davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
interests Ohio Members.

Members of the Ohio delegation in Con-
gress were much exercised over the
slashing of the Battle of Lake Erie
painting in the Capitol rotunda, as II is
the one painting of special interest to
Ohio. The tat:le was fought north OF
Sandusky, on Lake Erie. and Ohio pa
triots like to tell about it. 1t was also
recalled yesterday that the original paint
ing by Powell of the battle hangs in the
state house at Columbus. and the one
that was cut by vandal here in WASH
ington is really n copy, but by the same
artist. There has evep been insistence by
Ohio visitors that the original picture in
Columbus has some stronger original
points Of excellence. but this home pride
has aroused no jealousy at this end of
the line
with the renewed interest in the Perry
painting. some of the Ohio members won
deI ed what had beeome of the Tecumseh
bust that years ago occupied a promi-
nent place in the Capitol corridors.
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
The 9IutIIated Picture.

From the New York Tribune.
The outrageous mutiIation of the paint
ing of The Battle of Lake Erie, in the
Capitol at Washington, may serve as a
reminder of a curious anachronism in
that admired work of art, namely, that
the American flag which forms the CEN
trail feature, and, indeed. the leading
motive of the composition, is repre-
sented with thirteen stripes, whereas the
flag at that time. and for years before
and years afterward, had fifteen stripes.
That is an error, however. which appears
in other historical paintings, while at
least one depicts the Stars and Stripes as
carried at the head of the army long
before the first such flag was made. But
even that is not as bad as the canvas
of an old master, which shows a Roman
soldier in the time of Christ armed with
a blunderbuss!
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
A Lesson in Politics.

~ fhc usual experience in American
,oiitics that the Democratic party is har-
lnonious until election day approach
Is. while the Republicans indulge in all
manner of disputes until the time comes
10 cas-: their ballots, when they once
hgain present solid array.
Nothing could better illustrate the
discipline and cohesion Of the Repub-
lican organization than The spirit in
which President Taft's message urging
a reduction in the duties on wool has
been received. 1t is unnecessary to
emphasize the fact that the wooden
schedule mas been regarded by the
standpartcrs in the Republican party as
cmbodying III perfect degree the prin
ciples of protection, and they have de-
tended it in the past against any sug-
gestion OF change Now. however,
when President TAFT. supported by the
tariff board. asserts that the duties
Ipon raw wool and Woolen manufac-
lures are unwarrantably excessive, he
finds ready acquicsccncc on the part of
Sbosc who have hitherto been antago-
ni5ic 10 reduction. They propose to
acceD, his recommendation that the
schedules shall be lowered
There is only one explanation to
this situation The Republican high
protectioni,t> appreciate the fact that
MIR TAFT is to be the nominee OF their
party next year. Regarding this as
settled, they accept hi, leadership. even
"a; the sacrifice Of previous convictions.
rather than jcopardize the soldity of
their political organization 1t is thus
demonstrated that Mr.. Tai; is not only
the titular hut the actual leader OF his
party The celebrity with which the
Republicans in Congress hasten to ap-
prove his position IS lesson in politi-
cal harmony which is not without its
value
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
Punish the Vandal.

The act of some malicious person i'll
dishguring the painting OF The Battle
OF Lake Erie" in the Senate wing of
the Capitol was a peculiarly fragrant
case of vandalism and should receive
the full punishment of the law. No per-
soDai gain could come from the dis
fgurement of the picture, so that the
act was one of wanton destruction.
Considering the great numbers OF peo-
pie who visit Washington and the null
tiplicity of objects of art and public
property. the Capital suffers little from
the vandal Even the souvenir hunter
has not been SO much in evidence here
as in capitals of the Old World. Wash
ington has also been particularly free
from the miscreant who seeks the de-
struction of works of art in a spirit of
malice Indeed, it is a matter of pride
that the visitors who come year by year
to the Capital City are those who ad-
mire the sights. observe decorum, and
avoid acts which could bring criticism
or censure.
The commission of this fragrant Of
fense calls for special efforts on the
part OF the police to apprehend and
punish the perpetrator as a warning to
others who might be inclined similarly
to vent their spleen upon public prop
erty
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
The Policemen and Firemen.

