davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
DIVERSITY IN TAXES
A REPUTATION Of Arguments AsainS'
Prouosed Changes In Rate.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Several objections have been re1s :
relative to the proposed bill sueees'eU -
the Mayors Congestion Commiss'on
make the rate OF taxation en- all ouiiu"s
one-half the rate OF taxation on all 'h"D'
Some Of these have no basis. IL 10 W."
tended In the first place that THIS VII
violation OF the Fourteenth Amendment "
the United States Constitution, and ina. u
derives persons OF property without quo
process Of law.
Tho argument is advanced by SENATOR
Martin G.. Sake that the act does not app''
generally to any class OF the entire S.a'o'
but 10 a territorial district. He says tha'
II a direct tax on land we're levied py the
state the people OF Mount vernon WHO
owned unimproved land would pay ABOUT
one-half as much as tho people IN NE"
York on the same kind OF land. MI
saxe's reasoning Is inaccurate. because this
bill does not change the assessment pu'
merely the rate Of taxation, which mas
nothing to do with the assessment.
Mr.. SAKE has also stated that the Dill III
effect imposes two rates Of taxation, higher
on land and lower on buildings. The con-
stitutionality OF this has been settled py
the New York Court OF Appeals iPeopie
agt Romer 1856 y. Y, 2s5). which upheio
tho validity OF an act OF the Legislature
taxing mortgages at q rate different from
that imposed on other personal property.
II is clear, therefore. that no constitutional
question can be raised on this point Since
all buildings are the result Of mans effort.
while no man creates the land, difference
IN the rate Of taxation on land and ouiin-
ings can be based upon this valid dis'inc-
ton between them.
II is also argued that this is class legls-
lation and discrimination OF the worst
type, but the fallacy OF this argument VIII
10 appreciated when It is realized that the
courts can distinguish between lazy and
an earned income. The income from land
is lazy income, and the income from
buildings is an earned income.
JOSIAH c. PUMPELLY.
New York May TO- 1911.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
NO NEW PARTITION.

The rumor reappears that an effort Is
being made by various interests TO har-
monte the differences between the
Brooklyn Rapid Transit Company and
the Interborough Rapid Transit Com
pany. revive the "gentlemen's agree
ment" in some form and divide the ter
ritory Of New York City between them.
II is denied that any such attempt is on
foot but ii is inherently probable enough
to make it worth while to say that any
such partition Of New York would be
The aim of the city in build
ing rapid transit system with its own
money, or largely with It's own money. is
to abolish those arbitrary lines which
traction companies laid down for the
benefit Of their exchequers. The first
step was taken when the present subway
was extended over into Brooklyn. IT was
inevitable then that the public would In
sist upon ignoring borough lines In future
transit development.
If the two present competitors, or any
one acting for them, should fix up new
agreement as to the extent to which each
should be permitted TO invade the others
territory, the city should refuse TO deal
further with either of them. 1t has the
money, or will gradually get the money,
TO build q system Of It's own without re-
gard to 'gentlemen'S agreements" or ar
bitrary demarcations. If either Of the
now bidding is to be success
full st must be on the basis Of supplying
transit facilities for the city as q whole,
without consideration for territorial limi-
tations hitherto recognized. That is the
basis of the present bids The city has
outlived the stage of "gentlemen's agree
ments" and the partition Of its territory
with double fares in view.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13

The Democratic majority in the House
Of Representatives has developed holy
horror Of Monday sessions There's a
reason. The House is afraid to sit on
that day because it is calendar day and
the first bill on the calendar for consid
Grafton is the Anderson pension bill,
which most Democrats don't want TO 60
on record either for or against. Mon
day will therefore remain dies non for
the rest OF this session. illustrating the
fact that in politics there is always more
than one way TO skin the cat.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
THE NEWS THIS MORNING.

