davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1908-05-09
LABOR ON PANAMA CANAL.
what n PnternaI Government Does
for It's Isthmian Employees.

From speech by Sir Tswney.
It is the unanimous judgment Of every
man on the Appropriations Committee,
and I may say that it is the judgment of
the members Of the commission, that the
labor cost Of the canal, putting It at the
minimum. is 70 per cent greater than it
ought to be when we include the money
value Of the privileges they enjoy; that
the labor cost Of the work we ara doing
there Is at least 75 per cent greater than
the labor cost Of similar work If done in
the United States
We were also impressed with the fact
that. Notwithstanding this increased cost,
the work is being done under sanitary
and health conditions as favorable as
work OF a similar character would be
done ia the Southern section of our coun-
try. So far as the health conditions are
concerned. there is no part OF the United
States where the health OF the people is
better than in the Canal Zone. There is
no city IN the United States where the
death rate Is as low as il is in the Canal
Zone.
Now the investigation we made and
the testimony before the committee shows
that the increased cost is from 3 per
cent? mean now the cash cost-from 25
10 50 per cent for all skilled and un-
skilled labor. That does not include the
cash value of privileges We give 10 the
canal employees. The wages for clerical
services are based upon the standard
here in the executive departments in
Washington, and do not exceed the rate
Of pay FOR similar services In the city
Of Washington by . per cent Now. In
addition 90 the salaries paid 10 the skilled
labor and 10 the unskilled labor. what
do they get7
In addition 20 the cash pay these people
receive for their services, they receive a
dwelling. and it is no mean measly little
dwelling, but they range in cost from
N.f0) TO $4,000 The government of the
United States furnishes the house for
them. with everything except the dishes
IN addition to that we furnish fuel free.
we furnish them with light. we furnish
them with sterilzed water free, we fur
nish ice daily at their door at cost-1
cent a pound-and We also furnish them
free medicine and medical attendance at
their homes.
We also furnish them their cIubhouses
and the Young Mems Christian ASs0cia-
tion halls. their billiard tables, and their
literature. We also furnish them with
their churches and pay for their preach
eTs. II they are members Of a fraternal
organization We furnish them with a
lodge room in which to meet. and We
take care Of il for them. In ADDITION TO
that the hour men are given thirty days
sick leave and the men paid by the month
six weeks leave with pay.
addition
penses to the isthmus, and If they remain
there "a year We pay their expenses back
to the States, and in addition We sell
them what they eat and what they wear
at cost, which is from Is TO 20 per cent
below what they could obtain the same
food or the same provisions or the same
clothing for in the states.
The Washington herald., 1908-05-09
Freight Rates and Politics

Senator CulbeTs0n stirred up a danger
GUS topic, politically speaking. when he
adverted 10 ths proposed increase in rail-
road freight rates. AS Senator Foraker
was quick TO point out. the railroad-rate
bill was passed with the distinct purpose
OF preventing any such action as is now
contemplated by the railroads. OF the
operation of the rate law, President
Roosevelt observed, in his message of
1906. that Ii rather amusingly falsifed
the prediction of those who asserted that
it would accomplish nothing" He boast
ed of ''an unprecedented number OF vol
untary reductions in freights and fares
by the railroads" Five thousand separ-
ate tariffs were filed with the Interstate
Commerce Commission, representing re-
duetions from previous rates. Nothing
like It had been seen since the organiza-
ton Of the commission. Yet it is now
frequently stated and widely believed that
the proposed increase in freight rates is
winked at in administration circles. If
not fully approved. Two years ago the
shipper was the man uppermost in the
Presidential mind; to-day the railroads,
with their diminished earnings and up
ward tendency of operating expenses,
evoke administration sympathy.
1t is not probable. however, that we
shall see an immediate advance in freight
rates. Traffic managers are not at all
agreed on the advisabillty of that step,
and il they give the matter any consid-
Grafton from a political standpoint they
Will soon arrive at the conclusion that it
is one Of the things which had better be
put off until after election" Shippers
are beginning TO protest In
loud tones, and il is certain that as soon
as tariffs showing an advance were filed
with the Interstate Commerce Commits
sion, they would be complained Of as un-
and oppressive Then It would
appear whether the rate law was of any
efficacy in protecting shippers and con-
sumers from an advance In freight rates
made by a railroad combination that
would be In itself, as Mr.. Culberson sug-
gested. a violation of the Sherman law.
To have an objeet-Iesson of the futility
Of the rate law as a protection against
he aggressions or railroad combination
exhibited in the heat of a Presidential
campaign would be decidedly unpleasant,
both for the administration and the rail- !
'oads; so for that reason we judge the !
question Of raising freight rates will be |
TO some more convenient sea
son.
Senator Culberson, of course. is inter- |
.sted in strengthening the rate law so
hat the Interstate Commerce Clmmis-
ion win have power to suspend ad-
The Washington herald., 1908-05-09
EVERY SATURDAY.
Our Motto; Il you see it in Tbs Big
Stick, it isn { necessarily 50.
IN THE SOCIAL SWIM.

