force on the 1st day of January,
1907.
Any violation of any of the provi-
sions of the act shall be punished by
fine of not more than 81, 600 nor less
than 5000.
Other sections provide for compel
ling testimony in any court proceed
ing, and for prosecution of violators
by the attorney general on complaint
OF the railroad commission.
Gen. NJ. D. Flower, postma ster OF
ST. Paul. died Monday.
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06
INCREASING THE RAILROAD TAX
Representative Spooner Asks For
a Gross Earnings Tax Of
Six Per Cent.

Representative Spooner of Morris
has started movement for increasing
the gross earnings tax, on railroads
from to 6 per cent.
He has prepared a bill to that effect
for adoption by the legislature and
submission to the people in 1908, but
it is so drawn that the increase will APP
ply to the tax on the 1907 earnings.
Mr.. Spooner has studied the prob
lem closely, and maintains that if the
railroads had paid valuation tax on
40 per cent of their face value last
year, they would have paid 81, S48, 900,
or 81, 624 900 more than they paid on
the I per cent gross earnings basis.
But this amount would still be too
low, as the average market value of
the roads is so per cent higher than
their capitalization.
He also justities the increase on the
ground that the railroads are fighting
reductions in rates and will tie up the
railroad commissions order for four
years, so increase in taxation is the
only immediate method of correcting
unjust conditions.
Mr.. Spooner figures the capitaliza-
ton of the 8, 900 miles of railroad oper-
ated in Minnesota last year at $780,
100000. They earned s8l ,000, 900, and
paid So, 240. 900 in taxes. However,
$500, 900 of this amount is contested
under what is claimed to be charter
stipul ations granting exemption. he
makes the following statements:
ssThe present rate of railroad taxa
ton is 4 cents out of each dollar col
lected from the people in fares and
rates. Prior TO 1905 the rate was 3
cents. As q result Of the election In
1904 the rate was increased from :
cents to cents. It ought then to have
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06
BAD BOYS TO Be GIVEN A CHANCE
Probation System to be Extended
Throughout the State. Is.

The extension OF the probation sys-
TEN for Juvenile delinq uents to all
counties OF the state is the aim of a
bill introduced in the house by Repre-
sentative Case of Cloquet. The bill
provides for probation officers in
counties OF less than $4,000, and with
the exception of-the salary provisions
is practically the same as the present
law establishing such systems in coun-
ties of more than $4,000.
The probation officer is to be APP
pointed by the county commissioners
for term of two years. with the APP
prevail of the judge of the district
court, but may be removed sooner for
cause. He is to be present at every
trial in any court when the offender is
under twenty and is to represent
minors brought into the probate court
for commitment to state institution.
He is to have oversight of the minor
in case of continuance and shall
have police powers.
When minor is found guilty of
violating any law, ordinance Or regula-
ton, or of incorrigibility or vagrancy,
the court may stay the sentence for a
term as he may deem best, condi-
toned upon the good behavior of the
offender.
The salary of the probation officer
| is fixed at So per day, and deputies
may be appointed when necessary at
81 per day.
The bill provides that the sheriff or
| other person having children in con-
fnement shall provide a separate place
for them, so that in no case shall they
be confined with persons above six.
teen. They must be provided with
good reading matter while in confne.
ment.
When minors are up for trial the
court must be cleared of all persons
except officers, attorneys, witnesses
relatives and friends.
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06
TO COMPROMISE.
Would Give Round Trip Tickets
and Mileage at Reduced
Fare.
Prepared to Fight Two.Cent Law
If Not Modified.
Favor Passes for State Officials
and Members of the
Legislature.

