davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
THE LIMIT IN PENSIONS.
Proposed Law OpeaIHG the Doors foS
Merry widows.

New York Tribune.
We do not think that sound policy jus
titles the increase in the governments
very liberal outlay for pensions on account
OF military service authorized in a bill
which passed the senate last Monday. This
measure affects pensions granted 10 widows
and admits to g pensionsble status @0a
or more persons Intentionally excluded un.
der existing legislation. When congress
enacted the dependent pension law OF 1891.
under which. as amended. the great ma
jority OF pension applications have been
made. II provided a pension Of s. . month
for each widow Of an officer or enlisted
man qualified to apply under that act. But
the restriction was inserted in the law that
the widow applying under II must have
contracted marriage before the date OF its
passage, June q. 1890. The theory OF the
restriction was that young women should
not be encoursRed to marry veterans with
the expectation OF being provided for dur
ing a Ions term of years after becoming
widows. Last year, in order to make Il
conform with other increases in pension
rates. congress raised the allowance to
widows to s2 q month. But the r~sstric-
ton of the law OF 1890 was retained, So
that widows who had married soldiers or
sailors in the last eighteen years we're still
excluded from the benefits OF the pension
system.
TIL senate has nov voted to give pen
sions to all widows Of soldiers and sailors
whose marriages occurred after June "a.
1890. The argument made on behalf OF this
excluded class Is that. knowing the llmita-
tions OF the law, no woman could have
married a veteran simply for the sake OF
obtaining a pension on becoming . widow.
The force OF that contention may be con-
ceded, yet IL seems to us to constitute M
sound basis for a claim on the part OF a
widow married after June q. 1890, since
she knew In advance that congress had for
good ana sufficient reasons denied her a
pensionable status. There must be a limit
somewhere TO the scope OF the pension sys-l
tenn. Congress laid down such q limit in
the law OF 1890 and reaffirmed II in the
law OF lsB. Why should II be removed
now? The trouble with extensions OF this
sort Is that one breeds another, and II the
widow who married a veteran forty-eiRht
or forty-nine yesrs after his DISCHARGE from
the service of the United states in entitled
to a pension II may be urged next that
the Oldest surviving son or daughter OF
every veteran is likewise entitled to life
support from the government. Under exist.
Ing laws the nation has provided most gen.
erously for the veterans Of the civil war
and those legitlmately dependent upon them
and affected by their disabilities. But the
line must be drawn somewhere. and con-
gress, having rounded out our pension sys.
tenn in the legislation Of the last four years,
ought TO set its face against further extern
sions. SO.
Last years expenditure on account OF
military pensions was tiS5, sel,04e
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
Tolerant Spirit Of Roosevelt.

When the projectors OF the recent de-
pendent child congress, held in Wash
ington, first approached President Roose-
welt for his endorsement. il is said that
he looked over the tentative program and
said: Il do not see Roman Catholic
names on this list. Where is Tom Mulry
OF New York? No one knows more about
this affair than he. II you get Catholics
on this list / will stand for II. and not
otherwise" The revised list indicated the
effect Of this u~tterance, and the Catholic
attendance was large, and the outcome,
voiced in formal resolutions. very salts
factory TO the Catholic point of view as
TO the primacy of the home
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
RHArS YouR HIrRRr,

