davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
Teaching TeIenhone Talk.
From the Electrical World.

From The Electrical World.
For a long time telephone companies
have instructed their operators 20 use
the word 20" instead OF the numeraI
"naught" This is intended 10 do away
with errors. For instance, "FIYe-double-
Delight comes more certainly over the
telephone than five thousand and eight
or .'ffty-naUEht-eighL" Following this,
an EFFORT is being made 20 Identity the
digit three" by triilng the rs Wher-
ever three" occUrs I'm telephone num-
Der the operators IN some or the large
exchanges now trill the word so that 1t
becomes 'thr-r-r-ree. The purpose OF
this IS far from being affectation. but a
laborious effort TO Identify this mineral
at least SO that II may not be confused
with others. II some method could be
devised similarly 10 diferentlate Eve"
and nine" telephone traffic managers
would rejoice. With the same long vowel
sound and with an indistinct aspirate in
the case OF Eve" these numbers are
often confused, and errors result in max
ing connections.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
Worthy of Prompt Confirmation

Chairman Gallinger and the entire Sen
ate Committee on Affairs OF the District
OF Columbia are so well informed
touching local conditions in the City
of Washington that they viii give soant
consideration. we fancy. TO the iIl-found-
ed objections that have been raised 10
the confirmation OF one of the nomina-
tons for Commissloner-that Of Gen. John
a. Johnston.
Washington is singularly fortunate. as
we view It. that Gen. Johnston is willing
to give the District his services. Certainly
the inadequate salary attached TO the po-
sition could not appeal 10 a man OF h.
station in the slightest degree. and he
very fact that he stands ready 10 make
the sacrifices involved in assuming the
burdensome duties and responsibilities re-
veals public spirit that shows unmis-
takably that ne is the sort Of man the
District wants and needs.
Far from being valid objection. his
army training and experience enhance
his eligibility and constitute a distinct
advantage. Correct methods and quick
action are assured at his hands. II such
man were taken from the army and
assigned TO this position. which is i'm
possible under the law, we should feel
that opposition was quite warranted; but
Gen, Johnston left the army years ago
voluntarily resigned, after valiant and
distinguished service-and the suggestion
that his nomination means militarism in
the District, or even hints at Il. Is the
veriest nonsense. AS We have said before.
and as is understood in weIl-lnformed
quarters, he is a Washington business
man, a man Of affairs. equipped thor
oughly for the duties Of the Office. What
more could be asked?
The objection because he is not a Demo
crat is equally invalid Partisanship did
not figure. even remotely, IN the appoint
ments. If Mr.. Rudolph and Gen. John
stOn had both happened to be Democrats.
the President would as readily have
nominated them. We doubt whether he
even paused TO make the most casual
inquiry rs to the politics OF either. Why
should he have done so? Progressive
municipalities throughout the country are
getting away from partisan rule. Here
it has never been the order Of the day.
Good citizenship is behind all welI-gov-
erned municipalities-not partisanship.
This IS true the country over. and the
Presidents course in disregardiug a mean
ingless precedent is in thorough keeping
with the spirit Of the times
The Senate Committee can best serve the
District by speedily confirming these
nominations and checking promptly an
unwholesome and Improbable agitation.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
Weight and MIIItnrne.s.

u is asserted that the Delaware ana
Hudson Railroad has decided tat all
shop employees weighing less than $50
pounds or more than forty-fye years old
shall be discharged This adds a new
complication 10 the struggle for existence
\ man weighing 80 pounds IS not large
man, but there are legions OF men who
weigh less. Some 90 them have great
physical strength. and. generally speak
ing. the man who weighs less than 80
pounds Will be more physically active
than the man who weighs more. with the
physical activity decreasing IN proportion
90 the increase OF weight So a general
order Of this kind is not only an Injustice
70 the worker. but an injustice 70 the en-
ployer. The rejection OF a I4-pound man
10 employ a lso-pound man is Just as
likely 20 mean that an employer will get
3 less efficient one. and precisely the same
result IS likely % follow the rejection o.
a ffty-year-old man 10 employ a forty
year-Old man II would seem that willing
ness to work should De taken into con-
sideration. Mere strength without de-
vot!on 20 duty IS as economically ex-
pensiye as slave labor
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
Are the Blends Disappearance

