davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09
GOVERNMENT BY COMMISSION

In government by commission, another
American city is attempting to free it
self from municipal miTule. Following
a long agitation for civic reform the
citizens of Colorado Springs have adopt
ed a new charter which attempts TO COM
bine the best elements of the so-called
Galveston and Des Moines plans. The
new form of government places all Iegis-
lative. executive, and judicial functions
in the hands of FIVE men elected at large
for terms Of four years, but adds to the
Iowa provisions for the direct expression
of popular viii in the initiative, the re-
call, and the referendum strong CORE
lating power in the hands OF the mayor,
as in the Texas cities. On the whole. the
new charter eliminates several of the
objectionable features Of the Des Molnes
plan. and modihes the "un-American
autocracy' of the Galveston plan.
By the terms OF the Iowa law under
which the cities OF Des Moines and Cedar
Rapids are now operating, the mayor is
the presiding officer OF the commission.
and head Of the department of public
affairs" He has no power of veto and
no power OF appointment greater than
that OF his associates. It is his duty to
bring to the attention of the council such
matters as need attention, and to super
wise the conduct of the other four de-
partments. But in the absence of any
"enacting clause such supervision has
proved meaningless. Under the law II
would seem that the activities OF the
mayor save as a member Of the council
were limited, greeting distinguished visi-
tors. and acting as official press agent
Very different is the position of the
mayor under the new government Of
Colorado Springs. He appoints all NUM-
cipal employees other than the city clerk
and unskilled workmen. subject in some
eases to the recommendation Of the head
of the department involved. and in the
case Of the city solicitor, to the approval
of two members of the council. He may
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09

remove any employe. He may veto any
ordinance making appropriation He
supervises all departments, and has the
power to make his supervision more than
a form. He is required to have all ac-
counts examined at least yearly by an
accountant responsible to him; he may
appoint experts to inquire into the con-
duct of any department Failure or
refusal Cof any officer or employee to ex-
hibit books or papers Ito the mayor
shall be ground for removal"
1t IS not to be denied that the years
government by commission Just closed in
the two Iowa cities has had at least the
appearance Of success. But 1t must not
be forgotten that the new form of gov
eminent was adopted and the present
officers elected on a wave-one might
almost say In a spasm-of character
istically American civic reform. Further
more. the administration of Des Moines
at least, has been in the constant gaze
Of her own citizens and of the whole
country. Thus peculiar conditions have
been favorable to good government.
The Colorado Springs charter makes
several other notifications OF the Des
Moines plan. The Colorado document
creates a department Of public health
and sanitation in charge of one OF the
commissioners: in Des Moines. the health
officer and his assistants are responsible
TO the commissioner of public safety.
Parks and Public Property" and
Streets and Public improvements, -
separate departments under the Iowa
law. are united IN the Department of
Public Works and Property" The pro-
posed charter ingeniously simplifes the
machinery OF election by providing that
whenever a candidate at the primary
election receives a majority of the votes
cast he shall be declared elected. The
ballots as under the Iowa law. shall be
without designation of party af1liation.
Furthermore, the charter provides that
each candidate must make affidavit Ito
the fact that he has not become a candi-
date as the nominee or representative of
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09

