davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
FINANCES.

The report rendered at the recent
annual meeting of Ak-Sar-Ben, setting
out the receipts and expenditures for
the preceding year., is certainly graft
flying in the balance to the good which
it leaves in hand. The financial ex-
hibit must impress one and all with
the magnitude to which the Ak-Sar-
Ben institution has attained. While
the initiating ceremonies continue
weekly for a period of four or five
months, the carnival proper is con-
densed into ten days, and for these
ture for the last year foots up $685.
600. When the aggregate expendi-
lures approached the $4,000 mark
we all thought Ak-Sar-Ben was full
grown, but it has since then expanded
so per cent and still finds income e
oeeding outgo.
Analysis of the t%reasurer's report
shows that most of the revenue from
membership fees is spent on the ini-
tiation entertainment; that the ball
has become almost entirely a source
of expense bringing practically no sep
arate income; that the children's ball
inaugurated this year paid all ex-
penses and more, too; that the parades
cost nearly so per CEN more than was
raised by special parade fund subscrip-
lions, and, finally, that the street fair,
although costing over $4,000,
brought in $4,000, producing a proft
of $4,000. AS now financed, there
fore, the street fair produces almost
half the total revenue.
On closer inspection, however, 1t
will be seen that the Importance of the
street fair is likely to be exaggerated.
Ak-Sar-Ben is not intended to be a
money-making institution, and while
the street fair produced a profit of $13,-
900, of this $4,000 was used to sink
an Indebtedness or be carried to the
surplus account, so that In reality the
deficit. had there been no street fair,
would have been but IS, 900. The
street fair, moreover, is more or less
of a hazardous undertaking, depend
ing largely upon weather conditions,
to say nothing of other Objectionable
features. The question whether the
street fair could be abolished or give
way to some other form of entertain.
ment without ~jeopardizing the hnan.
cial stability of Ak-Sar-Ben resolves
itself into a question whether an as.
sured income of $4,000 could be Sc
cured from sources entirely outside Of
those now contributing.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
THAT FRAUD ORDER ON SANTA CLAUS.

THAT FRAUD ORDER ON SANTA CLAUS.
Much adverse criticism is being d.
rected at Postmaster General Meyer
because of his order that all posted
letters addressed to Santa Claus go to
the Dead Letter office instead of being
delivered as formerly to local chari-
table organizations. The critics of the
postmaster general declare that his or
der is calculated to destroy the simple
faith of children and blast their limo
cent expectation and that it would be
better for the great government to go
far enough in pa~ternalistic lines ever
to make the purchases needed to salts
fly the wishes of the trusting corre-
spondents of st. Nicholas.
The heartless officials of the Post
office department have another YER
sion of the situation, and are all
agreed that a serious mistake was
made in sending these letters to pri-
vate societies and generous individ-
uals. The number of letters addressed
to the children's saint was previously
something like 1000 a year, but is now
estimated at about $4,000 a year, and
officers of charitable societies who
have been making Investigations de-
clare that the increase is simply an
other illustration of the facility and
promptness with which professional
beggars and the undeserving take ad-
vantage of every chance to impose
upon tender hearted persons. The post
office officials are convinced that the
use of the mails for Santa Claus pur-
poses is a false charity, and sensible
folks who think 1t over will agree with
them.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
Personal NOTES.

1t is pertinently asked IL Santa Claus
has shaped his presents for this year to ut
the sheath modes that prevail in fash
ionable garments.
Only two more days in which to do the
shopping that ought to ave been done
earlier. Don't push. don't scratch. Keep
control of your temper and try to look as
II you enjoyed 1t.
The late Stephen M. White. United States
senator from California, who died in 1901,
has been honored by the erection OF a
statue at Los Angeles, which was paid for
by public subscription.
Clarence b. Cralle. a policeman Of Louis
vile. Ky. at a recent sale Of rifles dis
carded by the government, purchased one
which proved to be the Identical gun he
had carried through the Spanish war.
George Eastman has been a generous
benefactor OF Rochester, N. Y, where his
great business is located. He has just
given TO the city for park purposes a
$4,000 tract Of land contiguous to the new
cobb's Hill reservoir.
The Oldest offieeholder In Alton. Ill,
Francis Bra~ndeweide, has reached the
age OF 49, He chews tobacco, drinks
beer and hstens to all Of the good stories
he can hear. These three sources of en-
ioyment onee pulled him through a deu-
gerous illness. He thinks. II he can hold
onto his office. he will easily live to be
100. 1t is mighty dangerous to take an
office away from a man at 81
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

