davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
AN INCONSISTENT POLICY.
Opposing Principles in Federal
LeRisIatiOn Affecting Railroads.

Opposing Principles in Federal
Legislation Affecting Railroads..
Prom the Springfield Republican.
The conferring Of power on the national
government to regulate interstate railroad
rates emphasizes more than ever the in
consistency Of Federal policy in relation
TO railroads. Under the antitrust law as
Interpreted BY the courts, il IS assumed
that competition is a practical regulative
force over railroad rates. and accordingly
railroad combination to destroy eompeti-
ton IS prohibited. But by the interstate
commerce law it is assumed that railroads
are monopolistic In their nature. and SO
the power Of government 70 regulate rates
is invoked as a substitute for the absent
force of competition.
When. therefore, We have this Tate-regu-
lation power Of government established
on a supposedly working basis. OF what
possible consequence is il to the public
whether parallel lines Ike the Union and
Southern Pacific are combined or not
Having provided a substitute for compe-
ton as a protection to the public from
railroad eztortion, why insist upon re-
tanning laws which assume the adequacy
OF competition as a protective measure
The sooner the antitrust law is amended
70 exclude railroads from its application,
the more time and strength will the gov
eminent have 70 apply real power of
rate regulation.
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
commission.eoverned Cities.

Government of municipalities by boards
of elective commissioners seems to be be-
coming more and more popular. For some
time the plan was confined to Texas. but
now Memphis has adopted tt, as did Nor
folk not long ago. and the people of sew
eral other cities are investigating the sub
ject with view to changing from the
Observation-Disclosures system.
All this should be particularly gratify-
ing to Washingtonians. for. although the
members Of the Board of Commissioners
are appointed here, and elected elsewhere.
it was the District of Columbia scheme
which served as a model for Galveston.
the first city. aside from the Capital, 10
apply the commission idea in an amplihed
form. The experiment made as a result
of the condition in which the municipality
found itself after the great storm Of Sep
tember, 1900. was so eminently successful
in Galveston that Houston adopted it after
year or two. and Dallas a little later.
In every instance SO far a trial Of the
plan has resulted in lower tax rates, the
complete elimination of graft, and a much
more satisfactory handling Of municipal
affairs than was possible under the old
regime.
In Houston, recently, the original COM
missioners all were reelected by over
whelmingiy large majorities. and that,
too, without any Of the disagreeable fea-
lures OF the average municipal election.
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
Real Work for the MiIltla.

It is agreeable TO note that the War
Department authorities have approved
the plans of Brig. Gen. Arthur Murray,
chief of artillery Of the army, for real
businesslike surroundings to the eneamp-
ment proposed in the various artillery
districts along the Atlantic and Pacific
coasts during the coming summer. when
the coast artillery viii be exercised in
conjunction with selected commands Of
the organized State militia. The gov
ernors of the States have been invited 10
designate the commands to attend the
practical test camps of instruction TO be
held in July In the immediate vicinity.
the National Guard of the District of
Columbia will be permitted to send to
Fort Washington three companies of in
fantry to act as coast artillery reserves
at the batteries with four companies OF
infantry as support, and 10 Fort Hunt
one company of infantry TO act as coast
artillery reserves at the batteries. with
four companies of infantry as support
The exercises are bound to be beneficial,
il they are conducted with any approach
20 that condition which would obtain
in time of war. The trouble with most
joint maneuvers has been that they are
not sufficiently serious, excepting when
the conditions have gone to the other ex-
treme as during the monster eaeampment
at Manassas, Va, when unframed, in
experienced troops were compelled to
hike" day and night until brought 10
the verge Of prostration. On that .oeca-
sion there was no opportunity for the
instruction of the militia officers, although
there was present for the delivery of il
Eliminating lectures the late Col. A l.
Wagner L, 5. A
It is observed as an excellent sign of
the practical plans OF the chief Of artil-
lery Of the army that Instructions have
been sent out to subordinate military au-
thorities not to send in any estimates for
the flooring of tents and other acces-
sOries which would not exist in time of
war. The advantage of joint maneuvers
must come entirely FROM and will be In
proportion to, the nearness with which
the equipment, surroundings, and pro-
gramme approach the circumstances of
war.
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
sOUTH. PAsT Avn pREsENT.
New Facing "a Regime of Fierce
IadustriafisIa and new Democracy.