CONGRESS.-The Senate did not
meet, and the House. after brief ses-
sion, adjourned until Tuesday
FOREIGN.-King George and Queen
Mary, acclaimed 10y London multitude
opened the Festival Of Empire, an eX-
POSITION Of imperial resources. --- III
the Camorrist trial Alfano, alleged lead
er Of the criminal band, and Aboatemag
sio, the informer accused each other OF
being the real slayer Of Cuocolo. =
The British steamer Westmoreland
crashed into and sank the Spanish
steamer Debayo off Dover England; the
Spanish captain and three sailors were
drowned. - The Pope was unable to
give public audience Yesterday, but his
Musicians did not fear for his health.
- Queen Mother Alexandra has
taken up her residence at Sandringham
Palace. TO remain until after the corona
ton: she was reported in excellent
health. - A. !. Bafour made an
aeroplane fight with Grahame- White at
the exhibition before the Parliamentary
defence committee in London; J. Arm
strong Drexel was injured by fall.
DOMESTIC.-JacobM Dickinson re-
signed as Secretary Of War, and Presl-
cent Taft appointed Henry l.. Stimson,
recently Republican candidate for Gov
ernor Of New York 20 his place in the
Cabinet. == President Taft instructed
Ambassador Wilson to deny in the most
positive terms foolish stories" that the
United States intended to intervene in
Mexico -= All the passengers were
rescued when the Ward Line steamship
Merida sank off the coast of Virginia,
five hours after being rammed by the
Admiral Farrugut. a fruit steamer =
Federal Judge Carpenter, in a decision
at Chicago, ovcrruled the demurrer of
the defendants in the Beef Trust" case.
uphOlding the constitutiOnality of the
Sherman antitrust law. -= Professor
G.. w. Beebe. curator of ornithOlOgy OF
the New York Geological Society. arrived
in San Francisco after Il seventeen
months study Of the pheasant in Asia
Minor.
CITY.-Stocks were dull and heavy.
- O. II. Cheney and Clark Williams
issued statements defending their ac-
tons while at the head of the State De
partment Of Banks. contradicting parts
of Andrew Carnegies evidence regard
ing the Carnegie Trust Company, and
explaining their long silence as respect
10 the grand jury. -= 1t was said
the Brooklyn Rapid Transit was likely
10 recede TO some extent In its subway
offer at the next conference With the
Board Of Estimate committee, on Mon
DAY. == Addressing the conference
on the reform Of criminal law and pro-
cedure at Columbia, Magistrate COrri-
gan favored the appointment OF a Police
Commissioner by the Board Of Estimate
for definite and lengthy term OF years.
THE WEATHER.-lndicati for to-
day: Fair and cooler. The temperature
yesterday: Highest, so degrees; low
est, 6s
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
A TOO COMMON DANGER.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: Reading in your columns that
child was killed by flower pot falling
from an upper window calls TO mind the
fact that few years ago in one OF our
avenues a flower pot fell from a fourth
story window and struck me on the Shout
der. Had II landed on my head l should
not be writing to you now. on investfga-
ton / found that the window was open
and an outward draft had blown the lace
curtain against the flower pot, sending It
down.
A few days ago witnessed a similar ac-
cident IN a good residence street, but no
ono was hurt: the pot was smashed on
tho pavement. The owner leaned out Of
the window, and I asked her whether she
knew that a city ordinance forbids the
placing of such things on window ledge
without a wire OF bar OF some kind TO
prevent them from falling out. She said
she did not and / assured her that such
was the case. q am right, am I not y
Yet the very next day 1 saw another
flower pot on that same window SILL with
no bar Of any kind 70 prevent a repeti-
ton Of the accident.
II appears TO me that our policemen
might properly be instructed to look at all
the windows on their beats and peremp-
torly order the removal Of all flower
pots, bottles, etc, that are standing IN
them without any guard against accident.
ROSSITER JOHNSON.
New York. May 70. 1911.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
IN THE BERKSHIRES.
nv T.legrsph TO Tho Tribune


I,enox, May I2.-Mrs. Gwendolyn Whist.
Ter Howell has arrived at Piumbsted, the
country home Of her aunt, Mrs. Joseph s.
Whistler. where Mrs. Howelrs marriage to
Percy D. Haughton will take place next
Monday. Malcolm G. Haughton, Lawrence
Hauehton and Miss Allison Haughton. Of
Boston. arrived tonight to be guests OF
Miss Caroline T. Lawrence. m Stockbrdgs
Mr.. and Mrs. Henry HOLSTER Pease, who
have been IN Lenox for a short time TO In
spect their property, are TO sail next week
for England 10 spend month In London
Miss Helen c. Butler. who has been a
guest Of her sister Mrs. John B. Swami, In
Stockbridge, has returned to New York.
Mr.. and Mrs. Frank L warrin. who have
been In South Carolina for the spring, Will
open Wyndcote villa, In Stockbrdge, too
morrow.
Mr.. and Mrs, J. Macy wllletts havs
opened their estate, Brookmede In New
Marlboro.
Mrs Frank X. sturgis, who is expected
soon at Clipston Grange, has sent to St
Anne's parish a check for $4,000. TO be ap-
Piled to a fund for new church
Mrs Alexander Sedgw!ck and Miss Chris
tine Sedgwick came UP to Stockbndge to-
day from New York.
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel s. Sands made a.
motor run from New York 70 the Curtis
Hotel to-day by the Hudson River route -
Hudson and across the Taconic Mountains
by the way Of Egremont.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
OWL SERVICE IN THE CHARTER.