Mr. II. Litch6eld West win visit
Yorktown tomorrow.
Mr. Cuno Il. Rudolph viii spend
Sunday az Norfolk and Ticinlts.
Mr.. Thomas Gale VIII spend sun
day at Newport News and Norfolk.
Mr.. c. c. Glover contemplates an
outing on Chesapeake Bay to-mor-
row.
Mr. c. Kentucky Bergman ex-
poets 10 weekend at Old Point and
thegeabout.
Mr. c. J. Bell and Mr. Milton Z.
Ailes leave to-day for a brief trip 20
jamestown.
Congratulations are due Mr.. Sam
uel G. Blythe. de bought a new
dog last week.
Mr.. W. J. ZeVley is the guest OF
his friend. Mr. Otto Carmichael. al
the Waldorf, New York.
Mr. Clarence +. Norment and
party Of friends are going on q
cruise down the Potomac to-day.
Mr.. Clifford Pinehot is looking fer
ward 10 a busy social week next
week, meeting people from out Of
tcWG.
Mr.. William Hartman Rapley. on
the proceeds OF his literary efforts,
which have created a furore, in
tends taking q trip to Europe this
sumner.
Mr.. Pbilander Chase johnson. who
is honeymOoning. spent last Thurs
day seeing the sights along the Rue
St. HonoFe.
Mr.. Harry New, Of indianapolis.
who paid a visit to friends this
week, says that the ststs0a wide
awake hat VIII be all the style this
SIMMER.
The Hon James Statesman, OF
Indiana, attended the CreatoFe con
cert Sunday night The only thing
ne enyied about the great conductor
Was his hair.
The Washington herald., 1908-05-09
SOME NEW SONGS

We have received the following
new songs from the music-publishiug
house Of 0i'Ter Ditson Il Co. BOs-
ton:
Keep on a.Moving. by ". H.
Taft.
Wherefore. What, and whyg" by
Wu Ting-fans.
The Anvil Chorus" by John
Sharp Williams
Silver Threads Among the Gold.
BY W. J. Bryan.
Back to the Dear Old Ship" by
Admiral Bob Evans
"eh, Let Ne Like a Soldier Fall,
by Gen George HanieS
"Ah, Meet Ne When the Corner
stone Is Laid" by the Hon. John
Barrett.
He Always Does the Best He
Can. . Oulahanl 0 Oulshang'
by A. B. Kittridge.
IF You Want TO Drive En-
Crazy Don't Ever Let En- Talk.
ty Joseph G. Cannon.
Copies Of these may be had from
all music dealers on receipt Of
pTice.
The Washington herald., 1908-05-09
BIshon Brent,s TsefaIne.s.

From the Boston Transcript
The election of Bishop Brent. Of the
Philippines, TO the diocese of Washing
ton. d. c., is not without its suggestion
Of political usefulness. He has become
one of the standard authorities upon
American rule in the Philippines While
not in any sense tinctured with anti-im-
perialism, he has been an unsparing critic
of many Of the conditions in the islands
that have continued under American
rule. In Washington, where his work
will bring him into touch with many of
the nations leaders. be will doubtless
prove an earnest pleader for a better
recognition of our obligations to our
Asiatic dependencies, just as Secretary
Taft has been. Their relations were cor
dial in the Philippines. Secretary Taft,
whatever fortune may have in store
for him. will never lose his interest in
the Philippines He is doubtless welcom-
ing the arrival in Washington of Bishop
Brent and msy indeed have had some
thing 10 do in bringing it about
The Washington herald., 1908-05-09
REACTION FROM HYsrERrA.
Significant Change Of Front Of a
Leading Southern Paper.

