davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-29
Alleys Into Fairgrounds.

ELA$yS AAAS
Many Of the alleys will be converted
into Fairgrounds There are ten munich
pal Fairgrounds in the city, and the
movement to provide and supervise the
recreations for the City's children has
received great deal of stimulus under
the efficient administration of f. S. Mar
tin, as superintendent of the play
grounds.
Mr.. Martin has made the Fairgrounds
one of the children's first thoughts by
creating interplaygrOund competitions,
and awakening in them the pride of local
patriotism. He is anxious to extend the
movement by the establishment of a de-
partment of recreation, which could su-
pervise the provision Of healthy enjoy
ment for both kids" and grown people.
Several improvements favored for
some time by the Commissioners will
be advocated to Congress by them this
coming year. The item for establish
ins a municipal asphalt plant was dis
allowed by Congress in the last appro-
priation bill, and 5000 was apprOpri-
ated to enable the District heads to
make a thorough examination into the
ACCESSIBILITY of such a plant for Wash
ingtou. D. Z. McComb was engaged by
the Commissioners for this investiga-
tion. and his report will be submitted
to this session of Congress. Another
project Is the ldhlllB ONtE Vi Ilt NOA-
lection and disposal of city refuse by
the District government, and the con-
struction of the necessary disposal
plants.
A matter that was vainly pressed upon
Congress by the District heads last
year was the necessity of enacting leg
islation for the creation of a sufficient
police and firemen's pension fund. Not
withstanding an Indebtedness of S36,416
to its pensioners in these two depart
ments by the District, it was impossible
to get legislation from Congress putting
this fund on permanent financial basis,
or any appropriation to take care of the
dificit. 1t will remain to the work Of the
coming year for the District to redeem
its obligations to the pensioners OF these
departments.
Want Free Telephones.
Travel pay and free telephones went
by the board for the District officials
during last year. In many cases the
economy of Congress in cutting of free
telephones for District officials in their
private homes seriously interfered with
the best interests for efficiency in
branches Of the District government. For
this reason, the Commissioners have SUBJ
mItted the request in their this years
estimates that Congress allow twelve
free telephones for District employees in
the appropriation bill for the fiscal year
1914
An increase of the water rates by the
Commissioners, taking effect July last,
was met with widespread disapproval
and made the subject of many resolu-
tons of denunciation by the citizens
organizations. The increase was made
to provide for the completion Of the in
stallation of meters throughout the Dis
trict. The rates are to continue for six
years, in which time it is estimated that
they will produce about $4,000 w. S.
Branson, of the East Washington Citi-
Gems Association, brought suit against
the District to test the right of the Com
missioners to increase the rates. This
suit is still pending.
Eat A1.;,.k H,k,
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-29
Edict Against Cats.

The banner order issued by the Board
Of Commissioners during the year was
one looking to the determination Of all
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-29

staunton when the people paid no at
tention whatever to him. On one OF
the occasions he brought crowd OF
young men with him to visit his cousins
at the seminary and they were Obliged
to wait outside while he was subjected
10 a cross-examination as to their de-
STABILITY.
Il need hardly tell you that there has
never been an occasion In my life, Wnen
It was harder for me to make speech
than on this occasion" said Gov. VII
son. THE theme seems 10 be myself
and I have always found that very
dull theme"
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-29

Redfield took, as the items dealing solely
with the insurance business OF the COM
pany in the last ten months, the follow
ing:
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-29
Use of Premiums Indicated.

Mr.. Redfeld--So that the item Of paid
to stockholders for interest on dividends
found under disbursements in the in
surance department report and amount
ing to SOS, Coz had to be paid out of
premiums on the sale of stock, did il
not?
Mr.. Stellwagen-If they had nothing
left but that, everything had to be paid
out OF II.
Mr.. Redfeld-As a matter OF fact. I'M
less it was taken from the premium re-
ceived upon the sale OF stock, there was
nothing to pay dividends. nothing TO pay
salaries and fees of the officers, and an
insufficient amount to pay the fire losses,
the commissions or brokerage, and the
expenses of adjustment: is that not so ?
That is what the statement shows. does
il not?
Mr.. Stelwagen-As far as can see.
II does.
Mr.. Redheld-I ask you with great
care to examine the items of disburse-
ments and find, il you can. any transfer
in those items OF any sum of money to
an insurance reserve or anything which
looks like that. Read it carefully, please,
and do not make any mistakes
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-29
Other Inquiries.

