davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14

In the testimony given by Commander
A. L. Key. Z. S. N, before the Sen
ate Naval Committee In its investigation
into the alleged defects In naval de
sign, construction and equipment. there
was incidentally disclosed some inter
esting information concerning the cam
paign carried on last year in behalf of the
then pending naval personnel legislation.
Senator Tillmau, with a characteristic
desire for the facts. asked Commander
Key II that officer knew the source of
the remarkable circular sent by midship-
men to their parents and known as the
My Dear Father circular. soliciting
home influence in behalf of the bill. The
question was pertinent one since Com
mander Key. as he candidly admitted to
the committee, was most active in pro-
noting the interests of the measure. The
clrcularizing was an unprecedented Incl
dent and proved TO be Improbable, since
it proposed. as an aid to legislation in the
particular line desired. to build fires un-
der the chairmen Of the Senate and House
Naval Committees that they might do
something The ignition consumed the bill
llScl. MlAt llle HeduS OI lue congress
sional Naval Committees do not appear
10 have been scorched by the confiagra-
ton. In yesterdays hearing it was stated
by Commander Key that this circular
was composed by a midshipman at the
instance Of his comrades, and the whole
scheme appears TO have been concocted
and carried out by the midshipmen. who.
according 10 Commander Key. appreci-
ated the need OF relief from the threat
ened stagnation with which. under ex-
listing conditions, they are confronted. II
has been stated that this circular origi-
mated in Washington among naval off,
GERS. and indeed. Commander Key in
formed the committee that he had been
named as the author Of the document.
He was able to state most positively that
he was in no way responsible for the
production. It is agreeable to note that
commissioned officers of the navy did
not engage in any such disrespectful con-
duct, and much is explained IN the state
ment that the circular originated in an
inexperienced as well as an indlscreet
quarter
While this incident may be classified
as youthful impetuosity, il must be the
subject Of surprise that such a state Of
affairs may exist at the Naval Academy
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14

A resolution introduced in the House
by Mr.. Harrison, of New York. directs
attention to the omission of Congress 10
provide for the government of the Canal
Zone. The omission may not be impor-
tant. even from the legal standpoint. and
ii by no means implies that the Canal
Zone is not being governed, and well gov
erned, and sufficiently governed, for we
have an efficient and willing Executive
who attends 10 such matters, whether
Congress is on the Job or not. But IL
seems TO be a fact that the act for the
temporary government of the Zone.
which conferred on the President plenary
power for its government. was limited in
time to the duration of the Fifty-eighth
Congress. and that Congress expired
without having extended the Presidents
authority. The omission was brought to
the notice Of the Fifty-ninth Congress,
but no action was taken. Mr.. Harrison
now calls on the President 10 inform the
House by what authority OF law he is
governing the Canal Zone.
Possibly Mr. Harrisons inquiry was
suggested by the interesting fact that the
President has recently. by Executive or
der, and under authority vested in me
by law" established trial by jury in the
Canal Zone in all criminal prosecutions
wherein the penalty Of death or imprison-
ment for life may be inflicted. There is
nothing revolutionary about this. Of
course. but the nature Of the legislation
contsned in the Executive order indicates
the wide scope OF the authority the Presi-
dent believes is invested I'm him by a
law that. according TO Mr.. Harrison. has
expired by its own limitation. The Presi-
dent is doubtless fully JUSTIFIED in acting
as II the law were in full force and ef-
feet. for such thing as an interregnum
in government is nowadays unthinkable
and undesirable, if not altogether lmpOs-
sible. Yet the fact that Congress has
neglected to provide specifically and def
nitely for the government OF the Canal
Zone is an interesting commentary on the
methods Of our national legislature.
Commenting on his resolution, Mr. Har-
rison is reported to have remarked that
the Presidents course in acting without
authority was quite characteristic Of the
man." It would be a fair retort 10 say
that the omission Of Congress to provide
him with the requisite authority IS quite
characteristic of that body. which has of
late years shirked a good many duties
ths; the Executive has been compelled to
assume.
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14
Harmless Haskon.