New Facing "a Regime of Fierce
IsdustFtafisIa and New Democracy.
President Alderman. Of sfe University Of Virginia.
For forty years the South was practi-
'caily another nation. building its social or
der on the basis Of an inherited economic
|nisconception. For another forty years
.it has been striving 10 retain it's best tra-
ditions. It's idealism, and It's simplicity. to
recover the industrialism in commerce and
education which it had lost. and to achieve
naturalization In politics and liberalism
in opinion The South has regained the
spirit Of industriaIism with which II
started in the early days. Many details
remain 10 be worked cut, but the spirit
Is here. see II IN the ideals of our youth.
hear Il in their speech. Their ambitions
reflect IL, their dreams move about il.
Twenty years from now The old patri-
archai South VIII be a fierce industrial re-
gion. BY industriaiism ! do not mean
recommendation. commerciallsm j q mere
sordid theory OF life. Industrialh N Is the
scientific mastery Of the raw material and
its wise distribution according 20 the laws
Of trade.
The Southern boy OF this generation has
found himself at last In American life and
made himself at home at the moment
when the republic has most need OF his
tempered strength He is a fine, hopeful
figure. this Southern boy whom ! know
so we'll OF strong. high political instincts,
facing tardily fierce industrIalism and
new democracy with its grandeurs and
temptations. his ambitions and dreams
moving about them and yet holding fast
through the conservatism In his blood to
the noble concepts of public probity and
scorn Of dishOnor.
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
senator ForakeT's Chalienge.

Senator Foraker has entered the Presi-
Dental lists with Characteristic dash and
daring. His proposal that the candidate
to be presented by Ohio Republicans to
the next national convention be deter
mined by popular vote cannot be declined
By Nj. Tafts friends with any show Of
consistency, for their main contention is
that public sentiment In the Buckeye
state is overwhelmingly for the Secretary
OF War. II they have any ground for
their belief they ought TO accept the
Senator's challenge with gratitude and
alacrity. 1t affords them the best Of
opportunities TO demonstrate the popular
standing OF the Taft boom.
Mr.. Foraker. we doubt not, has fully
counted the cost of the political warfare
upon which he has now staked his future,
His willingness TO appeal directly 20 the
people Of Ohio shows a confidence In his
constituency and in the rectitude Of his
own course that is admirable and impress
sive. II the contest were directly be-
tween Foraker and Taft. man for man,
record for record. politician for politician.
We should say the odds decidedly favored
the Foraker end. But In this affair Taft
Is siInulaerum to the Man Higher Up. The
Secretary. himself. is on the high seas,
attending TO the public business, while
others. with his more or less reluctant
consent, manage the political job. The
real manager. it is sufficiently obvious,
is an eminent parsonage who enjoys the
not unmerited reputation of being one OF
the most slzillful politicians of modern
times He is no weakling. either in poll
ties or statecraft. The rough-and-tumhle
OF the hustings affrights him not War
fare is the meat upon which he doth
feed. upon which he hath grown great.
IN a word, Foraker confTonts Roosevelt,
That is the prime significance Of the Ohio
contest now beginning.
Should the Foraker challenge be ac-
cepted. we shall know in time the pre-
else measure Of the Roosevelt following
as against that Of a so-called conserva-
tive Republican. statesman of the old
school. as the younger generation would
rate him, SO fast have We moved in the
lass six or seven years under strenuous
tutelage An absorbing passage at arms
is ahead Of us, all the more interesting
because il promises 10 be fought in the
open. In the forum Of the people. Mr.
Foraker has shrewdly chosen the feld Of
combat, and his opponents will be wise
not to avoid meeting him on his own
ground. for any other course would be
confession of weakness. Some day, Il
may be hoped. all Presidential candidates
viii be chosen by the people and there
win be an end Of still hunts for delegates
and OF the use of Federal patronage to
keep somebody or other in power.
The Foraker precedent ought TO be
catching
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
Reform in Funerals.