The investigation Of the Redfield SUBJ
committee of the House District Com
rnIttee into the methods OF the purchase
and distribution of supplies for the Dis
trict; an incomplete inquiry by the
house District Committee into the bust
ness of the local gas companies. and the
examination of irregularities charged
against two local fire insurance COM
psnIes now being conducted by the House
District Committee. are further illustra-
tions OF the spirit of inquiry that reigned
during 1872
A proposed merger OF all public utili-
ties under the control Of a holding COM
pany opened one of the most fruitful
fields of investigation to the citizens
associations. Steps being taken to real
ize the merger by the combination of
certain local street railway companies,
the Commissioners took up the investi-
cation, and a bill asking that the COM
bination be enjoined was filed for the
District by Corporation Counsel Thomas
as result.
\ programme to eliminate the blind,
disease breeding alleys in the city has
been adopted by the District heads, and
is strongly Endorsed by the various civic
organizations of Washington. In pur-
suance of this policy. steps have been
taken to convert Willow Tree Alley in
to an interior park, for which purpose
Congress has appropriated $4,000.
The Commissioners have included IN
their estimates for the fiscal year 1914 an
estimate of $4,000 for the Improvement
of this ground and for the construction
OF a model recreation building. 1t is
planned to ultimately eradicate these
narrow. interior alleys and courts, with
their insanitary, overcrowded dwell
lnEs FINN the Canital
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-29
What Report Shows.

Mr.. Stellwagen-I do not find anything
so stated.
Mr.. Redfield-YOu find nothing of that
kind. So, that as a matter OF fact, the
company had to use the money which
was paid into it by stockholders in the
shape of premiums upon stock, to pay
its dividends. to pay its salaries. and
large number Of these other expenses
because its entire premium income was
more than used up. together with the
interest it received from other sources
in paying its losses and the expenses in
cidental thereto, you so find?
Mr.. Stellwagen-f these figures are
correct it would look that way.
Mr.. Redfield-The report shows that re-
suit. does it not?
Mr. Stellwagen-It seems so.
Mr. Carusi-Are you familiar, Mr.. Stell-
wagon, with the difference between in
surance accounting and the accounting
in cases of banks, trust companies, and
financial institutions other than insur-
ance companies?
Mr.. SteIlwagen-NO, l am not, If there
is any difference.
Mr.. Carusi-DO you know that the
mode OF stating accounts Of insurance
companies is entirely differnt from the
mode OF stating accounts of banks, trust
companies, and other financial institu-
tons?
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-29
ObEterafion Of Sectionalism.

81 would fain believe that my selection
as President by the people Of the United
States means the final obliteration of
everything that may have divided the
great sections OF this country. A great
Northern State did not hesitate to put
the executive responsibilities Of the Com
monwealth in the hands Of a Southerner.
and the United States has not hesitated
to put into the place of chief power IN
the country itself a native of Virginia
should be indeed happy IL / should be
permitted TO deem myself in some degree
the instrument in drawing together the
hearts of all men in the United States for
the service of a nation that has neither
region, nor section, nor North, nor
South"
1t is estimated that $500 people were on
the streets of Staunton and at the various
offairs held in the course Of the day. The
weather was perfect, the temperature be-
ing moderate, with a bright, clear sun
in a clear sky. Gov. Wilson, entirely re-
covered from his recent illness. went
through with the entire programme.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-29
Inquiry Has Been Made by
Congress Into Nearly Every
thing Worth While.
PENSION DEFICIT ASKED
Movement for Abolition Of Alleys
Has Resulted in One
Appropriation.

Investigations have marked the course
OF District government during the past
year. Investigations by Congress into
the administration OF various branches of
District affairs, investigations undertaken
by the District heads of local corporate
enterprise, and, lastly. minute investi-
cations of the results OF all the foregoing
investigations made by citizens associa-
tons throughout the District have done
much to keep the interest OF the people
in the local government from tagging.
Notable among the Investigations insti-
tuted by Congress was that made of the
administration of the Assessors Office by
the Henry George subcommittee of the
charges Of gross discrimination against
small holders in favor of the business
and fine residence properties, and that
the property of the District was as
sessed at 1000, 900 below its true value
and the burden OF taxes placed chiefly
upon the poor.
In a letter to the Commissioners. As
SCISSOR Richards reviewed the George re-
port, categorically denying the charges
of unscientific and discriminatory meth
Oos of making assessments. Recomenda-
lions to change from a triennial to an
annual assessment, to increase the pres
ent force of field assessors. and to d.
vorce excise affairs from the assessors
office were all Endorsed by Mr.. Richards.
The George report was taken up by
most OF the citizens associations. Many
o. them adopted resolutions OF qualified
Endorsement of the report.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-29
STOCK PREMIUMS
PAID EXPENSES

contIuuea from PaEe One.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-29
wilson JUBILEE
FETE ENDS With
BIG Love FEAST

Continued from PAGE One.
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-29
Condition In States.

