davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
Putting Off and Doing Nothing.

The lack of businesslike methods
In handling the affairs Of our city
government threatens to become
acute. Hardly a matter of impor-
lance comes up before the city council
that is not batted aimlessly about as
il the councilmen either had no
definite ideas of their own, or, il they
had, were afraid to follow them out.
The performance over the gas light
ing contract is one case in point. For
five months the council has been ad-
vertising and re-advertlsing for bids
of various kinds, but merely playing
horse with the bidders by refusing to
let any contracts. Bidders making
offers in good faith to furnish equip
ment and do the work have been
ruled out on technical defects of
notice. In the meanwhile the city is
in no better position than it was at
the start.
In the garbage matter the lack of
businesslike methods is equally fla
grant. 1t has been known all the time
that some provision would have to be
made for garbage collection and dis
posal this summer, but no plans were
perfected. The excuse that the char
ter amendment was vetoed is not
valid, for there were no plans for &C
ton even had it become a law, and
two months have now been frittered
away since the veto, with things left
to take care of themselves.
The tomfoolery played over the
emasculated pool hall regulation ordi-
nance is still fresh in mind, and the
ordinance to regulate the dance halls
reposes in some committee pigeonhole.
The request of the police board on
the council to take care of city Jail
expenses and thus release funds to
employ additional policemen is I'M
acted on. Imagine a private business
establishment run in such a hap
hazard way without heading for bank
ruptcy.
1t is just this sort of putting off
and doing nothing, except draw sala-
ries, that has put popularity into the
commission form of government with
people forced to believe that any
change would be a change for the
better.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
Problem of the Insane.

Official reports show that there are
nearly 1000 inmates of Nebraska
insane asylums, and there are proba-
bly, several hundred detained in other
institutions. The population of Ne
braska as disclosed by the last census
runs slightly under 100000, so that
the percentage is approximately two
insane persons out of every 1000 in
habltants. The real question is
whether this number is disproportion-
ate, and whether the relative amount
of insanity is growing. The whole
subieNt ~ he insane, and their treat
meEt, In this state, in our judgment,
cells urgonCly for careful study with
a view TO a complete recasting of the
laws governing their care and reduc-
tor Of the cost OF maintenance, which
seems excessive.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

remained at home and done his work as
governor Of New Jersey.
Brooklyn Eagle. We sincerely hope the
rumor is true that Sotokichi Uryu is'to be
Japanese ambassador at Washington.
There's a music in his name that is sort o
catchy.
New York sun: The Pcrlpatetic boomlet
has been left on the doorstep of the Peer
less. VIII he take it in? Meanwhile the
fond heart goes out 70 the Hon. Webster
Davis, a Missouri statesman once as loud
as Nehraska's or Jerseys loudest In the
language Of the immortal Web" For
President: Woodram j Brllson."
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
The Dusty Street Problem.

Health and property both suffer
from the dusty street and road in city
and country and yet, except in spor-
adic instances, little has been done to
solve the problem. When we get down
to real business on the good roads
movements, perhaps We shall do some
thing with this dust nuisance. In the
meantime it should receive serious at
tention. Water in the city and oil in
the country are two elements offering
relief from the ban of dusty highways,
and there is supposed to be an mex
haustible supply of each in this coun-
try.
In Springfield, Mass, a street clean
ing conference was recently held, at
which this very question was freely
discussed. Perhaps, the relief lies in
public gatherings of this sort all over
the country to organize public senti-
ment. 1t seems we have to do every
thing in the way of civic improvement
nowadays by first cultiyating public
sentiment anyway. But no matter how
We have, to go about it, 1t will pay If
we can get the dust out Of our lungs
and our clothes and our homes and
our places of business. A person has
very peculiar taste for nick-nacks
who would not prefer mud or smoke
to dust blown from a road or street.
Nothing can be moro uncomfortable
than dust and good many nuisances
we suffer are not as injurious.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
AN ARAB SONG.