Why in the name Of common sense
should anybody want TO throw bombs
and things iat King Haakon of Norway?
or course. there is no good and sufficient
reason for throwing them at any king
prince. or potentate on earth. for that
matter; but probably even less excuse for
throwing them at HaakOn than any OF
the entire clan
He is beyond doubt the most intensely
democratic King In all Europe. He isn't
even called your majesty" he is Just
plain Mr. King There IS no glittering
court attendant upon him; he has no
barOns, princes. or such things about the
place He even lives in a wooden palace
And yet. with all that and his newness
at the job. too. some one tried TO kill
him few days ago,
II is our opinion that Mr. King Haakon
is a pretty good sort, free OF nonsensical
notions and devoid Of all trumperv and
foolishness. We think he takes himself
seriously. but in a most matter-of-fac
way. for all that He is modest. retiring.
and doesn't try TO "bLtt in on his min
listers and his peoples representatives.
In short, he seems eminently content 10
reign and turn the real ruling over to
some one else. Under these circum-
stances. why his life should be sought is
quite beyond u.s.
We are able 10 follow the meanderings
Of a mind intent on the death Of the
Gar Of all the Russias. 10 a certain ex-
tent. at least. He is an "autocrat;" his
people have no voice in the management
Of his empire; grave crimes are commit
ted under the guise of legality. Even If
this Will not excuse attempts upon mis-
life at least il might explain them 10 a
degree. But nothing of this enters into
consideration Of the Haakon problem. II
he were killed and a republic set up. in
stead Of the kingdom. it is doubtful that
finer, more patriotic, or more conscien-
tious President could be found than the
present executive head Of Norway.
Norway has the only Mr.. King" in all
Europe; and Europe is royalty's strong
hold. Il occurs TO US that Haakon should
be safe from the bomb throwers. unless
that interesting brigade of bloody mur-
derers seek to put the world on notice
that no one is.
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14
IN MAGDALENA BAY.

The fooNins eHusion by wireless telegraph last night Sec
eay the Navy Metcalf from board the battle ship sauc
Ann;
Oh gallant squadron thes sailed from East West;
Oi az the nare Of the travels with the best
We have Rrggd through Magellan. steamed steady day by day,
Turn loose the and Iracticethis Is Magdana Bay
We loaded 70 the hunkers. belts
We we're IN real shape Tor hgling whea got the word
And turned paudits sailed away;
League league we've bfaved then Masaeua Bay
We in the foesle Tor rereled and then.
We had the bully ships, trusted men;
And we hustled through the ships gliding
Seeking trouble2 No; objective Magiaena Bay
storm had; fathers deep
In our might westward Saiedby the slept
Life free for life danghark you'll hear
Open order. Fire at viii. therei Wake Magaena
lt be that fate win halt bottoms
Yet the big polished while put
Arms Of Justice ships grim anchor
But guard here q
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14


was the Forty-ninCh. and he was re-
turned each succeeding Congress until the
Fifty-eighth.
When Hon. William f. Mason's term
as United States Senator expired, Mr..
Hopkins was elected 20 succeed him.
Senator Hopkins is chairman Of the Com
mittee on Enrolled Bills, and a member
Of the committees on Census. Commerce,
Finance. InterOceanic Canals. and others
The Senator is one Of the Middle West
Senators supporting the AIdrich currency
bill. and acts as a sort Of inquisitor when
a speech IS made in opposition.
The newly elected Senator from South
Carolina, Hon. Frank B. Gary. has not
as yet made HIS appearance in the Sen
ate He left his home last Monday FOR
Washington, and hasn't been heard from
since. His nonarrival has been noted,
and Il is hoped that he has not missed
his way and win arrive in time 70 see
the wind-up of the currency bill Sen
ator Tillman speaks Monday on the bill.
and Senator-elect Gary should be on
hand 20 see how It is done
Mr. Watkins. OF the Natchltoches dis
trict. down in Louisiana, followed the ex-
ample OF Silas Wegg and dropped into
poetry. with which he entertained the
House Of Representatives yesterday.
There we're ten stanzas in all, prophesy-
ing in somewhat wabbly meter and IN
sarcastic terms conditions which would
follow a Republican victory in Novem-
Der
The last two read:
A Cannon must De first shot of.
Fairbanks must then he tunneIcd through
The skies mus change their azure Hughes
And Billy Taft put up the dough
The people n'pst su - 70 sleep
Uutil Gabriel blows his horn.
Americans must Son forget
Inst William J. was eFer born.
The manuscript copy turned over 10
The Official reporters was boldly signed
J. F. w the readers initials
The greatest visitors in the Senate
chamber are the Southern members of
the House. THIS love 20 bask in the
Senate sunshine. Every afternoon. as
soon as Congress has assembled. this
Southern procession from the House end
Of the Capitol begins 20 head northward.
They stray in through the big double
doors by ones and twos and threes. The
west or Democratic side OF the chamber
Is most hospitable 70 them. They filter
down through the desks 10 the vacant
chairs. or choose seats in the rear and
/ assure a good audience for almost any
Senator who takes the floor The South
| ern Senators tolerate these intrusiOnS in
good nature. and sometimes even invade
the cloakrooms 10 bring out an extra
chair
Il is otherwise on the opposite side. A
/ Republican Representative pushes down
among his political brethren OF the SEN
ate very charity. The latter do not like
/ to have outsiders crOwding into the va
! cant places and are decidedly emphatic
/ IN indicating il.
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14
VOL |. NO. az.
EVERY SATURDAY.
Our Motto; If you see it in The Big
Stick. 1t isn ncCrIsa1ily so.
ANNOUNCEMENT
EXTRAORDINARY

