davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21
WHAT IS MAYOR WILSON GONG TO DO WITH
 THE PERSONAL TAX-COLLECT II, OR SPEND ITl

The poll tax is only partially co]- iectible. The expense of collecting it is enormous, especially when the cost of making the registration is added
 It is estimated that the poll tax revenue in Bridgeport will reach s35,000, upon which the collection charges will reach 25 per cent. Or dfnary taxes may be collected for one half of one per cent. or less.
 But unscientific and vexatious as it is, the personal tax does exist and the law does require its collection, which opens the inquiry as to the purpose of Mayor Wilson in asking for the resignation of the personal tax col lectors?
 Does he, regard the tax so ini- quitous as to justify disregard of the law?
 Does he intend to keep on collect. ing the tax, and believe that he can do the work at less expense?
 ln the tatler CdSo He WIa oouotiSSs find himself mistaken. The state created the office of special person al tax collector because years of ex- perience had shown that the impost seldom was garnered by the regular collectors.
 Mayor Buckingham, though oppos- ed to the tax, obeyed the law and collected it.
 What will Mayor Wilson do?
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21

sooner the better, that any man who engages in the business of lobbying for hire, shall not hold public or party office during his service in such occupation.
 The rule need not extend to those whose activities are confined to ap- pearance before legislative commit tees for the sole purpose of present. ing testimony, or offering argument.
 Elemental prudence in public af- fairs requires that men whose livli- hood is secured by merchandising in legislation shall nos speak from the authority of party office, and espec- ially not with the authority vested in the titular head of the Republican party.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21
RUSSIA'S ATTITUDE TOWARD THE TREATY OF
 1S31 AND THE RIGHT OF REPATRIATION

It is a principle of International Law that generally a nation may de- sermine whom it will admit within its borders,~ just as a citizen may ordin- .rily determine whom he will admit 10 his home.
 This principle has been recently given application in the case of the Japanese. whom we do not desire to ldmit to this country. It has long been enforced against the Chinese. It governs the relations of Russia and he United States, in the absence of treaty.
 It is the custom for nations who desire to engage in mutual intercourse to make agreements governing their
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21

The personal tax law should be repealed. It establishes an archaic and vexatious tax which is collectible with greatest difficulty, while the cost of collection consumes an enor- nous part of the returns.
 To one familiar with the elemen- tai principles of taxation the truth appears that the personal tax differs from the property tax only in the form of its incidence, and not at all in the fact.
 The property tax is paid finally by the great body of consumers. It matters not a whit financially to the tenant whether he pays a tax through his landlord, or directly to the city, though many tenants do not know this and many landlords do not real ize 1t.
 The tax levied upon the merchant, or the manufacturers, is equally charged into the goods he sells. and the consumer pays the tax bill.
 what then, it may be asked. is the objection to the personal tax, as a fiscaA proposition. If the consumer MUST pay the tax, what does it mat ter whether he pays directly or indi- rectly?
 It Is a principle of good taxation that a tax shall be reasonably equal, which the poll tax is. but above all. collectible without great expense or difficulty, which the poll tax is not.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21

The inhabitants of their respective states shall mutually have liberty to enter the ports, places and rivers of the territories of each party wherever foreign commerce is permitted They sha be at liberty to res de in all parts whatsoever of satd territories in order to attend to their affairs. and they shall enjoy, to that effect the same sa- curity and protection as the ma ives of the country wherein they reside, on condition of their submitting to the laws and ordinances there prevailing and par scularly to the regulations in force concerning commerce.
 1t is under this treaty that natural ized Jewish citizens and Jews born in this country claim the right to travel and sojourn under the protec- tion of American passports in Russia, the same as all other American citi- zens.
 The right of Russia to exclude Jews is not disputed, except in so far as Russia has contracted not to do so.
 At the time the treaty was made there was no Jewish question in Rus sia, and the matter of passports 1o Jewish citizens was not raised until many years thereafter.
 There is therefore, no doubt, of the construction that the parties to the treaty put upon it when they made it. There was no thought of exclud- ing Jews.
 Under the terms of the treaty it he oof bxv of year. The effect of its abrogation would be to terminate all formal commercial relations with Russia This trade might go on, or might not. Its value is not great. This country imports from Russia some ST, 100000 yearly and exports to Russia some s17,000.Oo0. A number of American Trusts have manu- factories in Russia. These trusts are the Harvester Trust, The Singer Sew ing Machine Company and the West inghouse Company. They operate | under Russian charter, and would
 probably not be affected by the change of status
 The Passport question is in Russia a religious question. Russia is not a nation of religious tolerance. The Orthodox church does not favor lib l erality in worship, and is the actual 1 power behind the Russias determin- l ation to exclude the Jews. Neverthe-
 less the question is not entirely Jew 1 ish, for it is raised against Catho- ] aries.
 l Evidently no other remedy than the
 abrogation of the treaty is open, short
 of war. which would not be justifiable
 under the principles of Information
 al Law. and unwise if it were.
 The matter has been considered in
 the political conventions of the great parties, each of which has embodied
 in it's platform a pledge to use all
 legitimate means to secure equal con.
 sideration for all American citizens
 travelling abroad under the author.
 ity of passports issued by the govern ment of the United States There
 fore neither Congress nor the presi-
 dent could honorably take action less 1 drastic than that sought.
 It is to be hoped that a new treaty
 may be negotiated with Russia in
 which thls long mooted question may be honorably settled, even to Russia s | abandonment of it's denial of the | right of repatriation, for the Jewish passport question is complicated with l one once a Russian subject is always l Russian subject.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21
WHY J. HENRY RORABACK SHOULD NOT
 BE TTULAR HEAD OF HIS PARTY