1t Is OF the utmost Importance that the
Omaha charter pass the house and become
a law before the end of the month, so that
its benefits may. become operative at once"
-World-Herald
Why all this hurry? What benefits
are to come from the charter bill ex-
cept in the way of political capital for
the democrats in the impending mu-
nicipal election? :
The first section of the charter bill
makes the city engineer elective in
stead of a%ppointive. Inasmuch as we
have gotten along all these years with
an appointive city engineer, what diff
ference would a few months or a few
years more or less make?
The next section relates to the pay
Of election officers for elections held
jointly in the city, county and school
district, but as the spring election is
exclusively a city election, it can have
no effect there.
Another section removes the free
holder qualification for candidates for
the city council. Inasmuch as a ten
dollar interest in a mortgaged nifty
dollar lot constitutes a freehold, this
will work no revolution.
Another section gives the city coun-
Gil the right to have a permanent tenn
porary president to act in absence Of
the permanent president. The council
now chooses a temporary presiding
oficer by resolution whenever the oc-
casion presents.
Another section raises a lot OF sala-
ries. This, of course, is urgent. al
though W have heard of no threat
ened designations.
Another section provides for the
elective police commission, but not
effective until the governor appoints
another all-demOcratic police commits
sion to do business in the interval.
The sooner We get the governor
appointed all-democratic commission
the longer it will last.
Another section makes the city en-
gineer subject to the political control
of the mayor and council down to the
smallest details of his ONCE. This
section is said to be most urgently ad-
vocated by a certain paving contractor
who shines in a c~olonel's uniform.
Another section gives a charter
status TO the park board, but does no
more than confirm provisions of exist
ing ordinances. The park board will
continue to do business without
change at the same old stand.
Another section extends the area
where pavements may be ordered
without petition. 1t is doubtful
whether immediate enactment will
bring about the pavement of a single
street sooner than 1t otherwise would
be paved.
Another section provides for the re-
plating of additions to the city. but
what addition is hanging 'twixt life
and death for REPEATING is not dis
closed.
Another section raises the limits OF
the appropriations for various city
funds. but as the levy has already
been made for the current year under
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
VETO OF CENSUS sPoILs.
Temptation OF the Pie ounte Ban
ished from sight.
Chicago Record Herald.

Chicago hecord-heralo'
When President Roosevelt's message in
connection with his veto of the census bill
IL read there is little room for argument
as to the relative merits OF his position
and that Of congress.
The president might, indeed, we'll have
concluded with the singing turn OF speech
which he used In the matter OF the secret
service appropriation and rave said; If
the congressman wish to get their hands
on spoiis they would do better to distribute
the $1,000, 900 which the spolls system will
waste in the census bureau among their
constituents direct. BY this means they
can at least save time for the government
and avoid lesseninS the accuracy OF the
census work.
Congress will be very foolish II It at
tempts to pass this census appropriation
bill over the presidents veto. 1t will be
wise II 1t adopts an amendment which
brings the staff of census employees fully
under the merit system without p~ostponinS
the issue for the next congress to handle.
1t will be wisest OF all IL It takes the
lesson to heart and makes itself popular
with the country by adopting progressive
republican policies for its own.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
THE SLEEPING SAVAGE.

Denver Republican.
There's a golden haired Apache fast asleep
beneath a tree,
Al his side there rests q rifle that has
oft been aimed at me;
Shall / run. or shall ] wake him and en-
gage In mortal strife
Or shall / share the vision by a summons
20 my wife?
lie has sought me through the forests, and
he's sought me on the plain;
Hes tracked me through the blizzard and
has dogged me through the rain;
I've hidden IN a cavern made by turning
DER a chair.
But could ne'er escape the savage with
the shining golden hair.
Just nov he's at my mercy and his dread
full whoop Is stilled:
His gore-stained hands are quiet, as the
god OF sleep has willed .
But, instead OF wasing battle with cold
steel or colder lead,
IN half smother him with kiagos and just
stow the rogus In bsai
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
PROMOTING THE PEAOE GAM

FHOhOIfNO The PEACE GAME.
King Edward and Kaiser Wilhelm
have been having quite a time over at
Berlin, on the occasion of the kings
visit to his royal and warlike nephew,
giving, the plain people of the two ma
tions an illustration of how sweet a
thing 1t is for royal brethren to dwell
in peace. The king and the kaiser
kissed like sweethearts when they met
and there was a round of feasting and
merrymaking, at which the two DO
tentates took advantage of every oppor-
tunity to renew their protestations of
undying love and distinguished con-
sideration. The climax came when the
kaiser, at a banquet, declared that his
people saw In the visit "a new pledge
of friendly and peaceful development
in the relations between our two conn
tries" and the king, draining a beaker
of rare wine, declared that he felt the
same way about it and feelingly re-
ferred to the preservation of a gen.
eral peace towards which all my efforts
are directed"
There is no doubt that the king and
the kaiser are very sincere in their ex-
pressions, but the fact remains that the
German people and the British people
do not like each other a little bit and
are always planning for the war be-
tween the two nations which they feel
is certain to come. The fact that the
police of Berlin had to quell an anti
British demonstration while the king
and the kaiser were exchanging bump
ers to the peace and friendly relations
of the two countries is entitled to some
significance. The countries are rivals
in trade, industry and colonial exDan-
sion and the time spent by the German
court officials in figuring how they may
some time conquer the British Isles ia
eGualled only by the time taken IN bv
loyal Britons in the enjoyment OF Ger
man war seares. Still, it is pleasing
to note that the king and the kaiser
always have a good time when thew
visit each other.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
CHANGING R1TIR01D RATES.
Proposed Cheek on the Upward
Tendency.
Chicago News.


