davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
Graft in Pittsbur1.

Pittsburg is the latest city in the coun-
try TO furnish a municipal scandal, and it
gives good measure. Seven members OF
are under accusation of having combined
10 secure for the bank In question GER
tain valuable privilege. In plain terms 1t
Is charged that the councilmen accepted
brides in exchange for their services in
having the bank designated a public de-
pository. But this, IT is said, is only the
beginning. perhaps the charge which can
reported instances of corrupt dealings by
and with the municipal councils which at
feet many items OF the city administra-
tion. If all that Is minated Is true the
Pittsburg government has been as cor
rupt as was that of San Francisco before
the Ruef-Schmitz exposure.
In the Pittsburg case there appears to
have been an honest mayor in conflict
with a corrupt council. The mayor went
10 work shrewdly to obtain proof Of cor
ruption. enlisting the aid Of the Voters
Civic League and maneuvering to the
end of obtaining convicting proof OF dis
honesty. The mayor is therefore the ac-
cuser now, the situation differing radi-
cally in this respect from the San Fran
cisco case. where the corrupt relations
Involved both municipal Legislature and
executive head.
There will be such scandals as long as
the American city jewellers fail in their
eiYio duties aud leave the government o1
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

their municipalities to the professional
politicians. In every instance of city cor
ruption the evil has been due to the domi-
nance Of a machine which honest citizens
have permitted to usurp their rights.
For many years men voted at municipal
elections according to national party
lines, and many corrupt practices develop
ed under this false system. Latterly the
intelligent taxpayer has begun to appreci-
ate that the municipal campaign is of
more direct, vital interest to him than the
national contest. and there has been a
more effective attention to details and a
more faithful discharge of political duty
on the part OF the urbanite.
Graft means high taxes. 1t Is impossi-
BILE for banks to pay bride money for the
use of the public funds, as is charged in
Pittsburg. without causing an increase
of the burden laid upon the individual
citizen. In no form of municipal corrup-
ton is this factor lacking. Reduced to
its final terms, the money that enriches
venal aldermen and city officials is paid
by the taxpayer, a fact which is only
lately coming home to the voters. The
problem before the American people to-
day Is to regulate their city affairs in
such a way as to reduce to minimum
the opportunity of the CRATER to work
his dishonest game by keeping the citi-
zens constantly on the alert to insure a
high standard of efficiency in office and
by Furnishing with severe penalties all
who are caught tampering with the public
welfare for private gain.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
Perpetuate the Christmas Stamp.
the New York Sun

From the New York Sun.
The popularity of the Red Cross Christ
mas stamp Is one of the pleasantest fea-
lures of the present holiday season. but
kind, is chiefly due To it's novelty, and
when that wears off there Is sure to be
a notable diminution of public interest in
the scheme In order to maintain the Red
Cross Christmas stamp in the high de-
gree of favor which it now enjoys it is
well to consider whether any special
means exist by which its popularity may
be preserved.
We have an idea on the subject which
we venture to present for the considera-
ton of those who have already done SO
much to make the Red Cross Christmas
stamp a household word throughout the
country. Only one pattern of stamp Is
now used. What we would suggest is d
greater diversity in the form. a different
pattern should be devised for each state
There are now forty-six states in the
American Union, and each of these has
a separate and distinct coat of arms The
present general appearance Of the Red
Cross Christmas stamp can be preserved
substituting in the wreath under the Red
Cross the coat OF arms of each one of the
several states, and the stamp onered for
sale In each state could be that bearing
its own coat of arms.
BY the adoption of this plan new ele-
ment of interest would be brought into
this valuable 1nstrumentality of charity
The residents of each state would be
pleased to send away their Christmas let
tiers and packages bearing their own
special stamps, and an interstate ex-
change of the Red Cross Christmas
stamps would thus be set In motion
which, we are sure. would tend largely TO
the perpetuation of this method of rails
ing money for the poor and sick.
Our suggestion. however, is merely for
the future. During the present holidays
let every giver of gifts use as many of
the Red Cross Christmas stamps as ne
can, just exactly as they are.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
Taft and Sherman.