The Evangelical Ministerial Association
of Atlanta has started a movement in
favor OF funeral reform It proposes Cd
the elimination Of euiOgies; (z) the
abandonment to a large extent OF the
Sunday funeral; 90 the use of less mourn
ing and less ostentatlon in mourning; (D
discrimination in the sending of floral Of
ferings.
1t is not to be denied that the movement
was conceived in common sense and might
be adopted by the public In general with
good results. Gradually the world is get
ting around 10 a new point of view IN
these matters-a much happier and
much nobler point OF view.
Death, from which there is no escape
IN any event. ought TO be robbed of its
terrors TO the ultimate extent Of which
man is capable OF divesting it. Sorrow
for loved ones passed away ought to be
tinged with the JOY of believing that they
have passed into greater joys than earth
ever knew. or ever can know. Grief
should not be intruded upon with long and
fuls0me eulogies. nor is 1t necessary tc
attest its sincerity with smothering and
As@4i@s&4A44F AA4thA A+AftS SCI ~ ASAAaA~@ A-~N
solely for sorrows sake, but because It
Is thought necessary 10 advertise ones
unhappiness and pain to the world at
large.
The grief that retires alone 10 a closet
and there asks TO be shown the sweet
ness OF the sacrifice involved in the giving
up of some loved one. is the noblest and
sincerest Of grief for the dead, In its
last analysis. II the things of which we
have been told are true. most Of our
sorrows are selfish in the extreme. It is
much nobler thing 10 minimize sorrow
than to magnify 1t.
Simplicity in life. simplicity in death,
simplicity in all things is the greatest
factor in human happiness.
The movement OF the Atlanta Minis
terial Association deserves TO succeed.
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
THURSDAY. MARCH Is. 1907.
Country sound as a DOLLAR.

Secretary COrtelyOu's prompt measures
for the relief Of the financial situation in
New York appear to have hit the right
spot. removing apprehensions due TO the
scarcity OF loanable funds and arousing
confidence in the purpose of the admins
tration 10 avert the threatened spread OF
the Wall street decentralization. 1t is esti-
mated by the New York Journal of Com
merce that the various steps taken by the
Secretary of the Treasury during the
continuance of the disturbed conditions
in Wall street have added $50,0O0000 to the
reserve OF the banks-a reserve sufficient
TO expand loanable credits TO the extent
OF 100000, thus affording substantial
relief 20 the money situation. Mr.. CoTtel-
you's decision to deposit sl5,000.OO0 in Gus
toms receipts in New York banks will
furnish the first real test of the efficacy
OF the Aldrich bill, as his former order.
based on the provisions of that act,
affected customs revenues at minor ports.
and so was not as effective as his present
order is expected 10 be
With the dissipation of the panicky
feeling among New York fnanciers which
has so alarmed the administration, II may
be hoped that the Wall street furry is
about over. The country is sound as a
dollar, and while money may not be as
plentiful for some time TO come as it has
been. the check to wild and reckless
speculation which has been administered
by recent events will prove wholly benef-
cial. The time is propitious for eonserva-
tism in Wall street, as well as elsewhere.
for the pace was too swift for safety, and
that has been realized Just in time to
prevent serious disaster.
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
DemoeratIc P.saismism.

From the New York World.
Nothing is left 70 the Democratic party
except Bryan's semi-soeialism or Cleve-
iand > tariff reform. unless the Republi-
can party should fall into the hands 4
the reaetionaries, and there is not ene
chance in a thousand of that Mr. Rose
welt viii control the Republican nasonal
convention. It viii nominate candt-
date for President who representa- his
politics What then remains for The Demo-
Gratis? Only tariff revision witt fight-
ing chance of success, or government
ownership with the certainty Of slaughter.
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
HARTMAN PUNISHED.
Deterrent Force of Exposure Eqaal
20 that of Punitive Law.