Padriac Calum, in the Nation.
Saadi, the poet, stood up, and he put forth
his living words;
His songs were the hurting Of spears and
his figures the flashing Of swords.
With hearts dilated our tribe saw the
creature of Saadis mind
1t was like to the horse of a king, crea-
ture of fire and of wind.
Umimah, my loved one, was by me; with
out love did my eyes see my fawn,
And II fire there were in her being, for me
its splendor was gone.
When the sun storms on the tent It makes
waste the fire Of the grass;
1t was thus with my loved ones beauty
the splendor of song made it pass.
The desert, the march, and the onset
these. and these only avail;
Hands hard with handling of spearshafts,
brows white with the press of the mail.
And as for the kisses of women, these are
honey, the, poet sings. 81 a, .-....
But the honey of liissts, beloved. It Is lime
for the spirits wings.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
The Bees Letter Box
Contributions on Timely Subjects
Not Exoseding Two Hundred words
Are Invited from Our Readers,


OMAHA. MAY 2S-To the Editor Of The
Bee: l do not know the object OF certain
people who are doing 50 much talking
about the criminal conditions in Omaha
but do know our city ought not to be SO
maligned. l looked through a Denver and
Kansas City Daily under dates OF MAJ
"a and Is, and this is the record:
DENNBR-Woman found unconscious at
Twenty1eighth and Champa streets; man
found drugged and robbed at Nineteenth
and California streets; two masked men
hold up and rob street car and escape
man killed and woman injured by auto
mobilesi man Kills one and wounds two
at Brown Palace hotel: girl dies from
beating by unknown person; white boy
Knocked unconscious by negro
KANSAS CITY-Two run down by autos
Bickel arrested, charged with several re-
cent holdups; negro confesses TO four re
cent burglaries; Jay Lynch charged with
two years OF robberies; canvass disclos rs
ninety-nine resorts with 400 white in
mates.
No city Of our size can be free from crime
or criminals, nor can any police force be
adequate to the capture of all offenders
and the enforcement OF all law. but omaha
is comparatively a law abiding, law en-
forcing city, and does not deserve such ad-
vertising as some seem DESTROYS Of giving
it. HARRY b. FLEHARTY.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
EDITORIAL SNAPSHOTS.

Philadelphia Bulletin: A California con
gresham talking Chinese to the house of
representatives Is the nearest approach TO
the yellow peril yet recorded.
st. Louis Globe-Democrat: debating
society is to struggle with the question.
What Shall We Do with the Girl Grad
uates1' This must be preliminary to dis
cussing: What win the Girl Graduates
Do to UsT'
Baltimore American: Woodrow Wilson s
western campaign has not added TO his
chances for the democratic nomination for
the presidency. His speeches have done
him more harm than good and his radical
ism has almost taken Bryan's breath away.
Wilson would have done better to have
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31


WASHINGTON, d. c., May SOTO the
Editor of The Bee: Do your readers know
that In 1873 congress entered into an in
quitous partnership with Washington and
the District of Columbia, by which the
people of the whole country have been
taxed to pay one-haf OF the entire ex-
penses of running the city of Washing
ton? That they pay dollar for dollar for
every dollar paid by residents of Washing
ton on their real and personal property,
this sum amounting to, say, $l5O0OO 600?
And the interest on the citys bonds? That
an addition congress makes and has made
all these years special appropriations
amounting TO hundreds of millions to
Washington for opening streets, for parks,
paving, school houses, engine houses, etc.,
ali that graft and greed could suggest2
Ali this on the plea that the general gov
eminent owns one-half of the property In
Washington, which is scandalously false
as II does not own 20 per cent.
That all this money is spent in a favored
section Of the city, the fashionable north
west. 1t never has spent a dollar for
the poor sections of Washington. and the
slums Of Washington are disgrace.
OF course the government owns its
buildings here, so 1t owns the postoffice,
the barracks in Omaha. Has 1t ever con-
tributed dollar TO omaha's local taxation?
How about New York City with it's
vast and costly government buildings. its
great dry dock and navy yard? They might
as we'll tax the battleships and cruisers tied
up at the wharf or the navy yard.
Why don't you register q kick2 The
residents here want "a city beautiful" the
nations capital with a great big and c,
but at the expense of the outsider.
1910 Mass. Ave. L. N. SONGSHOW.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
GREATEST WOMAN ASTRONOMER
"a Distinct Loss to the World of
Science".
Washington Times

