davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
VEST POCKET ESSAYS
Ep GEORGE FITCH
Qulck Lunch counter. Anthor Good Old SiBash"

In the United States time Is very valu-
able, because we have only had l55 years
of II, while European nations have sue
ceeded in using up more than Loo years
apiece without getting anywhere In par
deular. In our 1s5 years We have had
to eradicate Indians, baffalCes, and rattle
snakes from 20Oo.oOo square miles Of
territory: build houses equipped with
steam heat and pianos for upward OF
100, Ooo. .0o00 people: construct 2oo.0Oo miles
of railroads; build eco.0o9 churches sad
le.OcO libraries; turn 1000 square miles OF
forest into corahelds and potato patches.
and bring 1000 baseball teams to their
present state Of perfection. Because he
has been busy at all these tasks. the
American citizen has not had much time
to waste on lunch. This accounts for
the quick-Iuneh counter. an invention Oy
which man is able TO enguif four va
rieties OF food and a toothpick In less
time than II takes to flag a waiter in
European restaurant.
The quick-lunch counter is as big a
time saver as the telephone. the auto
mobile, the packing horse. and the lynch
ing bee. With its aid man can lower
enough food into his digestive system in
two minutes TO keep il busy until even
ing and perhaps all night 1t has come
into painting and breathless nation as
a Iong-sought-for boon and only the
loiterer and the diletante now sit down
in a chair and put napkins on their vests
before eating two in-the-water-easy-on
a-raft. with a draw one, and a stack OF
wheats on the side.
The lunch counter Is manned by a
crew OF deft juggiers who can deal sand
witches right and left handed and cut
plate OF pork and beans from under
the deck without spilling SO much as a
bean. Judiciously concealed by a par
tition, a sad-eyed cook prepares five
orders at once on a gasoline stove. In
a Eold-plated restaurant, chef win take
half an hour to prepare an order, and
then get half Of It wrong, but no one
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
SMITHS ISLAND SOLD.
Has Been for Generations In the
Possession of the Lee Family.

Has Been for Generations In the
Possession of the Lee Family.
From the New York Herald
Smiths and Myrtle islands. comprising
an ocean swept domain of 4.oSS acres. op-
posite Cape Charles, has, after lapse
of $50 years or more. passed out of the
ownership of the famous Lee family. Of
virginia. into the hands OF Mr.. Oliver S.
Campbell, Of New York City. The trans
fer of this estate marks the passing Of
another Of the large properties formerly
included in the estates OF Maj. Gen. John
Custfs and Gen. Robert Edward Lee,
the commander OF the Confederate
forces.
OF the early history of Smiths and
Myrtle islands little is known, except that
made to one John Neale, about the year
1886, and that tradition marks it. as one
Of the retreats of Capt. John Smith, OF
Pocahontas fame.
The contract for the sale of the prop
erty was executed by George w. c. Lee,
Mary T. Lee, Robert E. Lee. Col. Robert
E. Lee, and Juliet Carter Lee, his wife;
Mary Custis Lee, and DIR. George Boiling
Lee. The entire domain is Included in the
sale. excepting about sixteen acres used
by the government for lighthouse pur-
peses.
The TiIl OF George Washington Parke
Gusts is the one which states that the
"'estate OF Smiths Island. at the Capes
Of Virginia, Northampton County, is left
TO be sold to assist in paying my grand
daughters lsgacies, TO be sold in such
manner as may be deemed by my execu-
tais most expedient."
II is this estate which, after the lapse
OF many years. has been purchased by
AIR. Campbell.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
A Mother. HeroIsm.
IN the Des SIoinss CAPITAL.

From the Des Moinss CAPITAL.
\ mother, Just one OF the thousands OF
ordinary women of Des Mofnes. dashed
through sitting smoke in her burning
home and saved her baby sleeping up
stairs. 1t is not on the field OF battle
alone, OF even the football gridiron. that
the heroic in life takes place 1t is fire.
Quently very near to US in the common
place. Mrs. B. F. Williams was the
woman who saved her baby. It was Just
another exhibition of mothers heroisnl-
There is not another woman, mother,
in Des Molnes who does not stand ready
any instant to do the same.
All hail to the motheri
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
The Convention City.