10 tAAA "a law
From the Kansas City Star
The theory Of the law is that no male
factor is punished for vengeance. hut for
the good Of society; and the chief good
sought for is a deterrent to others. In
accordance with this proper point Of view,
It doesn't make very much difference,
after all. whether or not Mr. Hartman
can be punished for his connection Tith
the Chicago and Alton imposition" TO
put II mildly. The fact to be emphasized
is that Mr. Hartman has worked his
own punishment and that. wholly apart
from the punitive statutes. the laws pur-
pose Of ''the good OF society has been
subserved a hundred times more effec-
lively than it could be by the mere as
sessment Of penalties against the person
Of one offender. This is not to say that
the government should be more. careless
about offenses which involve big transac-
tions than concerning those Of a lesser
magnitude.
One beneheent result. indeed, Of the
following exposures of industrial
abuses is the assured enactment of both
Federal and State laws attaching bodily
penalties TO the sins Of high finance"
But nave not the railway stock jobbers
already felt the net drawing tight around
them? Is not society already well entered
upon an era Of the industrial square deaI2
And is not this ever-nearer prospect the
hastened effect Of that cumulative pub
iieatlon Of wrongdoings Of which the
Hartman evidence was the most instruc-
tive?
Perhaps We have not yet reached that
stage where the doors Of social respecta-
biiity can be closed against the law
breaking Of greed; but that, too. is coming
fast And certainly the time is already
here when the doors Of opportunity are
10 shut tight against the practices Of
plunder and special privilege. That effect
Of publicity is the penalty clause Of the
social order which TO the Harrimans of
society appear 10 be 'the Great Doom's
lima %
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
Community of Interest.

FTom the New YoTs Mail
As mouthpiece of the public opinion
that is. let US hope, still dominant in
this country, Mr.. Cleveland makes it
clear that all that Is desired Is the quiet
and orderly rectification of abuses. On
the other hand, If Judge Gary. chairman
of the Steel Corporation, be accepted as
qualified 70 speak for the large corpora
tions. they are willing and anxious 10
rectify all discoyerable abuses. Here is
hardly basis for a lasting feud. We want
you to clean house. SAYS he public
We want TO clean house." ahSwars the
big corporations. No sign here - con-
tumacy or defiance Of right ana rational
popular sentiment.
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
Nr. RoosessEs's Popularity.

From the New York Times.
If We except Washington and Lneoins
who were men matured and. as It we're.
divinely appointed for great works. no
President OF all the twenty-five ever
profited so prodigiously by a national or
personal policy as Theodore Roosevelt by
his policy OF unremitting assaults upon
the corporations Of the country. Il has
made him far and away the most popular
man of the time. II has made the Re
publican party his submissive body serv-
ant Il makes certain his denomination
and reelection 20 the Presidency Il he
will consent.
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28

Galveston's experience has been similar.
Neither Of the two places now has TO con-
tend with such political conditions as pre-
vailed under the old system.
II viii not be surprising TO see some of
che large cities of the country-some such
Soss-ridden. grafter-infested municipality
as Philadelphia, for example-adopt the
commission form Of government within
the next few years. 1t is not obvious that
the size of the city would affect the opera
tions Of the plan disadvantageousiy The
highly satisfactory results which hove
been accomplished In the smaller towns
could, and doubtless would, be duplicated.
The working out Of the idea has gone far
beyond the experimental stage. and the
people of any municipality the govern
ment Of which is not all that It should be
would do well to look into the matter.
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28

faney-free spinsters ,massed behind that
eity's fortlhcations. they be compelled TO
remain within the confines Of that me
tropolis for the rest OF their lives, lest.
should they scatter over the country. they
spread their baiefuI influence abroad. Do
we hear a second from the swifts skulk-
ing without the walls Of Fort Dodge2
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
what the Trouble Really Is.

From the New YORK Tribune.
Unreasonable explanations OF railroad
retrenchment win not deceive and win
only serve to keep alive public suspicion.
The true explanation. that money rates
the world over are unfavorable to in
creased outlay, Is one which railroads
need not be asian ed or afraid 60 give
the public. 1t Is OF good business 10
pay too much for your money. Every
body can understand that.
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
Not discouraged.

Cant you realize that you're merely
wasting my time and your own?" COM
planned the busy merchant.
why SOP asked the insurance agent
II told you some time ago that l was
insured 10 the limit
u know you did. but a man will say
most anything TO get rid of an insurance
man..
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
MEN AND THINGS.
In other Times.