The Omaha Ministerial association
comes grandly to the front with une-
q~uivocal endorsement of the report of
the recent grand jury and the further
recommendation that public officials
derelict in their duty 'be proceeded
against for unfaithfulness In ofice.''
That's just what the grand jury was
supposed to do, but either could not
identify the officials derelict in duty
OF could not find sufficient legal evil
dence to Justify bringing in bills OF
indictment. Talking about derelict
public oficials and proceeding against
them in specific eases are two different
things.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

declaration Of pronounced opposition
to any proposition looking to an in
come tax law. Mr.. Carnegie, has an in
come somewhat above the average and
It is not affected by tariff changes.
The result of the hearing leaves the
ways and mea committee faced with
the duty OF making its own conclu-
sions with reference to the steel tariff
changes. II complete removal Of the
tariff would help the Steel trust to the
hurt of Independent concerns. the
committee will have to exercise great
care to reach an adjustment fair to all
concerned.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
The PennsyIvsaia Convictions.

The Jour men convicted of conspiracy
to defraud the state of Pennsylvania In
the furnishing of the new capitol at Har-
risburg a been sentenced to imprlson-
ment and fine. They are a former auditor
general Of the state, a former state treas
urer, a former superintendent of public
grounds and buildings and the contractor
fol the furnishings.
The list is an impressive one. So cynI,
cal had the public become that 1t was re.
garded as impossible that any one would
be punished for the gross corruption that
was known to ave marked the completiol
Of the building. Even when the men just
sentenced were found guilty 1t was popu-
larly believed that they would escape with
fines more or less absurdly inadequate. Yet
they ave been condemned TO two years in
jail and to pay a fine Of 800.
The terms OF punishment do not seem too
severe. However. they are not ridiculous,
and that Is something.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

s%onaifty and hts administration after the
last ohioan instead of the last New
Yorker. to occupy the presidential chair
1t is manifestly unfair to Judge Taft TO
say that he will b either another Mekin-
ley or another Roosevelt The nation VIII
like him better ~ he adopts whatever was
best in the administration OF each OF MS
two predecessors, add TO them whatever
original good qualities he may possess and
give the people what they have by their
votes decreed shall be given them-a Tart
administration Let Mr.. Taft be not an
other Mckinley nor another Roosevelt, but
just Tart.
Touching on the value of eulogy, how
ever, as an indication OF future conduct II
might be worth while to recall what Mr..
Roosevelt said at the bier OF Mckinley and
how thoroughly he has in the latter years
Of his official life shattered every hope
raised by hat softly-spoken promise.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
DREAM OF SANTA CLAUS.
Baltimore Sun.

Baltimore Sun.
1 used to dream of Santa Claus.
Like you, my little boy;
And still the twilight round me draws
That vision OF old joy,
I used 70 count the weeks and days,
KS you do, little lad;
And all my life was one sweet maze.
And all my hours were glad!
I used to wonder what he'd bring,
AS you do, little girl;
Those were the hours of gossamer wing,
OF filament and pearl;
I used to wish and change my wish,
AS you do still, my sweet.
There where the wondrous windows CLEAN
In heart OF Christmas street!
I used to think a reindeer sled,
A humming top, a ball,
In those sweet days my memory tread,
Were all and more than all;
I, too, have blown the flutes of tin,
And played the little drums,
And shouted from my h~obbyhorse:
He comes, the hero comes!'
I, too, nave kept my little sweets.
The best unto the last;
Watched in the holiday of streets
The pageants as they passed;
Heard with wild wonder from the books
OF fairy told to me
Deeds that in quiet nursery hooks
Rocked me on Fancy's sea!
I used to dream of Santa Claus,
AS you do, little ones,
Waiting to hear his reindeers pause
Where the red gable runs;
Used to? All, laugh not at the boast!
In my gray sleep tonight
On the old hillside I shall coast
Into the Christmas light.
Green be the child-heart in this breast;
This FUSED to- ring with flaws,
While through the dreams that mark my
rest,
Still wanders Santa Claus!
Yea, though the rose may fade, and time
Rust the old fancies. dear,
Youth is the music of loves chime
That still, thank God. 1 heArI
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
A NATIONAL GAME Law.