With 500 conventions, annual meet
ings, and large gatherings attended by
people from other places TO its credit
for the wear 1911, Washington can lay
Just claim to the title of the conven-
tion city. That this is much larger
number of such gatherings than have
come here in recent years is in part due
to the efforts made by the local trade
bodies through efficient committees to
bring them. but, aside from this effort,
an increasing tendency is manifest on
the part OF associations, societies, and
organizations of national scope to meet
in Washington. The city has so many
advantages which other points do not
possess that executive committees do
not hesitate long when the question Of
the place OF meeting is to be decided.
The largest and most important meet
ing of the year was the last, when the
scholars of the country and scientific
experts gathered at the sessions of the
American Association for the Advance
ment of Science. 1t was the unanimous
opinion of these men that Washington
was the place of all others for such
meeting. 1t is customary. of course, for
such associations TO pass complimentary
resolutions regarding the place where
they meet, expressing satisfaction with
the efforts OF the local committee in
behalf of the delegates. That much is
regarded as due to those who shoulder
the oncrous duty Of caring for the con-
vention. but in the case of the scientists
the expression OF satisfaction with the
place of meeting was made by the MEM
bers of the body over and over again m
private conversation, where no effort at
common politeness was necessary.
Conventions naturally are a great
benefit to the city caring for them
They bring notable people for a short
sojourn; they advertise the city in the
most effective way, and they help the
business community to a recognizable
extent in the patronage of stores, hotels,
cafes, and travelling facilities. Better
still, each convention aids in the exten-
sion of knowledge, the development of
advanced ideas. and the culture of the
people Conventions in the city where
they meet are worth while
Now that the Capital has arrived at
the point where II naturally attracts soo
conventions in a year, manifestly it
owes something TO the conventions in
the-way of better facilities for housing
these gatherings. The city needs a
large convention hall or auditorium, of
modern design, comfort, and arrange
ment, 10 provide suitably for the enter
tainment of the stranger within its gates
1t is to be hoped that local pride, enter
prise, and capital may soon supply this
deficiency.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
Optimistic.

Interviews with leading fnanciers and
business men on the outlook for the new
year are full of optimism. James J.
Hill, who is recognized as a conserva-
tive, says that there is no menace of any
kind in the commercial situation and
everything to hope. James G. Cannon,
president of the Fourth National Bank
of New York City, says that the condi-
tons which present themselves at the
opening of this year are very much bet
ter than twelve months ago The hope
full outlook is not confined to one To-
cality From all sections comes the re-
port that the holiday trade was the larg-
est ever experienced. In Pittsburg, idle
men to the number of 10000 are again
at work, while in New England, the
mills are preparing for an immense busi-
ness.
The balance of trade is heavily in
favor OF the United States; money is
plentiful in the banks, and there is a
reaction against the depression which
has existed. Altogether. there is much
reason for confident anticipation of good
times.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
Uncle Walt Says To-day:

It's good have ks of money put against the rainy
day twill make that day bright and sunny and keep the
hungry wolf away. He is not properly behav-
SAVING MONEY ing who makes plans for winy who
does not see that he is saving portion of his
weekly wage But far and to blow scad al
ready than ghtsted miser who pinces punk
until tev sweat The spendft has charms and gaces
foolish he NAV but one loves the who case
the dollars round until they To die in alnshouse in
prison the mer end for hatred and contempt
Fn his grave there's not friend OH the bucks,
but do make them god nor yet only goal it's better
lac to burn and Shake than let them your soul
tagHst ISL. b 6esrs WALT Mason.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
THE POLITICAL PROCESSION
Col. Harvey I'm wa.hinston.