Once again the policemen and fire
men who are upon the pension roll, to-
Gcthcr with the widows and children
of the men who sacrificed their lives
in the line of duty. arc to be deprived
Of a portion of the sums allotted to
them each month The revenues which
make up the pension fund are sadly in
adequate
There ought to he a determined eff
tort on the part of the District Com
missioners and the citizens OF the Dis
trict, as soon as Congress reconvenes,
to have the law amended so that this
deprivation will not occur.
There is nothing so Important as keep
ing faith with the men still living who
have faithfully served the city in hazard
Gus duty and with the women and
children who survive those who died in
protecting the city from lawIeSsnes< and
coufagration
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
CANNOT ABOLISH CHRISTMAS,
Joyous Season, Even II II 4. Call
ed n "SemI-pagan SaturnaIfa."

O'OuH ScaSOn, Even If 1t Is Call
ed n "Semi-pagan Saturnalia."
From the Memphis News scimitar
1t always happens. Every wear some
body bobs up with a proposition to aboI-
ish Christmas
This year it is a preacher in New YorI,
State, who says that Christmas has be-
come completely secularized," an occa-
SION for eXtravagances and overwork, a
WEAKNESS and a reproach to religion.
Better abolish the festival" he SAYS.
than make it semi-pagan saturnalia"
1t is quite possible that Santa Claus,
with his sweet traditions, redolent Of
hrotherly love, charity and the impartial
love Of the universal Father of us all.
has done more for the promotion Of real
religion than all the preachers in the
world.
Take Santa Claus and the spirit, senti-
nents and emotions he stands for out of
the world for single generation. and
the true message of Christ would become
incomprehensible to the human mind.
Too many belong to that class who look
upon religion only as the means by which
one secures the eternal salvation of his
own soul Any meaning beyond that is
blank to them.
Real blood-warm. heart-deep sympathy
and love for humanity. such as is repre-
sented in and aroused by Santa Claus at
Christmas time-the sacrifice without hope
Of credit, the giving for the mere sake
Of the blessed JOY of giver and recipient
ere all an 'imposture" and a "semi-pagan
saturnalia'' in the mind of that narrow
ihcarnate selfshness which seeks in re-
ligion only the salvation Of its own stingy
little soul.
Santa Claus may be an 'imposture, d"
but the joy he brings to millions of little
hearts is genuine.
Christmas may be a ''semi-pagan sat
urnalia,'' but it mellows the hearts of
millions of men.
The world cannot afford to lose either
Nor will it.
There is a charm in the name and a
spell in the air that exhilarates youth
as nothing else can, and brings back to
old age the virgin emotions of child
hood. It's spirit is holy, it's traditions en-
nobling. and its sweet superstitions are
sainted
Every instinct lying at the source
of mans moral nature requires that
there be time in the year when for a
few brief hours self may be forgotten,
when the heart may turn tender and the
coarse passions soften, friends be drawn
more closely and enemies forgiven, peace
descend upon US and the glad soul revel
naked in the glorious benediction of the
Yuletide glow.
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
MR.. BAILEY'S TASK.
Mr.. Cannon Sets Him Figuring on
Squirrels and FIeas.

Washington Correspondence New York Tribune.
Up at the United States Treasury there
is short. stout young man who is rapidly
losing the little hair he has left in an
effort to make certain calculations which
are demanded of him by Uncle joe
Cannon. This embryo statesman is none
other than the once jovial Robert o.
Bailey, Assistant Secretary of the Treas
ury who is no kin to the Senator. from
Texas. by the way.
With the guilelessness of youth, Mr..
Bailey recently appeared before a COM
mittee of Congress to enIighten its MEM
| bers on the methods and cost of eradi-
eating the bubonIc plague. Mr.. Bailey
confidently asserted that. following Ru-
! pert Blues discovery that squirrels
carry the plague and were aided and
abetted in their diabolical undertaking
| by fleas, which infest squirrels, dogs, and
men with equal impartiality, It was cost
| ing the government something like $23,O00
a month to track the squirrel to his lair
and the flea to his burrow and extermi-
nate them. How much is 1t costing
you per squirrel and per flea?" demanded
| Uncle joe" Mr.. Bailey looked per
picked, and finally responded that s1,OOO,-
900 had been expended and that over 10,OO0
| squirrels infected with the fleas had been
discovered
Mr.. Cannon wanted to know II David
Harum's comment that some leas are
good for a dog because it keeps him from
brooding on being a dog" did not apply
equally to the squirrel. Mr. Bailey thought
that might be true of healthy fieas, but
he doubted it in the case of fleas whose
| little insides were torn with the agonies
! of bubonic plague. Mr.. Cannon wanted to
know on what authority Mr.. Bailey
averred such things of the little insides
of the feas found on these 5000 squirrels,
and Mr.. Bailey promptly answered that It
was on the authority of the Marine Hos
pital Service. Then Uncle joe de-
clared that Congress could not be expect
ed to appropriate money in this hap
hazard way. and instructed Mr.. Bailey
to return TO his department and prepare
careful calculation showing the per
capita cost to the government of catch
ing the squirrels and identifying and in
generating the guilty fieas. And poor
Bailey IS still at IT,
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
WITH THE POLITICAL PROCESSION
Gossip About the Conference Between the President
and Chairman Barnes, and Other Epents