A bill has been introduced in con-
gress by Congressman Weeks Of Mas
sachusetts which goes farther than
anything yet attempted in extending
the Jurisdiction of the Interstate Com
merce commission and centralizlng of
power of the federal government over
the states. Mr.. Weeks bill asserts the
right of congress to l~egislate, under its
interstate commerce powers, for the
protection of migratory birds. The
measure will have the effect, it is
hoped, of arousing the states to the
enactment of better game laws and
Legislation for the protection of bird
life. Most Of the states have laws de-
claring wild game the property of the
state and making stringent provisions
protecting such game from wanton de-
struction and limiting the period in
which 1t may be killed. as well as the
number that may be killed In season.
1t will be a strange stretch, however,
to distort the powers owe interstate
commerce so as to invest the federal
government with the regulation Of the
killing of game birds any more than
with the regulation of their flight OF
their habits.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
FITTED FOR THE PLACE.
senator Knox Well Equipped for New
Position.
New York Evening Post.

New York Evening Post.
Senator Knox's acceptance OF the State
department assures a steady, unemotional
and thoroughly competent conduct of for
eign relations under the new administra-
ton In seeking a secretary of this type
Mr.. Taft shows, what was otherwise
abundantly evident, that he wants quiet,
but able, men about him. 1t is impossible
to imagine Mr.. Knox doing anything ex-
plosive. The fact that he has been a cor
p%oration lawyer, and that by his exposure
of the unconstitutionality of Mr.. Roose-
velt's original railway rates bill, he got on
the list OF undeslrables. has not deferred
MI. Taft in looking for special skill and
the judicial temperament wherever they
were to be found. He is quoted as saying
that Senator Knox was not merely a mar
In public life who was a highly qualified
secretary, but the 'only one." This is 6
little hard on the others.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

II is to be noted that several of the
supreme court commissioners who in
sisted they we're entitled to promotion
to supreme court judgeships carrying
$4,000 a yea are manifesting no OBJ
lection to continuing to serve inytheir
present capacity at $4,000 a year.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

The succession of Horace g. Burt to
the managing r%eceivership Of the Chi
cage Great Western in place of A. B,
Stickney keeps a friend familiar with
Omaha conditions and interests at the
helm of that road.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Omaha retailers have been doing a
big Christmas business because they
have been offering a bigger selection
and better goods at more attractive
prices than ever before. Our local
merchants have learned the secret Of
brisk trade.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

For some reason or other the DEM
ocratic members-elect to the legisla-
ture do not seem to be jumping with
any avidity at the World-Herald's
scheme to defeat the lobby" by
shearing the speaker OF his power to
appoint committees.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

A New York judge has ruled that a
man need not support his wife when
his wage is only Sc a week. In other
words, the law does not demand mir
acIes.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
Parliament Unequal to Crime.

The convicted capitol ~grafters IN Pennsyl-
vania get off lightly with a sentence Of
two years in prison and a light fine for
the looting in connection with the building
OF the capitol at Harrisburg, which they
turned into a scandal and a disgrace to the
name OF the state. The spirit of retribution
Of the age. is too lenient a one. We need
more OF the stern old Spartan sense of JUS
tice II the punishment of evildoing is to
be made a warning to others.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Standard Oil officials admit that
they made a loan of $2o,OO0,000, but
cannot remember the name or ad-
dress Of the man who got the money.
Wouldn't you like to borrow money
under such conditions?
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

account items for meals eaten by state
officials IL the amount spent for each
repast exceeds az cents. Those who
have eaten in Kansas hotels will side
with the auditor.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Newspapers are being petitioned to
quit printing details of such cases as
the Hams trial and the Thaw scandal.
The papers will quit printing such
news whenever their patrons quit
reading it.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Mayor "Jim" has not yet announced
whether or not he will this year per-
form on his broncho along Pennsyl-
vania avenue while the inaugural pro-
cession is forming.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

The proposition to double the sal
airy of the president appears reason
able when IT is remembered that he
has to work double time and then
some.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

The only democratic congressman
from Nebraska is vociferous in his
newspaper for a bank deposit guar
anty law. When the democratic bank
deposit guaranty scheme was pre-
sented in congress last spring as an
amendment to the Aldrich-v reeland
bill. he refused to vote for 1t.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
A Season of Peace.

