davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
SAYS GOOD is GOD,
NOT GOD is GOOD

To the Editor Of THE TIMES:
Convex 20 r. r. Green my sin ,cre ap-
probation OF his courteous suggestions
IN the religious pourparlers now IN
progress through your Mail Bag. end
his klnd-hearted concern In my saliva
tion along his beliefs. All. my dear
Ir. Green. I think that YOU are, per-
haps unconsciously, more dominated
bv tho natural teachings and actions
than the unnatural claims and miracles
of the man Jesus. / am grieved, there
fore,'to find you asso?iating with those
weaklings of humanity who need n
promise of something good or a threat
of dreadful punishment to make them
righteous.
BY worshiping only the natural in
Jesus ] may be an arian or agnosttc;
but will that cause your good God to
refuse me entrance into his heaven
Moses proclaimed that there is only one
God. and showed visible testimony in
the tables OF law; and Joseph Smith, of
the Mormon Church. proclaimed and re-
ccivcd the sane kind of testimony. and
each are beneficial TO the human kind
that need such methods Of salvation. DO
YOU believe that the God Of Moses, keep
ing in mind that there is only one God.
would do the same by Joseph Smith to
help people? Good Is God. my dear sir.
not God Is good. RANDALL.
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
THINKS THAT MODESTY
IS STILL A MERIT

To the Editor OF THE TIMES:
1t would be very difficult to properly
reply 10 Mr.. Crowley's letter within the
man trundles his usual hoop OF
phrases, and MS saloons were "vesti.
bules Of ha1es' and right hands of
satan," in one letter 30 l am referred
TO with the same grace, refinement and
restraint in this. | am in IAN anony-
NOUS hole whatever that Is. I can
not read correctly, because / do not
gratefully accept all of Mr.. Crowley 8
assertions. Certainly the gentleman did
not say word against the saloon
clergyman few days later came be-
fore the Senate committee and stated
that out of the sixty odd "vestbules of
hades" and right hands of satan" in
his parish, thirty some odd of their
keepers attended his church and con-
tibuted TO the support Of him and his
cause. asked Mr.. Crowley what they
were doing there? II / operated "a
ESstI6HIe Us Of h9dGs 3di,,. ard "a right hand
might lift his eyebrows II walked into
his pew: and, surely a groan or a
grunt. or some heavy artillery in the
way OF a letter Is 1ue when the Same
parish priest goes before i Senate COM
mittee to tell IT how Lice / am.
Not word against the saloonkeep-
err says Mr.. Crowley, and he calls his
place OF business ~ vestibule Of hades!''
As far as my poo. little nom de plume
harm in 1t. Modesty is stll a virtue,
though Mr.. Crowley does not seem to
A LEARNER.
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
ARE TRYING TO LIVE
IN FOOLS PARADISE
To the Editor OF THE TINES:

To the Editor OF THE TINES:
necessarily we are asked, What do
you offer as a substitute for the con-
solations of religion" This means,
Can We exchange for more pleasant
delusion?" Hardly. 1t Is nice to be-
lieve in good angels and fairies, magic
rings and lamps, and the efficacy of
incantations and prayers to succor Us.
But Is 1t true? If not, we are trying
to live in FOOLS paradise and are
bound to be disilusIoned, for nature
is as cruel as the Sphinx to those who
misinterpret her. Know the truth or
die is her stern decree. II God or ma
ture can offer such a staggering blow
to mothers love as the death OF her
ofspring because of ignorance or weak
inheritance lantecedent ignorance).
where Is the reason for believing that
the blow will be mitigated by future
reunion? Leaving aside the dark fea-
lures of theology. the bereaved Rachels
who, through the long centuries, have
be comforted because they were not"
discloseS the weakness of such "conso-
lation." And II that deathless better
land, exists the child unanswered
weep no more?" is still pertinent. For,
as Christian hymn runs, Could We
but our doubts remove" mot Jordan s
stream or deaths cold flood could
IFlgnt us from that Shore.
All we know of the universe science
has taught US, but 1t cannot transcend
experience. Experience and intuition
which is experience stereotyped in flesh
teaches US that nothing is created or
annihilated. AS conscious being is, 1t
must have had a deathless antecedent
Death is but a name for exchange of
state. Living itself is dying. Organlza-
tion Is the mode by which this being
develops into higher life. Matter and
mind are two phases Of a common iden-
tity. The eternal conflict sifts out the
line of development, which Darwin calls
natural selection" Failure to attain
prolonged life is failure to realize life'S
aspirations and hopes. All teaching,
then, that treats this life as of no con-
sequence, and that mans permanent
home is in a far-off heaven, is perni-
Cious. All appeals to miracle and
prayer are the same. Truth is our only
saviour. DAVID ECCLES.
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
HE BELIEVES IN ,.
MINISTERING ANGELS
To the Editor of THE TIMES:

To the Editor of THE TINES
There are few people comparatively
who do not believe in God, but how few
even among Christians will admit that
they believe in ministering spirits or
angels who are sometimes very close to
US. Now / have always believed in
them, because the Bible speaks OF
them, and have always believed every
thing the Bible contains, but my belief
in the angels was confirmed in a very
peculiar way. From youth UP 1 have
watched the great magicians of the
country and have attended one or two
seances where the spirits of the depart
ed dead are supposed to appear, and
after thorough investigation / have be-
come fully convinced that while a great
dea! is deception, yet the demons or
devils have a share In such exhibitions.
Consequently, l argued II there are evil
spirits near us, surely there are also
angels or heavenly spirits close at
hand. and am of that conviction still.
A noted medium who had reformed
said to me: Much that mediums do is
humbug, but not ALL" / knew what he
meant. A reporter sent by his news
paper asked a noted magician, who was
seated at the dining table in his hotel,
now he did certain things. The ma
glclan took UP glass full of water and
Threw the contents toward the ceiling.
Not a drop came down. The reporter
gave 1t UP. A. w. RELSTEN.
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
FEAST FOR PHILOSOPHER
IN MAIL BAG COLUMNS
To the Editor of THE TIMES:

To the Editor of THE TIMES:
The editorial page of The Times is
proving g. very valuable vehicle for the
diffusion of knowledge. The right hand
side is especially good, for it is a daily
feast for the philosopher who can calm
ly diagnose the different mentalities
opened out for consideration. Most of
the communications show faulty reason
ing and scant knowledge. Some Of them
ance, and rank prejudice, as we'll as
angry intolerance of the opinions Of
other people. But, on the whole, these
people ask for knowledge, they ask for
facts. they want intricate questions
solved, lies exposed, and vital truths
made sure. And these are very worthy
desires, and If possible, these people
should be enlightened, even II the letting
in of the light OF truth should shatter
some ill-grounded opinions now held.
Now this is my suggestion: That The
Times find man of large general and
special knowledge, man with a per-
fectly unbiased mind, a man who can
not be stampeded, browbeaten, or fool
ed, give him sufficient space on the
age to answer some of the more i'm
rrtant heart to heart questions asked
these anxious people. Make 1t a ve-
o for the exposition OF things that
a. really worth while. cut out all poll
tics and other trifling and fugacious
things, which can be much better hand
led by the other editors, on the left
side Of the page. This idea properly
carried out, would furnish a symposium
worthy the attention of a Plato or a
Socrates. JAY BEE.
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
FROM TAFT REPUBLICAN
TO WILEY DEMOCRAT

To the Editor OF THE TINES:
wish to put Wiley In nomina ton
for the Presidency, and I have chosen
The Times for the honor of first an
nouncement. Friday I was a Taft Re-
publican; today l am a Wiley Demo-
Crat or Whole Democrat. I have In
tended to place Wiley in nomination
befnre this, but have been very busy.
From now on am prepared to devote
myself to his cause, and I can assure
the Democrats that they can sweep the
country with Wiley l challenge both
the Roosevelt and the Taft managers
to a direct primary test of popular
sentiment. I don't know what Wiley
thinks about the Tefendum. / think II
is a foolish proposition, but If Wile2
favors 1t I shall know that he is honest
! dent believe in forcing the suffrage
en- women who don't want 1t, but II
Wiley does. ! shall know that he is
right. If the politicians defeat me and
the people in getting Wiley norlinate1 /
! shall vote for Roosevelt, although lie
seems to be playing to the gallery with
the recall and referendum. There Is a
chance that he Is honest-he says he is.
If he had been President am sure that
he could have made II pc ssible for
Wiley to stay in the public service to
protect us all against tho food dopers-
even II it has been nece ssary to re-
organize the whole Department 81 Agn-
culture. SPECIAL AGENT.
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
CHRIST BEFORE PLATE AS
CASE OF THE RECALL
To the Editor Of THE TINES:

To the Editor Of THE TIMES:
Representative Philip Pitt Campbell OF
Kansas, in his reply to Colonel Roose-
welt concerning the recall of judicial
decisions, says: You have overlooked
one of the most important cases ever
tried, PLATE acquitted the Christ. An
appeal was taken from Pilates decision
to the people and the Saviour was cru
cified.'
If Mr.. Campbell would read the de-
clsion of PLATE a little more carefully
he would find in that acquittal a loop
hole In which Plate gave to tho special
Pilate washed his hands of the case he
handed Christ over to the mob, PLATE
said he could see no wrong in the man,
but followed that by washing his hands
of the case.
II PLATE could see no wrong, then
Christ should have had the protection
OF the court; but instead Christ was
turned over to the money lenders ct
al, who crucifled Him. They hated
Him. He opposed their mode of living
and preached against their iniqujties
Pllate was about as poor a judge as
ever sat on the bench; he was a poor
and politicians. PLATE did not wish to
offend them; they had made him Judge,
so he threw a little dust in the public
eye and washed his hands of the whole
affair.
PLATE was a coward of the worst
type "a type that is still in use). He
had conscience. but did not have the
moral courage to use II in the presence
OF those In power whom he thought
1t might offend.
So far there has been no greater cita-
ton given than that of Representative
Campbelps in favor OF the recall, and
/ congratulate Mr.. Campbell in bring
ing this case to the eyes of the public.
p. o. IITICIAN
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
EXISTENCE IN HISTORY
NO PROOF OF DIVINITY
To the Editor of THE TIMES:

To the Editor of THE TIMES:
Mr.. Reltsen appeals to history to
prove that Christ lived. Granted, Mr.
Reltsen. that there was such a char
acter, what does it prove? Buddha was
an actual person, SO vas Mohamned,
0M6 IN our own day Alexander DCwie.
Their eXistenca as human beings proves
neither their inspiration nor their di-
Vinity.
II you accept one claimant on faith,
to be logical you must telieve all, which
is impossible. as their claims conflict.
Stop and think how YOU would regard
q man today who claimed to be divine.
and who claimed such q fanciful birth
as that claimed for Christ. You would
not give his pretensions a second
thought, except as amused contempt.
Yet you accept without question SINH
lar claims of a man dead 1000 Years.
You say that the Bible is so simple
that a child can understand It. Per
haps. But every believer understands
i differently, Another writer says that
1t is bound in mystery, to prevent its
being understood except Ivy a chosen
few. What rank favoritism!
Can YOU worship such a God who Sc
lects few favoritcs ard reveals his
will to them. but condemns the many
to eternal torment for not understand
ing what he has purposelv kept from
them? WILFORD HASTINGS.
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
DIFFERENCE IN WAGES
AND COST OF LIVING
To the Editor of THE TIMES:

To the Editor of THE TIMES:
Anent the wage matter of your cor
respondent, Massachusetts, Farmer, I
wish to state he is exposing his ignor-
ance of relative wages and the different
cost of living in different countries.
In India s. per month Is the income
Of a rich man; in Southern Europe 1t Is
a handsome salary for workman: in
the United States it is poverty; in the
Klondike it is starvation.
This is because of difference in the
cost of living and the wage rate in these
countries When Farmer sneers at the
Italian in Lawrence being "pauper
labor because he gets double what he
did in Italy, he Is ignorant of two facts
First, that the Italian gets twice as
much for his money at home as he does
here Secondly. that the regular United
States wage being vastly greater than
those paid to the Italians in Lawrence.
it Is stil ''pauper. labor" When $40
was the usual days wage in Nome, a
man working for So was "pauper labor"
even ii IS IS high wages in Washington.
Let Farmer inform himself as to values
in different lands before he writes on
double wages for Italians" in Law
renee.
Lawrence is a city of S. 900, OF which
only 5000 are American barn. The re-
naming 0,000-nine-tepth almost of the
entire city-are Syrians, Italians, and
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
KNOWINGLY SELL
LIQUOR TO MINORS
To the Editor Of THE TINES:

To the Editor OF THE TIMES
Relative to leaving the law as it
now stands prohibiting the sale of
alcoholic liquor to minors 'knowing-
ly," there are certain aXioms concern
ing American saloons. The advocacy
by certain religious teachers to con-
tinue the biased knowing" of saloon
men, as to what a minor is. when said
minor has money TO buy" with, is
amusing to the initiated. l. All saloon
men, keepers, barkeeps, porters,
every employe on the inside of the
bar, and all saloon drinkers on the
buying" side, agree, that the per-
petuation of the saloon business is
based on minors forming the habit OF
liquor drinking in saloons at the
earliest individual age.
2. Certain saloon keepers and bar
keeps sell intoxicating liquors over
their bars to minors, at the earliest
moment they can do so.
3. Always do the astute, sober men
liquor trade. keep in the background
the fact. that without minors fire.
quenting saloons, the alcoholic liquor
selling In saloons would automatical-
ly cease, within one generation.
4. saloon keepers and barkeeps under
stand 1t is part Of their business to
allow minors to buy. In saloons.
5. All persons financially interested in
saloon liquor traffic for money profits
use great business acumen and sa-
gacity in befogging the public, as to
seeing that the unseen, unwritten law
of the liquor traffic is. create the
habit of drinking alcoholic liquor in
legal saloons
g. Sell to the boys and young men in
legal saloons, legally or Illegally;
knowingly or unknowingly.
"OLD SCOUT"
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
ONE TERM OF SIX
YEARS THE SOLUTION
To the Editor of THE TINES:

To the Editor of THE TIMES:
Everybody ought to be thankful for
the Mail Bag. It's the spirit that ought
TO be shown by all newspapers. But
nlas this feature of the freedom OF
the press" does not exist. I only want
ed to record q vote in favor of Senator
Works bill proposing n constitutional
amendment limiting the Presidency to
one term and extending that to six
years. For forty years Il am now
three and twelve) l have written
and spoken in favor of such change In
our fundamental law. 1t is the only
remedy for the cure of the greatest
knowledge that his service is confined
TO one term the incumbent of the
White House chair would devote the
six years to the formation of an honor
able record, knowing that to serve
the republic we'll and retire with duty
we'll done would be the loftiest praise
and the most exalted niche possible to
be attained. AS It is. the first four
years are chiefly devoted to attainment
of another four. This is necessarily
followed by all manner of political cor
Tuption exercised by the politicians OF Of
the country: The change proposed proposed
and corruption which is demoralizing
the electorate in the United States,
The other half could be cured by a
correction OF our immigration policy
BY which aliens are admitted to citizen
ship and allowed the right of suffrage
in many of the States before they are
citizens, while we who have had the
misfortune to be born in America are
dIsbarred from this privilege fol
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
REBUKE FOR THOSE WHO
CRITICISE THE MAIL BAG
o the Editor Of THE TINES:

To the Editor Of THE TIMES:
am sorry that we have one person
In the city who will not consider the
value of this great religious discussion
as Is stated by "One of the Many" in
your issue of the 18th inst.
I am a believer of the Almighty God,
as Is one of my closest friends, and
both of US have decided that what is
good for the soul is good for the spirit.
We are both fairly, interested in this
discussion and watch the Mail Bag col
umns, our deep opinions being this way:
II the Bible Is the work of the Almighty
God 1t cannot fail! Notwithstanding, II
1t does fail it will be clear to all fair
minded people that it is impostorous as
well as dangerous to the enlightenment
Of these up-to-date people.
l now kindly request that The Times
be regular visitor to me and my
family as long as 1t continues this fair
and broad-minded course. j. M. c.
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
CIVIL EMPLOYEES
TO HAVE DAY IN COURT

To the Editor OF THE TINES:
President Taft has issued an order
prohibiting removals OF Government elm
ployes for cause without giving them
their day in court" Considering its
fat-reaching effects and consequences. II
seems strange that this order has not
attraced more attention, especially in
this city, where 80 many OF those af-
fected thereby reside. Perhaps they
scarcely yet realize the great boon thus
conferred upon them an act OF simple
justice. II Is true. but one that has been
long, very long, delayed, although most
anxiously and devoutiy prayed for.
Without such an order and Its en-
forcement 1t may with truth be said
that our civil service system was not
only defective, but almost II not quite
delusion and snare, for strong as
are the arguments in favor of safe
guarding the entrance to the civil serv-
Ice Of the Government just as strong. If
not stronger. ones. II Is believed could
be advanced to safeguard and protect
the just rights of those who secure
positions therein. Heretofore, however,
as Is well known, these employees have
been practically at the mercy OF those
under whom they served, a chief of a
bureau or division. and when for any
reason these dressed in a little brief
authority" autocrats desired to secure
the dismissal of a subordinate they
could always find a way to effect their
object in this regard, the head of the
department, although often appealed to,
seldom disapproving the recommenda-
tons of these chiefs. Besides, as the
recommendation thus made were based
on matters, real or imaginary, not dis
closed to the dismissed party, he was
unable to answer or make defense
thereto. Under such conditions there
was the greatest danger of doing gross
injustice to many worthy people. and
that this often occurred cannot be
doubted
All praise. therefore, to President Taft
for the issuance of said order.
JUSTICIA.
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
HOUN' SONG IN GERMAN
LIKE A NURSERY RHYME
To the Editor of THE TIMES.