Examination Of the so-called Gaynor
charter makes 1t perfectly clear that it
would completely abolish the Civil Ser
vice law, SO far as this city is concerned,
Notwithstanding the opinion of the
Mayor, the Corporation Counsel and
Civil Service Commissioner Creelman TO
The contrary. The bin as drawn gives
the Civil Service Commission power 10
make rules for the administration and
enforcement of Section OF Article V
''of the state constitution" That sec
t1on IS the general one which requires
appointment for merit and fitness to be
determined so far as practicable by COM
Detitive examinations. IL Is vague i'm its
terms. and only so far as its general re-
-quirements are made specific by statute
Is any certain standard Of administration
OF the Civil Service system enfOrcea BILE.
Mayor Gaynor explains that his pur-
pose IS not 10 escape the general require
ments Of the law, but as measure Of
home rule, TO free the city service from
The supervising power Of the state com
mission. The Civil Service law is gen
system in all sections of the state for the
benefit OF all the people. Civil Service
reform in its genesis was move
ment directed not so much to the i'm
provement Of the public service as to
preventing the misuse Of patronage for
the breaking down Of popular govern
ment. If the Civil Service laws in Buff
falo or Syracuse were so violated that
elections could be controlled In those
cities. IL would be q wrong TO the clti-
Zens OF New York City, and. conversely.
n re-establishment OF the spoils system
here would be an attack upon the liber-
ties Of citizens in every part OF the state.
If It Is legitimate. in the name Of home
rule, for the metropolis TO secede from
the state in the matter Of the admins
,tration OF Civil Service laws, there is no
logical defence for state supervision
in Buffalo, or Troy, or Oneida: vet ex-
perience has demonstrated the absolute
necessity OF state supervision in those
cities. In the smaller places the Civil
Service law would be almost dead let
ter but for state supervision. The power
Of investigation possessed by the state
commission has been a great stimulus TO
good work. The municipal commission
here has found ii useful 10 invoke il as
method OF establishing public confidence
in the honesty Of its proceedings. State
supervision tends TO secure a continuity
of policy, and ii has never stood in the
way Of local initiative for the improve
meDt of the service.
Under the present rulings the state
commission must be party to all litiga-
ton TO break down city rules for which
ats approval is required If the state
supervision were abolished this would
no longer be necessary, and the Civil
Service law might be greatly modified by
decisions In cases technically applicable
~ New York City alone. but serving as
precedents to courts I'm other parts OF the
state. Yet the state commission, as ad-
ministrator Of the general law, would
have no chance 10 be heard, and racLs
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
JUSsERAND GUEST AT HARVARD
Commends Exchange of Professors
Drs. Lowell, Eliot and Lawrence Speak.

Cambridge. Mass, May 12.-J. J. Jusse-
rand. French Ambassador 10 the United
States. was the guest OF honor at a dinner
OF the Cosmopolitan Club OF Harvard Uni
verslty. held in Harvard Union this even
ing. In his address NJ. Jusserand referred
briefly to the movement in various coun-
tries TO bring about better understanding
OF one another and alluded to the fact that
Harvard had taken tho lead In tho ex-
change Of professors with those Of Paris.
Seven men of learning" the speaker
said, have visited France and as many
French professors have visited you. can
assure you that your literary or philosophy
cal ambassadors have increased the num-
Der. already so vast in France, Of the
friends and we'll wishers OF your country"
Other speakers at the meeting included
President A. Lawrence Lowell and Charles
w. Eliot president emeritus OF Harvard,
and William Lawrence. Episcopal Bishop
OF Massachusetts
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
At THE WHITE HOUSE.
fFrom The Tribune Bureau.l