Mr.. Roosevelt will not reply to congress
polite invitation to speak up again until
after the holiday recess. This announce
ment was made. no doubt. in order to give
congress a chance to enjoy itself in the
interim.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
TAFT's ADMINISTRATION.
Preceding Models Possess Good QuaIi-
ties and Some Defects.
Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Judge Taft's eloquent eulogy of the late
President Mckinley causes many to at
tempt a readjustment of their estimate
of the character of the next president.
They had been led to believe that Mr..
Taft would be a second Roosevelt; a little
less and less inclined to fly in
the face OF proprletles, perhaps, but still a
continuation Of the man who made him his
successor. The president-elect spoke of
Mr.. Mckinley I'm a way, however, to indI-
cate that he would try to model his per-
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
Platforms Mean Something.

washington Post.
Taft thinks hat platforms should not be
forgotten when the campaign is over.
Seasoned and practical statesmen cannot
but view the situation with Amusement n
alarm.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

A customs official has been as
signed to make a rigid inspection of
tea arriving at the port of Boston.
History tells what Boston does with
Door tea.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Mr.. shonts is trying to settle the
estate of his titled son-in-law, That
makes him a member of the commit
tee on. foreign relations.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

'They can't drive my wife into any oil
these new tangled, slim-Jane styles Of
dressing"
Independent, eh?"
well, it aln't so much that. She's thirty.
eight inches round the t."-ClevelanC
Plain Dealer.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Castro is picking out fancy neck
wear in the shops of Berlin. Some OF
his former constituents in Venezuela
would like to. fit him with their latest
designs IN neckWeaR
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
BREEZY TRIPLES.
tte-Me are undonel

Soubrette-We are undonel
Villain-How7
Soubrette-The comedian Is giving Willie
a drum.
Vinain-Bahl Beneath his plate on
Christmas morning I will place a receipt
for six months plano lessons for his
dauRhter-Judge
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

The commission appointed by Gov
ernor Hughes to investigate specula-
ton in Wall street should be provided
with diving suits.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

IT'S nuts for the Water board law
yers. The more litigation, the more
money for them. And the taxpayers
foot the the bills.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Some times said the official, II really
yearn for a private life
Yes" answered Senator Sorghum. "ThC
great objection to a private life, however
is that Il cannot be pursued at public eX'
pensc."-Washington Star.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Pennsylvania must elect a senator
to succeed Mr.. Knox but has little
hope of getting something equally as
good"
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
One Trouble ut a Time.

Chicago Record-Herald.
President Simon of Hayti has mad no
promises concerning his intentions with
regard to a second term. He has probably
considered It unnecessary.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

The president has been called a
'tFaunaI naturalist" That's mild
compared with what some congress
men are calling him.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

The constitution which was de.
signed as a menace to the sultan OF
Turkey has been seized by him as a
life preserver.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

The Audubon society proposes to
take a bird census of the country. 1t
will have most difficulty in counting
the hot ones.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Postmaster. General Meyer says
someone is boarding $500, 600, 900.
Not guilty.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

The devil is loose in Scotland"
says Carrie Nation. That's about
what the Scotch said as soon as Carrie
landed.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Fourteen members of congress have
gone to Panama to investigate canal
conditions. The junket is as popular
as ever.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

A West Virginia town an
eisteddfod for Christmas. Still, most
folks will prefer turkey.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Since 1t is too late to avoid the rush,
it is Just as well to get into the rush
early.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Admiral Cervera has retired from
active service. His fleet retired from
active sevice down at Santiago about
ten years ago.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Venezuela is arranging to celebrate
a Castroless Christmas.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