deavors to bring about the abolition OF
slavery is. however, more grateful 10
him than ali the other honors he has re-
ceived for this object was the passion of
his youth. which he followed with unre-
hitting enthusiasm and 10 which he gave
the best there was in him
His last coup In this long struggle was
a visit to Rome in 1883. whittier he went
70 obtain Pope Leo's moral support,
which was readily and heartily given
and materially expressed by an encyclic
to the Brazilian bishops favoring the
cause Unhappily this came too late, for
the abolition of slavery had been already
decreed when 1t was promulgated, but it
was none the less appreciated.
Mr.. Nabuco's colleague, Francisco L.
do la Barra, is the fifth Ambassador TO
be appointed from Mexico TO this capital
HIS immediate predecessor was Enrique
creel, who recently returned TO Wash
ington on a special mission in relation
TO the revolution in Nicaragua
Must Possess wealth.
The other Mexican ambassadors were
~ ANDi44f-AoF WI 1SplEpIt ana MI. GdQ-
sasus. all OF whom were men OF note.
ability, and wealth. One must indeed,
possess the latter to MAINTAIN the social
traditions OF the Mexican Embassy,
which has ever been noted for its hospi-
tally and the assiduity with which it's
several chiefs have sought TO cultivate
friendly relations with this government.
During TIE Romeros regime the Next
can Embassy was the gayest center in
town, and those who followed this dis
tinguished man have sought TO emulate
him, an endeavor well-nigh impossible,
for Mr. Romero had lived so long in
America and had been so close to emf
nent men IN this country that he had be-
come a fairly good American and both
looked at things and treated them from
an American standpoint The present
Ambassador, however. is debarred from
entertaining. being at present in deep
mourning for his beautiful and accom-
plished wife, who died in Paris last fall.
It was not simple matter for the
Mexican government to find an accept
able successor 20 Enrique Creel. who Is
not only one of the wealthiest men in
Mexico. but one Of the most influential
and popular, and constantly spoken OF
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09


have benefited by HIS work Spain has
conferred upon him the Ordre Royal II
lustre de Charles III and italy decorated
him with the Ordre De Ia Couronne
d1talie. He has also received degrees
from many universities both in this eOun-
try and Europe. and Slas been elected an
honorary member Of the Royal Academy
Of Madrid.
Japanese Are LOvabie.
Henry Norman. now a member OF Par
lament from South wolverhampton. but
formerly a distinguished figure among
London journalists. a noted traveller. and
one OF the best authorities on Oriental
affairs, especially as they affect England.
now living. once said For my part I
do not think It possible to know Japan
without both liking her and admiring her
greatly" And those who have been
privileged to know the diplomatlsts who
have represented the Flowery Kingdom
at the American capital feel that il is
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09

or because Of any promised support from
any political party or any committee or
convention representing or acting for any
political party"
Opportunity for the direct expression OF
popular will is given by the new charter
The Iowa provisions for the recall, the
initiative and the referendum are all
present. though somewhat modified
Upon petition OF 30 per cent of the
voters, any one of the five commissioners
may be forced to stand for reelection at
any time after the first six months of
his incumbency of office. The six months
freedom recall. an innovation, is designed
70 allow the commissioner opportunity
to work out any policies which may at
first appear unpromising to the popular
eyes petition of Is per cent OF
the voters. as against Is per cent under
the Des Moines plan, forces the council
to submit any measure to popular action
at a special election. Only one such
special election. however. may be held
within twelve months. Upon a petition
OF per cent OF lHe electorate, any
proposed legislation, originating with the
petitioners, will be submitted at the
next general election. Thus the new
form of government secures a maximum
Of direct popular control, without the
Unfairness. expense and turmoil Of fire.
quent elections. For half dozen pro-
fessional agitators to keep the city con-
stantly stirred up would be an impos-
sibility; what stirring up would occur
would doubtless have very salubrious
effect upon the political life OF Colorado
Springs.
Notwithstanding its wide adoption.
municipal government by commission is
yet too young to have proved itself a
panacea for all OF the evils of American
civic rule. The new charter of Colorado
Springs. however. gives promise of a So
luton of some OF the more serious diff
culties encountered by the two earlier
experiments In Texas and Iowa.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09

