davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
BELIEVES WE ARE DRIFTING
TOWARD AN oLlGARcHY


Los ANGELES, June l0,-[Editor
Heraldl: In your paper see constant
reference to "a. return to first princi-
pies" and "Jeffersonian democracy"
VIII you tell us just how we can "re-
turn? see two Obstacles One is
evolution and the other machinery.
Evolution goes forward, never back:
and machinery has changed conditions
so radically since the Jeffersonian Pc
riod that a system or set of principles
which worked comparatively well then
would not be at all effective as means
of securing justice at this stage of
history.
AS matter of fact, however, Jeffer-
socian democracy, so called, was not
true democracy. for the reason that the
constitution did not provide and was
not intended by its trainers (most OF
them aristocrats) to provide for thor
oughly democratic government.
The effect of this deficiency was not
so apparent in those days, because OF
the fact that exploitation was neces-
sarily limited, nearly all work being
done by hand and largely each man for
himself; consequently we hear the UNI
thinking pirate about the good old
times" of Jeffersonian democracy. To
return" it would be necessary to en-
tirely destroy the machinery invented
since then. Does anyone deem this step
a really wise proposition? Machinery
has given unlimited power into the
hands Of . the exploiting class, and
through wealth thus acquired and by
reason of the defect in the constitution
they are now in control of the govern
ment We are drifting rapidly into an
oligarchy. How may this best be
averted? s M. B. T.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
CUT OUT FALSE ANALOGlES;
THEY DO NOT HELP OUT

Los ANGELES. June 12-[Editor
Herald: Will false analogies help any
honest argument? There is surely
something radically wrong with the
mental processes of people who quote
as analogous two cases so widely diff
fering in every way as that of the sol
der who was sent to three years inn
prisonment for cheering an anarchist
lecturer and that. other case of a So
cialist who is suspended for violating
his pledge of membership by helping in
anarchistic propaganda.
The soldier failed in no particular of
his soldering; there is no charge that
he was remiss in his duties.
The Socialist, on the other hand, did
violate his pledge. and that in face OF
the known fact that Socialism has al
ready suffered much from the attempts
of its enemies to identify it with an
archsm.
Now as to the penalty: Is there any
pretence for saying that a mere suspen-
sion compares with a long prison SEN
tence?
Summing up: "a There is no SINH
larity in the status of the parties. (2)
The offenses are not identical, nor even
comparable. 90 The penalties are in
no way alike, either in character OF
degree.
Let us argue fairly, If at ALL
w WARBURTON.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
NOT A SQUARE DEAL

A S COMMENT has been aroused Of
II late by what appears to be the
"A existence of a veritable divorce
mill in California, and especially in Los
Angeles, we deem it right to say that
causes somewhat similar to those which
affect the mortality tables and per-
centages in the vital statistics of the
healthiest city and state in the Union
also affect the moral statistics of the
best behaved and cleanest city and
state in the Union. We believe Cali
fornians are willing at all times TO
acknowledge shortcomings when short
comings exist, and to remedy them
promptly, but in common honesty as
we'll as in justice to themselves they
must deny and repudiate the conclu-
sions which a rash or uniformed OBJ
server might draw from vital statistics
and the records of the divorce courts.
Many people who are not only suffer-
ing from diseases, but are incurable
and are known by their eastern physi-
clans to be incurable, come to Cali
fornia. Here they linger, perhaps
longer than they would have fingered
in the east, but the doom of the unfor-
tunates has been sealed before they
have stepped aboard the train which
was to bring them to Los Angeles.
That the mortality tables of Los An
geles should be affected by the fact
that these people are incurable, and
without miraculous intervention will die
here, is not right, but, as Bill Tweed
said, What are we going to do about
it?" There is one obvious course of ac-
ton. and that is to let it be known far
and wide that Los Angeles death rate
is naturally the lowest in the North
American continent; that few of our
own people die of disease, and that in
the ordinary course of events, unless a
healthy resident of Los Angeles should
have the misfortune to be killed, he
viii live to a mellow old age. Many
Californians are over so years old, and
several are in their "nineties."
California is as remarkable for the
morality as for the longevity of its
inhabitants. To all that is being said
about the divorce mill should be added
the explanation, the grist for the mill
is eastern, and if it were not for east
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