Tecumseh, although an Indian. was one
of the first great men OF Ohio. Years
ago some one found fault with the dis
play of the Tecumseh bust under the
Capitol dome, declaring that as Tecumseh
was killed in the battle of the Thames
hghtings the United States and in the
uniform of a British officer, his bust had
no place among great men of the nation
There could be no dispute about Tecum-
sehs record as a foreign foe. and his
efigy in marble was quietly consigned to
the cellar CT to a museum.
Baltimore Expects Convention.
Col. Robert Grain, of Baltimore. who is
frequently in Washington on Supreme
Court and legislative business, felt fair
" cheerful yesterday about winning the
Democratic national convention for his
home town. Col. Grain was long ago
made chairman of the citizens committee
organized to get the convention, and he
has kept busy with distinguished Demo-
Gratis who will have much to say when
the committee meets in Washington on
January s. Some have brought in tidings
of talk with John McGraw, the member
OF the National Committee for the State
of West Virginia, and McGraw was much
inclined to cast his vote for Baltimore
and to urge similar action on members
of the committee from many other States
1t happens that Baltimore is a good deal
of market for west Virginia products,
coal. timber. and the like, so the support
OF the State is TO some extent matter
OF loyalty. In the days of Democratic
nominations before the civil war. Balti-
more was a favorite meeting place for
Democrats when they named a Presi-
dent. and there Is some careful intf-
nation that the Democrats of this day
and generation might do we'll to try
Baltimore once more, and be hopeful OF
success
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22

named Poindexter here that used to
keep things stirred up
And whatever became of him?' in
quired Poindexter.
The old resident looked off across
country and tried to think Lets see"
he muttered, he moved out West some
'eres, and it seems to me he got into
politics. but I don't know whether he's
still at 1t or not
Senator Robert L. Owen. of Oklahoma,
does not always run according to form,
in a hereditary way. For example, one
would think that the Senator, being an
Indian on his mothers side, would be
carnivorous person, ordering a beef
steak rare at the slightest provocation.
To the contrary, Senator Owen is a
vegetarian, and almost a crank about
his diet. He believes that man can
live for weeks on Battle Creek food,
, and he is a thirty-third degree Fletch-
critic.
There is one respect. however. in
which the half Indian Senator's racial
lnheritence shows itself. And that is
when he goes on a camping trip of a
month or more every summer. He takes
just as naturally to building a camp
| fire, or cooking with limited facilities.
as an autoist does to exceeding speed
limits. He knows, by instinct, that one
should build a small fire and sit close
to it, for warmth, rather than a large
fire that is too hot to be near. Every
thing pertaining to woodlore. finding
trails. and the like, he knows without
learning.
Representative Paul Howland. Of the
Twentieth Ohio district, has a brother
who is physician. Some time ago DIR.
Howland happened to be called to at
tend Ben F. Allen, Washington Corre-
spondent for the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Allen is one of the largest of the
respondents at the Capital. weighing
almost 25O pounds and standing six feet
three inches tall In view OF his vast
proportions politicians and others seldom
talk back to Allen. but on this occa-
sion he was laid up with an liberated
foot and unable to move from his bed.
The doctor pulled out a queer shaped
and wicked looking little knife and pre-
pared to jab II into the great toe of the
big correspondent
Hold on there, aren't you going to put
any cocaine on that asked Allen, in
considerable purturbation.
No" said the doctor, smilirgly, as he
slipped his cute little knife in the toe
up to the hilt. You once wrote some
unkind things about my brother. Here's
where the family gets even"
War Secretar,- StmsOn has a number of
personal characteristics that seem to have
grown out of his long association with
Senator Root in the latter's law office in
New York. StimsOn has a way of draw
ing himself up and pushing back his hair
that is almost identical with one of Roots
motions Another one is his manner of
gesturing with one hand held about chest
high and jabbing the atmosphere with
his forefinger.
tCopyright 1911. by Fred c. Kelly. All rights
served.)
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
One Womau's View.