"dSHluBIOn times.
The death of Mrs williamina Patton
Fleming Of the Harvard observatory is a
distinct loss to the world of science. The
quiet little Scotch woman who passed
away at her Cambridge home on Sunday
at the age of 54 was beyond all question
the most distinguished astronomer of her
time. She was the only woman who was
ever given an official position by the Har-
ward corporation, and It may be safely
assumed that this would not have been
done unless she had shown signal merit
in her work. At the time she was chosen
member of the Royal Astronomical so
ciety she had discovered eight Of the
eleven new stars which the watchers of
the skies had found since 1913. Indeed
It is said OF her that she made a greater
number of discoveries in the wide field
of the armament in a period of twenty
years than had been made by all other
astronomers combined in two centuries.
The obstacles against which she had to
contend In early life made her record Of
achievement all the more notable and lent
inspiration to the world of womanhood.
Modest to a degree, she sat nightly, for
practically thirty years, with her tele-
scope pointed toward the heavens, sur
veying the spacious armament on high"
She found Joy in her work and in dying
she left an imperishable legacy to the
world of science. She was one of the
gloriss of her sex, and a splendid example
that achievement, grounded on solid
merit knows but little of the limitations
which are supposed to be prescribed by
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

To the Editor of The Bee: l see by The
Bee that Mr.. Brandeis has placed seats on
the sidewalk north of his beautiful building
for the benefit of tired pedestrians. That
kindly humane act will bring down many a
blessing on the head of Mr.. Brandeis. OF
course, some scotfers will say that 1t Is
only an advertising dodge, but believe it
was prompted by the same kind heart that
established the "children's play room" to
save the tired mothers from hauling their
little ones round the store and the streets
The great business man that entertalns
and works out such ideas is entitled to the
gratitude of the public. A comfortable seat
on a public street is worth more to tired
woman than all the seats in all the parks
MICHAEL LEE.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
SAID IN FUN.

Some OF the worlds greatest patriots
became martyrs remarked the student OK
Eyes" replied Senator Sorghum; many
martyrs were merely insurgents who failed
to acquire a sufficient political pull
Washington star.
My dear young lady" said the smitten
man of means, Il have been talking to
the manager you suggested, and as he Is
convinced OF your ability l Will finance
your tour"
But he was more overjoyod than he had
any need to be when she cried joyfully,
You're an angelI'-Baltimore American.
"Ah proud beauty" exclaimed little
Sniffkins, you spurn my love now, but let
me tell you. l will not always be
clerk. /"
THAT'S So" interrupted the heartless
girl you may lose your job. catholic
Standard and Times.
ST summers-Consarn you, Ebl You said
this here gun you sold me was repeater
Eb Wtnters-It is--but of course you've
got to be some place where there's a darn
good echol-Puck.
"Papa, did Mr.. softleigh call on you
today?
Yes dear"
well, what followed?"
TWO doctors and an ambulance."-
Judge
Yes, see him. He looks commonplace
enough. What's he noted for?"
Conspicuous bravery"
What did he do?"
walked out with his wife when she
wore the first hbrem skirt that was ever
seen on our streets. "-Chicago Tribune.
The youngest brother, listening at the
keyhole OF the parlor door, distinctly hears
this conversation
Dearest l want lock of your hair"
"One Of my COrkscrew Curls Algy?'
Now, Irene, it isn't nice Of you to twist
my meaning like that."-Chcago Tribune.
MY friends, sir, flatter me by telling
me l sing like a bird. DO you think SOP"
Il cannot say yes truthfully, but there is
one bird sincerely wish you did sing
like"
What bird is that?'
"a swan, for his first song is always
his last-Boston Transcript.
Marks-Biggs has trained his cat to bring
his slippers.
Parks-That's nothing. know a writer
on horticulture who has trained cut worms
to sharpen his lead pencils.-Boston Tran
script.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Mr.. Delano. president OF the Wabash. in
discovering that the Interstate Commerce
commissions ruling against the increase Of
freight rates was "a blessing IN disguise"
has found out what unpreJudiced men
knew already. The cure for a falling off in
traffic IA not in the direction OF making
more costly,
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