An essayist in sociology announces the
discovery that the blond type or American
woman is disappearing. This assertion, if
true. is alarming. not merely from
aesthetic loss, but because or the alleged
historical fact that the worlds most IA
nous women have usually been bonds.
It is said that the change is due 10 the
gradual influence Of the suns rays This
same writer announces his discovery that
blends thrive in Alaska. He would estab-
Esh a reservation OF blends in that chill
land. which viii thus become the source
Of future American civilization. Possibly
he is trying TO boom Alaska. But the
brave young men Of more southern lati-
tudes are not likely 10 allow ali the
blonds, or even any considerable number
of blends, 70 make such migration. Nor
are the blends likely TO undertake their
part of such programme.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
Army Legislation.

One Of the important subjects to en-
gage the attention of the Secretary of
War upon his return to Washington from
his trip 10 Porto Rico viii be the project
Of army reorganization and increase,
which has been the occasion of search
ing investigation and scientific discussion
on the part of the General staff of the
War Department. It is not TO be ex-
pected that a measure Of relief, however
much IL may increase the efficiency of
the military establishment. viii receive
unanimous approval, even among those
experts Of the army who are included in
the benefits of the plan. II is. then, with
no surprise that II Is made known
that there exists within the War De-
parment some critics Of the PROPOSE
ton emanating from the General Staff.
The idea OF having a comprehensive
measure of army organization is an ex-
cellent one. 1t ought 10 appeal TO Con-
gress as a production from an authen-
tic source. worthy OF careful considera-
ton at the Capitol It is conceivable
that harm may be wrought by haphazard
legislation which is applied to fugitive
propositions with the result Of benefit In
fragmentary form.
At the same time, It must be taken into
account that any extensive project which
seeks TO amalgamate many military in
terests and satisfy sometimes conflict
ing service ambitions, will be in jeopardy
IN proportion to tho variety OF elements
composing it, A bill which seeks TO in
crease one branch Of the military stan,
or one arm OF the line Of the army, may
receive Congressional approval during a
session Of Congress. when the measure OF
larger dimensions, OF the proper co-ordi-
mating qualities, would fail OF receiving
committee action, 70 say nothing OF adop-
ton on the floor Of the House or Senate.
This remains a fact IN service legislation,
established by precedence. despite the
Identification OF it as fiagranuy unwise by
those who are interested in military ex-
pansion. There should be. undoubtedly,
well-regulated project for the increase
OF military-navaI personnel and service
organization; but Congress, on the other
hand, can never be sure that the approved
plan Of this session would be retained by
later administration at the War De-
psrtment A favorite Congressional ex-
cuse for inaction has been that the advice
on service legislation derived from the
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10

The near East is changing fast Thus
Port Said. fifty years ago a small Arab
encampment in Egypt. now has 5000
Inhabitants. Piraeus, the port Of Athens.
in 1880 counted one hut To-day the
population IS 5000 Mersine did not exist
ia 1899 when Ibrahim Pasha's fleet an
chored In the roadstead. II now has a
population Of 1900 and ~ the railway
terminus Of the line 10 Adana Beirut,
the chief seaport OF Syria, IN 1850 had
500 Inhabitants. in 1860 about 5000 IN
1885 some 10000, at present more than
10000 GAIA, a Mediterranean port forty
eight miles southwest OF Jerusalem, ia
1910 had a population Of 1000. which IN
1887 had grown TO 1850. IN 1897 10 5000.
In 1907 10 5000 Within the memory OF
Americans still living in Beirut. that city
could not boast a single window pane
Beirut or the present age has modern
palaces, colleges. newspapers, post and
telegraph services, and street lights
Twenty-Five years ago there was not a
single carriage In Beirut. and the ladies'
made their afternoon calls mounted on
donkeys To-day there are COO licensed
vlCtOrias in Beirut besides numerous pr
vate vehicles, including some automo-
biles. electric street cars. and railroads
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
Keep the Purpose In Mind.