As stated. the result in Illinois is in
doubt, with the probabilities in favor
of one Democrat, and with the posi-
bility OF two Democrats.
In Kansas, the Democrats have a
majority in the Legislature, and Will
lam H. Thompson was chosen as the
primary candidate. but there is said
10 be some question as to his consti-
tutional eligibility because Of the fact
that he is now a State Judge.
In Delaware the Democrats have a
majority in the Legislature, and the
probabilities are that the Senator will
The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1912-12-29
Gets Birthday Gift.

The first event OF the day was sur
prise to the Governor in the shape of a
birthday gift. 1t consisted Of two ivory
miniatures, one Of the Governors faith
er and the other of his mother. They
we're done by Miss Ellie Stuart, Of
Staunton, a niece OF Gen. j. Z. R stu
art
After the presentation came the recep-
ton at the manse at which the Governor
met about 100 persons, it was estimated.
The reception continued until nearly
noon, and the Governor had TO hurry TO
the reviewing stand opposite Calvary
Church, where he was to see the mill
tary parade He was taken IN an open
carriage, and was cheered all along the
route.
The stand, specially erected for the
Governor. was inclosed on three sides oy
canvas, and inside was an oil stove
The weather was so mild. however, that
it was not necessary TO use the stove
Cadets in Parade.
The procession was led by the Stone
wall Military Band, the pride Of Staun-
ton. Then, in order. came the First Cav
alrv of the regular army and a company
of artillery, the local militiamen and the
cadets from the Virginia Military Acad-
envy which produced so many Confeder-
ate officers in the Civil War. The young
men made a fine appearance and
marched with great precision
After the ceremonies Of the Mary Bald
win Seminary. Gov. Wilson sent back
TO the manse for map and Mrs Will
son became the heroine of the occasion.
AT the public reception rendered her and
Mrs Mann wife Of the Governor of Viz
ginia, she met about three hundred
women from the city and State. The Fiji
tenth Cavalry Band discoursed music
while the reception was in progress
At the banquet at the Staunton Mill
tary Academy tonight covers were laid
for 800, and there was not a vacant seat
The POSTMASTER was Allen Caperton
Rraxton. of StauntOn. In addition to
Gov. Wilson'S address. tOasts were re-
sponded TO by Mayor Wayt. Gov. Mann,
II. d. Flood. Gen. F.. W. Nichols, Rich
ard Evelyn Byrd. speaker Of the Virginia
Assembly. and National Chairman Nc
Combs.
Speaking of his plans in the Presidency.
the Governor said:
II haven't got my gun out for any
body. Somebody might accidently get in
the way of the gun. but the level of the
gun is established and the range is well
understood l shall feel I am not re-
sponsible for accidents"
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-01-29
The Duke and Mayor Butt

feelings six months from now, when
a national campaign gets well under
way. 1t was determined to take no
chances on our later possible eruptions,
SO the duke went to Washington
Anyhow, we are glad he went. The
first man he met in Washington was
Major Archibald w. Butt, who was on
hand to do the escorting as no other
man in the world can do it, Had our
attention been called to Major Butt
earlier in the program, all of us should
have Joined in demand that the duke
go TO Washington.
And now we want to ask the duke
II they can show as fine an escorter
as the major in all of England, yes,
all the British empire. We are glad
the duke saw Major Butt, and of course
the duke is delighted Hereafter there
Will be no one to break the grasp of
the hands that stretch across the
sea- not while the duke is there to
tell them what the major did to make
time pass pleasantly in Washington
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-01-29
Timely Warnings,

Chief of Police Griffith of Kansas
City reports that during the year 1911
there were $50 girls and women who
disappeared mysteriously and are not
accounted for. The age Of Is seems
to be the most popular age for girls
TO run away" says the chief. -Four
fifths are between the ages Of IA and
10. Many Of these are workers in fac
tories and stores. Girls like excite
ment. They are tempted at an early
age to leave their homes to have what
has been termed a good time and in
many cases the result is disastrous.
There is nothing new in this sug-
gestion, and yet there is something
appalling about the situation, TO which
Miss Jane Adams OF Chicago has re-
Gently called attention. She spoke be-
fore the Chicago Association Of Col
lege Alumnae in regard to the proper
care Of young girls between the ages
Of IA and 19. Girls at that age. I"
she says, ARE frequently seized with
the spirit of adventure. AS a matter
OF fact they are far too young to take
care OF themselves, but we assume
that they are able TO do so because
they wear large hats and dress like
grownup people. We forget how
young a girl OF Il really is. They
come to grief in astonishing num-
bers."
Warnings like these cannot be too
frequently sounded. They should go
into the homes not to be impressed
upon the minds of the young girls
alone, but upon the minds of fathers
and mothers who are careless in per-
hitting girls to be upon the streets
so much, especially at night. They
are seen frequently without parent OF
guardian or escort, some of them OBJ
viously seeking the good time
which so often results disastrously
What is needed more than anything
else at this age is good counsel sup
plemented with a strong guiding hand
to lead away from temptation TO paths
OF righteousness and good favor
Proper care and proper training
through these years of tenderness but
wonderful development of character
mean either a life Of wretchedness
and sorrow, perhaps, or a life of true
worth and a genuine good time,
which can only come through avoid
ance of evil and the accomplishment
| OF good
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-01-29
The Argus Daily Story
President Lincoln and the Quaker Soldier Boy A. Mitchell
Copyrighted. Literary Bureau