The Big Stick expects 70 cover the
coming campaign as no campaign
was ever covered before StaG cor
respondents. alert and onto their
jobs. viii be kept in the field. re-
gardless Of expense. and in this
respect The Stick intends TO be
fully abreast Of the times. even IN
minuteSt detail II il be true that
the Office e-holders are terrorizing the
voters Of the land in the interest Of
any candidate, If the UImors Of the
use Of "slush funds" have any
foundation in fact. If the reaction
aries are getting in their work IL
this fair land-if any Of these things
be true. The Sticks lynx-eyed core
spondents Eill find il out and lay
the whole thing bare.
NOw's the time % subscribe Be
gin before the campaign Is A day
older You will get the news straight
when you get The Stick. every time.
In these days Of organs the reader
win appreciate what It means TO get
this sheet. and il viii cost no more
Among The Sticks stat viii be
n. o. NJ. whose brilliant work in
following O'Digman Swat Is 50
pleasantly remembered.
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14
AT THE MOTHERS MEETING

The second session Of the Mothers
Meeting was held last night at the
Cosmos Club. II was 10 have been
held at George Washington Hail.
but some Of the ladies objected TO
such a meeting being held in a
place named after the Father Of
His Country. The feature Of the
evening. after a discussion as TO
efficacy Of squills in infantile tic
dDuloureuX. was the address by Past
Grand Mother Honorary President
Roosevelt. who held the attention Of
his audience by his vivid description
Of how he had both fathered and
mothered the Taft baby and had
brought il up on the bottle. In
reply to questions from Miss TEman-
thia Bosgs, the speaker urged that
children should not be shaved until
after their fourth year. but that.
unless mothers wanted their chill
dren 20 grow up into mollycoddles.
they should be allowed the use Of
cigarettes. sparingly. as soon as pos
siDle after the Mellin s Food period.
He thanked tho convention for hay-
ing conferred the dignity Of mother
hood honorary upon him, and as
ured the ladies present that his
motto would be. as it had always
been. Spare the big stick and spoil
the child"
At the conclusion Of the Pre1-
dents address. Mrs. Simeon Hungry
was introduced to the meeting. The
lady had come all the way from
Alexandra. and for the edihcation
Of those present she exhibited a
bouncing infant four weeks old.
Many of the unmarried members
were inclined TO think the exhibi-
ton indelicate and strange.
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14
SATURDAY. MARCH Il. 1905.


bOOkmdkerS TO BE suppressed.
"Booknakers at Benning win be arrested by the
police Of Washington without warrant from the dis
trict attorney. &C Commissioner Macfarland. in an
afternoon paper.
That is the only proper course TO pur-
sue. It is within the power OF the police
TO stop gambling at Benning, and they
ought to stop it. The idea that the only
function the police should exercise at
the race track Is that of keeping gam
blers moving is too grotesque for accept
ance by sensible men with a grain Of
humor. The fact is that no matter what
hair-splitting lawyers may say. the gam
bier sets up boOkmaking whenever
he begins to do business with the
ordinary and essential paraphernalia
OF his profession. Suppose a man should
start shell game on a wad Of paper
at the Benning track Would the police
tell him TO move on. or would they arrest
him2 Obviously they would take him ir,
and let him explain his gaming device to
the court. Precisely the same method
should be pursued with the bookmakers.
who set up their calling with whatever
device they may be able to carry about
their persons. Ambulatory gambling IS
no better than any other sort and to
our way Of thinking It is not more lawful.
The Commissioners deserve the thanks OF
the community for deciding to proceed
on this common-sense theory.
Notwithstanding our belief that the ex-
listing ccdc corbids bookmaking, no matter
where practiced. in the District OF Co
lumbia-a belief which is strengthened by
that provision OF the law which permits
the courts 10 consuue literally the anti
gambling clauses. in order to prevent the
mischief aimed at-we are strongly ii
favor OF such amendment of the code as
Will remove all possible doubt as to its
meaning and leave no colorado excus,
for splitting hairs over it. Two bills ar,
before the House District Committee thai
would effectively Danish bookmakine
from any race track in the District OF
Columbia 1t is stated that it may not
be possible to get bill out OF the COM
mittee in time TO pass it before the
spring meeting at Benning begins. Why
not? There is nothing abstruse or com
plIcated about the proposed legislation
nor is there anything controversial in il
since it involves merely the extension tC
the whole of the District Of a prohibi-
tion which is now effective in a portion
of it We trust Chairman Smith. Of tn,
House Committee. will be dligent ir
securing early consideration of this legis
laton.
Meantime. the thing TO do is TO stoy
the gambling at Benning. and this. W,
are now assured. will be attempted BY
the police. II they do their full duty
the disgraceful business sof bookmakine
at the Benning track viii be at an end.
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14
POLITICAL NOTES.