Bolton Hall to prove against Wilshire)
that Intensive cultivation with simple
tools of three acres near a city could
support a family in comfort, ana ne
cites a specific instance where new
Cumberland man got $454 from an acre
of early tomatoes and $555 from one
and a half acres of Strawberries, while
his early cabbages gave him $500 an
acre.
Now, the first thought get is that
this man achieved those results be-
cause others were not doing likewise.
early cabbages and 'early" tomatoes
would lose their peculiar, happy signin-
canoe If others all around had equally
early crops In the market. And the
finer and heavier the crop lin other
words, the greater the competition) the
nearer, under the present conditions,
things must approach that point where
the farmers own family consumption is
apt to be approximately the measure or
his crops value, since a full market,
under the competitive system, must in
evitably rule prices down where crops
do not pay to market. Yet, mark you.
the lesson which Mr.. George and others
like him assume to attach is: Mr. Ev-
eryman, go thou and do likewise, and
adversely shall vanish from our ken!
1t Is the old, old fallacy: Room for
all at the top" Everyone can win the
race" Everyone be mayor of the city,"
Everyone president Of the United
States" Like, also. that venerable not
to say moldy and moth-eatsn absurd
ity, the idea that IL everyone were fru-
gal, sober and saving, all would be
prosperous. They cite some solitary
example to prove it. Some Tom. Dick
or Harry actually did save enough in a
long working life to escape perjury in
his old age. But the point is missed
that it was only because others were
not equally frugal, sober and saving
that this one succeeded. Had they been
SO the wage standard would have fallen
with the standard of living till the
surplus for saving was cut out all
round.
And now comes the Rev. VIM. Mac
Cormack with the profound suggestion
that, to stem the fast increasing So
cialist vote. the men who have left the
farms for the city must be got back to
the land, although he admits it Is large
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
CLEAR, CRISP AND CLEAN
WHY NOT DEBATE?

nUBLIC debates should be revived
in connection with political cam
4 paigns. For many years all po-
litical controversies have been con-
Quoted in a remarkable manner. An
orator makes a public statement on
one night, then on another night an
other orator, who has read report
diets it before an audience that did
not hear the first statement. The as
sertion is printed without the CONTRA
diction and the contradiction without
the assertion. Is that debate? How
can a man ascertain the truth regard
ing conditions in the United States
Is he to believe what he hears uttered
rhetorically and oratorically from pub
lie platforms? In public gatherings
no opportunity is offered for debate
Nearly all mass meetings are ratifica-
ton meetings, at which people of the
same views assemble to hurrah over
their views, pat each other on the
back, and urge one another to vote for
voted ION general principles" even if
they had not attended the meeting.
In the good old days political orators
were not afraid of each other, and candi-
dates did not take shelter behind brass
bands and committees of arrange
ments; the arrangements being chiefly
directed (and we acknowledge that this
criticism may be applied to one party
hall with representatives of the party
which hires the hall and convenes the
"mass" meeting.
A few old timers still linger on life's
stage who remember the historic de-
bates between Abraham Lincoln and
Stephen A. Douglas. In Great Britain,
especially in England, public debating
is still common.
The way in which to scotch the So
cialist serpent is to encourage public
debates of Socialism and the social
question. Let the voters hear both
sides. If there is anything in the new
tangled IDEAS which the Socialists
claim are making converts in all parts
of the country, the public is entitled
TO know it. If. as we suspect, the en-
tire Socialist program is visionary and
it is the duty OF all speakers who can
make this plain to the American peo-
pie to do SO, and to "do it now"
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
SAN PEDRO HARBOR