Says the Buffalo News:
IF PinchOt and Baninge- would 50 out behind
the barn and have it out, everybody would b sat
isHed,"
While, OF course. We recognize the
above as good-natured iippancy only, yet
We believe it suggests the one grave
danger ahead of the effort 10 get the
Baninger-Pinchot dispute settled right
eousIy and fairly to all parties concerned.
and that is our possible tendency 10
regard the whole thing as a fight In
volvlng politics and persons rather than
large matters OF principle and vital pub
lio concern.
It is entirely probable that the one con-
spicuous trial bearing down on US even
now IS sticking to the text-keeping an
eye on the main issue and the real point
involved. Already there are symptoms In
dicating our inclination 10 take sides ar
bitrarlly and without attempting 10 rea-
son why. Our disposition to follow the
hrrrah now and then rather than the
pleadings in the case has been amply
demonstrated in the past-so completely
that We need not doubt our cheerful will
gness 10 do it again IL the temptation
presents itself too alluringly. Our very
enthusiasm for fair play sometimes leads
us into most ridiculous attitudes; prompts
Us TO say things we have to retract, even
apologize for, in the end; and 81 often
happens that exact justice is impossible
after We have gone too far wrong. and
that despite our most commendable and
valiant efforts 10 square ourselves. Shall
we ever be able to restore 10 Mr.. Peary.
for instance. all that we took from him
when we declined to accept him. after his
twenty-three years Of hard work in the
arctic, as the real discoverer OF lie north
pole? Mr.. Peary offended us-he shocked
our sense Of the fitness Of things-and
we made him pay the price. But.
after all, he was right, and we were
wrong. and we would restore 20 him all
we took away Il only we could. But how
can We? How much better IL would have
been for us TO have bided a time IN pa
tence until the truth might have been
made known in order?
The House Of Representatives has made
a good start IN putting the Balunger-
Pinchot investigation under way-a brave
start. Il should encourage US to calm
ness and poIse the while the work pro-
ceeds. What we all waut-or ought TO
wants 10 know the facts. Congress,
the delegated authority, freighted with
responsibility in the matter. should de-
liver eventually a plain tale, simply told.
one that the layman may understand and
intelhgently consider. And the best way
to aid Congress in enecting this con-
summation so devoutly 10 be wished is TO
restrain ourselves in utterance and IN
thought 20 avoid vehemence or hys-
terra. the one way or the other. as the
investigation moves forward.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
JAPANESE LEARN THINGS.
This COuntry's Wealth and Waste
fuiDess Astonishing to Foreigners.


From the Seattle Post Intelligence.
The members Of the japanese commits
sion, who have been visiting the great
cities Of this country. were profoundly
impressed By many things; among others.
the great resources Of the country. the
wonderful manner in which they are
utilized; the evidence OF incalculable
wealth. extraordinary use OF machinery.
and splendid development Another was
the wastefulness Of Americans, as a
class. IN the home. as well as elsewhere.
II was said that the waste OF an Amer
lean family would support two japanese
families IN comfort: which IS bat para
phrase Of remaszs made many times
about the superior economy with which
household affairs are conducted In the
Older countries, particularly IN cont
mental Europe.
This may be very true. but II IS 10 be
noted, also. that this peculiar wasteful-
ness is not a racial trait. u Is one Of the
habits Of American life which the Euro
pean adopts after he has been domciled
In this country long enough 20 become
Americanized In other respects. and %
grasp the American point q view
The things Of which Americans are eco
nOmical and other countries are wastefgl
are time and physical exertion The
greater percentage Of American waste Is
due 10 the refusal Of Americans % waste
time, especially the well-paid time Of
others, whom they are paying. Raw ma
faFf41 Il often
ter OF dollars and cents. II e more eco
nomical to permit It TO 20 20 waste than
II IS 10 use high-priced labor 70 save g.
AS a minor. and. possibly. a petty Illus
tration, an employer may figure that It is
cheaper. when a highly paid mechanic
drops NAIL for example, for him 70
pick II up, when HIS time may be worth
seventy-fve cents an hour or some such
sum.
An American manufacture will throw
away perfectly good machinery FOR
which he has paid thousands. when bet
ter machinery comes IN. which VIII do
more work with a smaller labor cost. The
American housewife viii use the expen-
sive cuts OF meat because they can be
cooked in a palatah.e manner at a frac-
ton OF the time and trouble that fl would
take 10 make an appetizing dish out OF
the cheaper cuts.
The American does not waste labor,
whatever else he wastes. indeed. most OF
his other wastefulness IS due 10 that one
fact. Labor IS rated at a higher rate here
than anywhere else IN the world IN every
conceivable way. A foreigner visiting TIE
United States Is always inclined 20 hold
up his hands IN horror al American
wastefulness Of material On the other
hand, when an American goes abroad.
one thing which tends 10 arouse feel
ing OF irritation in him. esreciaiIy II he
has been IN the Industrial classes or II he
be an employer OF labor, Is 20 witness the
extraordinary waste Of labor which
passes Unnoted IN all countries save this.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
PEOPLE THINGS.
Cats as Food.