When Mrs Oliver II. P. Belmont.
Ie head of the Political Equality As
sociation. WAS asked a few days ago
10 attend peace banquet in her repre-
sentative capacity she courteousIy but
firmly declined the invitation. She IS
for peace, of course. and she appre-
ciates the fact that the agony of war
always falls most heavily upon the
women of a nation, Equally certain is
she that I'VE women are just as proud
Of our national heritage of resources
and opportunities. and Just as jealous
OF our countrys honor, as the men"
AT the same time. she expresses a grave
doubt whether the constitutional pow
crs given Congress ought to lie dele
gated TO any international court. and she
emphasizes point which is i'll the minds
of many who have not given their full
adherence to the proposed universal
arbitration. She says:
"The nations of Europe do not love
us-we are in their way. To submit
matters affecting our material interests
TO court the majority OF which is
European is like going before a packed
jury, and then to refuse TO abide by its
decision is to run the risk of being ad-
judged in the wrong before the bar of
public opinion of the world even when
convinced of the justice of our cause. I"
Unfortunately, the value of treaties has
suffered of late in public estimation It
has already become known how Russia's
persistent violation of the treaty of I85z
became matter of national concern,
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
Uncle Walt Says To-day:

You broodng sadeyed friend DER the grefs you must
endure you troubles without end you're neglected you
poor, you bear a heavy load, unassisted,
THE DoLEFUL your back and you're weary of the road
DUMPS and your lver's of whack. And it all
comes down to this you with sefshness
fraugt and you'll sample bliss till you change your mode
of thought Think of others and then when the tears run
down your neck this great gray world of you but
little speck On way this planet goes, twill journey when
YOU die your payunish worth single sigh
Think of others when you feel like martyr boiled e think
of others suffering beneath smile Think OF men who
prayey scrap all their lives without whine, and you'll sicken
of the chap who will urmur repne Think of you
aid think of you cheer and the crouch you
wear will fade, and you'll smile from ear to ear.
Copyright. p Geo. Adam., WALT MASON.
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
A LITTLE NONSENSE.
BOUNTIFUL CROPS.

We see Dame Nature now appear
In lavish mood:
And all things stamp the current yea
As being good.
The russet shocks are standing high
In every field.
We got of wheat and corn and rye
banner yield.
We raised lot of beans and peas
And oats and hops:
And all the sturdy Christmas trees
Bear bumper crops
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
Conflict I'm Opinion.

From the Chattauooga Times.
Don't kiss the dog; 1t is most dangerous,
and mouth diseases will follow, says one
medical authority. Kiss the dog all you
please; there is no danger OF disease
therefrom. says another scientific sharp.
This conflict OF opinion is simply terrible
and leaves an agitated nation no other
recourse than to flip up coin to settle
the burning canine osculation question.
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
"DOc" wiIey'a Bread.

From the Nashville TennesSean.
Mrs. Harvey w. Wiley, the wife OF the
pure-food expert. complains because she
has to go three miles for loaf Of bread
which the parcel post should deliver to
her for a small fee. But we supposed the
doctor ate homemade bread, kneaded In
an antlseptic kitchen and baked In a
sterilized oven.
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
Signs of a Break,

Jim must love you. Gertrude"
Why"
Keeps coming to see you with Christ
mas looming up
Yes: but he's getting very quarrel
some of late"
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
4 MaEnate'2 Son.

Father. little Willie expects some gilt
edged bonds in his stocking"
Il know he does, but I've been under
considerable expense this Christmas.
He'll be just as happy with a bunch of
common stock"
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
Nothing Else.

I'm trying to catch up with my diary
before the end of the year Haven't writ
ten anything in it for two months"
But can you remember what you did
every day."
'Of course. I played bridge"
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
Her BeautifuI Life.