IN OAAEE AaAAtas
It has not been a great many years
since a political situation such as that
created IN Ohio By the rival ambitions
Of Secretary Taft and Senator Foraker
for the Presidential nomination would
result in a wholesale decapitatiOn Of Fed
.eral ohlceholders in the State. The
heads Of postmasters, collectors Of in
ternai revenue, United States marshals,
and attorneys and all their subordinates
would be brought 10 Washington and
presented to the occupant Of the White
House Il, say, the days no farther back
than those OF Grant could be recalled. It
goes without saying. Of course, that q
great many. if not the. majority, Of the
chief Federal ofilcehoiders in Ohio owe
their positions 70 Senators Foraker and
Dick Naturally these influential per-
sons will be inclined to cooperate with
Senator Foraker in the open night he has
declared against Secretary Taft, the Pres
ident's choice for the nomination next
year. When confronted by a situation
like this. Gram and most Of his prede-
.cessors moved with great vigor and direct
ness. They decapitated without mercy or
delay every official whom they had cause
10 suspect Of dls.eyalty That was before
the country had become educated to the
civil service system which now prevails.
Under the present dispensation every
State Federal officeholdeF below the
grade of chief is protected by the eivll
service law. and is forbidden to partici-
pate In politics. although. Of course, he
has the privilege 10 vote. President
Roosevelt was once member OF the
Civil Service Commission and assisted IN
rigidiy enforcing the law and protecting
Federal officials from just such dangers
as might beset them in Ohio should there
be a disposition to return to the manners
and customs OF some of his most Illus
triOus predecessors. However, should
any Federal official in Ohio become too
active in the fight out there on either side.
but especially on one side, bis head could
and doubtless would be chopped on under
the rules OF the Civil Service Commits
sion. Of which the President Is ex-oficio
chief
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
Political Appeals to the Negro.

From the Louisville Courier-JouTuai
President Roosevelt. wAo makes a dis
tinetion between the negro and the negro
outlaw. is a much better friend Of the
race than Mr.. Foraker. Even Mr. Till
man. of South Carolina. breathing fire
and birthstone at me black demon. is at
heart no worse enemy of the race than
the politician who rallies the negroes by
an appeal to race prejudios TO use them
for his own political ends
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
shaved a Marble statue.

Near the entrance of beautiful oak
Hill Cemetery, Georgetown, where reposes
the dust OF James G. Blaine. Edward NJ.
Stanton. and other great Americans.
stands fine statute Of John Howard
Payne, author Of Home, Sweet Home"
The bringing home of the remains of this
famous Americans. who died at his post in
Africa generations ago, when he was serv-
ing there as United States consul, was the
occasion of a great national function
moro than twenty years ago. The late
William CoTcoran, the Washington banker
and philanthrCpist betrayed all of the
expenses. and also paid for the monu-
ment and statue of Payne which mark
his resting place in Oak Hill. The sculp-
tor who executed the life size statue and
palmed of on him as a picture Of John
Howard Payne the Photograph Of a man
whose face was completely covered with
luxuriant growth OF whiskers. Ac-
cordingly he faithfully reproduced the
whiskers in marble. Soon after the statue
was set up in Oak Hill il was discovered
that John Howard Payne had never worn
beard. The sculptor, enFaged and un-
daunted, proceeded forthwith to ehlsei
the whiskers on of the marble image OF
the immortal author OF Home, Swees
Home" so that to-day the visitor b.
Georgetown's historic old cemetery b.
holds the classic face in marble of Iol
Howard Payne sans Whiskers except
mustache.
The Washington herald., 1907-03-28
brewer Not 20 Retire.

out in Kansas. where all sorts OF re-
ports about all sorts Of notable persons
obtain circulation and credence. there
is a report that Mr. Justice Brewer
will retire from the Supreme Court OF the
United States next June, when he shall
have reached the age Of seventy years.
Why this report should have originated in
Kansas Is not known. unless it be that in
the philosophy Of Kansas. Justice Brewer.
having been domiciled in that State
when, eighteen years ago. he was pro-
NOTED TO the Supreme Court from the
circuit bench by President Harrison. still
belongs to the state and therefore is
subject 20 the Jurisdiction of Kansas
rumors. No member of the Supreme
Bench Is In fuller possession of intellec-
tual and physical vigOr than is Mr. JUS
tice Brewer, and close friends say that
the thought OF taking advantage Of the
age-limit for retirement has not as yet
occurred 20 him. No member Of the great
body loves the work better than does ne,
nor does any OF them give promise by
appearance and activity of mind and
body OF serving longer upon the wool
sack.