Minnesota railroads are preparing
to make a compromise offer to the
legislature in place of the 2-cent fare
bills, says the Minneapolis Jouenal.
Several senators and representatives
have been sounded and it is claimed
that the compromise has good show
of adoption in both the railroad CON-
mittess.
Railroad officials realize that some
kind of 2-cent fare law has to come.
They are striving to get one that will
do them the least possible injury.
They object strenuously to straight
2-cent fare law because it will dis
arrange and reduce all their interstate
rates in northwestern territory. The
compromise that is being advocated
gets around this.
The proposition is to give 2-cent
rate on all round trip tickets, without
granting any concession in the regu-
lar tariffs for one-way trips. Mile
age books are to be issued at fat
2-cent rate, good only in Minnesota,
but good on all roads in the hands Of
the holder. They would be both in
Interchangeable and transferable, but
would not be good beyond the state
line. So the general scheme of pass
enger rates now in force would not
be disturbed, though Minnesotans
could buy mileage books either full
Or partly used, and go any distance
within the state for 2cents mile.
Railroad official are also proposing
that instead of a straight anti-pass
law the legislature provide a law that
all state officials and members of the
legislature shall be carried free.
This is the law in New Jersey, and is
in force IN this state with reference to
the railroad commission. tits argued
in favor Of this that when passes are
made compulsory there is no feeling
OF obligation on the part of the holder
toward the railroads. But some OF
the lawmakers are having trouble to
figure out why this argument should
be advanced by the railroads.
One inducement being offered by
the railroads officials is that they
would all accept the.compromise law
and give the people the benefit of re-
duced rates at once. If the 2-cent fare
law is adopted without any modifca-
ton, they will fight it in court on the
ground that it is confscatory. If tits
sustained, then all reduced rates vii!
be cut off to make up the loss in re.
venue.
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06

Nothing would suit McCleary better
than to go to President Roosevelt
with a badge of honor from the Mime
sofa legislature. He would then be in
a position to demand that Benedict be
reappointed postmaster at Mankato,
even in the face OF the charges against
him.
It is safe assertion to make that If
Mr.. Benedict gets the plum again, it
will be a recess appointment. He will
never be confirmed at this session of
conorosz
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06

A bill reducing the minimum capital
of banks of discount and deposit to
So 900 was introduced by Senator
Stephens of Crookston. The bill per-
mits of the Incorporation of banks
with capital of $4,000 in villages
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06

been increased not merely from cents
to cents, but from 3 cents to 6 cents.
If, during 1906, the railroad prop
critics had been required to pay taxes
upon the same basis and at the same
average rate imposed on real estate
throughout Minnesota, the railroad
taxes for that year would have been
81, s4s, 600, or 81, 1924, 600 greater than
they were for that year. y
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06

The house in committee of the whole
has acted favorably on the bill to
abolish private banks.
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06
TAFFY FOR CONG. McCLElRY
Representative Peterson Succeeds
in Passing His Resolution.
Would-be Postmaster Extols Vir-
tues of Great Stand.patter.
Majority Laughs at Endorsement
but Lets 1t Go Through,

Peterss n of this city
managed to get through his resolution
indorsing Congressman McCleary's
official career and tariff ideas as out
lined in last weeks Review, but the
endorsement was not noisy one.
The resolution was called up for the
second time on Wednesday and Mr..
Peterson asked that it be allowed to
pass. He got d second and when all
the ayes were called for there was a
Joint response. The negative side,
which followed, was more pronounced
in volume of sound, but Speaker john
son decided that the ayes had it and
the resolution went on record as the
sentiment of the house. Many did not
vote and no one seemed DESTROYS OF
starting any debate.
The st. Paul Dispatch in comment
ing editorially On the resolution says:
"The news from Washington makes
clear why Representative Peterson de-
sires the Legislature to especially COM
mend Mr.. McCleary, even at the e2-
pense of the eight other congressman
from Minnesota. Mr.. Peterson IS Mr..
McCleary's choice for postmaster OF
New Ulm, and Sam would be migrate
full, indeed, did he not seek to help his
patron. The means employed, how
ever, was anything but diplomatic
It is not likely that anything more
win be heard from the affair. In the
senate the resolution would be voted
down without question.
Following the passage of the resolu-
ton Washington message reached
the ST. Paul Dispatch to the following
effect.
News has reached here of the frantic
effort of Samuel d. Peterson Of New
Ulm to secure an Endorsement by the
Minnesota legislature of Congressman
McCleary.
Among Minnesota people who know
the exact situation, the little cheap
political play of Petersoncauseda sort
of sarcastic smile The very day that
Mr.. Peterson offered his resolution in
the legislature, the Dispatch was adj
yised, in a special from Washington,
that Congressman McCleary would in
dorse his fulsome friend for post
master.
In this connection an anomalous,
not to say an absurd, situation pre-
sents itself in the Second congress
sional district. In certain towns in
GLIDING New Ulm and Luyerne, where
the present incumbents have made
good records as postmasters. McCleary
is seeking to have them turned down
and ousted and his political henchmen
appointed. In his home town OF Man
kato, where G.. L. Benedict, the chair
man of McCleary's committee and
manager of his campaign, has been
postmaster for years, there is an up
rising among the patrons of the office
against Benedict's retention and seri-
Gus charges have been aled against
him.
Both Senators Nelson and ClapE
have been fully advised Of the nature
of these charges. But, notwithstand
ing the general opposition to Benedict
McCleary is trying to have him ap
pointed, and it is now claimed that the
retiring congressman was party te
the Peterson legislature resolution
seeking his Endorsement.
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06