Ffum the Raleigh News and Observer,
The serious illness Of Clara Barton at
the Christmas season emphasizes the
great work she has done. She win be
ninety years old on Christmas Day. The
Christian idea in the world has been
strengthened by her unselfish and beau
tiful life.
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
kansaN Is for Tat.

Il must admit that l was hardly a
Taft man before the convention of 1905, -
remarked Philip Pitt Campbell. member
of Congress from Kansas. last night. II
was for Dolliver. then Senator from
Iowa, and now dead, and it was my opin-
ion that If President Roosevelt insisted
on taking some one from his cabinet.
Root was the best equipped. and l told
Roosevelt so In the White House. How
ever. his judgment was better than mine,
and no one can excel me in approval
of the nomination made by our last
national convention.
There is no stronger Taft man on the
map than your humble servant, and l
can predict that Kansas will be much
more for denomination than for the first
selection of nearly four years ago. There
is joy among the Taft people in Kansas
that Frank McLannan. owner of the To-
peka State Journal, has come out square,
ly for the President. Hitherto the paper
has been cordial but rather independent
Now it demands Taft's denomination and
election leading all other journals in
our State in praise of the President and
approval of his administration. No one
President but this McLannan insistence
helps wonderfully, and we are proud
of it,
kansas was ever for Roosevelt. and
admires him still, but we have taken him
at his word that he is not a candidate
and we beg leave to inform him that his
Judgment in the selection OF a candidate
for President was good in 1908, and we
wish to approve it another four years. d"
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
No Doubt.

TT is said that King George smokes
cigars costing 81 apiece"
Il suppose even the ones he gets at
Christmas are pretty fair"
Distressing Case.
I've pitied the maiden
With nothing to wear,
a girl heavy-Iaden
And burdened with care.
But now l must drop her,
To others attend.
And pity the shopper
With nothing to spend.
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
4 Distressing Case
Dads UItImatum.

daughter. how many young men are
you interested in just now"
"Oh. four or five. papa. Why"
Il buy a Christmas present for one
beau, and no more. That's why"
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
HarmOn's Headquarters.

ii was rumored Wednesday night and
all of yesterday. that Hugh Nichols, the
real Harmon manger from Ohio, had
slipped into town and was actually open
ing up a Harmon headquarters, without
advice or consent. There was much
hunting of Hugh by the Democrats who
have long yearned to get little closer
to the Harmon end of things, and who
have not hesitated to express a desire
for attachment to the pay roll. Somehow
or other the word has passed in Wash
ington that the Harmon campaign is
going to have more money than all the
others combined. and there is a restless
feeling among those who connect with
some Presidential ambitions every four
years. The hunt for Nichols was in vain,
and finally word came that he was not
due with his headquarters room and
typewriters until after Christmas. 1t is
expected that following New Years Day
the work for Harmon here in Washing
ton. will be done openly and with some
flourish The apparent tendency of New
York Democrats to favor Harmon, and
the unexpected activity in behalf of New
York as the convention city. has caused
some anxiety in the Woodrow Wilson
camp
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22

In reappointing Judge Mullowny to the
police court bench President Taft has
recognized efficient service and has graft
fed the large circle of Judge Mullowny's
friends. The commendation bestowed
through a second appointment is richly
deserved.
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22

Georgia woman. while in a religious
frenzy. drowned herself IN the attempt
10 walk on water. She should nave
waited for freeze
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22

1t was intimated by the President to
the Secretary of State that 1t might be
advisable to suggest to the American
Ambassador at st. Petersburg that he
was at liberty TO hint to the Gar that
this country would not be offended II
the old treaty should be mutually but
regretfuIly abrogated.
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22
Uncle PennywIse says;

My grown daughters don't bother to
hang up their stockings any more: but
they are always careful to hang up the
mstletoe.
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22

Isn't it a great oversight that no one
has thought of opening headquarters
for Alton 2. Parker?
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22

Perhaps it was trying to digest all
the various opinions of the Sherman
law which gave Attorney General
Wickersham that attack Of acute indi-
geStion.
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22

The candidates for the Presidency who
are being launched from washington
all hope to behave like boomerangs.
The Washington herald., 1911-12-22

Just now the ambition of all the school
children would be satisfied by having as
long a Christmas recess as the Supreme
Court