Washington. Nav 1.-THE President took
up at to-day's Cabinet meeting the question
OF whether or not tho importation OF arms
into Mexico should be allowed. Tho meetins
was fully attended. all the members Win
tho exception OF the Secretary OF the Treas-
ury. wearing light summer suits and straw
hats Mr.. MacVeagh appeared In tho con-
ventional frock coat and silk hat
Tho President has taken under adv'se~
ment an invitation presented by George
Urban. president OF the Millers Aesociatioh'
Of Buffalo. TO attend tho associations oil"
ner at Niagara Falls on June 10. Judge
Frank II. Kerr. Joseph R. Doyle and James
McConyille. Of Steubenville. Ohio, called 70
urge the President to accept the invitation
presented Some time ago to attend the un-
yelling Of tho statue Of Edwin NJ Stanton,
Secretary of'War In Nncolns Cabinet. The
delegation said that this was the first monu-
ment erected to Mr.. Stanton's memory.
This afternoon the President received
twenty-five Ohio grangers. four hundred
Gospel Mission workers and seventy-nve
members of tho Buffalo Chamber OF Com
merce.
Among the White House callers were Sen
ators Crane, Lea and Rayner' represents
tives Morgan. Broussard and Madison ana
William Loeb. jr.
Several hundred guests attended the mu'
steal given by Mrs. Taft this afternoon on
the White House lawn. Mrs. tart $1,000
with tho President, receiving unoer one OF
the great oaks. The Mozart society, vi
New York, with its chorus OF l32 voices
mn. stationed IN a nlatforrn near the south
pcrtico and near the Marine Band. wh'cn
accompanied all the numbers on the pro-
gren.me. A tea table. decked with flowers
was in a corner under one OF the big trees,
with banks of foliage as background,
while llacs, snowballs and hundreds OF
Towering plants and shrubs added color ana
beauty to the scene. Mrs. Taft, VINO mas
made record for artistic entertainments al
the White House, had FOR her guests per-
sons from resident and official society.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
Brooklyn, May -. 1911.
CELEBRATING ITALIAN UNITY,

To the Editor OF The Tribune:
Sir: In your issue OF yesterday you re-
port Cardinal Gibbons as saying that Pope
Plus Y has won the sympathy OF the
whole Christian world by the unwarrant-
able insult recently offered to him in his
own imperial ETY. OF Rome"
As an ltallan-American. as Waldensian
by birth, and as the descendant OF one who
lost his life on battlefield where he was
defending the rights Of Italy against for
eisners who, az the instlgation Of Rome,
had invaded our beautiful country and en-
shaved many OF It's sons. I beg 10 ask
whether any one has any moro justifica-
tion In calling the recent commemoration
OF the semi-centennial OF Italian unity an
Insult to the Pope than some one else
might who should see IN the American
celebration or July ah Insult" to the
British crown.
AS for the Christian worlds synpa
thizing with the Pope. II seems TO me that
not single true disciple Of the great De-
liverer Christ. can be found who does not
rejoice with the children OF Italy for hav-
Ing. at least in their political affairs. lied"
10 use the words OF Milton, 1.-THE Babylonian
woe" PAIL, LOFTS prrrEA
New York. May 10 1911
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
NEW YORK FROM THE SUBURBS

New York has taken 10 "booing" plays
Wish II had 'booed' lot that have bean
sent out hero as great New York snc-
cesses" denver Republican.
New York's latest skyscraper Is To no
hfty-hve stories high. What splendid az
ercise the top-tloor tenants would gel some
day II the elevators shouldn't hannen ~
be running.-Pittsburg Gazette-Times,
The Appellate Court of New York Inns
decided that force can be used In electing
bill collectors The New York coliectinS
agencies may now be expected 10 AFFORD =
practical solution OF the problem ybat
SHAH We do with our ex-prlze nghterssN.
Cleveland Leader
me New YORK transit lines could carry
cohslueraoiy more people II the seats vera
taken out or the cars. The seats take
up 80 much room as To reduce materialIv
me capacity OF the cars. and we wonder
that the suggestion has not been made
Dy tne transportation companies
cuse Post Standard '''"
Telephone connection between Nav York
anu Denver has been established covering
uis stance or 2,Oll miles This * Interest,
M, put the real interest will come when
M a. YORK can call Reno on the wire and
,ihu OUT now soon that decree Is likely In
W sisnea.-Utica Observer.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS.

fFrom The Tribune Bureau.l
Washington. May y. - The NetheriandS
Minister and Nine Loudon have gone INTO
mourning for Nine. Loudon's father, Allan
Eustis. Of Paris, who died in that city on
Tuesday morning.
The Minister from Norway will leave here
tomorrow on Western trip OF several
weeks.
r. de Lima e Silva, Brazilian charge
dafTaires since February 6, 1910, has re-
ce.ved official announcement from the Bra
lillian diplomatic office OF the appointment
OF Dominica da Cana as ambassador 10
this country. 4 dispatch Tuesday an
nounced opposition to the appointment OUT
Mr.. de Linas advices to-day show that
Notwithstanding an objection. by one or the
Brazilian Senators, the appointment was
confirmed. Mr.. and Mrs. de Lima enter
tanned a number OF guests at dinner To-
night.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
POPE UNABLE TO SEE PUBLIC
Gives Only Private Audiences, but His
Physicians Are Not Alarmed

Rome May l2-Pope Plus Y is still feel.
ing the eHects OF his recent attack OF govt.
ana the public audiences planned for this
morning were suspended. Those who hal
OBTAINED invitations were turned back when
they arrived at tho Vatican.
Inc general condition OF His Holiness
however Is giving little alarm to his ply
siciahs' who permitted the private audiences
set Tor to-day At one OF these the pont,n
had long conversation with Bisbon p,an'
conf Of Ferentino.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
NEW YORK SOCIETY.