1t appears that woTkmen In breweries in
Brussels have developed an appetite for
stewed cats. 1t Is not explained whether
cats IN breweries acquire a special fla
vor or whether the appetite originates In
economy An old English authority, Top
sci. was Of the opinion that the flesh Of
cats can seldom be free from poison, by
reason of their daily food, eating rats,
and mice. wrens and other birds which
feed on poison, and, above al, the brain
of cat is most poisonous. for it being
above measure dry, stoppeth the animal
spirits that they cannot pass into the
venticle. by reason whereof memory fail
eth. and the infected person faIeth into
a phrenzie." But Topsel was preiudiced
against the cat. The people of Saw who
lived the natural life when Capt. Cook
visited them, preferred cats TO sheep and
goats. In Germany many a cat is sold for
hare, and jugged cat has been rellshed
there by foreign sojourners. The. Swiss
mOuntaineers are said TO eat cats in the
winter, when Isolated by snow.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10

conclusion that Secretary Ballinger and
the President will be upheld says the
Charlotte Observer Which shows how
unfair and inaccurate even the best in
tentiOned may he on occasions when ae-
tuated by an excess of zeal
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
A LITTLE NONSENSE.
NOT so BAD.

Some women with q little hair
Run mighty bluffs,
And re-enforee it here and there
With many puffs.
Some men aver that such a style
Becomes a curse.
think they'd better pause awhile;
1t might be worse.
False hair is harmless. just suppose
The pretty dears
Should want to wear an extra nose
Or phony ears
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10

As appropriate notices for each side OF
the row at this stage thereof We suggest:
For the administration Ballingerites. ''Be-
ware the fury oe a patient man." for the
antt-administrat!on Pinchoites. Whom
the gods would destroy. they first make
mad You do not pay any money. and
you need not make a choice II you prefer
not 10.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10

postage and the provision allowing op-
uonal prepayment they did not come
into general use until 1885. In 1852
stamped envelopes were first introduced.
In 1872 postal cards were authorized, and
IN 1879 double or reply postal cards were
first used
In the English colonies OF America be-
fore 1889 such postal facilities as existed
were supplied by private enterprise IN
that year the first effort was made for
the establishment Of government postal
system.
In lis2 rates Of postage were fixed
which remained Uaaltered for nearly half
a century, They We're; For 80 miles and
under, cents; over 30 miles and not ex-
ceeding 90 miles. S cents, over co and not
exceeding 100, 10 cents: and so on up 10
$50 miles and over. for which the charge
was . cents. In 1sl5 the rate was lowered.
and the postage on letters not exceeding
one-half ounce in weight was fixed at 3
cents tor any distance not exceeding 300
miles; over 800 miles it was 70 cents. In
1S51 it was reduced TO cents for distances
under 1900 miles and cents for distances
above 5000 miles II was not until 1883
that letter postage was reduced to cents
ng OF the famous Council OF Trent. in
S; the founding OF the first Young Men
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10

Mr.. Taft called on Judge Lurton re-
Gently. before the Judge had had an OPP
portunity TO visit the White House. The
incident has been characterized as
pretty nearly everything except I'm
pulsive" Only Mr. Roosevelt could dc
'impulsiye'' things in the Presidency, Il
seems
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10

Perhaps one might incline to wax wroth
or set excited over the so-called REID In
cident' IN recent diplomatic endeavor
were II not for the fact that we have all
come TO recognize our ambassadors.
really, as nothing much more than glori-
fed Jokes maintained for ornamental pur-
poses.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
The Presidents Course.