Significant Change of Front Of a
Leading Southern Paper.
From the Atlanta Constitution.
When cotton sells low. every industry
every man. woman. and child-in the
South pays the penalty.
Shall we take no steps to put a stop
10 this downward trend Of cotton that is
knife into the vitals Of Southern in
dustry?
we are helplessm the unthlnking
farmer and business man may retort.
We are not helpless, unless We fan to
apply the immutable laws Of cause and
effect 10 this problem, as to every other
problem they rule in the universe: and
having located the cause. remove il. along
with the effect that otherwise must
threaten every line Of Southern business.
If it be true. as Richard II. Edmunds
charges, that we have Of our own accord.
perhaps in the heat of prejudice. perhaps
in the oVerzeal of righteousness. penal
lied the capital that IS needed in each
individual line of business, the remedy
is clear as day
1t lies in return TO the principles,
the equity the sanity. the conservatism.
the unbigoted justice that prevailed be-
FORE and that made the South the eager
ly sought mecca of the capital of the
world
How is that 10 be accomplished?
There is but one way BY putting the
world on nOtiee-in a manner that is en-
phatic that needs no elueidatiOn, that
is beyond Guibble or peradventure-that
the South is a safe and profitable field
for the investment Of capital: that We
have done with hysteria and injustice and
destructive agitation; that we have turn
cd our faces 70 the light. absolutely. res
olutely. beyond the hazard of a return 10
fnliN
The Washington herald., 1908-05-09

Court. Mr. Milton was Presidential eieetor
IN 1892. and President Cleveland appointed
him United States surveyor general OF
Florida. He also served mis- city as mayor
two terms, and has been president Of the
board of managers of the State Reform
School since 1897. Besides bis Law rrac-
tice Mr.. Milton Is extensively engaged in
business pursuits. being interested IN
| farming, banking, real estate and the
various kinds Of insurance He has al
ways taken a great interest in politics,
and has been a member OF the First dis
trict Congressional conventions since 1885
Aside from his activity in politics he has
been interested in promoting any move
ment for the prosperity Of his town
county, and state. When he was ap-
pointed United States Senator. he said
Il am going to do my duty as I see it."
Senator Milton is a member Of Com
mittees on the District of Columbia.
Fisheries. Patents, Printing. Revision Of
the Laws of the United States. and sew
eral others.
The hirsute division Of the Senate is
marked If not remarkable. The RepubH-
can side Of the chamber contains far
more bearded and mustaehed men than
elean-shaven ones, while the Democratic
side has but two bearded Senators and
two who wear mustaches. the overflow Of
Republicans on that side being as uni
versally clean-shaven as the minority
members upon whose territory they have
been compelled by the great predomi-
nance Of their psrty's representation in
the Senate to encToach On one side are
bearded Gauls. on the other Rome's beard
less warriors The few exceptions In each
case simply emphasize the rule.
There are four Senators who wear
boards Of various styles. but no mus
taches-Messrs. CullOm. Nelson Teller
and Carter Senators Lodge, Scott. and
Stephenson are the possess0rs Of both
boards and mustaches. Alone in the glory
OF sideboaTds stands Senator Chauncev NJ.
Depew. Of New York
or the remaining sOlOns. about half are
clean-shaven, while the others wear mus
taches.
One OF the old attaches Of the House
was commenting upon the close relations
now existing between Representative
Fowler. Of New Jersey. and Represent
ative Hill, Of Connecticut. the two lead
ing members OF the insurgent band In
full cry against the passage Of the Vree-
land or other similar bill.
"Ten years ago he said. 'Hm aud
Fowler were at each others throats.
Then both had currency scheme, and
both were ready TO go to the mat at any
time.
Nobody else agreed with ether one Of
them. so that neither idea was ever car
ried out.
Now they both have had ideas on the
solution Of the currency matter this ses-
sion. Neither OF their ideas have been
supported. and some one elses has l
figure 1t out that they would be fighting
each other If they weren't fighting this
third man.
The Washington herald., 1908-05-09
Where Eurone FxeeJs