To the Editor OF THE TINES.
Being obliged to stay indoors during
the last few days owing to torrential
rains that visited this city, have dis
sected the great campaign song, now
In everybody's heart, namely, the Mis-
souri, Houn' Dawg Song. and have dis
covered that, translated In another
tongue than the one officially spoken
in this country, 1t sounds like a love-
ly nursery rhyme. For this reason
will send you the German translation
which you may print. II you consider
your readers interested. Some of them
know German, and others may be
studying the language, you would there
fore confer a great favor to them by
serving my version of the song, as an
additional piece Of literature.
Here II goes:
Jedesmal wenn ich ms staedle komm
Stossen die Jungens mein' Hund herum!
Ich geb NIGHTS drum was sonst sie thun,
Hur sollten's nicht stossen mein' Humid herum
FRANK,
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
THE WORLD Is FILLED
WITH DOUBTING THOMASES

To the Editor OF THE TIMES:
think II is the duty OF every Chris
tan to defend the Word Of God.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you,
and persecute you, and shall say all manner
OF evil against you falsely, for my sake,
rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great ID
your reward in heaven.-st. Matthew, chap.
b.11-12 verses.
II II was not fer the preservation of
this precious book, the world would be
IN utter darkness. Thank God for the
light and comfort II has brought to His
children. Everything has been tanned
upon the face of this earth but the
human tongue.
Therefore, one must expect these at
tacl,s against the Bible. The world Is
filled with doubling Thomases. God
alone can change their hearts. Jesus
coils us friends. Listen; these are his
words: "Ye are the light OF the world;
ye are the salt OF the earth; city that
Is set on an hill cannot be hid
st. Matthew, 5:14-15. No infidel can de-
stroy the salvation and peace God has
given 10 the world through Jesus Christ,
our Lord.
A PRAYER.
Thou see'est and knowest everything.
Wake up the infidel before deaths sting.
MRS. II. g. COOMBE.
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
THOSE WHO OBJECT SPEAK
ONLY FOR THEMSELVES
To the Editor of THE TIMES:

To the Editor OF THE TINES:
wish to reply to the article published
in vnur Mail Bag department on the
9Th Instant in which the writer asserted
that the letters concerning the Rible
and religion are nothing but stuff, I"
and are read only by the authors.
I want merely 10 call this gentleman y
attentions to the fact tina: he is not
the only ono who reads The Washing
ton Times. and. therefore, in NV es1-
nation, and the estimation Of a great
many others. he Is not in n position to
take upon himself the responsibilities
Of rendering such q statement. Perhaps
he Is also unaware Of the fact that he
has taken the liberty to use some OF
the valuable space in your paper for
nothing. And also wish to state tho I
], for one, find the religious writings.
that is the true kind. in your Mail Bag,
very interesting and Instructive.
Let me suggest here that It would be
adyisatle for this gentleman to think
twice before he speaks.
HARRY r. ALLEN,
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
OVERLOOKED ONE-HALF
OF ECONOMIC FORMULA

TO the Editor OF THE TIMES:
Will you please publish this for the
benefit of the Massachusetts Farmer
In his article he states that the wages
in the American Woolen Mills were
(or areO double those of Europe.
well, he forgot to mention that out
of that "sumptuous" wages those poor
foreign workers had to pay American
prices for the food and clothes they
needed. suppose the gentleman acci-
IDENTIFY overlooked that point that liv-
ing Is also half as dear, properly
spoken, in Europe, especially in the
parts those millworkers are imported
A FOREIGN woRKINGwoMAN.
The Washington times., 1912-03-19
EXPLAINS LEAD US NOT
INTO TEMPTATION"
To the Editor Of THE TIMES:

To the Editor Of THE TIMES:
In The Times, March .. an article
signed "Ignoramus" caught my atten-
tlon by the filling name OF the writer.
He refers to the words Lead me not
into temptation" as occurring in the
Lords Prayer. Wrong. 1t Is not in the
Lords Prayer; but the one he taught
his disciples. as recorded Luke xi:l-4.
AS to the insult to God to make this
prayer, I would call his attention to
James i:13. And. while this is so, still
we read in Matthew iv:1, Then was
of the Trinity into the wilderness to be
tempted of the devil" l think 1t would
be better for "Ignoramus" to leave
such simple questions and concentrate
his great mind" on such burning ques-
How old is Ann" The Lords Prayer
Is recorded st. John xvii. HAYSEED.