Col. George Harvey. head of the Har-
per publications. and also very much at
the head of the Woodrow Wilson Presi-
dental procession. looked In on things
social and political in Washington yes
terday.
While not inclined TO draw diagrams
or to post predictions on outer walls.
Col Harvey expressed himself as su-
premeiy satisfied with the present status
OF the Wilson campaign. Asked about
the possible abrogation Of the time-hon-
ored two-thirds rule Of Democratic con-
ventfons. Col Harvsy responded;
What's the use: The two-thirds rule
will remain. but It works no harm to
candidates. Once candidate for Presi-
dent in national convention has ma
jority he viii quickly be given the addl-
tional votes to reach the two-thirds
mark. The delegates win fall over each
other in haste to supply the required
number Of votes. That is the history
OF all Democratic conventions, and no
candidate need fear the. rule or ask that
1t Be annslled.'
As 20 the Wilson campaign, Col. Har-
vey calmly claims that each day shows
the Jersey governor gaining. especially
in the West and Northwest, and more
among the people perhNps than among
politicians.
Col. Harvey expresses no choice for
convention city. saying good words for
Baltimore. st. Louis and Chicago. with
out even mentioning New York. his home
town. "It has been a long time since
Baltimore had a convention. but II was
a popular meeting place in the old days.
was about as far as Col. Harvey would
go. but he admitted that the Baltimore
committee. headed by Col. Grain. was
certainly doing much to win the con-
vention.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

same stool. while the waiter Is hurting
the ironstone dishes used in the last
meal at the washer twenty feet away.
Marvellous feats are performed by lunch
counter patrons. some OF whom are able
to eat half a pie in thirty seconds with
the aid OF a knife alone. Men who eat
rich dinners, lasting from 10 IL o'clock
p. n. and women who live on choco-
late candy look upon the lunch counter
with horror. However. it Is q great
blessing to the business man. II gives
him indigestion. spots In the eyes. and
blind staggers, and compels him to re-
tire from business and take up civillza-
tion at the age OF forty-five.
tCopyright. lsi2. by George Matthew AdamAl
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
.Roe.erelt MIeht Rum,
The Sew York American.

From the New York American.
Poughkeepsie. Dec. 31.-John. Bur-
roughs. the author-naturalist, who has
been on terms OF close intimacy with
Theodore Roosevelt for years, in COM
menting on the political situation, said
yesterday:
II consider the turning Of the people
to Roosevelt as significant Mr.. Roose-
velt is not candidate. but in my opin-
ion. II the call came strong enough he
would consider 1t his duty to respond
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

makes mistakes in a lightning lnnchery-
Time is money at noon. II not at nignt.
and the cook who murdered one and one
half minutes Of SO an hour time would
not last long enough IN a fast foodery 70
walk out BY himself
The lunch counter man nlaEes his pa
trou sit on high stools, 50 they wiz 20
away quicker and give some one else
chance. He can prepare a full meal
in two minutes and three minutes laisr
another man viii be ordering from the
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