TOHN r. GAFFEY told the CONSOLE
Il dalton club or greater Los Angeles
committee that more than 80 per
cent of the electors of San Pedro are
in favor of consolidation with Los An
geles provided it can be brought about
through a plan similar to that which
united Brooklyn borough with the bor-
ough of Manhattan, and both with
Greater New York.
Those in favor of consolidation think
the harbor too big a proposition to
be handled by San Pedro alone, and
would like to see an arrangement
effected by which Los Angeles should
control and regulate harbor affairs
Engineer Whitman has denied with
some heat the allegation that San
Pedro has surrendered the harbor to
the Southern Pacific. He said the 'front.'
age which had been surrendered came
from Los Angeles county.
The sentiment OF San Pedro, it seems.
is practically unanimously in favor of a
free harbor, with its unlimited oppor-
tunities for development, and unani-
mously against corporation usurpation
of harbor rights, facilities or frontages.
The people of San Pedro hope that
when Los Angeles controls the destinies
of the harbor it will see to it that free
dom in perpetuity is guaranteed, and
that no political vaccinations or cor
poration schemes viii ever be allowed
to interfere with the fufilment Of the
manifest destiny of San Pedro, which
is to be the greatest seaport on the
Pacific coast.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
THE CLAIMANT

TN CONSIDERING the claim of the
founder of yellow journalism and
= the independence league that he
is a public benefactor, we should be
fair and should weigh the evidence.
We wish to give Mr. Hearst and his
papers a square deal His publications
are so numerous that they could be-
come a force in the land and a power
for good in this state. For instance,
yellow journalism and the newspapers
called yellow could have escaped that
adjective and could have been desig-
mated white" if they had risen to an
occasion and seized an opportunity. The
occasion and the opportunity were pre-
scented by the Southern Pacific rail-
road in its relation to the people of the
state of California and their rights.
The yellow journals did not take adj
vantage of an opportunity of showing
concluslvely they were on the side of
right, righteousness and the people.
They did not defend the people against
rise to the occasion when they might
have denounced practices which were
flagrantly inimical to the public veal.
When the Southern Pacific was the
'Interest" concerned, OF what value
was the Hearst statement that his
journals would ever be found in line
against all interests hostile to the
people,?
Why was earst silent when a re-
spect for common deeency and a de-
sire to be consistent might have i'm
PEELED him to use the power and in
f1uence of his papers in combating
fragrant wrongs and declaring that
government for the people, of the peo-
pie, by the people must not be i'm
periled by a selfish corporation which
tried to use free" government and
seize opportunities created by American
liberty in order to further its own self
ish ends in contempt of public opinion,
in derision of public interest and in
defiance of public duty?
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
TITS NOT AN ENLIGHTENED
MINORITY THAT RULES TO-DAY

LOS ANGELES, June 12.-[Editor
Herald: NJ. Sprading does not quote
me fully. I spoke of the minority that
rules today. That is not an ''enlight-
ened" minority. On the contrary, its
ability and intelligence are only of
the kind that display themselves in a
knack of standing broadside on, with
four feet in the trough. And this mi
nority fears that when change comes
it will in turn suffer as it has made the
majority suffer, an unfounded fear, as
hold. The removal of economic ine-
qualities will unity interests in all those
affairs where society functions in the
mass. 1t is in economic sources that
practically all our personal coercions
and expressions arise. Who ever saw
a IMAM of means who was not free?
The enlightened minority today are
lost inland part of-the great suffer-
ing majority. Why? Because it is but
slowly that the intelligent minority can
permeate their fellow sufferers with
the enlightenment necessary for the
understanding of their own interests.
Rather than help the enlightened ones
to change conditions, these others pre-
fer to go on suffering and sulking for
fear they might have to empty the
ash pits in the cooperative common
wealth. Really their lack of intelli-
gence makes it look as if such duties
might be about the thing for them
profound thinkers" indeed!
When will people come to see that
authority" or oppression comes very
little into the life of the man who is
economically provided, even in our
present wretchedly jumbled system?
Much less can it do so in an economic
ally organized society.
Finally, may say that it would tend
to clarity of thought If Cinstead OF false
Illustrations, like Riddle" and the SOL
der, or "McKinnon being tried for his
life," etc.) debaters would use analo-
gies that are really analogous.
J. w. McKINNON.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
LET PEOPLE DECIDE

A CURIOUS phase in fight for
n restriction of the liquor traffic has
- heen the refusal of the mayor of
Ventura to sign prohibition ordinance
passed by majority of the board of
trustees. He says that at an election
held in April majority of the people
declared in favor of saloons. But his
opponents insist that the wet" vote
had no bearing or influence on the
action of the trustees.
An old rule of an ancient and hon
orable game says, When in doubt,
play trump 1t might be we'll to lead
a trump card by appealing again
directly to the people. A plebiscite
would determine whether the voters
approved the action of the board Of
trustees. There are times when a
referendum is the most practical kind
of practical politics.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
BOAT-ROCKING IDIOT