Chicago News.
Representative Needham Of California has
offered in the lower house OF congress .
bill designed to effect much peeded changes
in the interstate commerce Law.
The bill provides that the railroads, bo-
fore altering rates or changing their regu-
lations touching traffic, must show to the
Interstate Commerce commission that the
proposed changes are reasonable. At the
present time the railroads change their
rctes at will. provided they give stipulated
notice Of the changes, and the asgrieved
shippers must bring action Rfterward IL
they believe the rates 10 be unjust. Under
the Needhsm bill, II enected into law. the
commission would have the power in its
discretion to stay the Introduction OF new
rates until such time as a hearing could be
held with reference to the matter and a
decision rendered upon 1t.
The principles OF the Nee6hGm bill, which
are In line with recommendation strongly
urged by the Interstate Commerce com
mission, should be enacted into law at an
early day.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

EurOpean ana American Custens
Exchanging Places.
New York Evening Post.

New York Evening Post.
Europe and America seem TO be ex-
changing traditions OF morality. London Is
abolishing tips. New York is increasing
them. New York fights for the "conti-
mental Sunday while Paris vies with the
Puritans in Sunday closing of cafes and
shops. 0ndon suppEesses the salacious
drama, just as it is given the freedom OF
New York. In the old world they confiscate
novels that are openly read and talked
about in the Back Bay. And now the
brewers of Milwaukee and Munich eX-
change rapiers, like Hamlet and Lsertes.
Employees in the breweries of the former
city have just served notice that their dafly
dole OF the beverage must be increased.
The Milwaukee Journal says that the
unions nave found two quarts a day too
scant by half. Only the are will
ing to harness their thirst to a schedules; a
quart at 10 a. m, another at noon, and q
third at 3 D.. M. Yet in the Bavarian Mil
waukee, so the Munchener Neueste Mach
richten informs us, al the recent confer
ence between brewers and employees, the
latter agreed, of their wi free will, to
break with the immenorial custom OF
drir king beer during work hours. They
were persuaded that the practice injured
thpir health and made them less efficient.
If this exchanging goes on much longer
your American will be at home only when
he is aboard.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

All the proposed legislation for d.
vorce reform in Nebraska relates to
the granting of divorce to nonresi-
dents who might take up a nominal
abode here to secure the benefit of our
divorce laws. Nothing is proposed.
so far as we know. to restrict divorce
among those who really live in Ne
braska. The fact remains that, be the
divorce laws stringent or lax, the ex-
tent of the divorce evil must depend
largely. If not wholly. on the judges
who hear the cases and grant or re-
fuse the DEGREES. Unyielding refusal
to grant divorces in a few palpably
collusiye cases involving rich appli-
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
WORK Gives THem Pain.
LouIsvnle courer.Journal.

And now 1t is a Nebraska legislator who
has war-whooped into the ring with a bill
making it unlawful for japanese and Chi.
ness to work in company with white men
or to be employed in the same building. II
legislators OF this stripe could be put to
work 1t is not likely that legislation would
be necessary TO cure any willingness on
the part OF japanese or anybody else to
work In their company.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
Another ..LincoIn Way"
PHILADELPHIA Record.