From the New York Evening Post.
Mt. Taft vel knows that By tie course he hs.
been forced to adopt. he exposes himself and bis
administration to bitter attack. Coming on top Of
other things it may lead, is freely predicted in
Washington 10 open breach in the Republican
party. In any event. the President has embarked
upon = stormy sea.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
Mr.. Wilson'S Az.

From the Springfield Republican
While he was about il, Uncle Jimmy" as
former President delighted 10 call the Secretary Of
Agriculture, made clean sweep Of the Pinchot
group in the Bureau Of Forestry, Three fell at
once. And Uncle Jimmy" welded the Ak lust as
Il he were the real execItioDer The event marks
an epoch in the Taft administration.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10

For saying something about that same
barcarole from la Boheme'." the New
York Mali has been flooded with call
downs from the grand opera folks of
Gotham. incidentally. lot OF people are
wiser to some grand opera information.
too
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10

Anyway, We desire 10 say TO F. P. A.
Of the New York Mail. that IN the matter
Of rhyming gone" and morn" Il can
be done without violating all the pro-
prieties. Gone" for instance, invariably
is "g-o-r-n" IN Georgia
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
Mr.. Vardaman's Presence.

Among the candidates for United States Senator
Ship from Mississippi who gathered at Jackson when
the legislature assembled on January T. the Hon.
James X. Nardaman was the handsUmest. the best
groomed, the suaTest and most self-contsned sena-
torelect John Sharp Williams whose colleague the
lucky win be. Is rather notorious for his tousled
hair and loose string ties.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10

What is the use retaining the study
OF French, German. or other foreign
languages" Inquiries the president of Cor
nell Perhaps the faculty might give this
prexy a long vacation in order that he
may find out.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
Mr.. Taft and Insurgents,

From the Kansas City Times.
It IS hardly credible that President Taft would
lend himself 70 organized plan to discredit and
hamper the progressive members Of Congress IN
their ambitions TO be renoninated ard reelected
Yet persistent rImors have it that the President
viii discriminate against these members in the dis
tribution Of patronage.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
What's the Diff

From the Dayton News.
After all. it does not make SO much DIFF
ference what President Taft says about
whisky. now that all Of the ultimate
consumers" Of that commodity are on
the water wagon.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10

From the New Orleans Picsyue.
Il wogld crrtsiny Be conducive 90 more Harmonious
and Intelligent handling Of American relations
were Secretary Knox 70 make a tour Of the South
eTu republics ard aoquaint himself with the c1ndi.
lions existing ga each.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10

From the Chicago Pest
There IS more 10y IN tie presence Of TIE apostles
Of science over one unknown beast OF the field than
over the ninety and nine known. tagged and CLASH
fed Col. Roosevelt has made glad the gentlemen
Of the Smithsonian by shooting skinninE. and ship
ping hitherto unknown species Of 6toJon.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
One RrnnIf.

I'm glad did my Christmas shopping
early"
Amy particular reason?"
Yes; it gave dads pocketbook chance
TO recuperate IN time for these delightful
January bargain sales"
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
Nothing Doing.

II wonder If your friend. the professor.
would care 70 split a bottle OF wine?"
Il think not. He is very precise and
correct. He wouldn't even split An in
fnitive with you"
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
OutDumbered.

I dearly love TO succor others;
But then you see,
There are so many OF the others
So many OF the needy brothers
So few OF me.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
Mr.. Pinchot's Dismissal.

from the fhliaGelphla PTesS.
The country viii regret that an abs and useful
man in his chosen fed q public WORK should thus
needlessly destroy his usefulness and compel his
dismissal from the government service.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-01-10
The Generous Barber.

From the Taller
Here I say, BE a bit more careful
with that razor; that's the second time
you've cut me-" well, well. so it is;
but there. always deduct ha'penny
for every cut Why, It's nothing for a
man TO go out Of here having won four
pence of me-"