J. Henry Roraback is said not to be 'shankering" to succeed Michael Kenealy of Stamford as chairman of the Republican State Central Com 'anittee. Whether this represents the true attitude of the head of the lobby in Connecticut, or his position is akin to the mild reluctance of the person who wants to be asked again, time will show.
 Certainly the honest citizenship of Connecticut is not "hankering" to have the official head of the Repub- lican party also the official head of the railroad lobby. The union is one to be by all means avoided. The principle should be established. the
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21
RAZE PYNCHEON HOUSE.
Work on DemOlisling Structure By
 Shelf is Started.

New Haven, Dec. 21.-Work on de- molishing the Pyncheon residence on Temple street. -an old landmark of the city, which reverted to the Shelf field Scientific School on the death of the last member of the family. Miss Sarah Pyncheon, was begun yes terday. When the building is razed, the land will be used as an addition to the Sheffield playground which 1t adjoins, until such time as it is de- sired to use it to erect another dor mitory such as is planned ultimately for the completion of Vanderbile square.
 The Historical society, as has been published many times. has an agree ment by which it's building is to be traded for one to be erected on the Fellowes site on Whitney avenue.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21

Roller and Ice Skates, Pop Guns and Air Rifles, Shot, Safety Razors. Ther- mometers, Nut Crackers and Nut Picks. Polo Sti"ks, Bird Cages, Lamps, Cbildren's Knife, Fork and Spoon Set, Fine Carving Sets. Carpet Sweepers, Gas Irons, Corn Peppers. Automobile Sets of Tools and many kinds of Car penter Tools can be bougft at our Ha. d gre Counter. In the N If n De- partment we have Sleis, RlackbOards. Doll Carriages. Drums. Horses, SI,eep. Boys Tool Chests, Wood Guns, Tar gets, Christmas Trees, Candles and Holders, Tinsel, Bells, Santa Claus Fig ures and Masks and hundreds of other good things.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, DISTRICT OF BRIDGEPORT, 4, ESn

November z3th, 1911 Estate of Antonio EegTy. late o< trict deceased.
 The Court of Probate for the Dis trict of Bridgeport hath limited ard allowed six months fror7 ths 1ass hereof for Creditors of s6ld EstAfs fa exhibit their claims for setsleu7su< Those who neglect to present tteIw accounts. properly attested, wfsnf4 said time. will be debarred a rsccr- cry. All persons indebted to said Es- tate are requested to make tmns1k~ ate payment to
 ALEXANDER L. DELANEY. T19ss Admtntsrratox
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21
BERGER WOULD AIM
 ANOTHER BLOW AT
 CHAR OF RUSSIA
Special from United Press.

Washington, Dec. 21.-Victor L. Ber- ger, Socia ist, today introduced a joint resolution calling upon the House to terminate the treaty of 1887 between the United States and Russia. Ber- ger asserted that injuries suffered by citizens and residents of the United States cannot be redressed or avoided " the abrogating of the 1882 treaty, and recommended the termination also of the treaty which provides for the eXtradit on of persons charged wiih crimes and offenses.
 This treaty is most valuable to the CZar in bounding Russian political 'efugees in this country said Ber- ger.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21
DEMONSTRATE ON
 TOM TOBIN'S CAFE

remonstrance against Thomas To- in's place at 8 Middle street, which called the Star Cafe', was filed oday with the county commissioners. Nttorney John P Gray was the re- ;onstrant, but he exrlained afterward
 at he merely signed In behalf of two tents who were circulating a remon- trance. The immediate acKon was
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21

necessary in order to prevent Tobin getting renewal of his license today. It is expected that a remonstrance with large number of signatures will be filed in a few days, and then At torney Gray will withdraw his name. The remonstrance is filed upon the ground of unsuitabi,ity of place.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21
Gifts for the. Housekeeper