not possible TO know the Japanese with
out both hiking them and admiring them
greatly" for the japanese ENJOYS have
been. without exception. inen Of singular
ability. Of broad education and views.
and the thoroughness with which they
have Americsnized themselves is a subtle
aat,ery that tickles our national amour
propre-
Mr.. Takahira. who was recently re-
called. left as many friends in America
as he win find in Japan. and his sue
cessor. Baron Uchids. comes TO find
ends who were made more than TWEEN
" years ago when he was an attache Of
the japanese Legation. His appointment
| to Washington in 1883 was, indeed, his
first post abroad and marks the begin
ming of a distinguished and useful ca
reer, for In every onward advance Japan
has made his influence has been felt
While he was secretary OF legation at
London Baron Uchida took an active part
| in negotiating the treaty revision which
resulted in the present treaty now exist
ing between Great Britain and Japan.
the first OF the treaties made with the
several powers abolshing the old regime
OF extraterritoriality in Japan.
He was, too. while stationed at the
Court OF St James, OF great service to
his country in the Japan-China war. and
for his work IN this connection there and
/ later in Pekin he Was decorated with the
order OF the Rising Sun and given a
handsome gratuity in money.
Enters Foreign Office.
From Pekin, where he served from 1895
10 1897, Baron Uchida was transferred to
the foreign office in Tokyo and made di-
rector Of the commercial bureau. and in
the following year he was appointed
chief Of the political bureau October,
/ 1900. marked his promotion 10 vice min
lister OF foreign affairs. post he re-
signed a year later to succeed Count
Komura, who had been appointed min
, lister OF foreign affairs. as minister at
Pekin, a billet for which he was emf
nently fitted, since he had taken a con-
! spicuous part in all that related TO the
1 Boxer uprising when he was connected
with the foreign Office, and was thor
| oughly versed in the political situation al
the Chinese capital, where the breaking
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09
Hunters XIII Big GRIZZLY

Maryvine correspondence San Francisco Gall.
The monster grizzly bear that for years
has been making many sleepless nights
for the farmers, miners. and residents OF
the Northwestern Trinity region has at
last been slain.
This monarch of the forest and slayer
Of small domestic animals was killed by
Thomas Mcdonald. a wealthy mining
man, who has been camping along the
Salmon range In Trinity.
Single-handed, Mcdonald. who is a
mountaineer OF marked ability, killed the
bear after a lively tussie.
The bear weighed 1000 pounds. and IS
the finest and biggest specimen ever seen
in the Trinity Mountain regions. The
animal had for years defed all efforts 10
capture or kill him.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09
SNOW IN JOHANNESBURG.
Town Stopped Doing Business and
Went to Snow baIIing.

Went to Snow baIIinE.
From tbs LONDON Standard
A letter has been received from a resi-
dent in johannesburg dealing with the
recent fall Of snow in that city. The
writer says: "Of course you have seen by
the newspapers Johannesburg's latest ex-
citement. Snow, Of all things. to fall
here! Last Monday there was a rather
cold wind. but the day was clear and
warm on the whole
''On Tuesday morning at o'clock the
ground was covered with five inches OF
snow. and huge flakes falling. II was
lovely sight, certainly. The excitement
throughout the day was intense. People
who had never seen snow before went
crazy, and the order OF the day was snow
balling. They broke thirty windows in
the stock exchange. while two deaths
were caused in the streets through IT,
Not a stroke of business was done that
day. and II was really not safe to walk
through the streets.
>''Boys got on the roofs of buildings and
simply showered down snow balls on any
and every one. One Kaffir boy thought he
had awakened in Heaven. and refused to
work OF eat. II showed heavily all that
day, and by evening there were sixteen
inches of snow. All the trees were in full
leaf. and many branches snapped under
the weight
AT luncheon we heard a crash--a very
tall tree had fallen across the roof of the
house next door. Not being used 10
snow, people had no idea Of clearing It
away, consequently we dwelt in a thick
slush for a couple of days the sun even
tually drying It up. To-day I went out
without a jacket, and an ordinary cot
ton blouse on. The sun was very hot"
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09
FIRES AT SEA
Translation IN Literary Digest