The House District committee favors the
use of the pension office for the Inaugural
ton of Taft and Sherman, and there is
no good reason why both houses should
not promptly act favorably upon the bill
authorizing this use.
1t is true that it was hoped and expect
ed four years ago both by citizens and
congressman that this use of the pension
Office would no longer be necessary. But
the auditorium then projected has not
been built and these hopes and expecta-
tons have been disappointed.
1t is the desire of Washington that Taft
and Sherman shall be inaugurated with
the same honor and dignity and impress
sive ceremony as Roosevelt and Fair
banks. A public building for the inaugu-
raj reception is an absolute essential. The
pension Office, designed and built around
a great central court for this very use. is
the only public building which meets the
requirements of the situation.
There is no resolution of the House for
bidding the use Of the pension Office. The
only law bearing on the subject is that
which requires the assent of Congress to
the use Of any public building. 1t is this
consent in respect to the pension office
which is now asked and which should
be readily granted.
OF course the statements Of individual
citizens and individual congressman Of
four years ago have no force in the pres
ent discussion. The Congresses are diff
ferent, the men to be inaugurated are diff
ferent. the men in charge of the inaugu-
ration are different. There could not be
in connection with provision Of the essen
tials Of a worthy and impressive inau-
guration Of Roosevelt and Fairbanks four
years ago any binding agreement that an
other Congress four years later would
withhold the essentials for an equally
worthy and impressive Inauguration of
Taft and Sherman.
Both Washington and Congress intend
that there shall be no belittling OF the
customary honors In the installation of
President Taft and Vice President Sher-
man.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
Roosevelt and the Elephant.

Mr.. Roosevelt, we are told. will not hunt
elephants in Africa. Well, why should
he? Why should he want to kill an ele-
plant? Is there no sentiment attaching
to party emblem? Does Mr.. Roosevelt
owe the elephant nothing? Has any
other beast carried him more loyalty, or
as far? Let him spare the elephant as a
matter of gratitude. Or maybe he will
have his heart set on other game by that
time. He is booked for two months of a
lively tussle with the elephant here at
home. and when he is through he may
want simply as change to train his gun
on other things. Roosevelt as an elephant
hunter-for the purpose of killing the
elephant-would not appeal to admiration.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

tributed by the warm-hearted people
of the District. The surest way to
reach suffering with a succoring dollar
is through this agency, which has
many means of preventing actual dis
tress
If the funds of the citizens relief
committee, which are disbursed through
the Associated Charities, are not
promptly replenished by voluntary
contributions. it will become necessary
for those who are laboring in the field
Of charity for the sake of humanity
and without reward to issue an appeal
for money. 1t should be the first impulse
Of every Washingtonian with cash to
spare from his own needs to give freely
and promptly for the relief of the poor
in stress of weather, without waiting
for invitation or petition.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
Carnegie's Testimony.
From the New York Times.

1t is not easy to see how the commit
tee can get away from the facts that
Mr. Carnegie poured out upon them, or
can stand up against the half defiant,
treated every suggestion OF the need Of
protection for steel. While he refused to
be tied down to detailed figures as to the
elements of cost here and abroad, he gave
general facts that cannot be disputed.
First there was the broad. undeniable
statement from the report of the steel
corporation that 1t had made profits of
Sl5S, 900 on ten million tons of steel,
a net and absolute profit of at least $15. 80
a ton What earthly need can men en-
gagged in such profitable business have of
legislative protection from foreign COM
petitorS?
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
BRYAN.

MIR. Bryan has turned Yankee. He an
swers a question with a question. "Win
you be candidate for President again ?''
DO you think I ought to be?' And there
you are. capital idea. new way of
taking straw vote. Will it be an i'm
provement on the old? Mr. Bryan is en-
titled to a candid reply in every case,
and If he gets it he will be able to steer
a course. if he cares. to suit the majority
OF his party. He is not at present loaded
down with olive branches. He laughed
in Pittsburg when asked if he was to
meet Col. Guffey.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
Discovered

Peekin' th'oo de chimbly,
Creepin' 'crost Re roofs;
He's jes' like a pertective
OATS searchin' fob de proofs.
Great big flowin' whiskers,
Funny nose an eyes;
It's mighty superficial
Dat he's travelin' in disguise,
Seems uncommon friendly,
OATS his foxy plan.
l bet you dat OF Sanity
Is secret service man!
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
Apologize Praise.

What sort of man is Dustin Stax?"
WELL" answered Miss Cayenne, I'm
afraid he isn't popular. He is one of
these people whose friends, when he is
under discussion, have to fall back on
the statement that he seems really very
kind-hearted after you get we'll acquainted
with him."
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
Taft's Sincerity.
From the Springfield Republican.

Wall street was considerably disap-
pointed last week over President-elect
Tafts Ohio Society declarations against
bogus tariff revision and repeal of the
Sherman antitrust law. The street had
been paying him the compliment of sup
posing that he held to the old doctrine
that party platforms were made to get
into Office on rather than to stand on.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
A Preference.

do your children believe in Santa
CLAUSE
NO" answered Mr.. Cumrox They'd
rather pin their faith to me. Santa Claus
is represented as going around with all
sorts of diverting toys. But he doesn't
carry a check book
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
Millions of Stamps.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Thirty million Red Cross stamps sold
already and several days left in which
to help fight the crusade against con-
sumption in this manner. Old Chris ought
to be very Jolly this year
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
THE STAR has . regular and perma-
nent Family Circulation much more
than the combined circulation Of the
other Washington dailies. AZ a News
and Advertising Medium 1t has no
competitor.