A little more steam on the street
cleaning force right now before the
snow and ice arrive would not be out
of place.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Cipriano Castro is said to be plan
ming to change his lame. Skipriano
Castro would be appropriate.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Daily average. 3s,33e
GEORGE B. TZSCHUCK,
4f Treasurer.
Subscribed in my presence and sworn 70
before me this lst day Of December. 1908.
lSeall NJ. p, WALKER,
& Notary Public.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Z A good press agent is all that It
takes for a man to figure In the next
cabinet for at least a day.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Venezuelan ships appear to be
schnapps for the Dutch.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

If Mr.. Taft will consult the tele-
graph editors and headline writer's he
will find an overwhelming sentiment
in favor of cabinet members with
short names.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

The state auditor of Kansas an
nounces that in the future he will re-
fuse to give his approval to expense
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Senator" asked his constituent, "how
does IL happen that you have never beer
mixed up in any of these %squabbles oil
scandals?'
%, that's because I'm n good mixer
said Senator Lotsmun.-Chicago Tribune.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

The next thing ON the bill for
Omaha is a poultry show. 1t is Gus
tomary for the barnyard fowls to fol-
low the corn.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
STATEMENT OF CIRCULATION.

tI"HINI OF
State Of Nebraska, Douglas County. So
George y. Tzschuck, treasurer of The
Bee Publishing company, being duly sworn,
says that the actual number OF full ana
complete copies Of The Daily, Morning.
Evening and Sunday Bee printed during the
month Of Novemher. 1903. was as folloMg:
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

It will probably be developed later
that some asphalt company is the real
hacker of the Venezuelan revolution.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

The Doctors wife-well, Jane, so YOU
poor husbands gone at last. Didn't you
give him his medicine properly?
Jane-Ah, poor dear! how could l? Doctor
said as how II was TO be took in a re,
cumbent position. and as 1 hadn't one
asked Mrs. Green to lend me one. Sh'
said she had one, but It was broke! So 4
wasn't any good.-Herper's Weekly.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

A spice company has been fined
$500 for adulterating its goods. Still
we look for variety in spice.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
WHEN ONT OF roMN.

Subscribers leaving the city tom
pOrarily should have The Bee
mailed to them. Address Will DO
changed as often a. requested.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
FRAMES

Gold frames, natural wood frames,
enameled frames, Florentine frames,
gilt frames, ebonized frames, 1oe, 2bo,
500, 75c, 81 and up, in oyals, square
frames, made to fit any size; get your
order in early.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

you say the officers tore him limb from
limb when they arrested him?"
That's what they did"
'Tmpossible!"
almost; you see he had both legs wrap
ped about the branch Of a tree."-Houston
Post,
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
TYPOGRAPHY

A Complete Fire Pen Outfit, Ten
Cents.
This price only while they last, so
please come on h run. feathers for
burning, Designed Wood for Deco
rating, Shapely Boxes. Stools, Panels,
Pipe Racks, Tie Racks. Frames and
an-endless variety of novelties.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
OUTFITS

Oil Paint Outfits. SO up; Water
Color Outfits, from soc up; Pastel
outfits. from SOC up; China Painters
outfits, from 50 up.
The greatest Xmas line, the cheap
est in price and the biggest variety.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

Omaha High school, Bellevue col
lege, Brownell hall, Council Bluffs
High school, Creighton college and
the beautiful College Posters, a5c, soc
and 81.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23

The Alteration Piano Sale
includes all the upright
Pianos, all the new Grand
Pianos, all the new Player
Pianos and the Organs, all
the used Pianos and Organs.
The Christmas shopper is
taking advantage of the
Hospe Piano sale.
The great stock of fine
Pianos, Player Pianos,
Grand Pianos, Parlor Or
gans, Chapel Organs and
Player Organs is thrown on
the market at prices which
force the buying.
Just a little money down, u
small amount every month and
your new mahogany, oak or wal
nut piano Is paid for.
When you can buy a $3.50, 1915,
$500 and 1926 piano for
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
TERMS OF sUBscRrpT1oN.

Entered at Omaha pOstofics as second
class matter.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
METAL FRAMES
WOOD FRAMES

Antique line of Amphora and Yaka
hoe pottery and art crafts wares a
prices way below market.
Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
THE OMAHA DAILY BEE

VICTOR RosEwATER. EDITOR.