Translation IL Literary Digest
An ingenious device 10 smother fire on
ships by distributing throughout the yes
sci incombustible gases drawn from the
tunnels has been invented by an Austral-
ian. Between 1892 and 1902 no less than
So vessels were reported burned at sea.
not TO speak Of those that doubtless were
destroyed In this way without news of
the fact reaching land. Besides these
fatal fires, there were hundreds Of others
that were extinguished only with great
effort and after more or less damage had
been done. Methods Of fighting fire on
shipboard are now most imperfect. Says
Daniel Belief, writing in Cosmos:
The admission OF water TO the hold is
often insufficient. and may perhaps be
dangerous on account Of its weight,
which diminishes the buoyancy of the
hull. It is needless TO add that it also
may injure the whole cargo. even that
part not reached by the fire. For this
reason steam is often used as a substi-
tute and inventors have also planned to
introduce carbOnic gas
IAN Australian inventor, Mr.. George
Harker has had a very original idea He
also uses incombustible gases to stop the
progress of the fire: but he does not gen.
crate these gases by a special apparatus;
he takes them from the place where they
are naturally found on board every
steamer. He uses the combustion gases
that normally escape through the tunnels
with the smoke and other products OF
the furnaces. -
'The device has already been installed
on a steamer, the Fiona, belonging to an
Australian sugar company. The object
Is to reduce the quantity of oxygen In
the hold Of a burning vessel to a proper
ton so slight that the phenomena of
combustion can no longer go on. Nor
mally this proportion is q per cent. and
Mr.. Harker has proved that If the per-
Centage falls to about IA or Is the flames
resulting from combustion are immedi-
ately arrested. If the reduction of the
oxygen is pushed somewhat farther, the
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09
AMBASSADORS FROM THE ORIENT AND SPANISIAMERICl

as the probable successor of President
Daz when that amiable ruler shall lay
down the reins of Office.
Began IA School Teacher.
Mr.. Creel has. too. the advantage of
American blood and the energy. enthu-
siasm. and sticktoitiveness peculiar to
it. His father. Reuben w. Creel. left
America in the late 4Os to settle In
chihuahua, where he conducted small
store most unsuccessfully, but the son
succeeded where the father failed, and
beginning life as school teacher on
small salary. witch was yet large enough
10 support his parents and their young
children. Mr.. Creel has amassed a for
tune that puts him we'll UP in the list Of
millionaires of the world
The former Mexican Ambassador, In
word. possessed all the characteristics
that Americans admire, and In selecting
his successor the foreign office cast about
for man with similar attributes but
falling 10 find such an one, Mr. de la
Barra. who is the exact antithesis of his
predecessor. was chosen for the post. for
while Mr.. Creel is a brilliant. practical.
and tactful business man. he is far from
being trained or experienced diplomat
ist. as is the present Ambassador who
adds 10 this equipment an agreeable per-
sonality and social qualities OF a high
order
Mr.. de la Barra served long appren-
ticeship in the diplomatic service OF his
country before he was promoted TO his
present post From the time he began
the study Of law in the College of the
city OF Mexico, where he had already
taken degree in academies, he made a
speciality of international law, and since
then he has been constantly interested
in foreign affairs.
Prominent In Diplomacy.
During the five years he occupied a
seat in the federal congress. Mr.. de Ia
Barra was sent by the Mexican Academy
! of Legislation and Jurisprudence as a
delegate TO the Ibero-American judicial
| congress at Madrid. and he took a prom
| inent part in the second Pan-American
congress. which met Ia. the City OF Mex
| leo. At this congress he was made presi-
dent OF the international law committee.
and ne was the chief advocate OF the
measure for the compulsory adjustment
Ct pecuniary claims. At the two follow
| ing congresses. those which convened in
Ecuador and in Rio de Jsneiro, ne ex-
erted considerable influence, and he was
also a conspicuous figure at the second
| peace congress at The Hague
Mr.. de Ia Barra's first diplomatic APP
I poIntment was a most important and
comprehensive one. that OF envoy ex-
| traordinary and minister pIenipOtentiary
TO the South American republics on the
Atlantic side 81 the continent He re-
/ linquished this mission. the conduct of
which was eminentiy successful. to sc-
oept the billet TO the Netherlands and to
/ Belgium.
The leading part Mr.. Dc la Barra has
taken IN the various congresses 10 which
/ he has been a delegate and the special
| commissions int-usted 20 him have
earned for him recognition and decora-
tons from the various governments that
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09
DID YOU SEE LITTLE?
He's Built Like IA Skyscraper With
out Dimensions.