Of personal absence letters to THE
STAR should not be addressed to any
individual connected with the once, but
simply to THE STAR, or to the Editorial
or Business Department, according to
tenor or purpose.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

Some expert In good government should
be persuaded to devote some of the
talent that seems wasted on placid COM
munity like this to Strengthening out So
cial conditions in Tennessee
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
The Holiday Climate.

Now. Mr.. Weather Man, to bring
Our cheeriest smiles to view;
A few kind words of promising
Are all we ask Of you!
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

Castros personal supervision of the pur-
chase of arms shows a natural distrust
of agents commissions where the Ven
ezuelan government is concerned.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

The kaiser's declaration in favor of nom
alcoholic champagne came too late to be
of any benefit to Mr.. Chains campaign.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

Christmas stories about Santa Claus
sleigh and reindeer do not lessen juvenile
interest in the prosaic delivery wagon
when it stops in front of the house.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

Scientists who say that in few gem
erations American Indians will have dis
appeared should take a look at some of
those husky Carlisle foot ball players.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

If there were any irregularities in
Panama canal disbursements the chances
are that those thrifty French financiers
would have nailed them instanter.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

Again is interest In the authorship of
Beautiful Snow subordinated to curl
osity about who is going to clean it off
the street.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

Orville Wright manages to get about on
clutches. which is some progress toward
his practice of ignoring terra firma al
together.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

Japan is enjoying big rice crop, which
will help to take it's mind off any lines
of activity suggested by Capt. Hobson.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

Mr.. Taft will be fortunate If all his en-
deavors to have the country we'll served
meet with the approval that is extended
to his selection of a Secretary of State.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
Abolishing Things!
From the Baltimore Americj

1t is said that the President may abol-
ish the secret service. Now If he could
only abolish Congress. too. life in the
White House might be one long sweet
song.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
Her Last Chance,

From the Florida Times-union.
The leap year girls last chance is to
hang herself on the Christmas tree. go,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
SHOOTING STARS.
BY PHILANDER JOHNSON.
A Bounteous Supply.

DO you enjoy the holidays?''
I'm some respects. They constitute the
only season of the year when I am sure
of being able to find calendar as soon
as need one"
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

The Christmas holidays will be espe
cislly appreciated by statesmen as a
period of respite from presidential mes
sages
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

The courts persist in taking the verdict
as to Harry Thaw's mental condition seri-
ously
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22

The man who is always clamoring for
seasonable weather again falls under
popular suspicion and resentment.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
Thew Will Get Theirs.
From the Philadelphia Ledger.

Eminent citizens not mentioned for a
cabinet position need not feel sighted.
Their time will come.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-22
Oar ain no sho' huff NJ

Oar ain no sho' huff merry Christ
mas" said Uncle Eben, "foh de kind O.
folks dat takes mo- interest in de price
tag dan dey does in de sentiment dat goes
wifi de gif'.''
The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1908-08-26
FREDDY HAD HIS EXCUSE, TOO.
Took Cue from Ingenious Explanation
Made by chum.

Two little youngsters shambled
penitently into the classroom long
after the school had opened for the
morning session, says the Circle.
Boys, come to my desk immedi-
ately," said the teacher.
The meek little lads walked to the
teachers desk and stood looking help
lessly at their feet.
Tommy, why are you late this
morning." asked the teacher
Il oysfnlept myself. ma am, began
Tommy. you see, teacher. dreamed
was going to take railroad trip
just got to the station wheL / woke
up an found II was way past school
time"
Freddy. why are you later" in
. quired the teacher, turning to the
other boy.
Please, ma'am," replied the tremb-
ling Freddy. Il went to the station
to see Tommy on"
The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1908-08-26
NEED FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION.
AIonzo's Good Reason for Striking
When the Iron Was Hot

As Alonzo came into the drawing
room the fair Gwendoline new to meet
him.
Darling" she murmured, papa has
changed his mind. He has consented
to our engagement.
"Oh, joy!" exclaimed the young
man, hugging her. But why?"
well, Louise-ponsie, pet, you know
father believes In heredity-that wise
parents have wise children, and so on.
Now, my father has never met any OF
your family; but last night. at yes
try meeting. father opposed a motion
in favor oil the docking OF tom cats
tails. When It was put to the vote,
only father and one other man was
against. Alonzo, that other man was
your father. My father now thinks
your father very wise person and de-
sires the honor Of his acquaintance
Isn't it scrumptious?
A look Of determination came across
the youths fair face.
"Gwendoline," he said, I'VE must be
married before our fathers meet"
why? Surely your father doesn't
drink, OF anything like that2" was the
amazed response.
mo; only he's stone deafl"-Stray
Stories.
The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1908-08-26
Taken Unawares.