Mr.. =. Herbert Johnston gave dinner
soI,oved by q dance. last evening at her
bou,e. No. Is Washington Square North,
for ber nephew. Louis Noel. and his nancAe.
Miss Nathalie Duncan. The guests included
Miss Blanche Potter. Miss p. Love Goodwin,
Ms, Frances 3. Goodwin. Miss Noel john
.ton Reginald B. Rives. Roger Poor.
Grafton Chapman. George Macculloch
Miller. r., Frederick Goodwin and Augusts
Noel. few additional guests came In for
the dancing. which was followed By buf,as
supper.
Mr., d. Henry Knowlton and tho Misses
Knowlton are sailing for Europe to-day u
pass the summer abroad.
Mr. and Mrs. W. N. v. Hoffman havs
taken possession Of their villa a. Trxsda
for the summer.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Harper Poor and ns1
Mildred Poor have arrived In New Yorx
from Europe and are at the Plaza
Mr. and Mrs. Percy r. Pyne have opened
their country place at Bernardsyills. n. J.
for the season
Mrs. Augustus Kountze and Mrs. Kari
w Neuhofr will go TO Lenox next month
and later to the White Mountains.
Mrs. Henry Draper will leave town for
Dobbs Ferry, ~. Y, early next month.
Mr.. and Mrs. Hamilton r. Fairfax VIII
close their house, on Madison avenue, on
June 1 and go to Merrick, Long Island,
where they have taken cottage for the
summer
Mrs. George r. Schiefelin and Miss Dor
othy Schierelin will leave town for Tuxedo
next month. to remain q short time befors
going on to Bar Harbor
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
THE WASTE OF FIRE.

Statistics Of an authoritative nature
which were presented at the annual
meeting OF the fire underwriters the
other day re-emphasize the statement re-
peatedly made in these columns that this
country is guilty Of amazing, discredla-
bic and inexcusable wastefulness In per-
hitting the wholesale destruction or
property by fire. The total loss-roll year
ly is enormous. But then, some will say
with glib chauvinistic egotism. this is an
enormous country. Very well; let us
take the figures not positively but rela-
lively.
In thirteen cities Of Germany last year
there were serious fires, with loss Of
10 cents head OF the population. In
Norway in one city the loss was % cents
In England the loss In eleven cities was
Al cents, and in two in Ireland 1t was
a. cents. France made far less credit
able showing, with loss in eight cities
of % cents head But in 297 cities Of
the United States the loss reached the
monstrous figures Of SO 80 head. That
IS to say, city fire losses In America were
more than two and half times as great
as in France, nearly five and half times
as great as In England, more than nine
ard half times as great as In Norway
and more than twelve and half times as
great as in Germany.
That is grossly dlscreditable to us as
a nation, to our thrift, our ingenuity, our
enterprise, our administrative skill. 1t is
a bitter reproach upon our new-found
zeal for conservation. or what avail is
It to conserve our forests for timber sup
plies If after growing the trees and cut
ting and utilizing the timber we burn It
by millions of dollars worth every year,
largely In preventable fires? And last
year the waste by fire was S25,OO0,O00
more than it was In the year before. We
seem to need fire wardens In our cities
as much as in the woods.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-13
THE CABINET.
from Tho Tribune Bureau

IFrOm Tho IrlDuns buEodu'I
washington, May 12-The Attorney GEN
erai and Mrs. Wickersham had dining WIN
them tonight the British Ambassador ana
Mrs Bryce, Senator Lippitt. the CHEZ OF
staff and Mrs. Leonard Wood, the french
first secretary and Countess dc Peretu
de "a Rocca. the Librarian OF Congress and
Mrs. Herbert Putnam. Mr.. and Mrs. Arnold
Hague, Mr.. and Mrs Lawrence Townsend
Mr.. and Mrs. Allerton Cushman. Mrs. Rob-
ert sturgis, Of New York; Miss Mary Will
iams and Mt. Lowe.
The Attorney General and Mrs. Wicker
sham are entertaining Mrs. Robert Stursis
for several days. They have issued invita-
tons for dinner party for Tuesday,
Nav 49,