An esteemed contemporary claims to
I have searched with great diligence the
columns of the European press. and no.
where does it find the marriage Of Prince
William of Sweden and his Russian
bride referred to as "a love match. ."
| This union of Bernadotte and Romanofr
/ blood attracted worldwide attention be-
cause Of the great prominence of the
families OF the contracting parties: not
because the bride and bridegroom were
anything extraordinary in the line of
human beings-though it does seem sin
gular, to Americas way of thinking,
nevertheless, that it was frankly ac-
cepted by Europe at it's face value, and
devoid Of false sentimental trimmings.
The wedding and its treatment by the
European press simply serves again to
illustrate the fact that they do some things
better across the water than we do over
here. If one of our heiresses swaps a
carload of her good American money for
a broken-doWn title Of foreign persuasion.
We can't get the news of it without wad-
ing through reams of sentimental slush
founded upon nothing but the most
mawkish sentiment. No matter how
tainted the title or how odorous the
career of is 'ighness" We are unfail-
iEgly, inevitably, and most positively as
sured that the wedding is the result of
"a pure love story" OF course, nineteen
times out OF twenty-it is nothing but the
most shameless OF bargains but that
doesn't head off the sloppy writer de-
termined to make it "a pure love match"
Not at all; that party Is unswervingly
attentive to his, or her, Job
Europe, it appears, takes the matter in
hand for just what it is II, as in the
case first cited, it is an evident affair OF
state, Europe doesn't try 10 convince
itself otherwise. II it is a mere matter
Of money, Europe doesn't minee words
in saying SO. The people of that conti-
uent are more or less used to titles, kings.
princes, and things. and they have rid
themselves Of many false notions con-
cerning them. even though they do toler-
ate them as legal and Semi-legal insti-
tutlons.
After ALL however. our imaginative ef-
forts 20 convince ourselves that these
matches are more often than rot founded
upon personal esteem, respect. and even
love, may be, in a measure, to the credit
OF our decency, if they do DO great vio-
lence TO our common sense. The old
fashioned notion that wedloek should be
predicated on love was a mighty good
one; like the old-time religion. 1t should
have been good enough for any OF us. It
isn't altogether a matter OF regret that
we should struggle to attach some such
redeeming feature to the average inter
national marriage involving our country
Women-which is, unless the records
speak false. practically always a union
of money and title But the European
plan is the better plan. II is the truthful
and straightforward method. II doesn't
deceive. or attempt to deceive, any one.
We think We prefer IT,
The Washington herald., 1908-05-09

When I came to myself Il was
with a mazed head and but a cloudy
recollection Of the thrilling events
that had happened. was but half
awake. it seemed. and as my sense
returned there came to me a shired
memory Of what had transpired.
Once again / felt myself falling.
falling, falling from that iateful
window OF the Brist0ria Hotel. I
heard again the frantic shrek of
the unknown girl who had pointed
nay way Of escapei ones more I
looked up from under the folds Of
the massive green umbrella. which
alone checked my descent and. as
| gazed, ] saw the sly hands OF the
terrible Tadkins Trio seize her bv
the hair Ct her head and drag her
back info the Inflated room.
Even as I fell l heard below roe
the rumble of an approaching train.
and, keeping my Presence 0f mind
lone Of the most essential things Tor
a pTiVateer like myself to keepl. I
bad looked below even as ! fell and
saw that ! must inevitably alight
on the elevated train that was pass
ing
Faster and faster / fell: nearer
and nearer came the tTainl There
was a hiss of escaping steam. the
clang Of a bella crash and /
knew no more.
Yet here I was apparently sound
in wind and limb, and although 7
had not dared to open NY eyes. I
felt that all my faculties had been
restored TO me. Cautiously I felt
with my left hand-yes, there vas
something: it was the tattercd silk
Of the green umbrella by my SIDE.
Evidently / had chung TO that with
a mad desperation.
l opened my eyes.
Horrors!
Before ne there stood a monstrous
lc1se. green in places and apparent
IL whitewashed in spots. He was
on his hind legs in a most uncum-
Portable attitude. and bestriding him
was man. hat in hand, as If re-
spending TO the plaudits Of the mul-
titude.
At first / thought I had gone
crazyi then ] thought the horse
moved. but as | saw that he retain
ell the impossible position in which
he stood came 70 see that this
was statue. Surely there was ouly
one like it il the world.
Yes N some mysterious way I hsd
been carried 10 Washington, and
here was J sitting On a bench in
Lafayette Park. the MONDAY sun
besting hercely on my head and a
gray Squirrel nibbling at my ankles.
| was hungry and sore. Ny mon
ey had mysteriously disappeared; my
revolver was gone. ! was alone in
the world!
No; the umbrella was beside me.
| took it in my hand and examined
IL closely. this dear umbrella that
had saved my life. As I thoaght Of
The Washington herald., 1908-05-09
The Awakening Of China