having a population of 400 or less.
The code requires banks to have a
capital of at least $4,000 in munich
palities of not over 900 population.
with q graduated increase in towns OF
larger size. The proposed law simply
creates new class including villages
OF 400 or less and allows banks to be
created in such towns with a capital
of IS, 900.
A bill intended to allow any town.
ship to prohibit persons from riding
over its roads in automobiles has been
introduced by Representative Libby
of Winona.
Representative Peterson introduced
bill on Friday providing method
whereby assessment life insurance
companies may be re-incorporated as
legal reserve life insurance companies.
The measure is one of those suggested
Oy insurance commissioner OBrloH
The Brown County Journal says
that someone was compelled to return
to his home in this city from Mankate
where he has been attending school on
account of sickness We have heard
of Young people attending school be-
cause their parents desired it, or be-
cause they wanted to learn something
about algebra, philosophy, theology,
veterinary science or dramatic art or
even grammar, but going to school
''on account of sickness is an inno-
walton. But then, new schools are
developing every day.
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06

Olive Fremstad, who in New York
City has been creating such a furore
in the part of "Salome" in Richard
Struss' opera of that name, was for
merly resident of st. Peter. She is
a beautiful woman and an artist of
extraordinary ability.
A small negro boy was butting his
head against the marble steps of the
capitol. He would step back a few
feet and then run toward the steps
striking them full force with his head.
What on earth are you doing that
for, boy??' said Senator Beverage,
who came by. fare you gong to
fight . goat?''
Nav, sab. Use dom It cause il
feels so good when don't.
New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1907-02-06
PROVIDES FOR TAX ON MORTGAGES
Senator'S CIague and Johnson Each
Have a Bill.

Some days ago Senator Clagae in
troduced bill providing for tax OF
so cents on each 500 of every mort
gage recorded within the state.
Now comes Senator johnson Of
Nicollet county with a measure which
calls for tax Of three tenths of one
per cent on the total amount.
Senator Johnson's bill provides
that every lien en- real property ex-
ecuted after May l, 1907, whether it be
in the form of mortgage, deed of
trust, contract for the sale of real
estate, bond for deed or any other
lien, shall be subject to the YAK upon
the amount remaining unpaid on May
of each year.
The register of deeds is required to
make a list from his records of all liens
remaining unsatisfied on May l, which
he shall deliver to the county auditor
not later than July l. The taxes shall
be payable and become delinquent on
the same day and the same penalties
and interest shall be exacted for non
payments and delinquencies as in the
case Of real property taxes.
When any payment is made on such
lien on file in the Office Of the register
of deeds the record holder is requires
to appear in the registers Office and
enter the amount of the payment on
the margin of the record. No lier
shall be enforcible by sale or other
proceeding which has not been so filed
and on which the tax has not been
paid.