A CARNEGIE hero medal should be
~ sent to the eastern young woman
- who literally Knocked out" an
idiot who was rocking a boat, and re-
buked him with an oar when, overheard
and "treading water" he continued his
idiotic practice. Perhaps some people
may think he was not really rocking the
boat for fun after he was out among
the fishes, and that he was only trying
to scramble aboard again or keep HIM
self from being drowned. But appear
ances and his record were both against
him, and he was not entitled to the
benefit of any doubt. If in everyday
life, business and politics, it were al
ways the rule to heave out the fool
who rocks the boat, we might be happy
yet, you bet.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

ern couples who come here to make our
city kind of Gretna Green for divorces
instead of marriages there would be few
California divorces to record or talk
about. OF the divorce cases tried here,
more than 10 per cent are concerned
with people whose marital troubles were
begun in the east; who are not Cali
fornians," and do not represent Calf
fornia society or social conditions in
this great state.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

Three cheers for Miss Marian
Largely, an American heiress who
married an honest fifteen dollar week
American clerk, and not Count
Thingumbobski from Poland or else
where. Miss Largely, who is now Mrs
Raymond Macdonald, was asked why
she married the poor clerk when she
might have had a magnate or titled
person. Because I love him and have
enough for both,' she replied. She has
about million and half. The young
couple won't starve.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

David B. Hill. formerly United States
senator and at one time a near candi-
date for president, has said good by to
cratic party. Tom Platt has also left
politics. Dave Hill and Tom Platt!
The names are associated with many
political memories, mostly unsavory.
What Hill does not realize is that there
is Democratic party. but the machine
which tried to use the Democratic party
has been smashed. The new Democra-
cy will remember men like Hill with
the same kind of feeling which will
move the square deal Republicans of
the future when they remember Plat.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
WHEN LEADERS MISLEAD,
WHO, THEN, SHALL LEAD USi

LOS ANGELES, June 12.--[Editor
Herald: In a recent writing Henry
George, jr., says of statement by Gay
lord Wiltshire emphasizing the differ
ence between the necessary machin-
ery" of today and that of our grand
fathers: This sounds plausible enough
to many who do not trouble to Think
Let us do some thinking, say 1, and
see whether Mr.. Georges reasoning
lands us any ''forrader," He quotes
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
Number employed

Here we md that over 1S per cent
were IA or over and only 4 per cent
were under ~.
In our manufacturing establishments
there were only 1883 employed, of
which so per cent were II or over
Since the above census Q900) some
fourteen states have passed Child labor
laws, either raising the age of children
in mines and factories or enacting en-
tirely new laws, as in several southern
states.
In Pennsylvania the new law affect
ing mines became effective In 1908. and
John Mitchell himself has stated that
1t would take 5000 to 1000 children from
the mines. Doesn't this indicate de-
crease? +. M. WARE.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

Twenty-four battleships on each
coast, says Admiral Evans. People
who's have been sleeping soundly of
nights will be surprised to learn that
they have been acting in an unreason-
able manner The gallant admiral says
until our coasts are guarded by two big
navies citizens who know enough to
appreciate conditions should not be able
to sleep.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

Governor Gillett's political shake-ur
in the state university suggests moth
ing except the old saw: Revenge is
sweet" Attorney Charles e. Shook Of
the board was dismissed from his
position as attorney for the board o.
regents. He had been an active par
ticipant in the campaign of the Lin
coin Roosevelt league in Alamed;
county.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

A Washington dispatch says John
Hays Hammond was fined only $4,000
for his participation in the jameson
raid" We admit 1t was mere baga-
telle. But how fortunate it was for
the probable vice presidential candi-
date that he had the money in his
clothes!
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