Chafing Dishes in copper nickel pate with all ap purtenances, lamps, alcohol flagons trays, spoons and forks with ebony handles, wood spoons and forks, etc.
 Drawngroom Kettles in copper silver nickel Drawngroom Coffee Sets, white porcelain mocha cups in copper holders, very artistic. Steak and Fish Planks in nickel of silver rin1s Crub Sets, Percolaors Casseroes in silver or nickel Pie and Pudding Dishes French Casseroes of earthenware finely glazed onhe interior.
 Petites Marnites' and Custard Cups. Fancy Salt and Sugar Boxes Spice Sets and many ot CT articles that make fascinating pantry. Do you want to send breath from the pine woods? There Sweet Balsam Pillows in mus lin cases, ready for pretty coloring. 3o cts.
 Upholstery Store, third floor. The Autopiano from the Sonnenberg Studio fur nishes delightful music.
 On the second floor 1hp D. m. Rran Ountuattn.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21
lne tn.ied Illuminating c
 1115 Broad Street
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, DISTRICT OF BRIDGEPORT, ss-v PROBATE COURT.

December 18th, 1911 Estate of Mary A. Conlfny late Of the town of Bridgeport in said Dis trict deceased.
 The Court of Probate fer the DtD- trict of Bridgeport. hath Limited sad allowed six months from ths dn<a hereof for Creditors of said Estate e exhibit their claims for settlemsnk- Those who neglect to present tassf accounts, properly attested. wiehfu said time, will be debarred a recov- cry. All persons indebted Co said estate are requested to make immsas~ ate payment to-
 CHARLES A COwLIE. T T2Ossp Admfnts1xator.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21
Pictures.

A very attractive group, popular subjects in appro- priate frames, and good many that extremely tistc Prints, Photogravures, Pastes, Water Colors and Etchings For the living roo the nursery and for mems and dens.
 In the Basement
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21
NOT A WHEEL TURNED
 DURING FUNERAL. SERVICE.

Special from United Press.) Hartford, Dec. 21.-The funeral of
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21

These Lamps furnished only to csxs- toners connected with our serysce-
 CHEAPER and BETTER than any other LIGHT.
 Let us give you an estimate to wsR9 and fit your store or office with theys Lamps.
The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-21

o. N. Laing, superintendent of the Central New England Railroad was held yesterday afternoon. For two minutes during the ceremony, not a wheel turned out of respect for the dead official.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-18
Local Option Victory

The Parks local option bill having passed the senate now goes to the governor for his signature. Last week the statewide prohibitionists made desperate fight in the house to de- feat this bill but they lacked 13 votes of having a majority, and the victory for local option won then in dicated very clearly that radicalism ill the legislature was practically at an end. There was little or no ground for doubt as to the outcome of the contest in the senate, but the oppo- sition was weaker even than had been supposed. Twenty-one to twelve was the vote, and that was decisive enough.
 Alabama is a strong democratic state. Local option is sound demo- cratic doctrine and the legislature in adopting the Parks bill which is. il effect merely a re-affirmation of the local option plank in the democratic platform did that which was right and that which the people demanded. Sup plemental legislation will be necessary to render the general local option measure operative, but future bills bearing on this matter will encounter comparatively small opposition, as- suming that such bills will contain only provisions in harmony with dem- ocratic principles.
 The sentiment in Birmingham is on the side of the dispensary and against the open saloon so far as it relates to strong liquors. It is hoped that a special bill will be passed es- tablishing the dispensary here with out requiring another election. This community has had enough political turmoil. What the people want is rest from politics for a while. The sentiment in Birmingham having been tested at the polls more than once. and this city having gone on record as against prohibition, the legislature will be amply justified in settling the question by direct action.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-18
Work of the Associated Charities

The more the work of the Associa- ted Charities is studied by the chari- table the plainer does it appear that donations to wanderers and mendi- cants on the street are unwise, while gifts to the Associated Charities go farther reaching with considerable certainty the deserving and really needy people. Every appeal made to the Associated Charities is first in vestigated, temporary relief being furnished pending an investigation. This surely is the correct way for dis pensing charitable funds, and the in stitution appeals to the good citizens of the city to study it's methods Whenever they are found correct in discriminate private giving is to a great extent abandoned, and moneys intended for charitable uses are large ly turned over to the Associated Charities. All mendicants are told to go there.
 The socety needs money for it's maintenance and useful activities, and it's appeals should not go un- needed The systematizing of chari- table work has been adopted in many progressive cities, and if our busy citizens would stop long enough to study the methods of our own Asso- ciated Charities they would see to it that the home institution is not lack ing for funds. It should never be for gotten that the capacity of the socie- ty for help to the needy is measured by the funds placed at it's disposal.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-18
BEAUTIFUL BuENos AIRES