THIIdUCIDNIU INONVIU'
Senator Bacon OF Georgia has suggested
that a Lincoln Way" from Washington
to Richmond, Joining the two capitals of
war days, would be a more appropriate
national memorial than the proposed paved
way from Washington TO Gettysburg. There
is much to be said for such a joining to-
gether and welding of the sections. 1t has
also been suggested that Antietam as well
as Gettysburg might appropriately be made
a hating place on the finally selected route
of the Lincoln Way, should congress adopt
that method OF commemorsting the CEN
tenary occasion.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
Tariff ReprIsaIs.

SpTIlBIItIu HtpUDIICdH,
1t causes some little stir even in stand
patdom at Washington-the report that the
French government intends to raise its
maximum tariff rates or lower the mini
mum. Whether the one thing or the other
is done. the result will be the same to us
Increased discrimination against trade
from the United States in favor of trade
from Canada and certain other countries.
This is one Of tine prices we have to pay
for our high tariff, which arouses against
us similar treatment from other nations.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

In the interest OF the Omaha wool
market the executive committee of the
Commercial club has unanimously re-
solved against removal of the wool
tariff. In due course we shall see
whether the Commercial club has any
influence on the democratic congress
man from this district.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

no circumstances can the extra money
be available before 1910.
Another section increases the
amount Of city money that may be de-
posted in the banks. The money is
in the banks right now irrespective of
the legal limitations, so that this relief
will be more nominal than real.
What's your hurry?
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

The new federation Of South Africa
will have its Parliament 1000 miles
from the executive capital. There are
some congressman who wish there was
that much space between the capitol
and the White House in this country.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

PlItsburB DIspdICH,
Is 1t not a little peculiar that while the
smallest battleship in the navy is named
after the biggest state, the biggest battle
ship. just launched, is named after the
next to the smallest state? II does seem.
considering the cost, that We might at least
get a little proportion between the different
states and their naval namesakes.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

In the last contest for the nomina-
ton for congress on the republican
ticket the candidate who hled last
came in hrst under the primary wire.
That may account for some Of the shy
ness exhibited by men mentioned"
for places on the municipal ticket TO
be filled at the coming primary
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

Note that the proposal to have a
minimum wage established by law In
Nebraska applies only to employees in
stores, factories, packing houses and
workshops" The storekeepers, man
ufacturers and meat packers must be
few and far between among our law
makers.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
VIII ConWress Dares
Louisville Courier journal.

Will congress dare to follow its inclina-
tion and override the presidents latest
veto? Its members have a chance by so
doing to provide a rich lot of spells for
themselves to dish out, but they cannot
avail themselves OF that chance without
n aking an issue with the president which
they would not care to make from the
housetops.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

Mr.. Taft has declined a number OF
invitations to bsnquets in the south.
He should not be expected to eat his
way north, having already lemon
his gastronomic accomplish
ments to e~verybody's satisfaction.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
An Enauripg Monument.
st. Louis Globe Democrat.

Last year President Roosevelt changed
the name Of a forest reserve in southern
California from a Jaeinto to Cleveland.
in honor OF the late president. The reserve
has just been enlarged and now contains
l.S7S.OoO acres, No monument could be de-
vised with a better ehance to be handed
down the ageh
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

Mrs. Lemp is charging her million
sire husband at st. Louis with cruelty
and proving 1t by showing that he
taught her to smoke cigarettes and
drink champagne. in addition to al
lowing her but $500 a month for pin
mOnav
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

Mr., Brysn's demand for the estab-
lishment of a school of politics in the
State university has been modified
into a request for the establishment of
such a department when the regents
feel so inclined. This promises to
make the resolution harmless, II not
mseleaa-
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

King Edward is reported to have
emptied a golden beaker of rare
wine'' while on his visit to Berlin. As
the kaiser is on the water wagon it
was probably a Dutch treat.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

The public schools outdid them
selves in celebrating Lincoln's birth
day-in fact, the only other February
holiday that could command anywhere
near such a wide observance by the
school children Is st. Valentines day.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

The battleships have travelled about
$4,000 miles and furnished the world
with about $4,000 reasons for respect
Ing the nations naval power.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

Two more trade excursions in the
interest OF Omaha as the market town
are in incubation. Although there
have been many imitators, no other
city has made the same success with
the trade excursion that Omaha has
had.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
Insulting PubIic Sentiment.