James Carson Needham, one OF the
California Representatives in the lower
branch Of Congress, is a sort Of compo-
site double OF various persons scattered
throughout the country.
No matter where he goes. he Is startled
by some total stranger slapping him on
the back and calling him bt somebody's
first name. A few months ago he stood
on a corner in San Francisco, waiting
for a street car Suddenly a man wheeled
him around. shouted ''HulIo, judge" and
then hastily retrested after muttering an
apology.
Once ne was on the rear platform Of a
street car In Omaha, and young man,
crossing the street near the car, yelled
excitedly:
"Hey. there. Uncle George, when d'you
come to town."
In Denver year OF so ago Needhsm
was passing through the gates at the
railway station. on his way to a train,
when n young and beautiful woman
surged forth. grabbed him by the arm
with both hands, and inquired. in a shrin
voice: @
YOU old rascal: Why didn't you tell
me you were coming to town.
And then she discovered her mistake
and disappeared with a wild shrek OF
dismay.
So II goes. II appears that nearly
every State in the union harbors some
body that Needham looks like or that
looks like Needham. For several weeks
Needham had not been taken for any
body, and he was in hopes that with the
passage of time he had developed more
individuality and come TO look like no.
body but himself. Then the other day.
Congressman Rubey. of Missouri, saun-
tered into Needham's Office and said:
''Needham, haven't you got a photo
graph Of yourself that you can let me
have? 1 want to send it to a friend Of
mine for joke"
For a what?" asked Needham,
sharply.
For a Joke" repeated Rubey. Don't
Le offended, though, 1t It's like this.
There's man lives right across the
street from me in my home town who
is ringer for you. and think II would
be fun to send him oneNof your pic
lures"
John Sharp Williams sat himself down
in the Senate restaurant the other noon.
and among other things ordered some
potatoes.
sweet or Irish potstoes?" inquired the
waiter.
williams looked at him toIersntly.
Down in my country" he replied. "a
potato is a potato. or mean a potato
is sweet potato, and an Irish potato Is
another matter. When I said potatoes
meant sweet potatoes. of COURSE"
The incident reminded Williams Of the
time he was living in German boarding
house when attending Heidelberg, and
chanced to discuss one day the potatoes
he got at home. Nobody at the table
believed him. for they were thinking
about Irish potatoes and he was talking
about sweet potatoes. So from then on
he was regarded as an easy-going liar.
and nobody around him would believe a
word he said. II he came in and re-
marked that It was raining everybody. at
once assumed that there must be a
cloudless sky without.
At last he got so tired OF the atmos-
phere of disdainful incredulity that he
moved TO another boarding place. where
he carefully avoided any mention OF po-
tatoes
"I'n bet YOU" declares Williams, that
If I were to go over there and tell any
OF those people what a great statesman
have become-and undoubtedly 1 am
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
Gov. Foss' inauguration.


Gov. Foss. Of Massachusetts,. will begin
another term this week, with consider
able ceremony at the Inauguration. Not
only the Democrats of his own state will
make the event something out OF the
ordinary, coming as Il does in Presi-
Dental year, but Democrats OF all New
England are inclined to celebrate the
recent victory not only OF Foss, but Of
others in that region during the last two
years. II has occurred to New England
Democrats that they have been doing
pretty well in a hitherto impregnable
Republican territory, and there is fire.
quent suggestions that some part Of
next years Presidential ticket might
well be accorded as reward.
Gov Foss may figure as a candidate
for President. and other States with ia
vorite sons are eager to consider him
for Vice President, II New England win
make a dicker.
One feature OF the coming Foss inau-
guration will be family reunion. George
Edmond Foss, the Republican brother Of
Chicago, has already gone to Boston for
the event The father and mother are
living in Boston, the father hale and
vigorous at eighty-two and the mother
proud OF her sons at the age of seventy
seven. There we're only the two children,
but there are seven grandchildren,
including twin girls in each family. The
total membership Of the Foss family
from grandfather to the youngest grand
child is thirteen, and there is no super
stitious feeling about It.
The Foss brothers were born at St.
Albans. VT One went TO Chicago and
the other to Boston, both having done
very well. despite difference Of opinion
in politics. George Edmond has had
nine elections 10 Congress. and the Bos-
ton brother continues happy enough as
governor. II is matter OF pride with
the Congressman that he served many
years as chairman OF the House Naval
Committee, and during that time -
per cent Of the present American
navy was constructed and organized
With another Republican House and Foss
remaining in Congress. he may well con-
slider himself entitled to the chairman
ship again, but he doesn't discuss the
topic.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

and their sons naturally pay the price
OF their riches sooner or later, as they
should, and probably the school system
needs some change for the better, but
the race and the nation of themselves
are not effeminate or degenerate or
likely to be in dozen generations.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
PoInt. Aeain.t PtohIbItIon.