EONbIHiiiHilJ AesB w
John Paul Jones on
the Ranger. The flag
had already been In
semi-omcial use al
most a year. thrifty
Betsy Ross having
supplied many en-
signs to the nation,
ensigns that, were
they now In exist
ence, would be worth
their weight In gold.
1t was not until
September 8, 1777,
that the action of
congress on the flag
question was made
public through the
press, though word
of the new law had
reached Colonel Gan
sevoort's command
at Fort Schuyler and
q drummer boy had
made a flag after the
prescribed pattern.
For the white he
took two old amInu-
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

When an octogenarian western wild
over eloped with his octogenarian
sweetheart he was pursued by his irate
children and grandchildren. Alas! The
course of true love never did run
smooth.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

Says William Jennings Bryan: us
he great who will die in defense of his
rights? There is yet to come a greater
man still-the man who will die rather
than trespass upon the rights of an
other. Hail to the nation that leads
the world towards the realization of
this higher IDEAL
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

May joy attend the Cornell-I-Yell
boys at their banquet at the Hollen-
beck this evening. All the universities
and colleges in the United States and
several in Europe are represented in
Los Angeles, the educational and lit
erary center of the west.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
State Press Echoes
ontImlsm

You will do more work and better.
enjoy better health and be better OH
all around IL you keep your eye trained
on the bright side of life and make the
best of the worst that befalls you.
Optimism leaves pessimism at the post
in the successful race of life.-Pasa-
dena Star.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

When the Democratic party protects
the home and school industry it is pro-
tecting the grandest industry this or
any other nation ever had.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

The foundation of government
should be laid on such principles and
it's power organized in such form as
shall seem most likely to effect the
safety and happiness of the people.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
The P ublic Letter Box

Letters intended for publication must be
accompanied by the name and address nj
the writer. The Herald gives the widest
latitude to correspondents. but assumes no
responsibility for their views. Letters
should not exceed 400 words
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

There is much activity in the Lin
coin Roosevelt Republican league
Plans are being ,pped for a success,
full primary campaign
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
Polar Library


A contemporary asks how civilization
pole, Andrew Carnegie has already
anticipated that question and he WV
start a library as soon as the site i
found-Sacramento Union,
"a
Record Rhyme
The voters of Georgia have defeated
Hoke Smith,
Which will furnish q few lines for the
tokesmith.
Grass Valley Union.
q
Prodigal Hetty
1t looks very much as though Ole
Man Confidence has moved his bag
gage back to Wall street, Hetty Greer
is spending 500 plate to entertain
dinner guests.-San Diego Tribune.
s.
A Hanging Affair !.
We Republicans) are going into 6
battle which will be no child's play
1t will be earnest and strenuous. We
must hang together or we shall hans
separately.-San Jose Mercury,
And Breaking 1t
Many q long -whiskered Russian
would like TO have had King Edwards
opportunity of falling on the cars
neck at Reval.-Visalia Times.
81
And Then Won't
While Peary has known for months
where he would like to start for or
July l some persons will study sum-
mer resort booklets till the last minute
before deciding where to go.--Lone
Beach Telegram.
-
Kills Next
The directoire gown has evidently
come to stay. This striking style may
offend the prudes, but as long as it is
becoming TO women and admired by
men the fair sex will demand it.-Sar
Diego Tribune.
s.
Buzzes for All
Goblin moths, boil weevil, flies
mosquitoes and other pests have in
vited the attention of entomologists
but the presidential bee has been lef
to the politicians.-Fresno Herald.
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13
ASKS If CHILD LABOR 4
is NOT ON THE DECREASE

COLEGRovE. June 12;-IEditor Her
adj: From time to time you print
editorials OH child labor. You contend
illiteracy is on the increase in America
and that the chief cause of this Is child
labor. Is child labor increasing in
America? Have we any way of dis
covering? The following tables gives
the per cent Of employment as to age,
and the total for all occupations:
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

TSSfFza5S5l NE hundred and thirty-one
lE@MWl years ago tomorrow congress,
IM VII representing the thirteen ted
Ml Grated colonies, legislated
Ia that the flag Of the thirteen
&5A0z4M United States be thirteen
stripes alternate red and
white; that the union be thirteen stars,
white in a blue field, representing a
now constellation" On that day the
stars and stripes was first flown as a
Los Angeles herald., 1908-06-13

lv improved agricultural machinery
that has displaced them. Verify, the
preceptor Is, abroad, very much abroad.
C. D. MUM.