Hon John Dalzel is for Taft. but
thinks Knox is sure to win.
Hon. Joseph Benson Foraker never
was much Of a bloody-chasm bridger
anyway.
Hon. Lewis Stuyyesant Chanler
has joined Hon. Alton B. Parker in
the Has-been Glass.
Hon. Joseph G. Cannon has pre-
empted the Presidential support Of
the District Of Columbia.
Hon. ]. Sharp Williams gives out
a broad intimation that the indie
pendenoe League is making eyes at
him.
/. Hon. George B. Cox's primary
/ purpose IN going 70 Chicago is to
help Goals Of fire upon great men 5
heads
Hon. Louis A. Coolidge is not yet
perniciously active in oflceholding
politics. but already IS suspected Of
Taft leanings.
Hon T. Tasgart has reiterated his
determination 10 throw up his job
rather thar direct another Safe-and-
Sane campaign
Hon. Joseph Weldon Bailey is
standing for delegate-At-laTEe TO the
Denver convention on a Texas Get
together platform.
Hon. Charles ]. Bonaparte IS still
tahOoing politics and devOting hiz
supreme attention 20 uust-busting
on aggressive lines.
Hon. J. Cecil Hooe. after carefully
surveying the situation, is convinced
that the one Democrat who can
carry New Yorl State is William
Randolph Hearst. Hon. Hooe comes
from Smokers Gap. Va.
Hon. Albert ]. BeYeridge is out
spoken IN his belief that the Repub-
lican party. owing 90 the unmistak-
able trend toward conservatism. win
make the mistake Of its life il il
fails 10 nominate Hon. Charles War
ren Fairbanks for President.
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14
AUTOCRACY IN THE HOUSE.
Speakers Excessive Powers shouId
BE Greatly Abridged.

From the New York Tribune.
The House has suffered greatly in the
last eighteen years from the decay OF
legislative talent. II has been often re-
preached for rushing measures through
in nj undigested form. leaving them 20
be worked over by more experienced and
careful craftsmen in the Senate. Since
1905 or 1906 there has been an improve
ment in the lower branch. and the genu-
Inc discussion or measures has been 10
some extent revived. But the encourage
ment given to self-government and self
effort is not yet sufficient. The House IS
too much OF an autoCracy. and the ex-
cessive powers welded by the Speaker
could be abridged 20 the advantage of
tho members who unwisely surrendered
them. An enlarged Committee on Rules.
elected by the House. would represent
The wishes Of the House better than the
Speaker alone could do. and this first
step toward self-rule would help 20 re-
store 20 members generally something II
their lost sense Of individual power and
opportunity. a freer field OF action would
certainly help TO develop in the member
ship OF the House greater industry. ca
pacity and solidity and independence OF
judgment
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14
Porto Rlean Citizrn,hin-

From the New York Globe.
Becoming citizens of the United States.
the Inhabitants Of Porto Rico should De
earnest cO-operators with us in the de-
velOpment OF the great American infiu-
ence in the West Indies The 100000 citi-
zens OF Hawaii are citizens Of the United
States. Why should not the million Porto
Rlcans be the same? The Porto RicanS
when under Spanish dominion. elected
representatives 10 both houses OF The
Spanish Cortes. They have. in other
words. possessed the prime politica! priv
ileges OF an advanced civilization. Il can
not be said that they are unprepared for
American citizenship
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14

without the knowledge Of the authorities.
who could have checked this form Of
campaigning for legislation before Sena-
tors and Representatives received identi-
cal letters-some of the members getting
several copies-from various sources, urg-
ing the enactment OF the naval personnel
bill. 1t is to be hoped that the facili-
ties OF discipline are in fun working or
der at the Naval Academy. and that there
will not be a repetition of this sort OF
lobbying on the part of young men under
training for careers as commissioned Off
GERS of the naval establishment.
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14
A Rank PesSfmist