It is likely that the most embar-
rassed man could be found in Sixth
avenue store, says the New York
Times. He was mild, inoffensive
looking man. He stood leaning over
the balcony that surrounds the first
floor OF the store, looking with inter-
est at the crowd below. Presently his
eye alighted on a small boy who was
being rushed from counter to counter
in tow of a very large woman. Just
as he looked down at the boy, the
boy looked up at him. Instinctively
perceiving, with diabolic instinct,
what would be his own youthful pro
pensity If he occupied a similar point
of vantage, the boy struck a beseech.
ing attitude and called out in implor-
ing accents
20, Mister, please, Mister, don't spit
on fnel"s
For man with no intention Of
spitting on that particular boy or any
one else the situation was certainly
awkward, and the man retired In red
faced confusion.
The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1908-08-26
MUSKOCEE WOULD
BOYCOTT M.K.8.T.
Business men Of Darktown up in
Arms over "Indignities "of the
Katy Railroad.

Muskogee, Okla. Aug. 26.-Moved to
act by the numerous indignities, which
business men Of Muskogee say'the Mis-
souri,, Kansas & Texas railway company
have foistered on this city during the
history fits operations.through Muskogee,
movement is under way and partially
agreed to which will mean the taking of
near $2,OOO,OO0 of freight business away
from that road.
The recent action of the company in
changing its division point from Muskogee
to WAGNER was the straw that broke the
camel's back and Muskogee business men
are good and mad"
Although the fact is not confirmed, it is
said an agreement has recently been
entered into between a combination Of
the heaviest shippers in the city and
other lines entering Muskogee, looking to
a change in freight custom. The Santa
Fe, which is the other trunk line through
Oklahoma, will handle distance business,
both from Kansas City and St. Louis, and
the Midland Valley and Frisco lines will
be its accessories.
A campaign in a general way may be
started to boycott the Katy, both as to
freight and passenger traffic.
The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1908-08-26

Joplin, Mo-. Aug. 26.--With the reson-
ant screeches of the automobile horns and
whistles, with the clang Of the big bells on
the automobile fire apparatus, Joplin win
on September welcome the members of
the Southwestern Firemen's Association
to their annual meeting which convenes
here for a three days session.
The session is expected to be the larg-
est which has ever been held by the asso-
citation, as the feature Of the big meeting
will be the first automobile race of fire
apparatus which has ever been held in
the United States. During the tourna-
ment the big 75-horse power automobile
fire fighting machines of Joplin and ST.
Louis will contest for honors at Barbee
Park.
Here the thousands of visitors and Jop-
linites will for the first time see a race
between the machines carrying the brave
laddies who risk their lives to save prop
erty. Here, going around the mile track,
they will see the automobiles with hardly
anything discernible but the bright patches
of red and brass, then they viii see the
final desperate spurt Of the big machines
as their drivers send them down the home
stretch faster than rs miles an hour. only
a streak of bright colors in which the
gaudy red of the machine will mingle with
the blue worn BY the firemen. behind them
trail Of thin blue smoke and the clang
OF the bells as the winner shoots over the
wire
The automobile fire fighting apparatus
was first adopted in this United States by
the Joplin departments, to the exclusion
Of the horse-drawn apparatus. and few
months later St. Lcuis and Springfield.
Mo-. followed the example. Joplin now
has four auto fire fighting machines with
more ordered. and in the races which are
to be held during the tournament Of the
Southwestern firemen these machines will
make many endurance and speed tests.
besides which the visitors viii be given
several chances to turn lin alarms from
any part of the g miles within the city
and watch the big buzz wagons answer
the calls.
Besides this there will be exhibition
races between the horse-drawn apparatus,
in which big, long-leeged fire horses win
race for the prizes drawing the heavy
hose and ladder wagons. In the events
for the volunteer firemen of the four states
which make up the association, there are
many cash prizes offered and the winners
The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1908-08-26
Last Moment. q Great Musician.

A letter written by Count Grzy-
mala, who was an ardent admirer OF
Chopin, has been made public in Lon
don by Eduard zeldenrust. In 1t the
last moments of Chopin are thus re-
ferred to: "A few hours before he
died he asked Nine. Potocka to sing
some melodies by Rossini and Bellini,
and this she did with sobs in her
voice Listening to her voice he
passed away" Speaking of the fu-
neral the writer says: "Mozart's re-
QUEEN and his own funeral march
we're performed with the assistance OF
Lablache, Viardot and the concert So
ciety. 1t was characteristic Of the
times that the artists should have
asked 1000 francs for this last trib-
ute to Chopin. One would have
thought that pride would have kept
Them from selling their gifts on such
an occasion"