Congress discredited itself by passing a
census bill with a provision for the dis
tribution of the spells. 1t will disgrace
itself II it shall attempt to pass the bill
over the veto; we cannot believe that the
pernicious attempt can succeed. The In
satiable spoils-mongers Of the house are
determined to try. but they are insulting
public sentiment
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
ROuNp ABoUr NEW york.
RippIe- on the Current Of Life In he
Metropolis.

Curses on HIM" or warmer words TO
that effect. delivered with more passionate
emphasis than a vaudeville villain can
summon up from the bowels Of histrionic
hate. doubtless served to ease the feelings
OF a pair OF New York pickpockets who
discovered. after doing a clever bit OF
work. that their reward was a fat roll OF
stage money" Lofty anticipations Of an
hour were shattered in a moment and their
chagrin tied with the blue ribbon of a put
up job. The story Is worth while. During
the holidays New York candy stores gave
make-believe bills as souvenirs. James
Paul had a sweet tooth. and It wasn't long
before he found himself in possession of
a roll of fake bills. amounting to $4,000.
One day last week. when he paid his fare
on a street car, Jimmy nonchalantly ex-
hibited the monster roll and stuck It care
lessly in his vest pocket. At once two
well dressed young men moved over near
him. one of them held a newspaper so
Jimmy could not see his own vest pocket
and the other knocked off his hat by mis-
take.
Then Jimmy felt a rand paving about
his vest. The hand did not seem able to
locate the right spot and Jimmy felt sorry
for its owner, so he sided around and after
some contortions managed to steer the
light pocket in the line Of grab.
Meantime the other youns man had
found his hat and, apologizlng, both left
the car with the wad.
But Jimmy simply smiled.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15
KNOCK for the Knocksrs.
Boston Heral 4

Admiral sperry's assurance that all the
ships OF his big fleet are returning from
their voyage around the world in better
condition than when they started. and bet
ter than II they had remained at home. is
another ~left-handed compliment to the use.
fulness Of our political navy yards.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

Howard Maxim's invention of a.
noiseless gun has proved a complete
success. Now if he could invent some
noiseless members Of the California
legislature the war rumors might pass
unnoticed
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

The Japanese ambassador at Wash
ington says the Japanese and Ameri-
cans should mix more. When they
mix in California there is a call for
the notice.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

1t is wonderful how much time a
man will spend on the invention of
a noiseless gun when there is wider
and more profitable field in the inven-
tion of a noiseless trolley car.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

The New York legislature is being
urged to pass laws for the better pro-
lection of game. Somebody must have
been breaking into the lair of the tiger
again
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

Senator "Jen' Davis proposes to
publish his speeches in book form.
Now and then some man devises a plan
for getting even with the c~ompositors
and the prOofreaders.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

Colonel Bryan denies the report that
he was injured in an automobile col
lision in Florida. Colonel Bryan is
fortunate in escaping collisions every
where except at the polls.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

The railroads claim credit for CIV
ing Nebraska a democratic governor
and a democratic legislature. Why,
then. should they be bashful about
asking for legislative favors?
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

One thousand members right away
is the goal set by the Omaha CONNER
cial club. No one, however, need fear
being shut out should he draw No.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

who are the most hopeful people
in the world?" asks a magazine writer.
The residents of Kansas City, who are
still expecting to get a union depot.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

There must be something wrong in
the Navy department plans when the
battleships have to depend upon for
eign colliers for their fuel supplies.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

Governor Haskell OF Oklahoma
pleads guilty to the charge that he has
no intention of resigning to seek a
v%indication at the polls.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

Colonel Goethals estimates the final
cost of the Parma canal at $2S7,O00,-
900, or just a trife more than half the
amount estimated by the expert en-
gineers in the United States senate.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

France and Germany have made an
agreement over Morocco that will be
satisfactory to everybody except the
Moroccans.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

How to Breathe" is the title of a
new book. The person who does not
know how is in a bad way.
Omaha daily bee., 1909-02-15

Hon. billy" Mason is still looking
for some one who would like to trade
a few senatorial votes for some of his
limitless supply of optimism.