From the Rome tGa-} Tribune-H Herald
Judging from the number and char
aeter OF bills recently introduced in Con
gress, this present aggregation Is GER
tainly the limit. OF all the incompetent
communistic, salary grabbing grafters
that was even gotten together, they ex-
ceed the limit. II some great and power
ful defender Of the Constitution don't
arise and check this tide OF anarchists
galoots. the freedom OF this republic is
gone, is gone
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14
VOICE OF REACTION.
No More LeEisIRtiOn. Says a PhiIa-
deIphia Republican Paper.

uelph1a Republican Paper.
From the Philadelphia Pres.
The Republican party. now as always
the party Of a true conservatism. Of a
wise protection Of all interests. both OF
labor and OF capital. Of consumer and
producer. has no disturbing legislation
10 propose Railroad rebates had 70 be
ended 1t was an act OF justice. Fair
play required equality Of rates for every
shipper. A railroad tribunal 10 decide
whether rates were fair or not was
equally an act OF justice
Every railroad property in the coun-
try is the safer for these acts Of jus
tice. and this assures equality TO all
shippers. all places. and all commodi-
ties This done. nothing more is to be
done as far as the Republican party IS
concerned. Before the Presidential com
paign Is over II viii D- piSin 70 every
voter that the one great issue is wheth-
er Democratic demands FOR new and
radical railroad legislation. such as are
made by Bryan. shall imperil the re-
turn Of prosperity. or whether the Re
publican party shall administer and ex-
ec1te the laws already unanimously en-
acted, and prevent any new legislation
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14

Hon A. J. Vorys continues to do
the hurdle-iumping for the admins
tration.
Hon. Bull Andrews fnds evidence
on every SIDE Of the fse-million-dol-
lar conspiraey's deadly work.
Hon. W. Murray Crane did not
refer to Taft as the Jekyll and hyde
candidate Of the Republican party.
Hon. Brainard II. Warner has
taken about every stump In the
Sixth Maryland district. and is now
stumping Washington.
Hon. Chauncey Depew. who is
again 2 bloomin' peach. does not
hesitate 10 declare that Hughes
would make a bully President
Hon. Frank II. Hitchcock has no
patience with amateur Republican
politicians and always doubted the
wisdom and eKpediency OF operating
a press bureau.
Hon Myron T. Herrick has given
Wall street his word that Hon WI
liam Howard Taft will stay put
and never run amuck," if the
people will only elect him.
Hon. O'Digman Swat. Of Schenee-
tady. y. Y. leader Of the Cannon
and Hughes movement, was seen at
the Capitol yesterday In close con
ference with Hon L. White Busbey.
Hon. William Loeb. IT.. takes the
blame for the assertion that Roose.
veit would be humiliatingly defeated
II he should be induced to break his
pledge and run for a defective
terra.
N. R.-Honorables only are en-
titled 10 mention in this column,
and as but one cap H this one) re
mains in the Mergenthaier font a
number Of pleasant paragraphs about
The Big Sticks political friends and
co-labore<s must be held ont until
our noxt-Ed. Stick.
-.
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14
wants Another TiIden.

From the Florida Times-Juion
The recent publication Of Mr.. Tlden's
letters and speeches should bring con-
victiOn TO some people. The wrong don,
to such a man has entailed a whole loi
Of penalties on the sinners. but his teach
ings may yet bring US back 10 our duty
and set our feet again in the straight
path What il We had TIlden to leaf
rs now
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14

From the 81. Louis Globe Democrat
Heneeforth the United States front:
westward. as well as eastward Another
milestone IS marked of in the American
empires march toward the sunset To
far larger degree than ever before III,
Pacific must from now onward be cen
ter Of interest in the worlds affairs.
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14
A LITTLE NONSENSE.
rHE LokE nusINEss.

Gagging along. day after day,
Same jokes
That were already old and gray
When folks
Wore sheets and other garments queer
Odd lids:
And men were working on the pyr-
Amids.
Gagging along the poor jokesmith
Finds rough.
Shem used TO worry Japheth with
That stuff
And Adam half the ancient store
Could tag.
No wonder as we shape them DER.
We gagl
The Washington herald., 1908-03-14

From the Kansas City Times.
In spite Of the warnings OF catastrophes.
in spite Of the new laws and regulations
growing out OF these warnings. this c0un-
try is still culpably negligent in its build
ing requirements. The time has come for
new order Of things