The following story is a true one.
The words in it attributed to Mr.. Lin
coin were actually spoken by him.
Singular 1t is that Abraham Lincoln,
the central figure in American history
during the nineteenth century, should
have contained so many contradictions.
On one occasion he said to Senator
voorhees, at the White House, Doesn't
it seem strange that l should be here
1, a man who couldn't cut a chickens
head off, with blood running all around
me?" Full of humor, he was usually
sad. An obstinate opponent, he never
hated one he opposed. Brave himself,
be had the utmost sympathy with the
timid. This was one of his most Pc
culiar traits. Yet was it peculiar
Was it not that with that farseeing
intellect Of his he looked into human
ity and saw it as it is rather than as
It has always been considered? In his
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-01-29
decatur Review.)

The duke of Connaught, his wife and
daughter have had part of very live
ly social week in this country. When
they first came it was announced that
they were not here in an official way,
and that therefore they would content
themselves with the quiet of four days
in New York
A few hours later it was determined
that it would not do for the visitors to
confine themselves TO the New York
social program, and then it was an
noInced that the duke would go on to
Washington and call on the president.
1t was figured out by somebody that
the governor general of Canada and
uncle TO the king Of England could not
come here and fill the bill by appear
ing only among the socially elect of
New York. Most of US were not dis
tuTbed about the matter one way or
the other. but the folks who look ahead
couldn't be sure what might be our
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-01-29
Russia's Parque,ry Floors.

Most flooring put down in Russia Is
parquetry. and it is generally oak.
Even in the unpretentious houses and
FIAT buildings this parqHetry is to be
found. In some cases. Of course. the
finish is not so fine as in others. and
in ordinary buildings the designs are
not so elaborate. One OF the most
noticeable features Of a Russian house
is that rugs and carpets are used for
wall decorations instead Of floor Gov
erings. Floor polishing By profession
ais. who come regularly once every
week or ten days, is considered a part
OF the regular routine Of running a
housa-Detroit Free Press-
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-01-29
You Can't Bent the Dutch.


A cable dispatch on the financial sit
uation from the Amsterdam CORE
spondent OF the New York American
presents a striking fact that is per-
haps not generally known.
II is that at present the Dutch hold.
ings OF American railroad and indus
trial bonds total $4OO.OO0.OOO
Further that the control OF some OF
our large railway systems has at var.
ious times been held in Holland. A
majority OF the stock OF the Missouri.
Kansas q Texas railway was owned
by the Dutch, who also furnished the
capital for the building of the Kansas
City Southern railroad.
The Dutch have dealt most profitably
in the American speculative market.
too. Having the blessing of ready
cash, being acute traders. and keeping
thoroughly informed as to financial con.
ditions. they have made more than one
killing" though they are never plung.
ers.
When the panic OF 1907 sent all Sc
ouriues, even the soundest. down TO
new low records. the Dutch turned
loose their millions OF cash in the pur-
chase OF stocks and bonds which were
at the bottom OF the market. They
waited for the inevitable recovery, and
when IT came they turned their securi.
ties into cash, with tremendous profits.
The Dutch are thrifty and realize
most keenly the potency OF ready
money. Further, they realize that cash
will earn more in America than It will
at home.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-01-29

given out in full by the city attor.
ney, follows: Il have been living at
the Pacific Union club in San Fran
cisco since my separation from my
wife, but have made several trips to
Watcn her Last night, lying in wait
near the home, l saw her in the ma
chine with this chauffeur. / stop
ped the car and ordered her out. She
refused and l opened fire." Timothy,
in Jail at Redwood City, said his en-
CINE failed while he was driving past
the Moore house and that a man he
believed 10 be highwayman opened
hre on him. He was employed once
by Moore.
Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-01-29

In a call to arms the Chicago Inter.
Ocean urges loyal republicans to as.
semble at Springfield Lincolns birth
day. and there in the shadow OF the
tomb Of the martyred president, sol.
EMMY dedicate themselves TO the work
of Kidding the grand old party of so
cialists and traitors" The socialists
are Jones, Merriam followers, and the
traitors are Deneenites President Lin
coin, whose sense Of humor was mag
nificently developed would thoroughly
enjoy this could be come back.