From the Newark u. ~ star.
Somebody reports seeing a herd OF
white deer in Maine. We are only walt
ing until we hear from the pink moose
to know for sure which way the State
went last fall
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

The Democrats in Congress appear to
think their chances next year would be
better IL the President didn't travel
around so much
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
Liternture Edison Likes.

From the Buffalo Evening News
Thomas A. Edison's remark that when
he reads he does not ike to think, quail
ines him for the perusal OF some mag
akines and Inbre Of recent fiction.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

The main trouble with a plebiscite is
that SO few people who participate in
it are ever delegates TO national con-
vention.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

Russia does not seem to be afraid Of
grabbing right hold Of the yellow peril.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

BY marrying a newspaper man and
living in Pittsburg. Lillian Russell ought
to get plenty Of free advertising.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
The outIook in wi.con.In.


W. ]. Greene, OF Milwaukee. who mod
estIy admits doing his share in the Re-
publican politics Of Wisconsin. looked in
on the President Taft reception yester--
day. and met several Republicans who
wanted to know about La Follette's fol-
lowing in his own State.
"It is evident that the Senator will
have to fight for a solid delegation from
Wisconsin. as he did four years ago."
was the first observation OF Col. Greene.
''You may recall that while La Toilette
seemed to have his State back Of him
in 1905, there was one Republican
Alexander by name-who stood for Taft
continued the Milwaukee visitor.
The Senator will have his troubles in
the same Filth district this year, and.
for that matter all over the State. as
r. L. Philip. who Is looked upon as a
Taft manager for Wisconsin, is at work
10 put up a contest for national dele
gates in every district. II was Philip
who prepared for the Presidents recent
trip through the State, and he did very
wen.
Since that trip the work OF lining up
real Republicans for the President has
gone on steadily and with force enough
TO give the La Toilette folks something
to worry about. President Taft made a
mighty good impression in Wisconsin.
and there has been a more loyal feeling
for him since. II must not be overlooked
that the Socialist vote is strong in Wis
consin, and the la Toilette people realize
that the Socialists will cut in on the
Senator'S vote.
There is not much Roosevelt talk up
our way-nothing like there seems to be
in other States, according TO the news
papers"
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
Rnrcnn shorr ProErcs..

Prom the Kansas City TINES.
Scientific forecasting has progressed TO
q point where ths weather bureau Is able
to predict a cold wave almost as soon
as Il arrives.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

The question in the packers case is
what punishment it is meet to mete out
TO the gentlemen who meet every week
| to FIX the price OF meat
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

The man who swallowed a thermom-
eter to lower his temperature succeeded
so well that he is now as cold as any
other corpse.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

A professor in Michigan university
has abbreviated the alphabet; yet he
probably wishes to be considered a man
Of letters.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

President Taft strongly intimates that
the Executive can accomplish vastly
more for economy in two terms than in
only one.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

Just now. clifford Pinehots political
resources seem badly in need Of con-
servation.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02
MnkInr aIinre-mrnt of hi.

Prom the Rochester Union and Advcrtiser
DR.. Wiley has defined mlnce-meat. and
the paragrsphers are making mlnce-meat
OF his definition,
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

When Col. John Temple Graves pre-
sides over The peace dinner there is sure
to be a riot OF language.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

The Success Magazine was failure
because It could not succeed in living up
TO its own good advice.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

This is the last day We may do those
wicked things We are going to forswear-
until the next time.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

coal Many Of us would like 10 take
the risk IL it were dumped on our prem
ises.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

We are grateful TO Prof. Munroe for
throwing some light upon how we are
to obtain cheaper gas.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

Each political party is perfectly will
ing to economize at the others expense
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

No peace for the impure foodists Doc
Wiley can attack them in six languages.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

And sun the wonder grows that Col
Roosevelt can get nghting mad about
such little thing as peace.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

At least the President Of China can be
sure he is the favorite Sun.
The Washington herald., 1912-01-02

Doesn't it require a certain kind of
genius for literary people 10 discover
they haven't any?