From the Washington Herald.
 T thoroughly agree with Charles H. Sherrill, American minister to Argentina, in his views about Buenos Ayres,' said Alfredo Dnitz of Buenos Ayres, at the New Willard last night. "The growth of Buenos Ayres in many respects is sim liar to that of Chicago. We have doubled our population in 12 years. and our dream of making city beautiful of our mu- nicipality has come true. No obstacles were too great to be surmounted.
 When the plans for the construction of the vast docks and wharves were pro- posed 10 years ago the promoters were told that the city would never grow to their proportions. They are built into the sea and provision was made to load freight directly from the ships to wait ing railroad trains. Today the shipping is so enormous that a vessel must walt eight days for a berth.
 When the people of Buenos Ayres de- manded green places in the heart of the city, eight whole city blocks of five and six-story buildings were torn down and planted with trees and shrubbery and grass in five weeks A small army of men did the work.
 ''In the recent centennial celebration, which lasted only three weeks, s3,000, ,GOO was expended for festivities. The south ern city is ahead of North American towns in many ways. There are more beautiful buildings, better municipal life and living conveniences, more comfort. IL costs to live there, though.'' s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-18
Concert Orchestrns

q am glad to see that that section Of the city code which had prohibited Sun day concerts where there was an admis- sion charge, except for charity, has been amended so that high-class musical pro- grammes may be presented here on sun day afternoons the same as in other large cities" said an old music lover. Piano violin and voice recitals and chamber con- certs will henceforth be given from time to time and I hope that the day is not far distant when we may have local orchestra large enough and musicianiy enough to play symphonies and the pest modern overtures. If we start out with schedule for four or five symphony con- certs during the season I believe there will develop sufficient interest in good music to sell enough tickets in advance to almost if not quite, guarantee expen- ses. We might get together an orchestra of B or 36 that would be able to play fairly well, provided there were many re- hearsals. There should be not less than six rehearsals for each concert Ihese rehearsals, of course, would have to be paid for, but all the expenses, lncluolhs soloist, who would command S1oO to s2oo, would not total more than $7OO or SSVo Tickets sold at moderate prices should mean an attendance of not less than looo persons
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-18
A Word About the Weather

The rainfalls of December and Jan uary were deficient, especially in Tex as. but the rainfall of February has been abundant, and the soil through out the south is well filled with mois- ture. Coming just at ploughing time these rains will prove beneficial to the very end of the crop season. 9th CT rains will be needed, and no doubt they will come falling alike on the just and the unjust. The recent rain falls will encourage farmers to in- crease their preparations for the years crops, and altogether the ag- ricultural outlook is promising. The farmers are gathering in mules and farming implements and supplies and large plantings are anticipated by close observers.
 Nor need any one go out of his way to declare that the winter is not ended. It may not be, but since 1873 the latest killing frost occurred in February in twelve years, and in most of those years before the middle of the month. Let no one therefore de- clare with confidence that the present spring-like weather will. soon be cut short and that freezing weather will come back It may not be invited to come back by the weather clerk.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-18
SUCCESSORS OF DICKENS

From the Louisville Courer-Journal.
 The following paragraph is clipped from an article in tho Westminster Gazette.
 Dickens once described the conditions under which he pursued the calling of re- porter-conditions of which his successors could have no conception. He took his shorthand notes of speeches upon the palm of his hand by the light of dark lantern in a postchaise and four galloping through a wild country at the dead of night at the then surprising rate of 15 miles an hour. He once, in the Castle Yard at Exeter, took an election speech ci Lord Russell in the midst of lively fight"
 Nowadays English reporters use short hand a good deal. and their papers publish much more verbatim" matter than gets into the American papers. It is not at all exceptional for American reporters to jot down the gist of a speech upon an en- veiope, or cuff, or keep 1t in their heads and write from memory. Now and then ap error is made. but good deal of live copy is also made by this method, and as a rule the reports are correct in essen tials. The shorthand report of politi- cal speech is correct, but often goes un- read unless the oration is of singular im- portance and is hammered to crispness hv the orator before it Is delivered.
 Dickens did nothing in the way of diff cult reporting that is not done every day in the week by hundreds of young men ill America And yet there are large num- bers of newspaper readers who are inn patient with the slightest inaccuracy or the press. They forget that the newspa- pers are usually much more in accord as to the events that transpired between dinner time and breakfast time than the histories are as to events that have been the subject of investigation for centuries.