VuA
Richard H. Little. famed not only as
one Of the cleverest of Chicago news
paper men. but as the tallest individual
anywhere outside a sideshow, is in New
York and hunting for a Job. He has
grown weary OF Chicago and wants to
locate in a real metropolis, says the New
York Telegraph.
Mr. Little. who IS six feet three inches
tall and only fifteen inches in circumfer-
ence. attracted much attention on Broad
way yesterday, many nearsighted persons
thinking a wire was being blown I'D the
street and carrying a hat with It. The
genial Richard. however, was not both
cred. He says he is open for anything
from feature writing to war correspond
ence. the latter being his special field.
Mr.. Little was correspondent for the
Chicago Tribune during the Russo-Jap-
anese war, and distinguished himself I'm
mensely. On one occasion he saved Gen.
Kuropatkin and his staff from capture
The general and a small force, among
whom rode Mr.. Little. were surrounded
by japanese cavalry and seemed 10 have
no way of escape. They raised a small
redoubt, but without artillery had no
way Of holding It for any length of
time
It so CHANGED that some bronze paint.
for use in refurnishing camp equipments,
was In the saddle bags Of a minor officer.
A great idea struck the latter and was
approved by the general while Mr.. Lit
tie courageously assented. They painted
Mr.. Little bronze-color and pointed him
over the ramparts at the advancing Japs.
who seeing what they thought was an
enormous cannon trained upon them.
broke in confusion and did not dare re-
turn. Mr.. Little received a handsome
medal from the Car and still wears It
with iustifabIe pride.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09

combustion itself will stop And Mr.
Harker states. with perfect logic, that II
We convey into the hold at the beginning
OF fire the gases of combustion that
are passing out through the funnel be-
fore they reach the outer air we shall
have an atmosphere where fame and
combustion will quickly disappear
Harker's apparatus comprises a small
motor which operates a fan to draw the
furnace gases from the funnel devices
for washing and cleaning them. and then
forcing them into system OF pipes
through which they are distributed 10
any desired part Of the ship. Harker's
machine Is cheap and apparently effec-
tive and may be the means Of saving
much life and property at sea.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09
Couldn't See 1t.

From the Chicago News-
His wife-I ordered a bathing suit
yesterday. and 1t has Just arrived. Do
you want to see it?
Her husband-No, I guess not. II
it is anything like the one you had last
season there isn't much TO see,
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09
Tireless Feminine Orators.

From the London Sketch
There is a physical reason why women
make better speakers than men. and that
is the superior construction of the larnyx.
A woman can give forth a torrent of elo-
quence which would lay low an ordinary
man. She can speak literally for hours
without experiencing undue fatigue.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09

From Bon Vivant
W. are now exactly thousand feet
above the level o. the sea-
What sea?"
THE guide book doesn't say"
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-09
At the Funeral.

Prom the F7legende Blaetter.
It's no use, Susie, I can't cry any
more
II told you you began too early"
Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1910-11-02

brother-in- law, Mr.. and Mrs. F. E.
Norman, was a victim Of a big sur
prise planned by over forty of her
friends last Saturday evening. The
evening was spent pleasantly in a
social way. Various games were
played etc. About midnight
dainty lunch was served after which
they all departed for their homes
leaving Miss Anderson as remem-
brance of the occasion. a neat sum
Of $18.75. 49,
Mrs. August Dahlman and two
little daughters, of Canada, are Wis
ting with her mother, Mrs. A. C.
Holmgren.
George Bergren, of Stockholm,
S. D., spent Friday afternoon and
until Saturday with the Abramson
family.
Mr.. and Mrs. F. johnson and
Miss Annie johnson visited with
relatives at Willmar from Friday
until Saturday.
Mrs. Patrick johnson, from Kerk-
hoven, made a short ,.call around
Mamre the past week.
Mr.. Myhren, the "fruit man.
made a short visit at o. 0. Berg
strom's lately.
Mr.. and Mrs. J. P. EIkjer and
little daughter Agnes, spent
Wednesday at Willmar.
Several around here took in the
auction sale at P. Dahlsten's on
Monday. Tootsy.