In his speech last Tuesday at Carnegie
Hall, New York, on The Awakening Of
China" his excellency WI Ting-fang
Minister Of China TO the United States,
really told Us nothing particularly new.
The facts he recited about the reOTganf-
zation Of the Chinese army, which at one
time-before the introduction Of modern
tactics and modern wespons-numbered
800. 900, and which modern China hopes to
bring up to that mark again. had pre-
yiously been written down by careful
observers Of China's development. That
great things were expected from the
Chinese governments attitude toward the
opium traffic and the doing away of the
barbarous practice OF ot-binding-these
things were also known; and in certain
blue books are TO be found, at greater
length than Minister WI Ting-fang
could employ. the facts about the increase
OF the telegraph systems the growth or
railroads, the development Of the postal
service, and the forward strides in
education.
But the speech attracted wide attention
because it was an authoritative speech.
made by one of the foremost leaders IL
the progressive movement in China. The
most significant part OF the address was
that in which the Minister said:
What does the awakening Of China mean to
tbs Wotldl To ms mind it means, IN the first
place. true and lasting peace in the far East; The
moment China becomes strong enough after her
awakening to maintain her sovereign rights and pro
tect herself from aggression, the far Eastern ques-
tion VIII have been solved Again, the awakening
of China means the Development of commerce ana
the day Is not distant when the Pacific Ocean viii
rival the Atlantic With the number Of ships that
sail on its surface. The world viii then witness
an expansion Of trade never before known in its
history, and this trade VIII also be q safeguard in
the interests Of universal peace"
Surely this is direct and positive state
ment enough, coming as it does, from
responsible minister; one who is abreast of
his times and who has had full share in
the movement tending TO fit the Chinese
people to take a part in the government
Of their vast empire. But, unfortunately.
there are a vast number OF people who,
convinced that there is something un-
canny and mysterious in the so-called
yellow peril" decline TO accept a state
ment Of facts, but must look beneath tie
surface for some hidden menace.
It seems most obvious that Minister |
W. voices only the facts when he de- |
The Washington herald., 1908-05-09
Kecn ONT OF Politics.
d the Birmingham Age,Herald.

From the Birmingham Age. Herald
The Post-office Department conducts a
cash business of over S200,0O0,0oO a year:
and in view Of the enormous volume in
VOWED, the most approved modern bus
mess methods should be applied. Forty
years ago the entire machinery Of the
mail service was notably cumbersome.
There has been a steady improvement.
of course, but still the methods are an
tiquated when compared with those in
use in the commercial world Under
existing conditions, with frequent changes
Of administration, Il would be strange
were it otherwise. The post-office should
be absolutely removed from politics.
The Washington herald., 1908-05-09
PROMISE OF THE CROPS.
Cool and Damp Spring Means a Tre-
mendOus Yield of Wheat.

From the New York Times.
Declining produce markets precede the
official report of crop conditions now due.
and accompany the unofficial but adequate
reports compiled by our contemporary, the
Journal Of Commerce. The reports may
differ in detail. bat they must agree in
the showing that the crop outlook Is ex-
ceptionally promising. Seldom is the area Of
wInter-kIlled wheat smaller, seldom IS a
broader area under cultivation. seldom do
we have higher condition. And almost
never. IL may be added. do we have these
three conditions together. We have never
quite harvested half billion bushels of
winter wheat bat We are likely 10 come
as near 20 Il this year as ever before
This happy prospect is accompanied by
another factor which emphasizes the in
ferences from these facts-there Is not
likely 20 be too much grain, however
much there may be- Not only IS our
domestic consumption larger every year
but this year there Is likely 10 be a gem
erous foreign demand
WITH Kansas producing ll0O00 0lQ bush
els because 0f conditions which promise a
like ample yield in other States. at a time
when the grain is already heading. the
crop may be said 20 be so near harvest
that the rest Of the way Is likely TO be
rocky road for the crop killer. Those
are the words Of Secretary Colburn. who
added that this wet weather was very
hard on the Ingenuity which had been
running the farmers by lack of moisture.
And these considerations apply TO other
crops. than winter wheat Cool. damn
springs may be unpleasant 10 city dwell
ers, bat they produce a plant we'll rooted
and uourished, and in best condition to
Withstand the warm growing weather
which is sure TO come, and 10 mature a
growth which perhaps it might Wither
after a spring pleasanter for those who
think more about the weather for fly
fishing than for harvesting.
The Washington herald., 1908-05-09

Milton, TO fiji the va
eancy caused by the
d e ath of William
James Bryan. Mr..
Milton was born on a
farm, In 1868, and
educated in the pub
lie schools Of Jackson
County and at the
Agricultural and Me-
chanical College. Au-
burn, Ala. W h e n
twenty-one years old
he was city clerk Of
Marianna,s and held
the position for eight
years, W hiIe still
holding the position OF
city clerk, he was
elected to the State
legislature He was
admitted to the bar
in 1890, and seven
years later was ad-
mltted TO the bar Of
fha Tinted gfafe q 8