If a bunch of school boys did bust
ness after the fashion in which our
city council has been toying with the
gas lamp contract they would be
marked down as particularly dull and
stupid. But then, of course, we have
no right to expect as much of council
men who gather in comfortable sala-
ries and perquisites for managing the
city affairs.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

One Of the most effective window DEM
constructors now entertaining gaping New
Workers. moves not. speaks not and draws
no salary but interests the crowd. The
exhibition takes place in florists win
dow. It consists of a huge tin pail Of
water standing ON a table about four feet
from the floor. Hanging over the edge
Of the pail are strips OF muslin varying in
width from one to three inches. These
muslin strips are firmly anchored at one
end inside the pail by means Of weights,
while the other END rests on flower pots
which are arranged IN q circle around the
table
1--WE are giving this demonstration"
the florist said, Ito show people how to
water their plants when they shut up
their apartment and go away for four
or five days at a time. The water soaks
slowly through the muslin into the earth
and keeps II at a uniform moisture. The
width Of the muslin strips varies with
the size Of the flower pots. A pail OF this
size will supply all these flowers for q
week"
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Notice that the railroads nova
days, when they have a bad wreck,
put nothing in the way of letting the
public get all the information 1t can
through the newspapers, 1t is not so
many years ago that it was harder to
find out who was killed or hurt in
railroad wreck than it was to get at
the secrets OF a grand Jury room.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

market seldom seem to bear out such
theory. For proof of the pudding it
will be well to watch and see If the cut
extends to the whole line of steel
products>or is confined to a few side
issues.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
Friends and Enemies of Arbitration
PHILADELPHIA Record

As an eloquent and true friend Of peace
Cardinal Gibbons pleads strongly for the
arbitration treaty between the United
states, England and France. The petitions
against the treaty that are sent to congress
Indicate once more that the worst enemies
of the peace of this country are within in
stead Of without
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
Door Open for All.
New York Tribune


1t is difficult to understand why Ger
many should have waited until now for an
assurance of the willingness of this country
to negotiate with her a general arbitrary
treaty on lines similar to those with Great
Britain and France. There has never been
any ground for doubling that willingness
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

The case involving omaha's electric
lighting franchise has reached the
United States supreme court. Won
der how long it will take to ascertain
whether the court will come to the
lighting company's rescue.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
Not Taken Seriously.

It is more painful than surprising to
notice that Sir wiltrid Laurier doesn't re-
gard that Pike county annexationist the
Honorable Beauchamp Clark as a serious
person. Annexation Is not seriously con-
sidered" by anybody on either side Of the
border, says Sir wilfrid. II Champ is not
serious" ehautauqua is comic.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Governor Vessey wants the world
to know that his state of South Da-
kota has room for 100000 inhabi-
tants, Yes, and bring your wives with
you, gentlemen.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Congressman Norris writes to the
Progressive Republican league of Ne
braska that I'VE ought to make an
attempt to nominate a real progress
sive for president. All right. Who
ia he?
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Before Mr.. Bryan thrusts any more
jabs at Mr.. Carnegie about armor-
plate fomenting war he had better re-
fleet that plowshares also are made OF
steel
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
APRIL CALCULATION.


state OF Nebraska, County OF Douglas, IS:
dwight Williams, circulation manager Oh
The Bee Publishing Company, being duly
sworn, says that the average dally cIcua,
ZION, less spoiled unused ana retuIheu
copies, lOr the month OF April 1911, was
a6,lU6 DWIGHT W WILLIAMS,
Circulation Manager.
Subscribed in my presence ana sworn 10
before me tins lst day OF May. 1911.
(SeaLl ROBERT HUNTER
Notary Pubic.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
Lessons Lined Up.


William Jennings Bryan remarks; eff
there ever were time when / thought
that democracy was confined to one party
I have learned my mistake" Democracy
refused to be so confined in 1896, and
BRYAN has had two review lessons since
then.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

The South Omaha city councilmen
have resolved that they are not
crooked, and to prove it have put a
vote of censure on the councilman
making that impossible suggestion.
That surely settles 1t.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Governor Woodrow Wilson, as
former president of Princeton, ought
to be sure OF the solid vote of the De-
troit base ball team, on the theory of
all Tigers standing together.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

If it will cool the feelings of those
warm-hearted Chicagoans any to know
It, we do not mind saying that snow
has recently fallen In the Yellowstone.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Having secured one conviction.
Kansas is making reQuisition on Ne
braska for two more members of the
gang Of bank robbers that has been
rendezvousing I'm Wymore. No indig-
nant protest from the officials down
here this time.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Evidently County Attorney English
does not care TO enter into a CORE
spondence debate with Governor AL
drich. Mr.. English has always had
we'll developed bump of discretion.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Another Nebraska state bank au-
thorized to convert itself into a ma
tional bank. One effect of that de-
posit guaranty law is plain and indis-
putable, ......
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

New York World.
A te-glass-insurance trust Is com
planned of. II merchants who use plate
glass had as much initiative as farmers
and creamery owners they would combine
in mutual companies to insure themselves
at cost and snap their fingers at the trust.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

A lion got out OF its cage at a meeting
Of Omaha shriners, some OF whom made
Council Bluffs in nothing flat-Chieago
Evening Post.
And others, falling short, were lost
In the river
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
VIII the Courts Heedf

OhICaBO HeCOTu- HerHIu.
Mr., Bryan in his Commoner severely
criticises the United States supreme court,
but there is no probability that the court
will hasten to reverse itself on that ac-
count
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Mayor Gaynor says he could think
in boiler shop. Probably because he
has been thinking SO much of late in
q brass factory.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Every four years certain demo-
cratic statesman repeats; 81 will not
run unless it seems necessary" or
words to that effect. Necessary to
what?
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

subscriBers leaving the city tenn
pOraFily should have The Bes
>4Hiled 10 them. Address Will be
changed as often a. requested.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

A Chicago paper says that every
year somebody discovers that that city
is a summer resort. The discoverer
must be a DIR. Cook.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

John w. Gates may be gambler
and all that, but he seems to have
been the first to speak the truth about
the steel trust, right out in public.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Hope for Walsh and Morse. -
Headline. OF course, the president
only meant to keep them in prison,
not to shut of hope.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

The real trouble with our plans for
world peace, as near as we can gather,
is that they were not made by w. Jen-
nings Bryan.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31
Around New York

nipples on the Current Of Life
as Seen In the Great American
Metropolis from nay TO Day
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Justice Harlan talks almost as il he fav
ored the judicial recall
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

People who like a good fight will
naturally rather regret that Diaz was
not forty years younger when IL came.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Sitting over ton of ice every day,
President Taft, naturally, is able to
discuss all questions quite coolly.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

The saddest day of the year is a
bright, warm Fourth of July with the
home team out of town.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Democracy does things" observes
a North Carolina paper, Yes, "Jeff''
Davis of Arkansas, for instance.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

That tale about a New York man
who spent lis fortune of $4,000
and then blew out his brains must be
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Still another Nebraska postoffice
designated as a postal savings deposit
tory. Getting closer.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Still, the weather man might have
smiled a little more on the old SOL
diers.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Mccall on the recall Is all worth
reading.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

A squad OF policemen rushed from
the West One Hundred and Twenty
Fifth street station, at o'clock In
the morning, when a telephone message
from headquarters announced that hur-
glars were ransacking the Granite Apart
ments at No 80 Morningside avenue. Po-
licemen arrived on the double quick and
surrounded the house, covered the fire es-
capes and roofs and some hid in the park
opposite. search Of nearly twenty min
utes revealed no burglars although two
windows in a vacant apartment on the
ground floor were found OPEN These
rooms were entered by four policemen
with drawn revolvers and uplifted clubs
A flashlamp uncovered the culprit
There me" was on the mantelpiece trying
his best to hide behind small wooden
support. He" was a white cat with a
little mouse held firmly in his jaws and
afraid to say meow because OF the danger
of losing the prize.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

Bring on your Steel trust and let us
test that. too.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

The independent tobacco concerns
will now smoke up.
Omaha daily bee., 1911-05-31

slightly inaccurate. 1t should have
said, he shot himself in the head.